Review Emirates 777 flight, here's how to travel (free) in first class
A free first class ticket with Emirates is the holy grail of serial point accumulators
Emirates
LIS
Important premise.
The author of this review, and his companion, are Italian but do not reside in Italy, so on this vacation to the Maldives they did not violate any travel ban or limitation whatsoever imposed by the Dpcm.
On the positive side of this "new" normal is that due to low passenger numbers, the airlines have opened up all their inventory, resulting in an abundant supply of award seats, even last minute, in all flight classes. Including first class.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- B777/300
- Class:
- First
- Treat:
- DXB - LIS
- Price:
- 79k skywards
- Book
In the next few days we will post the rest of the reviews of this trip: the Radisson Blu Maldives and the outbound business class trip also with the Dubai-based company.
We have written numerous articles explaining how to make points in a few days and without spending practically nothing, e.g. We told you how in 10 days one of our readers has accumulated enough MR to detach this type of ticket. If you are new to reward travel, we recommend that you read the our beginner's guide And tips for getting started from the couch at home.
Reservation
The full itinerary for this trip included two tickets, round trip, from Lisbon to the Maldives via Dubai. Specifically, the last leg from Dubai to Lisbon was done in first class in the "suites" of the 777.
The entire itinerary was booked using Skywards points., or the currency of Emirates' loyalty program. Having found availability to upgrade, we took advantage of the last leg in first class instead of business class as planned.
The upgrade from business to first cost only 79 thousand SW points, points that I could quickly transfer from my account membership rewards. Emirates is one of the partner companies and guarantees very fast time for points transfer, an important aspect, as it makes it much easier to use miles without running the risk of losing tickets.
To get an idea of the costs i Two round-trip business tickets at the same time as our trip cost from €6,300 to €12,500, the eventual cash payment of the upgrade to first class would have had an approximate cost of no less than 3 thousand euros.
The cost in points of the two tickets in business has been 130k Skywards points and €287 tax and surcharges per ticket. Expenditure that of course I supported with the my American Express Platinum, by doing so I not only gained points, but immediately triggered the insurance coverage provided included in the card. This was also joined by the free and specific coverage for Covid-19 offered by Emirates to all its passengers.
The upgrade cost me an additional outlay of 79k Skywards points., but when I think about how much the full-price ticket costs, I was absolutely happy to use MRs, points I earned almost without spending a euro.
In the end, the tickets, including the upgrade, cost me. 300 thousand Membership Rewards points in addition to €580 (the "normal" price would have been 10,000 euros!).
At the airport
Having a first-class ticket with Emirates means being able to take advantage of exclusive services such as a private car that picks you up at home or at your hotel, special airport routes, and especially the first-class lounge.
In our case, coming from the Maldives, we only used the lounge.
For those who have never been to Dubai, the company's lounge occupies two floors of the entire Terminal 3, the home of Emirates. It is so large that maps are hung on the walls for getting from one place to another, and at every intersection there is signage-in short, a small city.
Of course, the effect of Covid is also felt here, unfortunately the lounge dedicated exclusively to first class passengers was closed, how to criticize them. The solution adopted by Emirates was to dedicate a section of the business lounge for first passengers, but maintain exclusive services, such as table service rather than buffet. Curious to know what the menu offers? Just click here.
One of the highlights of the Emirates lounge is the exclusive guest spa.
The massage was definitely a boon before I boarded my flight to Lisbon, the use of the spa is allowed for all guests with the difference being that the services are free for First passengers and charged for all others.
On board
What can I say, it may not be the new first class, what Emirates calls the "Game changer" however we are still talking about a brand new plane (according to flightradar this 777/300 plate A6-EPS was not even 5 years old) and the suite is something close to perfection.
The cabin provides only two rows with 4 suites per row, thus a total of 8 studios. For comparison, the new first class provides a total of 6 seats, so more space and even more privacy.
Our seats were the middle two, traveling as a couple they are definitely more comfortable even if you have to give up the window.
The space is huge, and when you decide to lower the seat, the bed is very comfortable. As soon as on board we were greeted and escorted to the seat, where the cabin manager, after introducing herself, explained everything our seat had to offer.
Unfortunately, on daytime flights the complete beauty kit is not distributed, but only a small selection of products that are hidden in one of the many compartments in the seat.
In this case it was an almost 8-hour flight, so the entire overnight kit was delivered. The pajamas in the iconic pouch and the very comfortable slippers. Sure there is no shower like on the A380, But otherwise nothing is really lacking.
If you are traveling as a couple as in our case, the two middle seats are the ideal solution. There are airlines that offer an actual double bed, as in Singapore Airlines' first class or as Etihad offered aboard the A380, but it is still a top solution.
On board you are pampered in everything, the staff in charge of only first class passengers make the bed. Excellent mattress and the blanket that is a real comforter.
Food and beverage
This was a morning flight, leaving Dubai at 7:40 a.m. and arriving in the Portuguese capital around noon. Although we had already been gobbling in the lounge, we decided to have a light breakfast, starting with a glass of orange juice.
Immediately after takeoff, breakfast was served; I opted for some cereal and yogurt, but as stated on the menu you could eat everything from poached eggs to more traditional dishes.
A minibar, snacks, and a note-taking kit are provided in the suite.
Emirates offers the ability to eat when you want and especially as much as you want, all you have to do is press a button and after less than 2 minutes a flight attendant will be ready to fulfill every wish, culinary and otherwise.
As is well known, First Class passengers can dine while sipping on one of the world's finest champagnes, Dom Perignon vintage 2008. If you're not a fan of French bubbles, the wine and spirits list includes some of the world's most exclusive labels.
Emirates has restored, in full compliance with regulations, in-flight service to 100%.
A little less than two hours after landing, I ordered lunch. I was really undecided about how to end the experience.
As an appetizer, I had caviar platter, served with typical blini, eggs and vegetables.
As a main course then I opted for a filet, cooked to perfection.
For dessert, since I could not choose, I ordered both cake and fresh fruit.
IFE and Service
If there is one thing that has always set Emirates apart from other airlines, it is definitely the in-flight entertainment system. And if it's already great in other classes, imagine in first: the best in the skies around the world with a giant 32-inch TV.
The suite is all controlled by the tablet placed next to the seat, from here you can turn on the light, order food, close the door, and steer the seat. For the discerning, you can also use it as a second TV screen, as a controller for video games or to admire the plane's webcams.
Bowers & Wilkins headphones have a retro design but fully perform their duty by adequately isolating from noise and allow you to enjoy a movie as if in your living room at home.
Connectivity at the highest level thanks to wi-fi, which is free for First passengers, while it is charged for everyone else.
In conclusion
A first-class award ticket with Emirates is one of the most coveted goals for all frequent flyers. Of course it takes method and application (this is a trip that would otherwise cost no less than €10,000), But the reward is something unique on the world stage.
Are you new to reward travel? Here are some tips on how to get started to collect points to be turned into trips like this one and travel from singles, in couple e in the family Without spending anything except points.
Pro
- The service is perfect
- It feels like being in a starred restaurant
- The chair is very comfortable
Against
- It might cost a little bit less
- On a daytime flight, they don't give a beauty kit