How Emirates First Class is taking luxury in the skies to the next level
SAJJID MITHA
On a recent summer vacation Laveena, my better half, and I flew to San Francisco, via Dubai, on an airline we both love – Emirates. To us, the Dubai-based airline represents the pinnacle of ‘luxury in the skies’. And we were lucky to have been given a taste of this celebration of sheer luxury at the First Class Lounge, where we were welcomed by the very lovely Anabela Lopes, who manages the lounge and is in charge of attending to VVIPs.
She has assisted the likes of Britain’s royals, Hollywood stars, Emmy award-winning singers, politicians and other famous personalities. Anabela spent time with us at breakfast and regaled us with fun and interesting anecdotes about her experiences with many a well-known celebrity.
A senior officer with Emirates, Iype walked up to our table and said that we had an appointment for two persons at the spa at the First Class Lounge. How absolutely delightful. Later, Anabela and Iype, walked us around the very comfortable lounge, after which, Laveena and I were offered the privilege of boarding the A380 aircraft to San Francisco, before the other passengers.
The First Class suites aboard the A380, although geared to appeal to one’s most luxurious senses, does not match up to the brand-new First Class suites on the new Emirate’s Boeing 777 which takes poshness to a whole new level and leaves the competition far behind.
However, if the definition of First Class to you is the ampleness of your personal space onboard an aircraft, mood lighting, soft leather upholstery, a well-stocked individual beverage bar and an option to enjoy a shower 40,000 feet in the air, then, this is it. And the high standards of service that are offered on board, makes Emirates stand tall above the rest.
TAKING FLIGHT
Our chief purser Violet, charming and ever-so elegant, introduced herself and guided us to our suites. As we settled in, we brought to life the award-winning ICE entertainment on our large TV screens with over 3,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music and games to choose from. Sara, from the UK, introduced herself as the stewardess who would be attending to us on this flight, and offered us a glass of Dom Perignon champagne to start of our journey. But this was not any ordinary champagne. It was from the 2000 vintage, P2 (second plenitude) collection, aged between 12-14 years.
I couldn’t think of a better way to begin our flight and was excited about the 15-hour long flight to San Francisco. After I was done with my first glass, I was offered a second, which I politely declined, even though I immensely enjoyed the drink.
What Laveena and I love about the service in the First Class cabin is the dine-on-demand concept. With the film Wonder playing on my screen, I requested Sara, to bring me another glass of champagne and with it I ordered the caviar service which I must add was beautifully presented on Royal Doulton fine bone China with exclusive Robert Welch cutlery, the perfect accompaniment with the delicious glass of Dom P2. Laveena looked over at me sheepishly and said, “I can see you are celebrating the start of your summer vacation with things I know you truly enjoy.”
And enjoy I did, for a few hours later, I requested the crew to prepare my shower. I was told that the shower operated on a timer and that I had the option of stopping and re-starting the water flow and hence the timer, while soaping myself. Amused, with the very carefully shared instructions by Sara, including what needs to be done if there is turbulence, or if the cabin pressure drops while I’m in my shower, I walked my way to the grand shower in the air.
Just as I was about to step in I was warned, “Do not press the amber light, for we will let ourselves in, as that is an emergency call button which indicates that you are in need of urgent assistance.” When I did lock the doors of the First Class bathroom, I was overwhelmed with the ampleness of the space, the heated floor. The soft and fluffy white towel rolled up for my use and the spa shower products, which had so neatly been laid out in a tray for me to use. Emirates even provides a hair dryer for that feeling of a complete shower experience.
RAISING THE BAR
The bar in the First Class area is quiet and a little cramped, and given the flight time to San Francisco, Laveena and I decided to walk over to the bar and lounge area and spend some time there.
While Laveena chose to hydrate herself with a glass of Perrier with a slice of lime and lots of ice, I asked for a glass of champagne. They weren’t serving the Dom P2 but the courteous young stewardess offered to bring me my choice of drink from First Class.
The one area where Emirates can improve, is in their on board meal choices. Some of the competition boasts Michelin-star chef meals. On board the Emirates A380, the fish I ordered was overcooked. The fabulous crew, of course, did offer to replace my meal, but the meals fell below our expectations.
All in all, the First Class experience is very impressive. Feasting on the vintage Dom from within the privacy of your suite, with the screen doors shut tight, there is that warm feeling of soaking in the vastness of luxury in the skies. I have to say it not only feels good, but it needs to be experienced by all who can afford it.
