Okay so, is this a fair review? Not really - on my recent trip to Sydney via Dubai I travelled…read moreBusiness Class. Obviously this (presumably) results in better service, so this can all be taken with a pinch of salt.
Arriving in Terminal 1, I found the Emirates check-in quickly and with ease, lining up in the online check in queue. At this point, I was clueless as to the fact I was travelling business, meaning I could have got through this stage of check a billion times faster; there are two desks for the online check in, both of which had people with issues queuing up and an absence of urgency from anyone behind the desk. Despite this, I got there and checked in - onto the lounge!
Now, business class lounges don't vary too much, but they are an amazing way to spend your time prior to your flight. Snacks, drinks, proper dinner, TV, coffee, alcohol are all at your beck and call. Come and go as you please, and wait for your flight to be called. The experience at Dubai was completely different; a lot of people fly business with Emirates, meaning the lounge is more of an entire floor, making it less of a special experience and slightly more stressful.
In flight, you couldn't ask for a better set up. A choice of drinks before take off, personal reading lights, the ability to lie down (and have your bed made!), TV and movies on demand, twinkly star lights on the ceiling - even a personal [non-alcoholic] mini-bar on some services. Attendants come and introduce themselves to you and always check on you during the flight.
Food is served on proper china, with real cutlery and 'courses'! Thai style soup, chicken tikka salad, beef with vegetables, lamb & roasties, fish, pasta with avocado - there's something for everyone and they can do amazing things with the space and tools they have on board.
Best example of the service? Coming home, I was ever so slightly hungover and found it hard to keep any of the delicious food down - the attendant noticed, promptly took my dinner away at my request, and brought me a fruit tray! Very nice indeed.
When you're travelling for 30+ hours, there's only one way to do it.
(And, in case they read this, thank you mum & dad!)