Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.
A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a terrific holiday in Bali, Indonesia. You can read my trip reports here:
Review: Emirates A380 Business Class from Bali to Dubai
Flying with Emirates often comes with high expectations, particularly when the journey takes place aboard the iconic Airbus A380. Part of what has makes the Emirates A380 experience so well known is its distinctive onboard offering, which includes features such as the onboard lounge for premium passengers, the much-publicized First Class shower spa, an extensive selection of amenities, and the highly regarded inflight entertainment system. My recent Emirates flight from Bali to Dubai provided the opportunity to experience the airline’s long-haul Business Class product on the A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
The A380 aircraft operating this flight had not yet undergone Emirates’ ongoing refurbishment program, meaning it featured the older generation cabin products rather than the updated interiors now being introduced across the fleet. This particular A380 was also the airline’s higher-density configuration, where the upper deck is split between Economy Class at the front and Business Class at the rear — a layout that differs from Emirates’ more premium-heavy versions of the A380.
From the ground experience at Ngurah Rai International Airport to the onboard service and amenities, this review explores what passengers can expect from Emirates’ A380 Business Class in one of its earlier configurations. Adding a broader context to the journey, this flight took place shortly before the outbreak of the current Middle East conflict, which has significantly changed air travel patterns in the region.
Have you ever flown in Emirates’ A380 Business Class? What was your experience? Leave a comment.
- Trip: Bali (DPS) to Dubai (DXB)
- Airline: Emirates Class
- Seat: 10A
- Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
- Aircraft registration number: A6-EUX (built in 2018)
- On time departure: Yes (7 9m)
- On time arrival: Yes (1 am; + 1 day)
- Distance: 4.650 miles (7.500 kilometers)
- Flight time: 9 hours
In this Emirates A380 Business Class review (more information & photos below my YouTube video):
- Emirates A380 fleet
- Tujuwan Lounge at Bali Airport
- Business Class cabin
- Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
- Amenities & bedding
- Meals
- Entertainment
- Onboard internet
- Onboard bar
- Final thoughts and my verdict (score)
1. Emirates A380 fleet
Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft, with around 115 superjumbos in service. These double-deck aircraft have become a flagship of the airline’s long-haul network and remain the largest passenger planes currently flying. The average age of the fleet is relatively young for such large aircraft, generally around 6 to 10 years, as most were delivered between the late 2000s and early 2020s.
In recent years, Emirates has been investing heavily in a comprehensive refurbishment program, aiming to upgrade cabins across a significant portion of the fleet. This includes the introduction of refreshed Business Class seats, updated interiors, and a Premium Economy cabin on selected aircraft. The program is ongoing and progressing steadily, with dozens of A380s already refurbished and more scheduled for upgrades in the coming years, ensuring the aircraft remains a central part of Emirates’ offering well into the next decade.
2. Tujuwan Lounge at Bali Airport
At Ngurah Rai International Airport, Emirates does not operate its own dedicated lounge. Instead, eligible passengers — including those traveling in Business Class — are directed to the Tujuwan Lounge. Located one level above the airport’s main concourse, the lounge functions as a shared facility and accommodates travelers from multiple airlines throughout the day. As a result, space can be limited, and the lounge may feel crowded during peak departure periods.
One notable aspect of the lounge is the absence of natural daylight, which gives the space a more enclosed atmosphere. However, the décor is thoughtfully designed, incorporating Indonesian elements and warm tones that contribute to a generally pleasant environment despite the lack of windows. Prior to my visit, I had read online that the lounge features an additional seating area as well as an outdoor terrace, reportedly accessed via a discreet or “hidden” door. During my stay, however, I was unable to locate these areas, so their accessibility remains unclear.
Food and beverage options are adequate but relatively limited. The selection includes a small range of hot dishes, snacks, and drinks, though it does not match the variety found in larger, airline-operated lounges.
One practical advantage is the location: the lounge is situated within a short walking distance of the departure gates, making it convenient when it is time to board.
3. Business Class Cabin
Emirates operates its Bali route using a mix of Boeing 777s and two-class configured Airbus A380s. The latter aircraft accommodate a total of 615 passengers, comprising 58 fully lie-flat seats in Business Class and a significantly larger Economy Class cabin with 557 seats.
The Business Class cabin is situated on the upper deck toward the rear of the aircraft, positioned behind the Economy Class section. It is split into two distinct areas. The main, forward cabin houses 44 seats, while a smaller, more secluded cabin at the back contains 18 seats and is located just ahead of the onboard lounge bar and lavatories. Owing to its size and location, this rear cabin often feels quieter and more private, although it does place you closer to the bar (which can become noisy when many passengers gather there).
Seating in Emirates’ A380 Business Class follows a staggered 1–2–1 configuration, ensuring that every passenger has direct access to the aisle. This arrangement provides a solid balance of space and privacy, particularly for those seated by the windows, where seats are positioned closer to the fuselage.
- Window seats alternate between two layouts. The so-called “true” window seats are placed directly next to the aircraft wall, with the side console positioned on the aisle side, creating a more enclosed and private setting. These can be found in the even-numbered rows as well as row 15, and are especially favored by solo travelers. In contrast, window seats in odd-numbered rows and row 16 have the console positioned by the window, leaving the seat closer to the aisle and slightly more exposed.
- In the center section, seats are arranged in pairs and separated by a movable divider. In even-numbered rows and row 15, the seats are positioned closer together, making them ideal for couples traveling together. In the remaining rows, the seats are spaced further apart due to the placement of the consoles, offering greater privacy for those traveling alone.
The overall cabin design reflects Emirates’ signature style, with a bold, Arabic aesthetic. Finishes such as burled walnut veneer, gold accents, and pearl-toned plastics frame the seating area, windows, and entertainment screens. While this approach emphasizes a sense of grandeur, it can appear somewhat busy to travelers who prefer a more minimalist design. One widely appreciated feature, however, is the lighting: Emirates uses dynamic mood lighting that adjusts throughout the flight to match destination time zones, while at night, a starry ceiling effect adds a distinctive ambiance.
It is also worth noting that Emirates is in the process of refurbishing a large portion of its A380 fleet with updated, more understated interiors. The aircraft operating this particular flight to Bali had not yet undergone refurbishment and still featured the airline’s original Business Class design.
4. Business Class Seat (+ Best & Worst Seats)
All Business Class seats on Emirates’ Airbus A380 have a width of 18.5 inches (47 cm), though the seat pitch and bed length differ depending on the seat’s position in the cabin. Aisle seats (B, D, G, and J) convert into fully flat beds approximately 70 inches (178 cm) long, while window and center seats (A, E, F, and K) extend to about 79 inches (200 cm), providing extra space for sleeping. The seat pitch varies between 39 and 48 inches (99 to 122 cm), with window and center seats again offering the more generous spacing compared to aisle seats.
Each seat features a thoughtfully designed side console that keeps essential controls and amenities within easy reach. This console includes a reading light, a personal minibar stocked with bottled water and packaged snacks, and multiple charging options, including a universal power outlet and USB port. On top of the console, a small shelf provides a handy spot for personal items such as phones or cameras.
Next to the console is a sizable side table that doubles as a workspace and houses a tablet-style touchscreen controller. This tablet allows passengers to adjust seat positions, control lighting, and navigate Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system, reducing the need to interact directly with the main screen. A secondary handset attached to the console’s wall lets passengers also operate the inflight entertainment system.
Each seat also includes a large 17-inch entertainment touchscreen, accompanied by a spacious ottoman beneath it. This ottoman provides additional legroom when seated and becomes part of the bed when the seat is fully reclined, ensuring a comfortable resting position.
What are the best Business Class seats on Emirates’ A380?
- Solo travelers often favor the window seats in positions A or K, as they provide a higher degree of privacy compared to aisle seats (B, D, G, and J). These window seats are naturally shielded from the aisle by the minibar console and the enclosed footwell of the passenger seated behind, creating a more secluded environment. Additional storage cabinets beneath the windows offer convenient space for personal belongings.
- The center seats in positions E and F feature aisle-side consoles and adjustable privacy dividers. When the divider is lowered, the two seats can function as a private space for couples traveling together, effectively creating a compact shared suite.
- Within Emirates’ two-class A380 configuration, certain window seats stand out for extra comfort. Seats A and K in rows 6 and 20 are often regarded as the most desirable, offering increased legroom compared with other window seats. These positions also feature a larger ottoman and a longer fully flat bed, making them particularly suitable for taller passengers.
What are the worst Business Class seats on Emirates’ A380?
- The window seats in positions B and J, along with the center seats D and G, have their consoles located on the aisle side, which leaves them more exposed to passing foot traffic. Consequently, these seats provide a lower level of privacy compared with other seats in the cabin.
- Couples traveling together may find the center seats in D and G less ideal, as the two large consoles between them limit interaction and reduce the feeling of shared space.
- Solo travelers may also wish to avoid the center seats in positions E and F, as these seats are designed to sit close together when the privacy divider is lowered. While the divider can be raised for full privacy, sharing a mini-suite with a stranger may feel uncomfortable for some passengers.
- Although seats 20A and 20K offer legroom comparable to 6A and 6K, they are often viewed as less desirable due to their full exposure to the aisle and lack of the protective shell found in other window seats, resulting in minimal privacy.
- It is also important to note that aisle seats (B, D, G, and J) convert into slightly shorter fully flat beds and offer less space overall compared with window and center seats. This may be a relevant factor for taller passengers or anyone prioritizing sleeping comfort on long-haul flights.
Click here for a seat map of Emirates’ Airbus A380.
5. Amenities & Bedding
Emirates’ Business Class passengers enjoy an extensive range of amenities on long-haul flights, carefully curated to enhance comfort and support restful travel.
Business Class passengers receive a gender-specific amenity kit. The men’s Bulgari kit — which I received during myt flight — comes in a chestnut-brown fabric bag with cream-colored faux leather trim. Inside, it includes Bulgari Wood Essence Eau de Parfum, an amber-spicy scent created by Alberto Morillas with notes of vibrant spices and leather. Additional items include Bulgari aftershave balm and body lotion, a Gillette razor with shaving foam, and practical essentials such as a dental kit, earplugs, deodorant, tissues, and a foldable wheat-straw hairbrush.
On flights longer than nine hours, Emirates further elevates the Business Class experience by offering complimentary loungewear. The set features a relaxed cowl-neck top and drawstring pants crafted from premium modal fabric, which is soft, lightweight, and breathable. Inspired by contemporary athleisure, the loungewear comes in a calming light blue color and is offered in two sizes. The botanical fibers and jersey-knit construction provide a graceful drape while maintaining stretch and comfort, making the set ideal for extended periods of rest at cruising altitude.
Every seat comes with a generously sized pillow and a plush blanket. The blanket is thicker and warmer than what is typically found in Business Class, making it particularly suitable for overnight journeys. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew adds a mattress topper to each seat, significantly improving the sleeping surface and enhancing comfort when the fully flat bed is in use for extended rest.
Each Business Class passenger also receives a compact amenities pouch that includes soft slippers and an eye mask, helping create a more relaxing environment onboard. High-quality noise-cancelling headphones are also provided, allowing passengers to enjoy the inflight entertainment system or rest in relative quiet.
6. Meals
Emirates’ inflight dining is known for attentive service paired with consistently well-prepared meals and elegant presentation. On this flight from Dubai to Bali, the meal service commenced shortly after takeoff, offering a choice of welcome drinks, including champagne and freshly squeezed juices.
From the menu, I chose the following dishes for dinner:
- Starter: salmon tataki with red radish, cucumber, toasted sesame seeds, furikake, soy dressing with ginger and lemon
- Main course: vegetable pappardelle, pasta with smoked aubergine puree, roasted green pepper, pumpkin, tomato sauce, parmesan
- Dessert: salted caramel cheesecake
While the dishes were visually appealing and neatly presented, I found the flavors less to my taste. The selection of main courses also felt a bit unusual: of the three options, two (excluding the vegetarian choice) were clearly tailored toward fans of Asian cuisine, which may not appeal to all passengers.
About two hours before landing, breakfast was served, with all courses presented together on a single tray. The meal featured a continental selection of bread, pastries, and fresh fruit, accompanied by one main course. I opted for the French toast, which came with spiced apple and date compote and a dollop of mascarpone cream. The dish was beautifully presented and tasted excellent, making for a satisfying start to the morning.
7. Entertainment
Emirates’ ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system continues to be one of the most comprehensive inflight entertainment platforms available. It offers an extensive array of movies, TV series, music, games, and podcasts, catering to a wide variety of tastes and languages. The library is regularly refreshed with the latest Hollywood releases, international films, and complete box sets perfect for binge-watching.
Entertainment is displayed on a 17-inch touchscreen and can be controlled using two hand-held devices. The first is a tablet-style controller located next to the Business Class seat, which also allows adjustments for seat position and cabin lighting. The second is a smaller wired handset. Together, these controls make it easy to navigate the system, whether your seat is upright or fully reclined.
A unique feature on the A380 is the onboard cameras, which provide live exterior views. Passengers can watch takeoff, landing, or scenic flights from multiple angles, including tail and belly cameras, offering an engaging perspective for aviation enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys aerial views.
Each seat comes with noise-cancelling headphones, which effectively block cabin sounds and enhance the overall entertainment experience.
8. Onboard Internet
Emirates provides onboard Wi-Fi on its entire Airbus A380 fleet, enabling passengers to remain connected throughout their flight. Business and First Class travelers, as well as Skywards loyalty members, enjoy complimentary access for messaging and light web browsing, making it easy to keep in touch with colleagues, friends, or family while airborne. Additional Wi-Fi packages can be purchased by other passengers if needed.
The complimentary service supports email, social media, messaging apps, and basic browsing, though streaming services are not included due to bandwidth limitations at cruising altitude. Even so, the connection is generally reliable and convenient for staying connected during the flight.
9. Onboard bar
The Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge remains one of the airline’s most iconic features. Positioned at the rear of the upper deck and designed with the feel of a private yacht cabin, the lounge offers a sociable atmosphere and a standout space for both Business and First Class passengers.
The bar serves an impressive wine selection that changes depending on the route, though champagne lovers can always choose between Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot. The crew staffing the lounge are trained mixologists, and watching them prepare cocktails — such as the signature Bloody Mary or a crisp Apple Spritzer — is part of the experience. Premium spirits, including Hennessy XO Cognac and Chivas Regal 18-year-old Scotch, are also available, alongside more than 18 bar snacks. Personal favorites include smoked salmon bagels and fresh fruit skewers.
Non-alcoholic options are equally well catered for, with freshly squeezed juices, Illy coffee, and a selection of Dilmah teas. At the back of the lounge, a 55-inch LCD screen displays live flight information, news, or sports updates, which can be surprisingly useful for staying informed while mingling.
10. Final Thoughts & My Verdict
Emirates Business Class on the A380 offers a comfortable long-haul experience. The cabin provides fully flat beds, direct aisle access, and excellent amenities, while inflight entertainment and the onboard lounge add distinctive touches. Meals are well presented, though personal tastes may vary, and breakfast was a highlight. Some aspects of the cabin feel a bit dated, but this is exactly what Emirates is addressing with its ongoing refurbishment program. Overall, the flight delivers a solid combination of comfort and convenience, reflecting why the A380 remains a key part of Emirates’ long-haul fleet.
Here’s my final verdict and review on Emirates’ Business Class on the Airbus A380:
- Cabin design: 7/10
- Cabin layout: 8/10
- Seat privacy: 8/10
- Seat comfort (upright): 8/10
- Seat comfort (bed position): 8/10
- Food (quality): 7/10
- Food (quantity): 8/10
- Inflight entertainment : 10/10
- WiFi: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Overall experience: very good – 8.3/10
*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
