Having experienced the new luxury Premium Economy Cabin from Emirates from London to Dubai, I found myself eagerly anticipating my journey to Tokyo with Emirates in their A380 Business Class. Before leaving London, I had the pleasure of exploring the seamless seat selection process offered by Emirates. The complimentary option to choose my seat was a welcome feature, made even more enjoyable with their integrated 3D cabin renders. This innovative tool allowed me to navigate the cabin layout visually, ensuring I could select the exact seat I desired for my upcoming adventure.
Business Class A380 from Dubai to Tokyo Airport Experience
After a long flight from London in Premium Economy, I arrived at Dubai International Airport, ready to immerse myself in the luxurious offerings of Emirates Business Class. My first stop was the Emirates lounge, a space that, while not particularly exciting or modern, provided a welcome respite from the airport’s chaos. The lounge boasted a quiet atmosphere where I could enjoy a hearty breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee before my flight to Tokyo. Although the lounge felt a bit dated, it offered a sense of comfort and exclusivity.
Business Class A380 from Dubai to Tokyo Inflight Experience
As I boarded the A380, I was greeted by Larissa, my host who welcomed me warmly to the Business Class cabin. Once settled, I was introduced to Silva, my friendly Bursar from Bosnia, who would take care of me throughout the flight. Their hospitality was genuine and attentive, making me feel right at home in this superior class of service.
As I took my seat, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the aircraft’s business-class cabin. This refurbished version of the A380 is a testament to Emirates’ commitment to luxury travel, featuring a whopping 76 seats arranged across the upper deck. The cabin is divided into two distinct sections: a spacious forward cabin with 14 rows and a more intimate, four-row rear cabin.
The seating arrangement in this business class cabin follows a staggered 1-2-1 layout, ensuring that every passenger enjoys direct aisle access. Odd-numbered rows sit closer to the aisle, while even-numbered rows are positioned nearer to the windows. The seats, though unchanged in design, have undergone a significant refurbishment, making them feel fresh and inviting.
One of the most impressive features of the cabin was the abundance of windows, with most seats benefitting from two. Emirates had thoughtfully equipped the cabin with electronic window shades, allowing passengers to adjust between blackout and sheer blinds. I particularly enjoyed the sheer option; it provided just enough light to create a pleasant atmosphere without the harsh glare of direct sunlight.
Upon settling into my even-numbered window adjacent seat, I found it was forward-facing—no awkward angles here. The detailed stitching and soft cushioned headrest provided an immediate sense of relaxation. Emirates had clearly refined the design of their A380 Business Class seats, featuring polished woodgrain details that added a touch of elegance to the surroundings. The console table was thoughtfully designed, incorporating a footwell for the passenger behind me, ensuring comfort for all.
The seat boasted some unique features that elevated the experience: a large handheld tablet provided control over all seat functions and entertainment options, along with a modest storage shelf. Underneath this shelf, I discovered my own personal mini-bar. I was particularly impressed with this feature, offering mid-flight refreshments at my fingertips. Additional conveniences included a personal reading light, a universal mains socket, two USB-A charging ports, and even an HDMI port—perfect for tech-savvy travellers.
The highlight of the seat was its ability to recline into a fully flat bed measuring an impressive 6’7” (200 cm). As we were on a long-haul flight, I opted to have the mattress pad set up after lunch for a good night’s sleep before arriving in Tokyo. The cabin crew, attentive and friendly, offered this service promptly, ensuring I was comfortable and ready to relax.
After takeoff, I was presented with a welcome drink of either Brut or Rose champagne, a delightful start to my journey. The dining experience in Emirates business class is a significant draw, as it allows passengers to dine at their convenience. I browsed through a vast menu, which offered a selection of delectable dishes that catered to various palates. This flexibility in dining was a welcome feature, allowing me to eat when I wanted rather than adhering to a strict meal schedule.
As I enjoyed my meal of a light lemon and goat’s cheese ravioli served with sauteed courgette, kale, blanched green peas and tarragon dressing then a cheese board, I took full advantage of the renowned ICE entertainment system. With an extensive library of films, TV shows, and music, it was easy to lose oneself in captivating content. The clarity of the screen and the quality of the audio made for an enjoyable viewing experience, which I appreciated as I indulged in the onboard cuisine.
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of the Emirates experience was the onboard bar, located at the rear of the business-class cabin. This horseshoe-shaped bar was a hub of activity, accessible to both Business Class and First Class passengers. The bar was set up shortly after take-off and remained open for most of the flight, provided the seatbelt signs were off. As I approached, I was greeted by a friendly bartender eager to mix my drink of choice.
One of the other highlights of my journey was the exclusive Bulgari amenity kit provided in Business Class. The women’s kit, in cream faux leather with coral accents, contained Bulgari Omnia Coral fragrance and complementary lotions. These chic kits not only offered luxury but also practicality, equipped with essentials such as dental kits, deodorant, earplugs, and a foldaway hairbrush. I found myself appreciating the attention to detail that Emirates had put into these kits, making them a perfect souvenir for future travels.
Additionally, Emirates has introduced new loungewear made from botanic fibres, enhancing the comfort of long-haul flights. The soft sleepwear sets, presented in drawstring pouches, were easy to pack and take home. The addition of comfy slippers and an eye mask made from the same premium modal fabric would further elevate the in-flight experience. After my meal, I got into these snuggly PJs ready for a much-needed sleep.
As the flight progressed, Silva ensured I was well taken care of. She was attentive without being intrusive, and her friendly demeanour made the journey feel more personal. Whenever I had a request—be it for a drink or a snack—she was quick to respond, embodying the exemplary service that Emirates prides itself on.
As we neared Tokyo, I savoured breakfast, usually a meal I avoid on planes, but in business, I got to enjoy waffles with orange compote and mascarpone cream. The meal was beautifully presented, and each bite was a testament to the quality of Emirates’ catering. The combination of flavours and attention to detail was commendable, making it a memorable dining experience at 30,000 feet.
The descent into Tokyo offered breathtaking views, and as we landed, I reflected on the entire experience. In conclusion, my experience flying Emirates Business Class on the A380 from Dubai to Tokyo was overwhelmingly positive. The various elements—from the expansive cabin and thoughtfully designed seats to the luxurious dining experience and impeccable service—came together to create a memorable journey. My experience with Emirates Business Class provided a journey that was not just about getting from point A to point B; but a carefully curated experience designed to ensure comfort, luxury, and impeccable service.
To book Business Class from Dubai to Tokyo see online.
