Emirates has recently retrofitted its Boeing 777 aircraft, including those on the Dublin–Dubai route, now offering a full four-class experience: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
Flying with Emirates is an experience that shows how attention to small details can make a big difference. Even before the journey begins, Emirates sets the tone for luxury with a complimentary chauffeur service and exclusive lounge access at the airport. Every step feels seamless and well-considered, continuing onboard where comfort and service define the experience.
The Business Class cabin now features lie-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and plenty of personal space. I was lucky enough to secure Row 3, just behind First Class, and it turned out to be an ideal spot – quiet, private, and with no galley in the way.
The seats are comfortable, with Champagne-coloured leather, detailed stitching, and soft, supportive headrests. Window seats A and K offer excellent views, and each seat comes with a dedicated baggage bin to keep the cabin neat and organised.
The ATG aerBlade allows the window shades to be electronically adjusted between three settings: clear, dimmed, and blackout.
Even before take-off, Emirates sets a high standard with a personalised welcome offering a choice of Champagne or orange juice. Soon after leaving the ground, the crew helped transform my seat into a fully flat bed with a high-quality blanket, making rest easy. Seats convert into a 78-inch fully flat bed.
Other features include a personal 23-inch HD screen with Bluetooth headphone pairing. Noise-cancelling headphones were provided, which made the cabin peaceful and quiet. The ICE entertainment system offered a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and live channels, all controllable via a personal tablet.
The only minor downside was the absence of amenity kits and pyjamas, which are offered only on long-haul flights. However, eye masks and slippers were provided.
The food and beverage service on board were impressive. The meal service began with a choice of drinks served alongside warm nuts or olives.
To start, I enjoyed a smoked salmon dome served with a creamy citrus sauce, black caviar, and pickled caper berries. For the main course, I chose the Chicken Machboos, accompanied by fragrant rice garnished with pine nuts and a refreshing cucumber raita. Dessert was a rich chocolate marquise served with cherry confit. Later in the flight, a light bite of chilli prawns with udon noodles and vegetables was offered.
All dishes were complemented by a selection of premium wines. The meals were well-prepared, and the overall food quality was excellent.
Each seat features a private mini bar with snacks like M&Ms, wasabi peas, and Haribo, as well as Perrier and Evian water, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments at any time. Snacks and drinks, including a refreshing ginger juice, are served thoughtfully throughout the flight.
Multiple charging options are available, including USB-C, USB-A ports, and universal power sockets. The only minor technical issue was a plug socket that didn’t work, but USB charging was fast and convenient.
The crew were attentive and proactive, often anticipating needs before they were asked. Even the bathrooms feel luxurious, stocked with Voya toiletries, perfume, cologne, and hygiene kits.
Premium Economy features wide cream leather seats with a 19.5-inch width, 38-inch pitch, and 8 inches of recline. Each seat includes a six-way adjustable headrest, leg rest and footrest, a woodgrain table, in-seat storage, and a side table for drinks.
A 13.3-inch HD entertainment screen, with USB-A and USB-C charging ports, provides easy access to movies and TV shows. Meals are served on Royal Doulton China with stainless steel cutlery, accompanied by a choice of wines or sparkling Chandon.
Overall, Emirates delivers a high-end travel experience that combines comfort, thoughtful service, and quality amenities. Whether it’s the fully flat bed, the private mini bar, or the attentive crew, every detail is designed to make the flight enjoyable.
With the addition of Premium Economy and upgraded cabins, Emirates continues to set a high standard for long-haul travel, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure passengers.
For more information, visit https://www.emirates.com/.