Emirates Business Class Review: Complete Guide & Top Benefits

With world-class lounges, fully reclining seats and renowned gourmet dining, Emirates Business Class rivals first class on many airlines. But is it worth the cost? Here’s everything you need to know about Emirates Business Class: what’s included, how it stacks up against other options, and all the tips on booking the best deals.

With Emirates Business Class, you can treat yourself to a luxurious experience without overspending. If you’re looking for cheap flights in premium cabins like Emirates Business Class, join Going’s Elite members and receive discounted fares on premium classes.

Key takeaways

• Emirates Business Class rivals first class on many airlines with lie-flat seats, direct aisle access (on A380 aircraft) and world-class service.
• Passengers can enjoy a seamless airport experience with priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. 
• Access to exclusive lounges with gourmet food, premium drinks, and relaxation areas is also included.
• The Emirates Business Class experience is superior on the A380 aircraft thanks to its 1-2-1 configuration which allows direct aisle access for all passengers.
• A380 Business Class also comes with an onboard bar and fully flat beds.
• Boeing 777 models have a 2-3-2 layout with less privacy and aisle access.
• Emirates Business Class tickets start around $3,000 roundtrip, but Going Elite members have received deals for as low as $2,500.

Going experts’ Emirates Business Class review & score

Emirates Business Class has been consistently rated among the best in the world due to its spacious seats, top-of-the-line lounges, and unmatched service. The A380 features direct aisle access for every seat, a full bar located in the back of the cabin, and lie-flat beds. The Boeing 777 Business Class is a little less luxurious with its 2-3-2 seat configuration (not all passengers get aisle access).

The airport experience Emirates offers is another plus with priority check-in, chauffeur service in selected locations, and exclusive lounges with premium food and drinks. While onboard, dining is a five-star experience, with multi-course meals, fine wines, and a curated cocktail list available.

The main disadvantage is that each aircraft does not offer the same experience—travelers flying the 777 might not experience the same level of privacy and comfort as those on the A380. That said, Emirates Business Class is still one of the top premium experiences for long-haul international flights.

Expert Score:  9/10

Become a Going Elite member to score the lowest prices, also in top classes.

What to know about Emirates Airlines Business Class

What do you get in business class at Emirates? 

Is it worth upgrading to business class on Emirates?

Emirates Business Class is certainly a step up from economy and premium economy, offering a more spacious seat with enhanced privacy and refined service throughout. Passengers enjoy fully lie-flat seats, direct aisle access on most aircraft, an extensive gourmet menu, and premium beverage options, including fine wines and cocktails.

For long-haul flights, the upgrade is especially worthwhile, as you’ll have access to exclusive airport lounges, priority boarding, and a comfortable in-flight experience with luxury amenities like noise-canceling headphones and Bulgari amenity kits. While it can be expensive to upgrade to this class, Emirates often provides discounted upgrade options to its Skywards members or offers last-minute cash upgrades upon check-in.

What Emirates flights operate business class?

Emirates business class is available on most routes but is best enjoyed on long-haul flights to fully take advantage of the experience and amenities. Business class seats on Emirates’ 777 aircraft are slightly larger than seats on the A380, but the A380 features an in-flight bar and has more aisle access due to the way seats are laid out. Flights from Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC to Dubai fly in the A380, while all other routes from the US use the 777.

What is it like to fly Emirates A380 Business Class?

The Emirates A380 Business Class cabin brings the ultimate flight experience. It features fully lie-flat seats, each equipped with a personal minibar and direct aisle access. Passengers can also enjoy an exclusive onboard lounge, with a space to socialize and enjoy premium beverages. The cabin's 1-2-1 seat configuration is great for privacy and comfort.

Emirates 777 Business Class: What to expect

Based on the aircraft, the Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class can vary a lot. Newer 777s feature a 1-2-1 layout with fully flat seats, similar to the A380. However, many of Emirates’ older 777s still use a 2-3-2 configuration, meaning not all passengers have direct aisle access.

While the seats are comfortable, they are not as private as those on the A380, and some passengers might feel somewhat cramped on the older design. All that said, passengers can still enjoy world-class service, gourmet dining, and extensive entertainment options, making it a solid choice for both short and long-haul flights.

The Emirates Business Class experience at the airport 

Who can use Emirates Business Class lounge?

Emirates lounges are available to customers flying in first or business class and are open 24 hours a day. In Dubai, you can visit the Moët and Chandon Champagne Lounge, which serves four of the brand’s champagnes and canapés created by Michelin-starred chefs. In Dubai’s other business class lounge in Concourses A, B, and C, there are lounge areas; a dining room; bar areas with complimentary wines, beer, and premium spirits; a Health Hub with options like salads and smoothies; dedicated quiet areas and free Wifi. If your flight departs from Concourse A, you can board directly from the lounge. 

Emirates also operates lounges or partners with lounges in airports all around the world. Some of them include London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Munich, Milan, and Zürich in Europe. In the US, Emirates has business class lounges in Los Angeles International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, New York JFK, and San Francisco. There are also lounges in Australia, Egypt, Thailand, South Africa, China, and Japan, among others.

These lounges are equipped with premium services, including gourmet dining with extensive buffet and à la carte options; a selection of fine wines, spirits, and premium beverages; private shower suites and relaxation areas; and business centers with Wifi and charging stations. Some of these lounges even have direct boarding. 

Emirates Business Class check-in

One of the advantages of traveling in business class is their dedicated check-in counters. The process is made even smoother with priority baggage handling and boarding, so passengers can take it easy before take-off. In Dubai, business class travelers can take advantage of a chauffeur-driven car service to and from the airport.

Baggage allowance in Emirates Business Class

Passengers in Emirates Business Class can bring two checked bags weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and two carry-on bags: one briefcase (15 lbs) plus one purse or garment bag (15 lbs). This allowance is especially useful for extended trips, going on a holiday shopping spree, or carrying business-related items.

The Emirates Business Class experience in the air

Emirates Business Class seats

The Boeing 777 Business Class seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, meaning not all passengers have direct aisle access. These plush cream leather seats with wood paneling are 20.5 inches wide with a 60-inch pitch, reclining nearly flat with a comfortable leg rest, optional mattress, and plush bedding. While TVs are large, storage space is minimal. Each seat includes an outlet, USB port, headphone socket, and amenity kits. 

The A380 Business Class, on the other hand, is noticeably superior, featuring a 1-2-1 layout that ensures aisle access for all passengers and greater privacy. Although slightly smaller at 18.5 inches wide with a 48-inch pitch, these seats lie completely flat and include a large ottoman and private drinks cabinet. The amenity kits remain the same on both aircraft.

Benefits of flying Emirates Business Class

In many ways, Emirates Business Class is closer to a first class experience on other airlines. With lie-flat seats and spacious surroundings, premium dining prepared by leading chefs, and top-shelf wines and spirits, together with lounges both at the airport and onboard the A380, Emirates delivers a truly premium experience.

The priority boarding and baggage handling, as well as chauffeur-driven transfers in select cities, make the pre-flight seamless and stress-free. Overall, Emirates Business Class presents an excellent balance of luxury and comfort for travelers seeking an exceptional flight.

Emirates Business Class meals

Emirates Business Class meals are carefully curated, featuring multi-course menus with international and regional dishes, fine china, and elegant table settings. Passengers pre-select their meals according to dietary preferences, and browse from an ample sommelier-selected wine list through the Emirates app. 

Alcohol in Emirates Business Class

Business class passengers have access to an extensive selection of beverages, including vintage champagnes such as Dom Pérignon on select routes, premium wines and spirits, signature cocktails crafted onboard, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

How to book Emirates Business Class

How much does it cost for an Emirates Business Class ticket? 

Prices for Emirates Business Class tickets vary depending on route and time of year/week. Tickets between US cities and the UAE or the US to Europe are generally between $3,500 and $5,000 roundtrip. However, Going frequently finds cheap flights around $2,500 roundtrip.

Here are some recent Emirates Business Class finds we’ve sent our Going Elite members:

• $2,561 roundtrip nonstop to Milan
• $2,397 roundtrip to the Maldives 
• $2,992 roundtrip to Bangkok

>> Flights don’t have to break the bank! Discover smart strategies on how to find cheap flights and book at the lowest prices.

How to upgrade to business class on Emirates for free

Emirates occasionally offers free upgrades to business class for frequent flyers —especially Skywards members with elite status. Many travelers have pointed out that checking in early, dressing smartly, and being polite to airline staff may also increase the chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade.

How much does it cost to upgrade to business class on Emirates? 

Upgrade prices vary by route, availability, and demand. Typically, last-minute upgrades at check-in can range from around $300 to around $1,500, depending on flight length and seat availability.

>> Flying for less is possible! Discover how to save money on flights and make every dollar count. 

How many miles does it take to upgrade to Emirates Business Class? 

Skywards members can upgrade to business class by using miles, but the requirement depends on the route. Upgrades start around 39,000 miles for shorter flights and can go for up to 100,000 miles for long-haul routes.

How do you bid for a seat upgrade on Emirates? 

Emirates offers a bidding system where passengers can submit an offer to upgrade their seat. If their bid is accepted, they receive an email confirmation before departure. (Bids subject to availability and a minimum price.)

How to save while traveling in Emirates Business Class

Join Emirates Skywards and leverage perks

Joining Emirates frequent flyer program is a great way to save on business class flights. Emirates Skywards members earn miles on flights, which can be redeemed for upgrades, free flights, or other perks. Higher-tier members receive additional benefits, including lounge access and bonus miles.

Join Going and get notified about great deals

There’s no need to compromise luxury and comfort for a good deal. By joining Going’s travel membership trial, you let our flight experts do the hard work of finding unbeatable prices for high-fare class tickets while you relax. Elite members receive real-time alerts on premium flight deals, allowing them to book business class tickets at significantly reduced cost.

Download Going’s app and start receiving flight deal alerts! 

More business class and Emirates resources

• Lufthansa business class
• Delta One
• Air France business class
• Polaris business class
• Emirates premium economy