Apologies if this has been discussed before. I am going to Hong Kong in March with my partner and mother and as a treat we're going to fly Emirates First. From Heathrow the cost is approx Ł4400 per person but from Gatwick it's approx Ł3300 each. Which is of course a considerable saving. Heathrow is much closer to us, however for such a saving I think we may depart from Gatwick. Is there much difference in facilities between the two when flying first class with Emirates or are they much of a muchness? Thanks in advance for all replies.

Heathrow has all 380's which are better than the 777 if in 1st as there is the shower and also the bar in the back and therefore I would have suggested LHR for a special trip if you had asked this question a year ago .

However one of the 3 daily flights from LGW is a 380 now . The only drawback for using the 380 at Gatwick is that there is a pretty long walk to the aircraft (easily double the distance to the 777 which is usually at Gate 51)

However the LGW airport is better with regards to the lounge / staff and cleanliness . The EK lounge at LHR looks very tired. LGW lounge has just been refurbished as well .

Check the fare for a departure from LGW and arrival to LHR. It might be better than LHR-Xxx-LHR. Moreover you can arrive at the airport closer to home (after the trip)

As ukdoctor has mentioned, its 15-20 mins from the lounge to gate at LGW whereas its a direct boarding from the lounge at LHR. This includes a scenic walk above the airport on the bridge between two sides of the terminal. Will your mother struggle with this?

I would take Gatwick over Heathrow every time, even if the cost was the same; with a GBP1000 saving it would be a complete no brainer

In my experience , the 777 services leave from close to the lounge ; the suites on the 777 are the same as on the A380 and with only 8 people max in the 777 , I find the 777 preferable to the A380

Take the LGW flight... You can take a 777 flight from LGW-DXB and an A380 for DXB-HKG

Heathrow is a mess lol, seems that facilities are old while LGW facilities have been refurbished. With such a cost difference, I would take LGW-DXB-HKG as a complete no brainer; take EK12 LGW-DXB on an A380 (no brainer). EK380 DXB-HKG gives you a 3hr layover in DXB and you get an A380 as long as you don't book a Monday or Tuesday flight, as those are operated by 777's.

As Dave Noble has said unequivocally, LGW really is a no-brainer with a cash saving of that sort of figure.

I'd agree also that - since you're travelling in First - the 777 would be just as good comfort-wise as the 380.

I prefer the 380 in F but for that price at LGW even if its the 777 I'd take it.

For a relatively short flight LGW to DXB you won't miss the shower/bar anyway.

I also hate the special treatment you get at the bar when in F.

Thanks all - Gatwick it is then! We'll be on the A380 going out from LGW but coming back the last leg will be on a 777, but I'm absolutely fine with that.
Curious to know what the special treatment is at the bar when in F?

They can keep a bottle of Dom (only served in F) at the J bar and fill out your flute from there - but only if you ask for it....

And any wine etc, they hide the Dom in a cuboard below the bar.

Bear in mind that with the 777 there's always the possibility of being forced to choose between a downgrade or taking a different flight.

The chauffeur drive at Gatwick is nothing like as good as Heathrow. For example, on arriving, getting to your car is a real hassle. Last time I arrived at Gatwick in First I was given what I believe was a C class Mercedes instead of the S class I was expecting.

Quelle horreur !!