Readers' receptions. At last, premium economy on Emirates' A380, it's a world apart
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Emirates
NRT
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In this article:
Today is the turn of Rudy who decided to tell us about his "first time" in a special booth, enjoy reading.
And finally...here it is!
After years of loyalty to Emirates and related Gold Tiers. I stopped traveling with the Dubai company at the end of 2019. Due to covid and job change I lost all benefits, but as of 2024 I will be back at full strength with the carrier that wonderfully treated me for six consecutive years.
One of the most anticipated and talked about new features is definitely the Premium Economy cabin, available only on certain routes and only in Emirates Airbus 380s.. Thanks to the company I work for, if fares allow, I can take comfort class, and what better occasion than my return from Tokyo to Venice?
Reservation
As usual, booking for corporate travel is not my business...however, I personally choose the flights and, casting my eye over Tokyo-Venice I see A PE fare with Emirates at €400 more than economy.
With an eagerness to try it (and travel more comfortably) I immediately forward the request to the operator and within 48 hours I display the reservation in the Skywards user area. I have to say, while not much has changed over the years, the Emirates website always proves to be user-friendly and very clear, especially in the proposed upgrade and mileage consultation.
At the airport
Arrival in Tokyo Narita on Friday evening around 7 p.m., flight scheduled for 10:45 pm. I used the Narita Express from the capital's central station, service as usual quick (about 50 min) and on time. Power outlets present in every place if you need to charge your phone, provided you have the right adapter.
Arriving at the Emirates counter to check in, I immediately see the Dedicated fast track for premium economy With zero people waiting. Boarding passes and passport in hand I realize the same is true for security and passport control. Time taken for check-in/security/immigration: 10 minutes net. When I think of a few days earlier in Delhi, I smile.
Since I don't have gold status yet (although it will arrive by June) I don't have access to the lounge, but it doesn't matter much. Time for one last excellent sashimi dinner, two gifts, and it's boarding time!
On board
Very quick and straightforward boarding procedures. First, Business Platinum and Gold, Premium Economy and Economy. I quickly realize from the gate that the 380 that will host us tonight will not be traveling at full capacity. I enter the plane, seat 37K, skirt the staircase to the upper level...and here it is, the new Emirates Premium Economy
A performance in a 2-4-2 configuration that smells new. Outstanding color matching and remarkable perception of luxury. In my reservation I had chosen precisely the 37K window seat seeing that the seat next to it turned out to be free.
Much to our surprise it will remain so and indeed, almost half of the PE cabin will be completely empty. Wonderful atmosphere after dinner, with low lights and a truly relaxing violet theme.
The chair
A real showstopper. Leather armchair, Really comfortable with super generous spaces.
Legroom important and on my right a small gap that increases the feeling of wide spaces even more. I thought this was not a good thing, as I am used to leaning on the window, but it was not a problem at all thanks in part to a Headrest finally worthy both as height adjustment and side supports.
On the inside to the left of the chair we find two buttons : one for reclining the chair which is just crazy and one for pulling out the leg rest.
At their fullest extent there is ALMOST the feeling of having a flat-bed.
Retractable coffee table under the center armrest, Solid and really good for working with a laptop, and a dedicated cup-laying stand shared with the side chair.
Attention to detail in every inch and the colors are spot on with creamy white meeting typical Emirates burl, slightly darker than the historic business/first we have been used to.
Good "storage" space, too, with slots under the IFE screen, on the back of the front seat, and a small compartment (good for a phone) under the armrest Left (right for the hallway chair).
The Service
In the PE cabin the service is very close to what you have in Business, Which I was pleasantly surprised by. Welcome drink reception with selection of water, mango juice and lemon&mint.
There is no champagne, okay...however. the lemon mint juice I must say really spectacular. Throughout the flight the attendants were present and also very quick when I called for extra coffee.
A nice kit containing socks, eye covers, toothbrush and toothpaste was also given shortly after takeoff.
All contained in a recyclable paper envelope that winks at a laudable "green policy."
IFE
Those who have traveled with Emirates know this. The system called ICE is reviewed correctly at the top of its class. Thousands of movies, TV series, documentaries, podcasts, you name it.
The whole thing can be looked at in a gorgeous 13″ screen abundant with wonderful resolution. The touch screen is accurate and fast, and it is also a pleasure to use because there is no remote controller.
There are also, in the lower part, a socket Traditional USB and one USB-C, a very welcome novelty.
Completing the connection panel is the usual dual headphone jacks provided, which are the same as in the economy. Here I thought I would find a better quality headphone as on other EPs., if you will is the only flaw but that does not change my personal experience as I have been using my faithful SONY WH1000XM3 for years now. Obviously absolutely excellent judgment and deserved award for the IFE.
Wifi on board is free as far as the messaging if you are a Skywards subscriber. Basically only Whatsapp works (but without downloading images and audio files). Messenger and Instagram don't run well...but little matter. If you want to purchase the pass for the entire flight on this route it costs 19.99 USD, but I personally preferred to watch a couple of movies and sleep. There is also the option of 30 minutes of connection at the rate of 9.99 USD, a frankly meaningless package.
Food & beverage
The push-back has just finished as I sip my mint lemon juice when, even before takeoff, The menu is delivered. On this overnight flight, dinner will be served as well as breakfast, both with two main course choices. The wines are also selected for the PE booth but I preferred to pass...I apologize to you but I was fresh from a lion Thursday night in Kyoto and preferred not to touch alcohol.
Shortly after an hour into the flight, dinner service began, which was very quick given the few pax in PE. I chose the teriyaki chicken and I was really impressed with the goodness and quality of the product. Usually I am very delicate as far as F&B on board, often skipping it if I am not really hungry, but this meal really surprised me. A few years ago I had noticed a slight decline in quality (small things that can be noticed by traveling a lot with the same company) but I definitely have to reconsider. Truly a great meal.
The tray is delivered with porcelain plates, cloth napkin and "real" cutlery. Again we are closer to business than economy and that is yet another plus point for this product. There is a tray, okay, but if there was a tablecloth we would be at the upper class level also because, all of a sudden, the assistant arrived with the basket to let me choose my bread from a selection of three different kinds.
The same service was presented for breakfast about an hour and a half after landing, where I had the inevitable scrambled eggs & chives. Food and drink were a pleasant rediscovery for me at Emirates, and the quality (and service) offered in PE is on par with other emblazoned businesses.
In conclusion
The math is soon done. Emirates premium economy is almost as good as business. Promoted with flying colors. It's not even easy to say what I liked and what I didn't because there are really no substantial flaws. The cabin is gorgeous, the seat very comfortable and the service impeccable.
Here, if we really have to find a downside, it is not related to the experience but instead to the possibility of upgrading with miles From the economy: it cannot be done! Curious choice and strategy about which a discussion could be opened. Upgrading from PE to business, on the other hand, is possible with "only" 43,680 miles on the route just reviewed (NRT-DXB in premium economy flex-plus fare) versus 54,600 from economy (again in flex-plus fare). Warning: fares are very ballerine, you can find an increase from 400€ over economy as easily as 1,000€.
At the beginning of the year, I weighed heavily on which carrier to "marry" for travel with my new job (a lot in Asia). The possibility of PE with Emirates, even if only with the A380, made the difference in my choice by adding a great product to the special treatment I always got from the Dubai-based company when I was (and will be again soon) Gold Tier.
What to say, thanks Rudy you have made me want to try this new booth even more, I I am waiting for its official debut in the Italian skies. Do you also want to share a review with TFC readers? Write to us! We will be happy to publish it.
