Good morning/afternoon/evening,

I'm planning a mega-trip in April to sample some of the world's best airlines. As part of the journey, I'll be comparing Etihad F to Emirates F, and also BA New F, among many others (BA Y, LH J, QF J, CX J, BA J).

I'll have two legs in Emirates First, SIN-DXB on a 777, a 3:55 layover in DXB, then DXB-CDG on an A380.

I was wondering if all of you long-time EKers had any tips on how to maximize my experience with Emirates? Any tips of the trade, lounge meals that are good, things you wish you knew before your first First experience?

I'm also looking for sort of a baseline expectation to have going into it. I'm very excited for the experience, and look forward to, if nothing else, enjoying a full day of flying in my own little suite.

Thanks for your insight!

In my experience, if you want to go all out during your stop, I think its the little things around the DXB F lounge like A la carte dining in the lounge and a massage before/after. I don't do the massage but was told it was adequate for what is offered by EK. A tip is to sit in the couches around/before the main dining area, as that is where the service is more attentive, and you can get anything you want quickly. They are the ones to the right of the covered dining seats as you walk away from the door.

Crew is a big factor as these days its a hit and miss, so for me that is what would make or break your flight. EK is a carrier you need to judge on different routes to know how good it can be. But the Europe/UK flights have been good for me. Try and notice how different the crew attitude is depending on their fleet as well. You may find the 777 guys/gals better.

On the A380, the bar to socialise is fun depending on the time of your flight. I also always liked to have a shower before landing as it seems to help maximize your day at your arrival city. Make sure you book a seat in row 2 or 3. 1A/K seem smaller and are practically in the shower area lobby, and 4A/K are noisy and practically in the galley.

Food onboard EK is OK for me, the arabic mains are good though (big gulf rice dish fan), these are usually on flights into DXB. EY J was way ahead in terms of quality as well as presentation and quantity. Ek always seem to just throw everything on a plate IME. And the cookies and madelines on EY are one of my favorites snacks! I haven't flown EY F yet.

I'm sure someone will come along soon and add that you should load up on the Dom

Best of luck

I have to disagree with you there. I also think row is terrible, but I also do not prefer row 3 as it is pretty close to the galley also. I always try for rows 1 or 2. 1A/K are not that bad. They are close to the social area, but the noise is minimal, and it's better then row 3.
If you can, 2K is my favorite seat, next being 2A. Of course as KU104 stated, be sure to load up on the Dom!

-ek202

I load up on the Godiva chocolates when in J/F. Wait, even Y

Recently in J/Y FA says they are discontinued. Can anyone confirm this? I love those little truffles and chocky's they give to us minors!

True, but I'm providing the poster with different options.

Row 4 is terrible, and I prefer 3 over 1 due to the curvature of the aircraft giving a claustrophobic feeling around 1A/K. Never had any noise issues at row 3A/K, a bit of noise on the middle row 3 seats though as it is against the galley wall.
As you said 2K is the best, and depending on how early he is booking it will be the only "best" seat available. Else, he has to try and force to get 2A a day or two before the flight, as it is always blocked for UM's.

Ahmed, last I flew J they are offered to pax

what about row 1 on the 772LR?

I in 1e and f should I opt for the back row ie row 2?! lol

I'm indiffernet on the 777, however, the only problem with row 2 is if there are kids in the first row of J.

J is not discontinued as of this week for the Godiva chocolates.

You can get 2A anytime before departure by calling, requesting it and saying you will move if asked to. But I haven't been asked to move yet. Or maybe they only do that for gold?

Friends,

Thank you for the comments, it's making me look forward to this trip even more. I'm in 1A for the SIN-DXB leg on the 777, and 2K on the A380 DXB-CDG leg.

Me neither, never moved, but I only request it if 2K is taken and gamble whether I will be moved or not. And they do it for everyone no need to be gold. I used to do it even before I joined Skywards.

Best of luck

Whew that's a relief..

I guess she lied to me. Was on EK29 on 26 December in J and when speaking to FA she told me that it was discontinued. It seemed true as I never got any Godiva's throughout the flight or with my dessert..

I'm on EK10 LGW-DXB on Sunday in J so I shall inspect

Usually when I'm in Y I make friends with the FA and get a J pillow and some Godiva's, as well as some J noise cancelling headphones, snacks and sometimes food after informing them of my close uncles I/O status.

But hey, I will still love EK without my constant whinging of freebies...

Ahmed777