Tell me about Emirates

[Flowers]

I've read some of the posts where the airline has been discussed but want to learn more.

I've done a decent amount of research and I'm close to settling on flying Emirates, for the first time, from JFK to Cape Town, South Africa in August for what I hope will be a very special (and my first) trip to the African continent.

I anticipate flying Business Class and have learned more about the SAVER fares, which are pretty good at the moment. I'm looking to buy my tickets after I receive my bonus, which will be in about a month. First Class looks absolutely dreamy but it's too rich for my blood.

I'm looking to do a one-day Dubai stop over on the way back to NY to see a bit of the sights.

I'm also excited that Emirates is a partner airline for both Jet Blue and Alaska. I'm MVP Gold with Alaska now given that I was Gold with Virgin and flying Emirates this summer would get me close to renewing my MVP Gold status with Alaska for 2018. I should be able to maintain my Mosaic status on Jet Blue with my regular domestic travel, including trips to Vegas. (Yes, I know how to work the FF system!)

Thoughts appreciated.

I may start a separate thread about safaris. I'm looking to combine a 2 week safari (currently thinking about Micato, which gets great reviews though seems overpriced) with a few days in Cape Town and Jo Burg and/or doing a 2-day "flower safari" along the western coast of South Africa.

 

[nostresshere]

If you fly Emirates in Biz Class - try to get on the A380. Biz seats are upstairs and they have a bar/lounge area shared with biz and first class passengers. Outstanding way to fly. Do see a review, just google "Emirates Business Class Review"... there are lots of reviews.

And yes, take some time in Dubai. I would also do a search on their business class lounge - class operation. If you happen to fly via JFK - they actually board direct from the lounge vs at the gate.

 

[Flowers]

Many thanks. Yes, I've seen a lot of reviews online and watched some cool videos too. Definitely the A380 based on what I've read (though not experienced). It's amazing how much info there is online but I always turn to my fellow VMBers for the real deal so thanks for responding.

I did NOT know though about the business class lounge and yes, I live in NYC so I'll definitely be flying from and back to JFK.

 

[UTHguy]

Emirates is a very good airline. I agree that you should definitely opt for a flight served by the A380 aircraft so you can enjoy some time hanging out at the bar. The bar is located at the rear of the business class section on the upper deck. The galley and the restrooms are behind the bar area. I recommend that you get a seat closer to the front section of business so you won't be disturbed by any noise or light from the bar area and the general traffic from folks going to / coming from the bar, restrooms and galley.

 

[Snidely]

If you fly Emirates in Biz Class - try to get on the A380. Biz seats are upstairs and they have a bar/lounge area shared with biz and first class passengers. Outstanding way to fly. Do see a review, just google "Emirates Business Class Review"... there are lots of reviews.

And yes, take some time in Dubai. I would also do a search on their business class lounge - class operation. If you happen to fly via JFK - they actually board direct from the lounge vs at the gate.

That's how we boarded when I few Emirates. Very classy. Hard to keep the flights straight but I think Emirates had the mattresses in business class on my plane. You had to stand up out of your pod they laid a mattress down and made your bed for you. As far as lounges go, I'd have to give a slight edge to Virgin and BA at JFK over Emirates but I hear the Dubai lounge is outstanding.

 

[Rush]

I've heard that if you fly with these guys, Jennifer Aniston will watch your kid for the duration of the flight.

 

[Uranium 235]

If you fly Emirates in Biz Class - try to get on the A380. Biz seats are upstairs and they have a bar/lounge area shared with biz and first class passengers. Outstanding way to fly. Do see a review, just google "Emirates Business Class Review"... there are lots of reviews.

And yes, take some time in Dubai. I would also do a search on their business class lounge - class operation. If you happen to fly via JFK - they actually board direct from the lounge vs at the gate.

Hear, hear. I think the A380 point is loud and clear but would just like to further validate that point by saying the 777 business class product is rubbish (which airline has 2-3-2 in business nowadays apart from EK?).

 

[nostresshere]

Yes... do not get stuck in the 3 across seating for a long ass flight(s) like that.

 

[Uranium 235]

And to clarify: BA and AA have even 2-4-2 I think but at least they're 180 deg lie flat seats. EK still make you slide down the seat.

 

[UTHguy]

Re: Dubai - You can do a lot in one day in Dubai. A few suggestions:

• Top of the Burj Al Khalifa (get your tickets in advance to save money)
• Drinks or Tea at the Burj Al Arab (spendy but your only way to visit this hotel/landmark without a room reservation. You can make a reservation for Drinks, go there and have the gate let you in and then cancel it via your phone, and tour the hotel, but that's a bit much.)
• Dubai Mall (with indoor skiing)
• Spice and Gold markets (two separate things)
• Dune buggies in the desert
• Camel races
• Go to the strip near the Ritz Carlton and watch the supercars cruise the area
• If you're there on a Friday morning, they have some legendary champagne brunches

 

[Flowers]

Thanks everyone for the info. I really appreciate it. ThatGuyAgain, I've read about the markets and definitely want to visit at least Gold market on my flight back to JFK. Tea is one of my favorite meals so I like that idea. I have a seen a video of the dune buggies in the desert. That looks like that would be a blast.

 

[nostresshere]

Try to spend LOTS of time in the lounge at Dubai. It is special.