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 Boeing 777 new Business Class from Brussels to Dubai
- Review: Emirates A380 Business Class from Dubai to Bali (today)
- Review: COMO Shambhala Estate
- Review: Soori Bali
- Review: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape
- Review: Alila Villas Uluwatu
- Review: The Mulia
- Review: Mulia Villas & Mulia Resort
- Review: Potato Head Suites
- Review: Emirates A380 Business Class from Bali to Dubai
- Review: Atlantis The Royal Dubai
- Review: Emirates Boeing 777 new Business Class from Dubai to Brussels
Review: Emirates A380 Business Class from Dubai to Bali
Flying Emirates’ Business Class on the Airbus A380 is an experience that continues to impress. Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world, with over 120 aircraft in service. These double-decker jets are configured across a range of long-haul routes in two-, three-, or four-class layouts, making the A380 a central part of Emirates’ identity. With spacious upper-deck cabins, onboard lounges, and the airline’s signature service, Emirates’ A380 offers one of the best Business Class products in the world.
This particular A380 on the Dubai to Bali route featured a high-density two-class configuration, with 58 Business Class seats on the upper deck and a staggering 557 seats in Economy, for a total of 615 passengers. While the cabin design was still Emirates’ original, slightly more ornate style (the airline is currently refurbishing its A380 fleet), it delivered a sense of luxury, space, and comfort that has made the aircraft iconic.
The inflight experience combined excellent amenities with thoughtful touches. The bedding was outstanding, with a mattress topper making the fully flat seats particularly comfortable for rest or sleep. Complimentary pajamas and well-appointed amenity kits added to the sense of indulgence. Dining was another highlight, with beautifully presented meals and a wide selection of beverages. And, of course, the onboard lounge offered a unique social space at 40,000 feet, perfect for stretching your legs, enjoying a drink, or mingling with fellow travelers.
Have you ever flown in Emirates’ A380 Business Class? What was your experience? Leave a comment.
I documented the Emirates A380 Business Class experience, including the Business Class lounge at Dubai Airport, in a YouTube video, which you can watch here:
Flight details:
- Trip: Dubai (DXB) to Bali (DPS)
- Airline: Emirates Class: Business Class
- Seat: 20A
- Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
- Aircraft registration number: A6-EVB (built in 2018)
- On time departure: Yes (4 am)
- On time arrival: Yes (6 am; + 1 day)
- Distance: 4.650 miles (7.500 kilometers)
- Flight time: 9 hours
In this review (more information & photos below my YouTube video):
- Emirates Lounge at Dubai Airport
- Business Class cabin
- Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
- Amenities & bedding
- Meals
- Entertainment
- Onboard internet
- Onboard Bar
- Other inflight experiences
- My verdict (score)
1. Emirates Lounge at Dubai
Emirates operates from its own dedicated facility, Terminal 3, at Dubai International Airport. Comprising Concourses A, B, and C, Terminal 3 is the largest airport terminal in the world and one of the largest buildings globally. Emirates offers a Business Class lounge in each concourse, and this overview focuses on the Business Class Lounge located in Concourse B.
Located one floor above the main concourse, the Concourse B lounge extends along a substantial portion of the terminal. Its long, linear layout creates a spacious and open environment capable of accommodating a high volume of passengers, particularly during peak departure periods, which at Dubai International Airport typically occur around midnight. While the lounge can feel busy at these times, its size and layout mean it is almost always possible to find a quieter area further inside.
Because of its scale and design, the lounge feels like a private terminal within the terminal, reserved exclusively for Emirates’ premium passengers. The interior design is distinctly Emirates, with high ceilings, generous use of mahogany-toned wood, polished stone surfaces, and a grand, slightly bombastic aesthetic. Seating areas are spread throughout the space and include a mix of armchairs, sofas, and other seating styles. Areas closer to the entrance are generally busier during peak hours, while sections deeper inside the lounge tend to be noticeably calmer and better suited for relaxation.
Dining is centered around a large area with multiple buffet stations positioned throughout the lounge. Distributing the buffet stations across the lounge helps ease congestion during busy periods, although some queues are still to be expected at peak times, and allows passengers to access dining options from various points within the space. The food selection includes healthy options, Mediterranean dishes, Asian cuisine, a dedicated salad bar, and an extensive dessert spread.
A wide range of beverages is available throughout the lounge, including soft drinks, wines, spirits, and champagne. Both self-service stations and staffed bars ensure consistent availability even when the lounge is at its busiest. Near the entrance, a Costa Coffee station offers freshly brewed coffee and specialty beverages for passengers looking for a quick refreshment.
One of the lounge’s more distinctive features is the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge. This dedicated area offers four selections from Moët & Chandon, each paired with canapés created by Michelin-starred chefs. Its refined design, highlighted by a flowing golden motif and comfortable seating, gives this section a more intimate feel compared to the rest of the lounge.
Additional amenities include a quiet area with private cubicles designed for rest, as well as shower facilities for passengers wishing to freshen up before their flight. Overall, the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Concourse B combines scale, functionality, and a recognizably Emirates design language, delivering a premium yet practical experience even during the airport’s busiest hours.
2. Business Class Cabin
Emirates operates its flights to and from Bali using a two-class configured Airbus A380. These aircraft are fitted with a total of 615 seats, including 58 fully flat Business Class seats and a notably large Economy Class cabin with 557 seats. This high-density configuration reflects the scale at which Emirates serves popular long-haul leisure destinations.
The Business Class cabin is located on the upper deck toward the rear of the aircraft, behind the Economy Class section. It is divided into two separate cabins. The larger forward cabin contains 44 seats and forms the main Business Class area, while the smaller rear cabin, positioned just ahead of the onboard lounge bar and lavatories, features only 18 seats. This rear cabin tends to feel more intimate and is often preferred by passengers seeking a quieter environment with less foot traffic.
Seats in Emirates Business Class on the A380 are arranged in a staggered 1–2–1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. This layout provides a good level of personal space and privacy, particularly for window seats, which are positioned closer to the aircraft’s sides.
- Window seats alternate between two distinct configurations. “True” window seats are positioned closest to the fuselage and have their side console on the aisle side, which creates a more private and enclosed feel. These seats are located in the even-numbered rows as well as row 15 and are particularly popular with solo travelers. Window seats in the odd-numbered rows and row 16 place the console on the window side, positioning the seat closer to the aisle and offering a lower level of privacy.
- In the center section, seats are arranged in pairs and separated by a movable privacy divider. In even-numbered rows and row 15, the two center seats are positioned close together, making them well suited for couples traveling together. In the other rows, the center seats are set further apart due to the placement of the side consoles, offering more separation and privacy for passengers traveling independently.
The Business Class cabin design is distinctly Emirates, featuring a bold and opulent aesthetic. Materials such as burled walnut veneer, gold-toned accents, and pearlized plastic frame the seats, windows, and entertainment screens. While this design emphasizes luxury and grandeur, it may feel visually busy to travelers who prefer a more minimalist and understated cabin environment. One element that is widely appreciated, however, is the lighting. Emirates’ mood lighting shifts throughout the flight to reflect local time zones, and at night, illuminated star-pattern panels in the ceiling add a distinctive and atmospheric touch.
It is worth noting that Emirates is currently refurbishing many of its Airbus A380 aircraft with a more modern and subdued interior. The aircraft operating this particular Bali flight had not yet been refurbished and still featured the airline’s original Business Class cabin design.
3. Business Class Seat (+ Best & Worst Seats)
All Business Class seats onboard Emirates’ Airbus A380 measure 18.5 inches (47 cm) in width, though seat pitch and bed length vary depending on location within the cabin. Aisle seats (B, D, G, and J) convert into fully flat beds measuring approximately 70 inches (178 cm) in length, while window and center seats (A, E, F, and K) extend to around 79 inches (200 cm), offering more sleeping space. Seat pitch ranges from 39 to 48 inches (99 to 122 cm), with window and center seats again providing more generous spacing than aisle seats.
Each seat is equipped with a well-designed, multi-purpose side console that places key features within easy reach. The 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 a USB port. A small shelf on top of the console provides a convenient place to store personal items such as a phone or camera, while a secondary handset allows passengers to control the inflight entertainment system.
Adjacent to the console is a large side table that functions as a workspace and houses a tablet-style touchscreen controller. This tablet can be used to adjust seat positions, manage lighting, and control the inflight entertainment through Emirates’ ICE system, eliminating the need to interact directly with the main screen.
In front of each seat is a large 17-inch entertainment touchscreen, along with a generously sized ottoman positioned beneath the screen, which offers ample legroom when seated and forms part of the bed when the seat is fully reclined.
What are the best Business Class seats on Emirates’ A380?
- Solo travelers will prefer the window seats in positions A or K, as these offer more privacy than the aisle seats (B, D, G, and J). These window seats are shielded from the aisle by the seat’s minibar cabinet and the enclosed footwell of the passenger seated behind, creating a more secluded environment. They also benefit from additional storage cabinets located beneath the windows, which provide extra space for personal items.
- The center seats in positions E and F have their consoles on the aisle side and include adjustable privacy dividers. When the privacy screens are lowered, these seats can be configured as a more intimate space for two passengers traveling together, effectively forming a compact shared suite.
- Among all Business Class seats on Emiates’ two-class configured Airbus A380, seats A and K in rows 6 and 20 are often considered the most desirable. These seats offer increased legroom compared to other window seats, with a larger ottoman and a longer fully flat bed, making them particularly appealing for taller passengers.
What are the worst Business Class seats on Emirates’ A380?
- The window seats in positions B and J, as well as the center seats D and G, have their consoles positioned on the opposite side of the aisle, which makes them feel more exposed to passing foot traffic. As a result, these seats offer a lower level of privacy compared to other seats in the cabin.
- Passengers traveling as a couple may want to avoid the center seats in positions D and G. These seats are separated by two large consoles, which makes in-flight interaction awkward and limits the sense 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.
- Despite offering additional legroom similar to seats 6A and 6K, seats 20A and 20K are often considered less desirable. These seats are fully exposed to the aisle and lack the protective shell found in other window seats, resulting in minimal privacy.
- It is also worth keeping in mind that aisle seats in positions B, D, G, and J convert into slightly shorter beds when fully flat and provide less overall space compared to window and center seats, which may be a consideration for taller passengers or those prioritizing sleeping comfort.
Click here for a seat map of Emirates’ Airbus A380.
4. Amenities & Bedding
Emirates Business Class passengers receive a comprehensive set of amenities on long-haul flights, designed to enhance comfort and support rest throughout the journey.
Each passenger is provided with a small amenities pouch containing soft slippers and a comfortable eye mask, helping to create a more relaxed onboard environment. High-quality noise-cancelling headphones are also supplied, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the inflight entertainment or rest without disturbance.
A large pillow and a plush blanket are available at every seat. The blanket is notably thicker and warmer than those typically found in Business Class cabins, making it well suited for overnight flights. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin crew places a mattress topper over each seat, significantly improving the sleeping surface and making the fully flat bed more comfortable for extended rest.
Passengers also receive a gender-specific amenity kit. The men’s Bulgari kit is presented in a chestnut-brown fabric toiletry bag with cream-colored faux leather accents. Inside, it includes Bulgari Wood Essence Eau de Parfum, an amber-spicy fragrance created by Alberto Morillas, featuring notes of vibrant spices and leather. Additional items include Bulgari aftershave balm and body lotion, a Gillette razor with shaving foam, as well as practical essentials such as a dental kit, earplugs, deodorant, tissues, and a foldable wheat-straw hairbrush.
On flights exceeding nine hours, Emirates further enhances the Business Class experience by offering complimentary inflight loungewear. The set consists of a relaxed cowl-neck top and drawstring pants made from a premium modal fabric that is exceptionally soft, lightweight, and breathable. Designed with contemporary athleisure influences, the loungewear comes in a calming light blue shade and is available in two sizes. The botanical fibers and jersey-knit construction give the fabric an elegant drape while maintaining stretch and comfort, making it well suited for long periods of rest at cruising altitude.
5. Meals
The inflight dining experience on Emirates continues to rank among the strongest in the industry, combining polished service with consistently high-quality food and presentation. On this Dubai to Bali flight, the meal service began shortly after takeoff with a selection of welcome drinks, including champagne and freshly squeezed juices.
Approximately forty-five minutes after departure, in the early morning hours in Dubai, breakfast was served. Passengers could choose between a continental breakfast featuring bread, pastries, and fresh fruit, a full breakfast that included a hot main dish, or an express option consisting of a breakfast pastry and a hot beverage. I choose the cheese and basil omelette, which was served with veal rashers, cherry tomato ragout, and portobello mushrooms.
Around two hours before landing, lunch was served in a traditional restaurant-style setting, complete with fine china, metal cutlery, and crisp linens. The multi-course menu included a starter, main course, cheese selection, and dessert. From the menu, I chose the following items:
- Starter: tuna tataki, served with pickled olives, capers, and a Veracruz-style tomato sauce with pickled jalapeños.
- Main course: seared beef tenderloin was offered alongside horseradish and tarragon sauce, steamed broccolini, and a potato and celeriac gratin, accompanied by a seasonal side salad and freshly baked bread.
- Dessert: fresh fruit and a chocolate tart with apricot compote.
The wine list complemented the meal well, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection from France, South Africa, and Australia. Throughout the service, the cabin crew proactively offered refills and concluded the meal with coffee, tea, or digestifs. In terms of quality, flavor, and presentation, the dining experience met expectations for Business Class, remaining fully in line with Emirates’ reputation for premium inflight catering.
6. Entertainment
Emirates’ ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system remains one of the leading inflight entertainment platforms in the industry. It offers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, games, and podcasts, catering to a wide range of tastes and languages. The library is regularly updated with new Hollywood releases, international films, and extensive box sets ideal for binge-watching.
The inflight entertainment is displayed on a 17-inch touchscreen, supported by two hand-held controllers. The first is a tablet-style controller located next to the Business Class seat, which also allows you to adjust the seat position and lighting. The second is a smaller, standard wired handset. Together, the touchscreen and dual controllers provide multiple ways to navigate and control the entertainment system, making it easy to use regardless of how your seat is reclined.
A standout feature on the Airbus A380 is the onboard cameras, which provide live views from outside the aircraft. Passengers can watch takeoff, landing, or scenic overflights from multiple angles, including tail and belly cameras, adding an engaging perspective for aviation enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys seeing the world from above.
Noise-cancelling headphones are included with each seat, performing effectively to isolate cabin sounds and enhance the entertainment experience.
7. Onboard Internet
Emirates offers onboard Wi-Fi across its entire Boeing A380 fleet, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey. Business and First Class passengers, along with Skywards loyalty members, receive complimentary access for messaging and light browsing, making it easy to stay in touch with colleagues, friends, or family while in the air. Standard Wi-Fi packages are also available for purchase for other passengers.
While the complimentary service supports email, social media, messaging apps, and basic browsing, streaming services are not included due to bandwidth limitations at cruising altitude. Despite this, the connection is generally reliable and convenient,.
8. Onboard Bar
The Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, first introduced in 2008, has long been one of the most talked-about features of the airline’s double-decker aircraft, and it’s easy to see why. Located at the rear of the upper deck and inspired by private yacht cabins, the lounge strikes a balance between intimacy and sociability, making it a standout space for Business and First Class passengers. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, changing with the route, though there is always a choice of Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot for champagne lovers.
The wine selection is impressive, with offerings that vary by route, but there’s always a choice of Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot if you’re in the mood for champagne. The bar itself is staffed by crew trained as mixologists, and watching them craft cocktails like the signature Bloody Mary or a refreshing Apple Spritzer is part of the fun. Premium spirits such as Hennessy XO Cognac and Chivas Regal 18-year-old Scotch are also on hand, along with more than 18 bar snacks—my personal favorites were the smoked salmon bagels and fresh fruit skewers.
For a quieter refreshment, there are also fresh juices, Illy coffee, and a selection of Dilmah teas on offer. A 55-inch LCD screen at the back keeps you updated with live flight information, news, or sports, which is surprisingly handy if you want to keep tabs on the journey while socializing.
9. Other Inflight Experiences
# Crew: On this flight, the cabin crew were exceptional, combining professionalism with genuine warmth and attentiveness. Emirates’ multicultural crew is always noticeable, with team members representing a wide range of nationalities, languages, and backgrounds, which adds a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere onboard. They went above and beyond to assist whenever needed—in my case, one of the crew quickly and kindly helped retrieve my cellphone after it had slipped down the side of the seat, handling the situation with ease and a reassuring smile.
# Lavatory: On Emirates’ A380, Business Class passengers have access to four lavatories located at the rear of the aircraft, just behind the onboard lounge. Two of these lavatories feature a window, offering a rare and slightly more pleasant view during use.
10. My Verdict
Flying Emirates A380 Business Class remains an iconic experience, even after all these years. From the spacious upper-deck cabin to the onboard lounge, the A380 continues to set a high standard for long-haul travel. While the original cabin design can feel a bit dated compared to today’s more minimalist trends, the aircraft still delivers a sense of luxury and scale that few other airlines can match. Between the attentive, multicultural crew, the generous Business Class seats, and the thoughtfully curated amenities, every element reinforces why Emirates remains one of the best airlines for long-haul Business Class travel. I’m already looking forward to experiencing the airline’s newly refurbished A380 cabins, which promise a more modern, refined aesthetic while maintaining the signature comfort and indulgence that make flying Emirates truly special.
Here’s my verdict 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): 8/10
- Food (quantity): 8/10
- Inflight entertainment : 10/10
- WiFi: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Overall experience: very good – 8.4/10
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