Ready for takeoff with Emirates Airlines. From self-check-in to in-flight entertainment, we’ve got the inside scoop on what it’s really like to fly economy class with one of the world’s top airlines. Spoiler alert: it’s a first-class experience without the hefty price tag. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey with our Emirates economy class review on the A380
Emirates Airlines needs no introduction. This UAE carrier is a popular choice for travellers worldwide, renowned for its exceptional service and amenities, especially in business class.
However, as much as we like to sit in front (or on top in the A380), we are normal people who fly economy class. We wear stretchy pants and T-shirts and sit at the back – that’s how we roll. We just landed back in Dubai from Johannesburg, and we loved it so much that we decided to write a nice little flight experience for all the other normal folks like us.
In this Emirates economy class review, we’ll look closer at Emirates on the A380 and share our recent experience flying with them.
We flew from Dubai to Johannesburg roundtrip for a family emergency, and the comfort and service we experienced on Emirates made the ordeal much more bearable. Personal drama aside, this journey on Emirates Airbus 380 was the most comfortable flight we’ve ever flown in economy class. So if you’re wondering what economy class on Emirates a380 is like, then this review is just for you.
While Emirates is well-known for its superior service, we chose them since we needed a direct flight to Johannesburg. The only other direct flight from the UAE to South Africa was Etihad flying from Abu Dhabi. Emirates was considerably cheaper than Etihad. It was also just slightly more expensive than the cheapies like Kenyan or Ethiopian Airlines with their (short) layovers.
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Disclaimer: Emirates is not paying us for this review of our flight experience. We paid the full fare and are not affiliated with them in any way. This Emirates economy class review reflects our personal experience and opinion.
Check-in & Boarding
We were smart enough to check in online using the Emirates App a day before our departure. We had the option to pick free seats or upgrade to the spacious bulkhead or exit row seats with extra legroom for a fee. The boarding passes were emailed to us and also available on the App – easy peasy!
Dubai International Airport’s self-check-in kiosks were a breeze even for first-timers like us. But, if you prefer someone else doing the work for you, traditional check-in counters are available.
All you need to do is scan your passport at the kiosk and follow the instructions. If you’re lost or confused, Emirates staff are happy to help. The only challenge was figuring out how to tag our luggage ourselves. After some confusion, we learned to loop the tag around the handle and press the two non-sticky red circles together. No need to peel off the sticker to get to the glue 😂
With our bags tagged, we were off to immigration and kill time exploring Dubai’s duty-free shopping while the conveyor belt whisked our luggage away. The process, including waiting in line, took less than 10 minutes – talk about convenience!
Returning to Dubai from Johannesburg, there’s no separate bag drop for online check-ins at OR Tambo. You’ll have to queue up with the technologically challenged and internetless peasants. But don’t worry, the lines move quickly!
Boarding was painless and civilised, and we were met with the crew’s huge (dare I say genuine) smiles upon entering the plane.
Emirates A380 Economy Class Seat & Comfort
Economy class seats in the A380 on Emirates have a 3-4-3 configuration. Thanks to the Airbus 380’s enormous size ( I think), flying economy class is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I have not had this much space in a regular economy class seat before.
On both our flights, we pre-booked a window seat. On the Dubai-Johannesburg leg, it was just the two of us in our row, so Jin could lay down and sleep with her head on my lap.
As a regular window seat man, two things stood out for me.
The windows are much bigger than on other planes I’ve flown on, both in width and height. Unfortunately, we were seated on the wing – these wings are just as enormous as the plane- so I couldn’t see much.
Also, a wide space between the window seat and the fuselage makes sleeping against the window somewhat uncomfortable. But that really is a minor discomfort – first-world problems, if you will.
The seats are spacious, soft, and comfortable. I am 187cm tall and sat without my knees touching the seat in front of me. Even when the passenger in front of me reclined, I still sat comfortably.
Our Emirates economy class flight on the A380 was the most comfortable, spacious and relaxing flight we’ve ever had, with ample legroom and seat pitch.
A smooth flight is another benefit of the A380’s size. The flying whale of a plane handles turbulence like a boss.
In-flight Entertainment & Amenities on Emirates A380
Emirates’ in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in economy class on the Airbus A380 is called “ICE” (Information, Communication, Entertainment). The system offers a wide range of entertainment options to keep you entertained during their flights.
If your regular flights are hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror, an A380 flight will be a refreshing new experience. ICE offers over 4,500 channels of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and games. There’s something for everyone, with options available in various languages and genres.
Surprisingly, we did not receive an amenity kit on our flights, perhaps because it was not an overnight flight.
Here’s what you can expect from Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system in economy class on the Airbus A380:
- Seatback screens: Each seat in economy class on the Airbus A380 is equipped with a personal seatback screen. The screen size is approximately 13.3 inches, with great picture quality and resolution.
Under the seatback screen, you’ll find a detachable console for gaming or controlling your screen. The console has its own mini-screen.
I liked how I could display the flight map on the console while watching TV on the main screen. - Audio and video on demand: Passengers can choose from over 4,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, including hundreds of movies from around the world, TV shows, music, podcasts, and games. The entertainment options are updated monthly, so you’ll get the same entertainment if your return flight is within the same calendar month as your outbound flight.
- Headsets: Emirates provides free headsets that fit nicely, even on my head. It’s also possible to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the IFE system.
- Live TV: Emirates offers live TV on some flights, including news and sports channels.
- Airshow: The ICE system also features Airshow, which shows passengers the flight path, altitude, and other flight information in real time.
- USB and power outlets: Each seat has a USB port and power outlet to charge your devices.
- Wi-Fi: Emirates A380 economy class passengers can purchase Wi-Fi packages to stay connected during their flight. The Wi-Fi speeds are supposedly fast enough to stream content on personal devices (we did not use Wi-Fi, so we can’t comment on it). We expected Emirates might offer some free Wi-Fi as we had on Qatar Airways, but no such luck.
Food & Beverage in Emirates Economy Class
Those who know us will tell you we love good food. While we sure as hell don’t fly economy for the culinary experience, we are glad to report that the food in Emirates economy class is good – very good.
Emirates is a full-service flight with complimentary food and drinks included in your ticket (so you basically paid for it already).
Passengers flying in economy can choose between two non-vegetarian or a vegetarian option. If you have special dietary requirements or preferences, such as kosher, halal, or gluten-free meals, you can request these options at the time of booking or up to 24 hours before the flight. Kid’s meals are available for the youngsters.
The drinks trolley was well-stocked with all the soft drinks and booze a normal man in economy class could desire.
Emirates did not provide a menu in our seat pocket (do they even still do that after Covid?), but you can view the menu on the Emirates App. Don’t have the App? Then you must be a proper commoner and listen to the flight attendant as she gives you the options.
Dubai to Johannesburg is just over 8 hours of flying. On both the outbound and return flights, we had lunch and a sandwich/snack before landing.
On the Dubai-Johannesburg flight, I had the beef in pepper sauce with mash, and Jin had the FANTASTIC chicken curry. Our meals included a roll, butter, salad, and cream puffs for dessert. Our trays also had crackers, cheese and small chocolate for after-dinner coffee and tea.
Before landing at OR Tambo in Joburg, we had the choice between two snacks, but we both decided on the falafel sandwich.
Flying back to Dubai, I had a very nice Cape Malay fish curry (almost as good as they make it in Cape Town), and Jin had the Piri piri chicken (almost as spicy as in Mozambique). For dessert, there was a yummy lemon cake.
Before arriving at Dubai International Airport, we could choose between a sweet pastry or an egg and cheese sandwich.
Service & Staff
Reputation, comfort and great food aside, Emirates truly shines in its exceptional customer service, and the crew members on their flights are no exception.
One of the unique features of the crew members on Emirates flights is their diverse backgrounds. According to the cockpit announcement on the Johannesburg-Dubai flight, our crew consisted of 16 nationalities speaking 16 languages (in addition to English).
Emirates Airlines is a truly international carrier based in Dubai, and the airline’s staff is a mix of nationalities and cultures from around the world.
The Emirates crew members, dressed in stylish red and beige uniforms, are friendly and professional without being overbearing or robotic.
On our Emirates flight, one of the cool things we noticed was how the crew members went around the cabin with a Polaroid camera, snapping pictures of the passengers as a keepsake.
They really go the extra mile (or extra 10,000 feet) with a smile to ensure everyone is happy and feels like a valued guest – even in economy class. Their exceptional service is a significant reason Emirates is consistently ranked among the best airlines globally, and we can’t wait to fly with them again.
Emirates Economy Class FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel in economy class on Emirates Airlines:
- What is the baggage allowance for economy class passengers on Emirates Airlines?
Baggage allowance depends on the booking class and fare rules of your ticket. For the most accurate information, see the Emirates website. We received a generous baggage allowance of 2x23kg per person. - Is there a difference between the seats in the front and back of the economy class cabin on Emirates Airlines?
In the A380, the entire lower half of the plane is dedicated to our commoners. There is no difference between sitting in the front or back. The only benefit of sitting in front is the ability to disembark the plane quicker. - What is the in-flight entertainment system like on Emirates Airlines’ economy class?
The IFE on Emirates is awesome, with lots to keep you entertained or distracted. Between movies, TV shows, live TV, podcasts, games and flight maps, you’ll find something to keep you from overthinking how such a large plane can stay in the air. - Are there any additional amenities provided in economy class on Emirates Airlines?
You’ll find a blanket, pillow and headphones at your seat. If you need anything (within reason), crew will do their best to help out. Our neighbour needed a Samsung phone charger, which the crew delivered in no time. - What is the food and beverage service like on Emirates Airlines’ economy class?
Expect tasty food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served with a smile on any Emirates flight. You will not go hungry or thirsty. - Are there any opportunities to upgrade to business or first class on Emirates Airlines’ economy class?
This depends on booking class, fare rules and availability. Check with Emirates directly for the most up-to-date information. - Can passengers use their own headphones in Emirates Airlines’ economy class A380?
While we only used the provided headphones from Emirates, it is possible to pair your own Bluetooth headphones to ICE on the A380. - Is there Wi-Fi available on Emirates Airlines’ economy class?
Wi-Fi packages are available from USD 2.99 for text apps or USD 9.99 for full internet access. Emirates Skywards members can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi. See Emirates’ onboard Wi-Fi information here. - What is the legroom like in economy class on Emirates Airlines?
I’m 187cm tall (6′2″ for y’all in Wisconsin) and found the seats spacious. Emirates A380 economy class seats are 18 inches wide and have a 32-inch pitch. - How does Emirates Airlines compare to other airlines regarding economy-class comfort and service?
Emirates is one of the best airlines in the world. It’s the most comfortable flight we’ve ever had in economy class.
We think Qatar has slightly better food (waffles for breakfast!), and I like the look and feel of the IFE on Etihad a little more. We like flying Turkish Airlines as an excuse to see Istanbul (for the third or fourth time), and we are Star Alliance members.
But for comfort, none of them can beat the Emirates A380. We will definitely be back!
Emirates Economy Class Review: The Verdict
To sum up my Emirates Airlines experience in economy class: I love it! The flight was comfortable, the food was delicious, and the service was exceptional. The in-flight entertainment options were abundant, and the flight attendants went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed.
I had the most enjoyable flight, even under my dire circumstances.
I would definitely fly with Emirates again. It’s a no-brainer, like choosing cake over kale. With Emirates, you get the whole package: comfort, great service, and a touch of luxury. So, if you’re looking for a great flying experience, BOOK THOSE TICKETS ALREADY!
Hi have just come off a Emirates flight today from Australia to Dubai. The seat I had 73E in economy had no more padding than your average plastic garden chair with a cushion attached. The recline didn’t work .Iam a small size 10-12 (clothing)5ft I. female.” Everything else was what you would expect in Economy Class but they need to rethink the non existence seat padding😩
Oh that sucks, sorry to hear that.
It sounds like our recent experience with the UAE’s other airline when we flew from Jakarta to Abu Dhabi. Broken seats that don’t recline, broken entertainment systems and uneven padding on the seats- we hear you sister!
Hope you’re next flight is better
Thanks for your in depth review. We are flying with emirates on a A380 from London to Dubai and then on to Brisbane Australia and then back via Bangkok Dubai London economy class this month.You have answered my query ( can i connect my personal headphones by bluetooth to emirates IFE) We are very much looking forward to our travels,
Many thanks
Chris.
Hi Chris, Enjoy your LONG flight 😝 I believe it is possible to connect your headphones via bluetooth – according to the Emirates website. We did not try this this feature ourselves, though
Had economy seat from Birmingham to Dubai. Never again.. awful.. flight attendance was poor. Seats were uncomfortable and meal made me sick… poor show Emirates 😢
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, Melanie. I’m actually typing this from the airport as I’m waiting for an update on a delayed flight (more than 4 hours now)- and it’s with our favourite airlines. So yeah, sometimes a carrier is awesome and the next day it’s not I guess.