Dubai-based Emirates unveils luxury...

World's most profitable airline to introduce personalised check-in and gloved service

Dubai-based Emirates airline has drawn on its experience as the world’s largest operator of First Class flights to add luxury upgrades to its already premium experience.

Recognising that First Class needs to constantly up its game, especially with stiff competition from regional heavyweights Etihad and Qatar Airways, the world's most profitable airline is introducing personalised check-in lounges, gloved service and enhanced inflight dining.

The First Class Check In area in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is being refurbished and due to open in the next few weeks, providing what Emirates says will be a "more personalised, lounge-style check-in experience".

Emirates' new First Class Check In Area, DXB

Passengers in First Class have a new keepsake menu which showcases the onboard dining experience and inspiration behind dishes, including full tasting profiles and suggested pairings for onboard wines and champagne, including Dom Pérignon, with Emirates the only airline in the world to offer it.

Unlimited caviar, available in First for a few years, will now be served in engraved glass bowls designed by Robert Welch, along with seven accompaniments, while a cheeseboard selection is now elevated with a wooden honey dipper and served on a rustic slate.

Cheese served on a rustic slate

Cabin crew in First Class will provide a gloved service, associated with the highest standards in hospitality usually delivered by butlers or waiting staff at high-end restaurants.

Emirates is the world’s biggest operator of international First Class travel, with 26,800 seats a week, but the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024 put Emirates behind Air France and winner Singapore Airlines for World’s Best First Class Airline.

Singapore Airlines also won the award for the Best First Class Airline Seat, while Air France won Best First Class Onboard Catering and the Best First Class Lounge Dining. Swiss won Best First Class Airline Lounge award. Emirates did not go home empty-handed, winning Best First Class Airline Onboard Amenities.

Emirates will be looking for a better showing when the next Skytrax Awards are held at the Paris Airshow on 17 June 2025, and has been continuously enhancing its First Class service.

However, competition is fierce in First. Etihad’s The Residence takes luxury to new heights, with the multi-room suite for two including a bedroom, separate living area and ensuite shower room.

And although Riyadh Air’s recently unveiled aircraft cabin does not include First Class, there are rumours that future widebody aircraft will do so, and take the class to new levels.

While that is in the future, Emirates First Class customers today enjoy access to 43 luxury lounges worldwide and chauffeur-driven, door-to-door transfers in many destinations. In February, Emirates opened a new lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, the airline’s biggest after the one in its hub in Dubai.

Emirates has two Shower Spas in First Class on the A380. First Class customers also have exclusive access to the Onboard Lounge on the upper deck of the A380.

First Class Game Changer Suites onboard the Emirates Boeing 777 feature floor to ceiling doors, seats that convert to ‘zero gravity’ setting, and a video call for room service. Private suites in the middle row have virtual windows.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 76-PAGE CONNECTING TRAVEL INSIGHT REPORT TODAY