Dubai-based Emirates is one of the world’s best airlines in terms of aircraft age, network connectivity, cabin offerings, and entertainment. Emirates is the largest operator of two iconic widebody jets, the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777. The airline only operates these two aircraft types, with over 100 examples of each in its fleet.
Emirates is highly regarded among business and leisure customers for its high-class cabin offerings, in-flight entertainment, and cabin service. Emirates goes above and beyond offering unique services, including stylish amenity kits for all travel classes. This article explores things that make Emirates one of the unique airlines in the world.
1 Amenity kits
Emirates offers stylish amenity kits for all classes of travel
Socks
Eyeshades
Toothbrush set
Bookmarks
Ear plugs
Slippers
A treat usually reserved for business, first class, and sometimes premium economy, the complimentary amenity kits that refresh passengers after long flights are a favorite. Emirates takes this further and makes these kits available in economy class.
Photo: Emirates
According to the company, the kits contain socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a bookmark. They are also made with recycled materials resembling Earth’s elements and the six regions of the company’s network, such as Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Australasia.
Adding to this unique feature, in 2016, Emirates also announced the world’s first interactive amenity kit. The Augmented Reality (AR) technology was through a partnership with the Blippar mobile app, and customers could scan their amenity bags and unlock multiple features. The content supposedly refreshes every six months, allowing customers to point at objects on the app and learn interesting facts.
2 A child-friendly airline
Cabin offerings, including meals, are designed for children
Discounted bassinets
Complimentary strollers
Coloring and toy kits
Organic meals
Bottles and formula milk for infants
Warm blankets for children
While most airlines must accommodate children, Emirates is known for going the extra mile for parents. The carrier lets infants under two years old ride on a passenger’s lap or in a bassinet for a discount, and children from ages two to 11 will also receive a discount. Uniquely, Emirates offers complimentary strollers for parents at Dubai International Airport (DXB) from the check-in desks in Terminal 3.
Photo: Emirates
On the flight, children between two and 12 get specially made meals. Babies are also treated to the Ella’s Kitchen range, which is entirely organic. Moreover, Emirates also plans for extra-prepared parents, and those who choose to bring their meals can heat them on the aircraft. Flight attendants will also have bottles and formula on hand for those who don’t have enough.
Emirates also lets kids cuddle with furry friends and a warm blanket onboard to keep them company. Older children are given activity sheets and stickers to keep them occupied.
3 Inclusive Dubai stopover
The airline offers complimentary transit visas
Transit visa to Dubai Complimentary New flight bookings for existing customers 10% discount Hotel bookings Discount varies
Dubai is one of the largest tourist attractions in the world, and Emirates makes it easier for customers to enjoy the sites during a long-haul layover. Emirates gives customers complimentary transit visas who want to extend their layover (and will even help with the application process).
Photo: Emirates
Not only that, the company will also plan the whole trip. From booking hotels (with 24-hour check-in), transfers, and exclusive deals on attractions, passengers can relax and enjoy the experience while Emirates plans the rest. The carrier will also give customers a 10% discount on new flight bookings.
Read more: Check out other stories about Middle Eastern aviation here !
4 First-class showers
Emirates offers full-standing showers in select First Class cabins
Airbus A380 First Class Showers 2 Shared among passengers 14
Emirates is one of two airlines that give first-class customers a spa-like shower experience of 30,000 feet in the air. Many airlines have quickly retired their Airbus A380 aircraft, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen single-aisle travel lead the recovery.
However, Emirates prides itself on flying the double-decker jet. The extra room includes a luxurious shower, which may also give customers a reason to book a flight on the A380 over the Boeing 777.
Photo: Emirates
While not all A380s include a shower, the ones with two are at the front of the upper deck. Customers can shower once per flight and have about 30 minutes in the spacious bathroom. The busiest times are usually two hours before landing.
The only catch is that customers get just five minutes of running water, but most reviewers have said this is plenty of time. Before or after take-off, a flight attendant will ask customers if they would like to book a shower and will collect it when the time is ready.
Furthermore, the shower has temperature-controlled floors, a movable shower head nozzle, and a selection of skincare products to refresh passengers. Fellow United Arab Emirates carrier Etihad is the other airline to offer the opportunity for a full body wash onboard.
5 Award-winning in-flight entertainment
Emirates offers 5,000+ movies, music, and media
Economy screens 13.3 inches First Class screens 32 inches
Emirates has won Skytrax’s ‘best inflight entertainment’ awards every year for over a decade, for good reason. Emirates was one of the first airlines to offer individual entertainment systems in the 1990s. While initially, the industry questioned the expensive endeavor, it has now become the standard of long-haul travel.
The company calls it the ICE system (Information, Communication, and Entertainment) and has continued to ensure it is the best in the industry. First-class screens are as big as 32 inches, and economy has generously sized 13.3-inch displays.
Photo: Emirates
The company offers up to 5,000 movies, music, and games channels along with various alternative activities, including personal growth programs. Altogether, it is well known for having the latest episodes of popular TV shows.
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Emirates has said that it would take a passenger to fly between Dubai and Sydney 500 times to see everything on hand. This is a handy provision for frequent travelers, as many of us have been left bored after completing the basic offerings of several other airlines.
These are five major aspects that make Emirates a unique carrier in the international skies. These capabilities have assisted with the company’s impressive ascension over the decades.
Several other points undoubtedly help the operator stand out. Nonetheless, the attention to high-quality customer service is an underlying trend among these factors.