Latest news with #EmiratesA380
Metro
5 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Emirates business class review: I 'turned left' — now I'm ruined for life
On a recent trip to Australia, Mel was a guest of Emirates, flying Heathrow to Sydney in Business Class. From door-to-door chauffeur service to Bulgari toiletries, on-board bar and a seemingly infinite supply of champagne and cakes, this extravagant whirl around the world would make it hard to fly any other way. But is it worth the expense? Here, Mel gives her verdict for anyone eyeing a seat up front. Mel, over to you. The background: I like to romanticise my flights. As soon as I shut the front door, I'm 'on holiday'. From stocking up on books in WHSmith to applying skincare on flights, I want the experience to be as comfortable as possible, no matter how I'm flying. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Which is, I should add, always economy. What were the highlights? The flat-lie beds feel like a cop-out to mention as a highlight because, let's be honest, it's what you expect from a business class seat in 2025. So I'll go beyond that. The lack of airport faff was a real delight. A chauffeur picked me up at my door and dropped me off at Heathrow, and there was a dedicated (and empty) business-specific bag drop, as well as a special security screening section that delivered me from car to Emirates lounge in 10 minutes. It goes to show how quick and painless the process of getting through airport check-in and security *could* be…for a cost. What other perks do you get? If you're flying from Heathrow, there is a dedicated gate within the Emirates lounge, meaning once you're settled in with a snack and glass of bubbles, you don't have to leave the cushy confines to venture back to the general terminal to board the plane. The same goes when flying out of Dubai, where you can board directly from the gate. It's a stealth convenience I didn't realise I needed. What is the cabin actually like? I flew on an Emirates A380, which is the newer configuration with a 1-2-1 layout. This is, I'm told, the more elite set-up (compared to the 2-2-2 layout), where every seat has aisle access, meaning you don't have to climb over a sleeping neighbour should you want to visit the bathroom or bar, or stretch your legs mid-flight. I loved having easy access to the aisle and a window view (even if I did have to lean quite far over to spot the glistening lights of Sydney as we landed). Back to the Bulgari freebies — what were they? It's no surprise that Emirates supplies a bougie toiletries bag on board. There's one for women and another for men (I took bot home, they have different products). The women's bag — a large silver case — included rich hand cream, fragrance, lip balm and deodorant, as well as the usual toothbrush/toothpaste (which was also stocked in the bathroom). The men's — which was a simple, black bag — upped the game with a disposable razor, which I thought was a practical inclusion. My husband and I still use the bags for weekends away as they're the perfect size to fit your essentials. Do I dare mention the noise-cancelling headphones, the soft cotton pyjamas, the eyemask and the slippers I also got on board? What was the food like? I'm one of those people who like plane food, even in economy. Give me a little pot of pasta salad and a slice of lemon drizzle cake any day. But the food in business was ridiculous. After asking the flight attendant to help me locate my tray table (the best way to look like a total business class newbie…) a white cloth was placed atop, with olives and nuts to start. I then feasted on thick cuts of smoked salmon with horseradish cream, a main of seared beef tenderloin and potato gratin, and I ended with a cheeseboard stacked with Stilton blue, a Dutch goat's cheese and Gouda. Breakfast was banana pancakes with a berry compote (which I chose over bircher muesli), while I snacked in between on cakes and fruit from the bar. Anything else? The onboard bar was a brilliant touch and I still enjoy the flashbacks of seeing fellow travellers — who I appreciate were likely C-suite, or very important business people, not journalists who only dream of flying this way every time — sitting in their blue-grey Emirates pyjamas and slides, quaffing back top-shelf spirits in the seating area. Scouting a mid-flight Bloody Mary made with Belvedere vodka was a lovely way to travel, no less the welcome ability to grab a packet of crisps, a sandwich or fruit to take back to your seat to quell mid-journey tummy rumbles. What didn't you like so much? The fact I can't live this life every time I fly? I don't think there was any aspect I didn't like, which is saying a lot for a 24-hour long haul to Australia. I could say the Entertainment options weren't as good as other flights I've been on, but that's got nothing to do with Business and I'd have the same experience in Economy. If I had to be really picky (which you want me to be, don't you?) I'd say food service was a long affair, where I had to wait quite a while for entrees to be removed for mains, then mains to be removed for dessert, then dessert to be removed so I could put my table away and go to sleep. We could've shaved off a solid 40 minutes of waiting there. But truly first world (or at least business class) problems. Ok, it sounds great. How much does business with Emirates cost? London to Dubai in Emirates Business is around £2,995 return. Flying business to Sydney, like I did starts from £5,435. It's not something most people can afford, but if you can spring for it, it's certainly a lovely experience. Final thoughts? I can't deny there wasn't a slight smugness that came from turning left, or, rather, boarding through the dedicated business queue and heading up the stairs because I'm always the sneering economy class passenger trying to pretend I'm totally fine with my tiny cattle class seat. More Trending For 24 hours (well, 48 if you count it as a return journey) I felt utterly pampered. And I got to pretend. My chauffeur chatted to me like I flew in luxury all the time, and I was addressed by name by attentive flight attendants as they dropped by to take my dinner order. As someone who's made the journey from the UK to Australia several times over the years, I'd never believe it if someone told me I wouldn't want the flight to end. Even if you don't care for creature comforts, the whole process of flying was made horrendously convenient. I'm ruined for life. We're doing our best to bring you the inside scoop on what every airline offers. Our Opinion Editor, Jess Austin, recently flew business class from London to Toronto with British Airways. It was her first time travelling outside economy, and the experience was a world away from the flying she's accustomed to. From excessive leg room to White Company freebies , you can read her honest review here. MORE: Plane suddenly drops 500 feet to 'avoid mid-air collision' with British jet fighter MORE: I explored the 'forgotten' islands two hours from UK that most can't find on a map MORE: TUI launches 'extreme day trips' from 11 UK airports that last 24 hours
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Anita Thomas: Vietnam completely surprised me — bags of frogs for sale on the street!
Favourite childhood holiday memory Our exotic family holidays usually meant packing up the red Derby and heading to Sparly Cove in West Cork. My aunt had a static caravan down there and every year, without fail, we'd spend two weeks in the same spot. No phones, just showing up and seeing the same families every year like a kind of reunion no one organised. We always say it felt like we had proper summers back then: sunburnt shoulders and sandwiches with sandy hands on the beach. You had to be quick for the first one before the sand got to them. But I just remember everyone being really happy. Even the car journey was a sing-along. Simpler times, but that's what stays with you. Most memorable trip Anita Thomas at Emirates' A380 onboard bar One that stands out was flying to Singapore with my husband and daughters. My husband and I are both aviation nerds, and we've passed that on to our kids; we've been known to choose destinations based on aircraft type. This trip was all about flying on the Emirates A380 and getting the chance to experience First Class as a family. From the private suites to booking your own shower time at 30,000 feet, it was surreal. We were pinching ourselves the whole way, and we ended up having such craic at the onboard bar, chatting and arranging to meet up in Singapore. And all the little touches, the Voya products from Sligo, for example, just made us feel even prouder to be Irish while travelling. Most surprising destination Vietnam completely surprised me. I didn't know if it would be my thing, but I absolutely fell in love with it. We started in Hanoi, and it was chaos in the best way, scooters everywhere, carrying everything from washing machines to umbrellas. At one point, we saw actual bags of frogs for sale on the street. Ha Long Bay in north Vietnam Then we travelled to Ha Long Bay for an overnight boat trip that felt like something out of a film. Later, in Da Nang, everything slowed down. We helped cook on a local farm, though I can't cook to save my life, and I had a moment of panic when my fake tan came off during a traditional foot- washing ritual! The poor woman thought she'd scalded me. It was one of those funny, unforgettable travel moments. Favourite city Dubai Dubai. We go there so often as a family, with friends, and even my neighbours. People often think it's all bling and not suitable for families, but it's actually the opposite. Safety is key for me, especially with my three daughters, and I never have to worry in Dubai. There's a buzz the second you land. Whether you want the beach, a city break, or something affordable, it has it all. You could eat for €10 in Deira or go full luxury in Palm Jumeirah. Most memorable food experience It wasn't in a fancy restaurant, but in the Maldives. A local fisherman had just brought in his catch, and the chef invited me to choose a fish. He grilled it right there, with some local spices and lime, and we ate barefoot by the sea with the sunset going down. It was so simple, but everything aligned in that moment, the place, the food, the people. We still talk about it whenever someone mentions fish. Favourite hotel Atlantis The Palm Dubai If we could only ever go back to one hotel, it would be Atlantis The Palm. It ticks every box for us: luxury, amazing service, loads of dining options, and great entertainment. My family has very different tastes, and this is one place that works for all of us. From the waterpark to the aquarium to the food, there's so much to do, even if you never leave the resort. And more than anything, it's the hospitality. The more you travel, the more you value that kind of service. That's what makes it really stand out. Favourite thing to do while travelling Food is a huge part of it. Even if I'm not hungry, I'll try something new. I love finding local spots — street food stalls or tiny restaurants in villages. I'll always look for where the locals are also make a point to do at least one activity that's unique to wherever we are. In Dubai, we've done the desert safari so many times, but it never gets old. Bucket list trip Kyoto, Japan Since covid, we've tried to say yes to travel as much as possible. We've covered the US, Europe, Asia, and the Indian Ocean, and we visit Dubai regularly. But top of the list now is Japan. I'd love to do it early next year. And as a family, we're planning to visit Australia and New Zealand in a few years once school schedules allow.
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- 7NEWS
Backpacker Carolina Wilga rescued from Australian Outback in WA returns to Germany after 12-day survival ordeal
Backpacker Carolina Wilga, who was lost in the Australian outback for 12 days, has returned home to Germany. The 26-year-old student from Castrop-Rauxel, North Rhine-Westphalia, landed in Düsseldorf on Saturday at 1.31 pm after the more than 20-hour flight from Perth via Dubai, according to German newspaper BILD. She flew business class on an Emirates A380, escorted throughout the long-haul flight by medics as a precaution following her dramatic survival ordeal in the WA outback. Wilga was immediately transferred from the airport in a civilian ambulance to the Evangelical Hospital in Castrop-Rauxel as a precaution, local newspapers reported. Her familiar orange trekking backpack, which she had carried with her when she travelled around Australia, was seen being brought in. Vanished without a trace Wilga made international headlines after surviving 12 days lost and alone in WA 's Wheatbelt when her car became bogged in harsh bushland. On June 29, she was last seen at a small supermarket in regional Western Australia. Her damaged van was discovered abandoned in thick bush on July 10 near the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve. Despite having supplies in the vehicle — food, water, and clothes — Carolina was nowhere to be found. A massive search was launched across remote bushland. People in Germany and Australia followed the case, with concerns growing as days stretched into weeks. Twelve days in the wilderness Wilga had wandered into the bush after crashing her vehicle. 'Some may wonder why I left the car, even though I had food and water,' she later said from her hospital bed. 'I lost control of the car and rolled down an embankment. I hit my head pretty badly during the crash.' Disoriented and injured, she spent 12 days alone in the outback drinking from puddles, sleeping in caves, and fending off biting insects and freezing nights. She lost 12 kilograms and suffered burns, a foot injury, and severe dehydration. On July 11, cattle farmer Tania Henley spotted the barefoot young woman at the side of a dirt road, 24 km from her abandoned van. She was flown to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, where she received treatment and made a steady recovery before flying out of the country under medical supervision. A quiet return Now back in her hometown, Wilga is recovering in hospital, surrounded by family. 'I'm incredibly grateful to be alive,' she said in a previous statement. 'Western Australia showed me what it means to be part of a real community.'
Hi Dubai
11-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Maldives and Sri Lanka Routes
Emirates has introduced its retrofitted Boeing 777 with Premium Economy cabins on flights to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, enhancing travel options for passengers seeking a more elevated in-flight experience. The upgraded aircraft now operates on Dubai–Malé flights EK656/657 and EK660/661, offering refreshed interiors across all cabins. Starting 18 July, the four-class Boeing 777 will also serve Dubai–Colombo route EK650/651, becoming the airline's second daily Sri Lanka service to feature Premium Economy. This move expands Emirates' Premium Economy footprint, which is now available on over 40 routes globally. The offering includes 24 spacious seats in a 2-4-2 layout, 6-way adjustable headrests, and generous baggage allowances—35kg for checked-in and 10kg for carry-on. The retrofitted Boeing 777 also features redesigned Business and First Class cabins, drawing inspiration from the Emirates A380, with upgraded materials, flatbed seats, and large HD entertainment screens. Flights can be booked via , the Emirates App, or through travel agents and retail stores. News Source: Dubai Media Office
What's On
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Check out these Guinness World Records achieved in Dubai
Tallest building, deepest pool, biggest picture frame…Dubai doesn't do anything by halves. From massive attractions to quirky records, here are some of the coolest Guinness World Records the city proudly holds. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 The world's longest cantilevered building structure 100m high, this dramatic skybridge stretches 230m between two towers, with 67.3m extending outward into the open air. The world's deepest indoor pool Clocking in at a jaw dropping 60m and holding a whopping 14 million liters of water, this epic underwater attraction isn't just a pool, it's a full on adventure. playground for divers. Think sunken city vibes, underwater arcade rooms, and record breaking depths The world's largest and tallest observation wheel Anchored on Bluewaters Island, this record breaking wheel towers 250m into the sky, nearly twice the height of the London Eye. The world's tallest hotel Soaring 356m across 75 stories and home to 528 rooms, find this gleaming golden tower along Sheikh Zayed Road. The world's largest picture frame Located in Zabeel Park, this iconic structure stands 150 metres tall and 95 metres wide, perfectly framing views of Old Dubai to the north and New Dubai to the south. Visitors can walk across the glass floored Sky Deck too. The world's tallest building Standing at a staggering 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa holds multiple world records, including the tallest freestanding structure, the highest number of stories, the highest outdoor observation deck (at the top on level 148), and even the world's highest restaurant and lounge ( on level 133) It's the ultimate bucket list icon towering over Dubai’s skyline. The world's longest flower display. A life sized Emirates A380 covered in over 500,000 flowers and plants. Other record holders include an 18 metre Mickey Mouse floral topiary, the tallest of its kind, and a 1 km long flower wall, creating a dreamy, petal packed stroll through the garden. The world's highest infinity pool. Perched atop Palm Tower, this luxe sky pool offers 360 panoramic views of Dubai, from the iconic Palm Jumeirah to the majestic Burj Khalifa and glistening Arabian Gulf. The largest indoor mall aquarium. Located inside Dubai Mall, this aquatic wonder holds 10 million liters of water and you can walk through a 48 meter tunnel or book experiences like cage snorkelling and shark dives. Want to dine above the clouds? Here's your guide to the 16 highest restaurants in Dubai. Don't miss a thing , follow What's On on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news, events and everything in between… Images: Unsplash and Website > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
