I'm an Emirates cabin crew supervisor - here are my 10 essential tips to get the most out of flying business class

By LUCY COCKCROFT
Published: | Updated:
Flying business class is a luxury that takes the stress right out of travelling, but it obviously comes at a greater cost than economy.
So, is it worth it? If you can afford to, then without a doubt, yes. It turns flying from simply a necessity to get from A to B into a pleasurable and very comfortable experience to look forward to and savour.
If you are going to splurge, it makes sense to get your money's worth and enjoy all the amenities because, unlike many economy services, business provides much more than just the flight.
Emirates airline offers one of the world's leading business class services. Here, cabin supervisor Emma Wood gives her top tips to make sure you experience all it has to offer:
Emma Wood, Emirates cabin supervisor, shares her tips to get the most out of flying business
1 - MAKE USE OF THE COMPLIMENTARY CHAUFFEUR SERVICE
Enjoy seamless travel from your doorstep to the airport with Emirates’ complimentary Chauffeur Drive Service, included in the ticket price in most countries for Business Class customers, including the UK and Dubai.
This premium car service accommodates customers within 70 miles of the airport. Make sure you book it in advance to make the most of it.
Any excess mileage will be subject to an extra charge. If you'd like to travel further, or to request an infant or child seat, it is best contact your local Emirates office at least 24 hours in advance.
This premium car service accommodates customers within 70 miles of the airport
2 - ARRIVE UP TO FOUR HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT TO ENJOY THE LOUNGE
Make sure you give yourself enough time to indulge in one of Emirates Business Class Lounges before your flight - you can access the lounge up to four hours before scheduled departure time.
They offer the ultimate way to start your journey with gourmet dining with locally sourced foods, alongside a premium beverage selection.
The designated quiet zones and Business Centres feature complimentary Wi-Fi, making them ideal spaces for unwinding or catching up on work, while private showers and spa treatments ensure you can reset and feel refreshed before you board.
The lounge’s elegant design and tranquil setting provides a refined pre-flight moment
Business Class travellers departing Dubai can also visit the exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge.
Here, four of the brand’s most iconic champagnes are served alongside delicately crafted canapés by Michelin-starred chefs. The lounge’s elegant design and tranquil setting provides a refined pre-flight moment.
3 - BROWSE THE MENU OPTIONS AND PRE-ORDER
Emirates Business Class offers an elevated onboard dining experience, featuring a diverse selection of food and beverages from sweet and savoury snacks to gourmet meals and complimentary champagne.
Enhance this inflight dining experience further by pre-ordering your main course as early as 14 days and up to 24 hours before you fly.
It’s a simple way to guarantee your top pick, and it helps streamline the dining experience once you’re in the air.
For those who prefer to decide closer to take off, the full food and beverage menu is available to browse via the Emirates app or website.
Whether you’re craving something familiar or curious to try a regionally inspired dish, your selections are just a few taps away.
Emirates Business Class offers an elevated onboard dining experience
4 - ENJOY THE AWARD-WINNING WINES AND CHAMPAGNE SERVED TO YOUR SEAT
A wonderfully curated selection of white and red wine is available, alongside premium spirits and an array of other beverages.
In Business and First Class, Emirates has tailored its wine selections into six regions: the UK and USA, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australasia, and Asia.
This approach allows the airline to offer wines closely aligned with the taste preferences of passengers from these regions.
Enjoy a glass of wine, champagne or spirit delivered to your seat
5 - KEEP THE COMPLIMENTARY LOUNGEWEAR AND WASH KITS
One of the newer touches on board is Emirates’ thoughtfully-designed Business Class loungewear.
On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants, made from breathable modal fabric in a soft blue tone.
It’s the kind of outfit you can easily fall asleep in. The kit includes matching slippers and an eye mask, all neatly packed in a drawstring pouch.
On shorter flights, slippers and an eye mask are still provided to keep things relaxed.
To complement this experience, signature Bulgari amenity kits are also offered on long haul flights, containing luxury skincare products and fragrances, alongside other comfort essentials for your personal and convenience care during the journey.
Customers can make use of a dental kit, earplugs, a double mirror made from wheat straw material, deodorant, tissues, and a foldaway hairbrush with a new soft black elastic hair tie.
Signature luxury Bulgari amenity kits for men and women are also offered on long haul and overnight flights
On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants
6 - ENJOY WHAT REALLY SETS BUSINESS APART FROM ECONOMY - THE BED
When you’re ready to switch off, your seat seamlessly converts into a fully flat bed with a mattress topper, plush blanket, and pillow, designed for optimal rest during your flight.
Adjustable lighting and seating controls allow you to create the perfect sleep environment. Should you need additional bedding or assistance, the crew will be happy to help.
Stretch out and enjoy a proper bed, ensuring you arrive at your destination well rested
7 - SIT AT A BAR TO CHAT WITH FELLOW PASSENGERS AND CABIN CREW
Step away from your seat and stretch your legs in the iconic Emirates onboard lounge.
With its comfortable leather seating and curated premium beverage selection, it offers a welcoming environment to enjoy a speciality cocktail, savour gourmet bites, and connect with fellow travellers at 40,000 feet.
Stretch your legs and enjoy a drink at the in-flight bar area
8 - ENJOY LIVE SPORTS EVENTS AT 40,000 FEET
For sports fans, the onboard lounge can also stream live TV, so you don’t have to miss your favourite match while in the air – whether it’s the Emirates FA Cup Final or Wimbledon.
Ask cabin crew to change the channel on the large TV if there’s something you want to switch to.
Request to watch live sports when at the inflight bar
9 - GET A POLOROID MEMENTO
Something our passengers love doing is getting a few nostalgic pictures of their experience in Business Class using our onboard Polaroid camera. Don’t forget to ask cabin crew if you or your family want to get a nice picture keepsake of you posing in the onboard lounge to take home.
Capture the moment on your special flight by using the onboard Polaroid camera
10 - EXPLORE ICE TO PLAN YOUR FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MUSIC, GAMES, FILMS, TV SHOWS AND PODCASTS
With thousands of hours of entertainment and up to 6,500 channels to choose from, Emirates' award-winning ICE system is best enjoyed with a little planning.
Browse the latest films and shows before boarding and create a watchlist so you can start enjoying as soon as you’re seated. ICE now also includes curated Spotify playlists and top-charting podcasts, so there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.
The ICE system - which stands for information, connectivity and entertainment - offers 6,500 channels ensuring you will never be bored
To book an Emirates business class flight CLICK HERE
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