Review: Emirates' Boeing 777 first class private suites
Step inside the world's only first class cabin with walls and closing doors that stretch from the floor right up to the ceiling.
By Chris C., October 11 2019
Route
Dubai-Geneva + Frankfurt-Dubai
Aircraft Type
Boeing 777-300ER
Airline
Emirates
Flight
EK83 + EK44
Cabin Class
First
Seat
1A + 1E
Notes
The Good
- Dine-on-demand with top-shelf food and beverages
- You'll never miss out on the view, with 'virtual windows' in the centre suites
- Customise the temperature and lighting colour to make the suite yours
The Bad
- Nowhere for companions to dine together or mingle
X-Factor
- Complete privacy with doors and walls stretching from floor to ceiling
Introduction
When it comes to first class on Emirates' newest Boeing 777s, the experience goes far beyond what you might expect of a traditional suite: instead, this is more like a private room in the sky, with floor-to-ceiling doors and walls for complete privacy.
Available on selected routes including from Dubai to Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, London Stansted, Tokyo Haneda and others, here's what to expect in what Emirates describes as its "game changer" first class experience.
Check-in
- Frequent flyer program: Choice of Emirates Skywards, Qantas Frequent Flyer, or many other partner programs.
- Carry-on baggage allowance: 1x113cm bag plus either a 100cm briefcase or a garment bag up to 20cm thick when folded, with a maximum weight of 7kg per piece.
- Checked baggage allowance – 32kg limit per bag:
- 50kg: standard allowance
- 62kg: Skywards Silver, Qantas Silver
- 66kg: Skywards Gold, Qantas Gold
- 70kg: Skywards Platinum, Qantas Platinum & Platinum One
- 75kg: Qantas Chairman's Lounge
- 50kg: standard allowance
- Priority airport services: In Dubai, the fastest way through the formalities is by registering for the Smart Gates: otherwise, use the Fast Track lines at passport control. Priority check-in and security screening are available, as expected.
- Boarding gate fast-track: When departing from Dubai Concourse A, you can board your flight directly from within the Emirates Concourse A first class lounge. Out of Frankfurt, there's a priority lane at the regular gate.
- Chauffeur-drive: Complimentary airport transfers are offered at each end of the journey for passengers travelling on paid first class tickets, and those who've upgraded from business class. In Dubai, a Mercedes-Benz S 450 helpfully arrived 20 minutes early, with a BMW 7 Series providing the transfer at the other end.
Just note, first class flights booked using Skywards miles, Qantas Points or other partner points or miles are not eligible for chauffeur-drive. However, as chauffeur-drive is also included with most paid business class tickets, passengers using Skywards miles to upgrade from eligible business class fares to first class retain that eligibility.
Lounge
At Dubai Airport, a first class boarding pass gets you into the Emirates first class lounges in Concourse A, Concourse B and Concourse C.
Those in Concourses A and B have day spas where first class flyers can enjoy a complimentary 15-minute treatment – if that's your aim, make a booking at the spa counter as soon as your arrive to secure your appointment time – while all three offer à la carte dining.
Particularly before afternoon flights to Europe, this is a great opportunity to have a relaxing lunch, as with dine-on-demand in the sky, you don't have to eat straight after take-off: instead, whenever it suits you, such as to have dinner closer to landing.
In other airports, Emirates either operates its own lounge or relies on a partner or contract lounge. Returning from Frankfurt, an Emirates-operated lounge awaits:
Here, food and beverage is self-serve, with showers, functional WiFi, and friendly staff at-hand.
Flight
Between Dubai and Geneva, Emirates currently offers 13 weekly return flights – that's EK83 and EK89 from Dubai, returning as EK84 and EK90 from Geneva – all of which feature these first class private suites on what's typically a 6.5-hour flight.
Between Frankfurt and Dubai, Emirates has three daily return flights, although only one of those pairs is operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, with the other two being Airbus A380 services with Emirates' previous-generation suites.
The flight numbers to look for are EK43 from Dubai (which departs at 3:45am) and EK44 back from Frankfurt (at 11am), as usually offer these upgraded first class suites.
But whether you're flying to Geneva, Frankfurt or elsewhere where these suites are offered, the first thing you'll notice on board are the high ceilings which look more 'cathedral' than 'aircraft': your first clue that this isn't just another flight.
Below them, the doors and walls surrounding each suite, extending from the floor right up to that ceiling, offering a level of privacy in first class that's unmatched by any other airline, anywhere in the world.
The only thing that comes close is the bedroom in The Residence by Etihad, but which is targeted more towards the private jet market – sold as a separate cabin above first class, and priced accordingly.
Photo tour: Flying in The Residence by Etihad on the Airbus A380
Seat
Welcome aboard. Today, you'll be travelling in an enclosed private suite on one of Emirates' brand new Boeing 777 aircraft, which draws its design inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz S Class.
With Dubai's temperature soaring to 44°C outside, the first order of business isn't merely to twist open the air vents as on a traditional plane. Instead, the temperature can also be customised in each suite, and within just two minutes of dialling this right down, the room became noticeably cooler.
There's a closet to hang your jacket – which, unlike Emirates' older first class suites, keeps your garments completely out of the way: not hanging on your feet at bed time – with some extra pouches for storage, too.
There's space at the bottom of this closet for smaller laptop-sized bags, and in front, there's a dedicated cabinet for larger carry-on items, in which a Samsonite 55cm Firelite bag fits comfortably.
Next to your seat, on the same panel as can control the air conditioner, you'll find further customisations – most interestingly, the ability to adjust the colour and intensity of the suite's atmospheric lighting.
Prefer something a little warmer? Try the red, orange or yellow: or for something cooler, cycle through the various blues, or even pure white:
This is also where you'll find the lavatory indicator – as there isn't one mounted to the ceiling above the aisle, and even if there were, you wouldn't be able to see it with your door closed – with the day's flight information also available at a glance:
On the privacy front, your suite can be as open or closed as you'd like, with a sliding door as well as a hatch in front. With both open, there's a great feeling of space, and if you're seated directly across the aisle from a companion (possible in 1A+1E, or 2F+2K), it'd be easy to chat:
For a little more privacy without being fully closed in, raising that hatch blocks what's otherwise a direct view to and from the galley when seated in row 1:
Of course, for complete privacy, close both and you're in your own world. The crew can check up on you as needed via these small viewing holes, but otherwise, can leave you undisturbed to work, rest or relax – particularly if you activate the 'do not disturb' light.
You'll find that setting on the 'privacy' tab of the large tablet at your side – this being separate from the smaller panel for lighting and air conditioning – which is also what you'll use to get comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, the seat has a "zero-gravity" position inspired by NASA technology, which Emirates says provides "a feeling of weightlessness while flying".
You won't literally start floating up in the air – it's designed to remove the stress and weight from being centred around one part of your body, evenly distributing it for a more relaxing ride: and yes, it's glorious.
Tucked away within the arm rest, you'll find a storage pouch deep enough for items like passports, but shallow enough that watches and the like are still within reach after being stowed:
There's a small shelf on the window side handy for housing a drink or to keep your smartphone at easy reach, with a cocktail tray folding out in front that's useful for snacks and small bites, without having to retrieve the 'main' meal table.
Hidden directly below this is a USB-C charging port. It's easy to overlook, even with the helpful sign, but with the flat space directly in front of it, your device can be juiced-up without being in the way.
Additionally, there are two regular-style USB outlets beneath a panel in front, along with an HDMI connector for displaying your laptop on the big screen, and an AC power port.
While large enough to accommodate basic chargers such as for the iPhone, bigger transformers as are common of the Microsoft Surface and Apple MacBook won't fit without an adaptor. Emirates keeps some on board, so just ask – although whipping out a standard 'Australia to Europe' adaptor avoided the need.
Above that, you'll find binoculars to enjoy the view if you're in a window seat, as well as more storage space, and a (room temperature) mini bar.
The same surface also provides a fold-open and lighted make-up mirror, below which sits the writing and refresher kits. Full-sized amenity kits are not provided on Dubai-Europe flights.
The seat's default position is far back from this shelf and mirror, but it can slide forward to suit – the only downside being that the control panel for the lights and air conditioning becomes difficult, but not impossible, to access.
However, unless you feel the need to adjust the temperature right then and there, most of the panel's features are available by using either the larger tablet, or the shortcut keys below it. This easy-to-find 'pause' button also proves incredibly useful, especially at meal times:
When it's time to doze, the crew will prepare your fully-flat bed, measuring just shy of seven feet (210cm) long and 31 inches (79cm) wide. After a busy week of travel, this made for a solid post-lunch nap between Frankfurt and Dubai, with pyjamas offered by request on European flights.
When you wake, there's a handy mirror at both bed-height and standing height to tweak your outfit – or to fix 'headphone hair' just before stepping off the aircraft, which saves a detour via the restroom.
Rounding out the experience, these suites come in a 1-1-1 arrangement. Traditionally, this would mean that passengers in the centre have no windows or views, but here, Emirates has installed 'virtual windows', beaming in live HD footage from outside through what otherwise looks like an aircraft window.
Here's an example taken on the ground at Dubai Airport, where the picture is so clear it looks real: much more so than what's usually seen from external aircraft cameras, as compared via the tablet in front:
For another look, here's a vista enjoyed at 40,000 feet:
While the picture is crystal clear, the screens can't emulate natural light as you'd otherwise get by the 'real' windows, making those still preferable. Having said that, with the same motorised shutters, drawing down the blinds looks no different here than at the true windows:
If you'd rather forget you were flying, you can also close the curtains. With six suites in the cabin, you'll find these virtual windows in 1E and 2F – the other four suites have real windows. All have shutters and curtains, however.
The only downside to these suites? When travelling with a partner, the absence of a companion seat to dine together – or somewhere to mingle – would be noticeable.
For this, Emirates' Airbus A380s, or indeed, its original-generation Boeing 777 first class, may be a more social pick, given the ability to enjoy a centre pair of suites together: plus, the A380's onboard bar and lounge area.
Meal
In Emirates first class, everything is dine-on-demand, which means you're free to eat what you like, when you like.
That's great if you've just enjoyed a meal at the Emirates first class lounge and would rather work or relax first – or, when you're trying to adjust to the destination time zone by tailoring your meals to suit.
Here's a taste of just some of the things you can enjoy on a return trip between Dubai and Europe: again, any time it suits you.
Emirates first class Champagne
There's no shortage of Champagne in Emirates first class, and nothing begins a relaxing journey quite like a glass of Dom Pérignon. Currently being poured is the newly-released 2008 vintage:
On some flights, a second type of Dom Pérignon is also served – most recently, the 2006 Rosé.
Emirates claims to be the only airline in the world to offer the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006 on board.
Emirates first class snacks and appetisers
Perched in front of you sits a snack basket offering a variety of bites, available before take-off and returned again once in the sky. If these black truffle chips are stocked on your flight, do yourself a favour and enjoy:
You may also find other snacks in the minibar cabinets, located on either side of your entertainment screen:
From the menu itself, there's usually a trio of canapés developed in partnership with a Dom Pérignon chef to be a perfect pairing. Here, a fresh poached prawn and guacamole tartlet, a parmesan and truffle arancino, and confit duck with curried pineapple:
Many guests continue their meal with Emirates' signature caviar course, served with accompaniments such as finely chopped onion, grated egg, sour cream and lemon, along with melba toast and blinis. The latter is best to experience the caviar's full flavour, by using your tongue to press it to the roof of your mouth.
Another favourite is the traditional Arabic mezze, but many lighter options are available too, such as grilled chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, which is tasty and fresh without spoiling your appetite for what's to come.
Duck fois gras is offered on some flights, served with wagyu beef, asparagus, and ginger blackberry jelly: although you'll find a similar dish on the menu in Emirates' first class lounge.
Meals are served with a full bread basket, French butter, vinaigrette and olive oil, and if you want a few things to nibble on or to mix and match, try ordering an appetiser together with the trio of canapés:
Emirates first class main courses
With a great range of appetisers to choose from as well as a line-up of side dishes and salads, it's easy to create a full meal from those alone – and with dine-on-demand, you can, if you please.
But there are more substantial main courses too, covering a range of international cuisine as well as taking inspiration from each flight's origin and destination.
Jetting to Geneva, the seafood machbous is particularly enjoyable. Marinated in a traditional spice blend using ingredients commonly found in Emirati souqs and served on fragrant rice, it's a local dish of the Arabian Gulf and an apt choice on flights from Dubai.
Returning from Frankfurt, the duo of veal is a top choice, pairing a braised veal cheek and a grilled veal fillet, served with jus, roasted vegetables and a potato and green pea mash.
Despite being served on a plane, the veal was deliciously tender and just as you'd expect it to be enjoyed on the ground.
Emirates first class cheese and dessert
Cheese occupies an entire page of the first class menu, so you can order only the cheeses you know you like, or try a little of everything.
On this flight, options included Berthaut Soumaintrain, Gorgonzola Piccante DOP, Cinco Lanzas Iberico, Isle of Man Extra Mature Cheddar and Norfolk Mardler, enjoyed with a glass of 1978 Dow's Colheita Port.
You could follow that with a light option such as seasonal fresh fruit, or a plated dessert like the chocolate fondant with raspberry compote, which was a great way to finish.
Emirates first class wine, cocktails and cognac
There's a wine to pair with every course, but if you'd like to stick to a favourite – particularly a red – you can ask for a carafe. This allows the wine to mix with oxygen which can improve its nose and flavour, and helped open up the spice and dark fruit flavours of the 1998 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle:
Whether as an apéritif or a liquid dessert, there's an extensive list of cocktails and mocktails to choose from, with the Espresso Martini an easy go-to for either:
Finally, in what's often a favourite of frequent Emirates flyers, the Hennessy Paradis cognac: an extremely rare eau-de-vie blend of over 100 brandies.
It's an acquired taste, but pairs well with Belgian chocolates as are offered at the end of each meal. At $1,400/bottle on the ground, it's worth trying even if you're not a regular cognac drinker.
Entertainment & Service
There's a crystal-clear 32-inch HD TV screen in every suite, loaded with literally thousands of movies, TV shows, music tracks and games, with access to the aircraft's external cameras available too: great for take-off and landing.
Improving upon the system loaded on Emirates' older aircraft, the 'moving map' is now more interactive, and can be accessed both on that main screen as well as the iPad sized tablet – so you can keep track of your flight and explore the map without disturbing your movie.
High-quality, noise-cancelling Bowers & Wilkins headphones are provided so there's no need to BYO; and, making movie time feel more like home or an upmarket hotel room rather than a plane, the system comes with a wireless remote control:
You can also detach the tablet from its mount to use as a second independent screen; to control the first; or just for a closer look.
Service on both legs was top-notch and faultless in every respect, as only the most experienced cabin crew work in Emirates first class, particularly on these Boeing 777 flights.
Don't be afraid to chat, either: these are some of the airline's most highly-travelled cabin crew and often have a wealth of experiences to share. One senior crew member had flown to every single city in the entire Emirates global network, bar two: those exceptions existing only because Emirates doesn't offer first class there.
The verdict
With a level of privacy unmatched in first class by any other airline, the new Emirates Boeing 777 first class suite is by far the best first class experience available today for the solo executive traveller.
But of course, the Emirates A380 also has its advantages for first class flyers travelling together: not to mention, the onboard shower spas.
ET review: Emirates Airbus A380 first class 'shower spa'
Chris Chamberlin travelled as a guest of Emirates.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
This is my absolute favorite first class seat (or any seat for that matter) that I've ever flown, and I agree 100% with your review. Emirates has really pushed the bar for first class, and anyone coming out will have to try and match or beat them somehow - but even their old First Class seats are top tier still - so it'll be tough.
My only issue is so few planes fly with the new suites, and Emirates refuses to cannibalize their A380 FC sales and upgrade them to these, so it might not make it to Australia anytime soon - which is a shame.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
The other difficulty with Australian flights is that particular crew rest facilities are required for pilots and cabin crew, and the Boeing 777s currently flying with these suites don't have them, as the planes mainly fly Dubai-Europe. It's also how the airline can do the 'cathedral' ceiling, as there's no crew rest taking up space in the roof above. Although Sir Tim Clark tipped places like Brisbane as a possible future destination for these Boeing 777 suites, I suspect it'll be a while before we see them in Australia, given the crew rest limitation.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
Hence the need for an A380 upgrade - which they're not really invested in. Why cut down the capacity when they already fly full.
06 Dec 2019
Total posts 8
I've read not long ago in the Singapore media that Emirates is planning to cancel the SG/Brisbane route. Didn't surprise me when I read it because we fly that route fairly often and sometimes there have been less than 50 people on board - including crew!
03 May 2013
Total posts 680
Chris I'm amazed that any rating on a 777 deserves 5 stars. I would have given it 4.5 stars -max. The 777 has poor atmospherics and is very loud with no spa or bar area. This renders Qantas ‘first' even less worthy of the prices charged. QF paper EK metal is the way to go.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
When you have good noise-cancelling headphones on, you really don't notice a difference in aircraft sound compared to other planes. Without them, it'd a different story of course: but Emirates stocks a solid pair in first class.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 118
Actually, in my opinion, you do Chris. Fly on an A380 and B777 back to back and there's a noticeable difference in:
Aircraft stability.
Regardless of carrier, I find I real a difference in the way the two tackle turbulence. Don't try to say is just the day or route I was flying: give my brain and my 30+ years frequent flying experience some credit. The 777 reacts as though she fights with the weather, the A380 just seems to fly through it.
Noise: I have a few $$$ noise cancelling headphones and earphones from well known and highly regarded brands. Ever tried to sleep on your side with any of them?
Toilets: the 777 is as bad, smelly and cramped as a 737. And just because I'm in F doesn't mean it gets any better. All the little niceties that are available on the A380 are missing on the B777 (maybe you need a female to notice this?)
Crew: now I know this can be a bit hit an miss, but the 777 crews just don't seem to be able to live up to the standards I receive from the A380 crew.
Space: even this new F feels cramped. The whole aircraft feels cramped and I find it totally uncomfortable.
Given the choice between the new 777 F and the old Qantas F on the A380... Qantas (yes I know the new 777 EK F does not come to Aus)
I just hate the B777. But there's no escaping this twin revolution thanks to EDTO... unless someone has a twin engine failure and they change the rules back to ETOPS
10 May 2017
Total posts 3
Chris, I would not disagree with your ratings and assessment. Having travelled on the older generation first class cabins on the B777, the service and experience has always been impeccable. These new cabins look much improved. I would love the opportunity one day to try these out - but it is a while away (until they fly them out of Brisbane soon). One of my favourite meal items is the Arabic mezze (good enough for a meal on its own) and there are also a couple of really good cognacs and whiskies onboard.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 Mar 2015
Total posts 53
I have to agree with Joe, however nice the seats are, the 777 is a VERY noisy aircraft and one I try to avoid at any cost. The experience on an A380 or 787 is way better. And definitely, the bar on any of the planes that have one, even VA makes a big positive difference. So yes 4 or 4.5 stars for the inclusive experience. Kudos to Emirates though for the upgrade.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
What you can do with all the money and all the endless resources in the world! Most tier 1 carriers would be offering this level of product and service if they didn't have to answer to shareholders and be transparent. Granted it's a brilliant product but as I said....easy with all the money money money.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2016
Total posts 44
Great review Chris - I'll be on DXB-GVA-DXB in 10 days' time. Have selected a window seat and a virtual window seat to try them both. Am looking forward to that zero gravity seat... As far as first world problems go, I think the only downside to GVA (with Emirates) is the lack of a decent first class lounge. The DNATA lounge there has terrible reviews.
19 Jul 2017
Total posts 7
Chris, there is no crew rest limitation as outlined in your comment, none of the EK 777 have a CRC over the FC cabin. They use the same one as the cabin crew at the rear of the a/c.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
On these planes, there's no crew rest at all (forward or aft) - I was chatting with the crew about it. Could well be that they'll move into split configurations like on the A380, where some are designed for long haul (with crew rests) and others for short haul (without them both).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Great Review, Chris. If you got through all the grog on your flight, as per your photos, even I would be impressed. Yee Gads! Well Done.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2016
Total posts 44
So just did YYZ-DXB in F on A380 and DXB-GVA B777 in F last night.
While the new F suite is spacious and private and magnificent I actually prefer the A380.
On the 777, the seat is comfy but as a bed it maintains an incline so my feet were lower than rest of me- which I didn't like. I have to agree with previous comments comparing the two planes re noise, turbulence handling and the size (and odours!!) of the toilets!
In conversation last night with my Geneva friends - who are both frequent flyers in First - they have same comments comparing the two F suites /planes/ loos.
Also found the crew on the dxb-gva flight to be lacklustre at best and almost rude at times in stark contrast to the amazing team on the flight between Toronto and Dubai the previous day. In fact the least impressive of the crew was the English cabin director who spent all her time in the F galley.
I chose 2F to experience the virtual windows - found them very realistic and would not hesitate to select the inside suite again.
Will be flying gva to dxb Friday night so am hoping experience will be better. I also recognise that the calibre of the crew can “make or break” the overall experience.
Finally, personally I find it really cheap of Emirates not to offer an amenity kit of some ilk for a 6.5 hr flight. It's first class and Passengers pay a lot of $$ for the privilege so expect better.
Anyhow - for what they're worth these are my impressions comparing the two F suites /experiences over a 24 hr period. In the grand scheme of life, 100% first world problem!
06 Dec 2019
Total posts 8
I've noticed EK crew can be a bit hit and miss these days. They used to be reliably fabulous but not anymore. Qatar crew aren't quite as polished but are way friendlier.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jun 2016
Total posts 44
The GVA-DXB experience was much better than the outward bound flight. Superb crew that really made up for the previous one.
The crew also said there is a crew rest area at the rear as we were talking about longer haul flights.
And interestingly ... during my DXB-SYD flight I was chatting with a pilot who was dead-heading and he told me there is a camera in the ceiling of the new 777 first suites so they can see what's going on. Said there are cameras everywhere except the loos. Good to know after I'd changed in/out of my pjs in the suite on both flights!
06 Dec 2019
Total posts 8
I can be a nervous flyer sometimes - and hated not seeing other people while we were going through turbulence (DXB to Rome in the new suites.) I wasn't handling my anxiety very well that day. I opened my suite door and my husband across in 1A was very sweet looking across at me and he felt terrible because (understandably) he was told to sit down and could only watch me fret for 20 minutes. I take about 30-40 flights a year, you think I'd be better at it! So a tick for privacy but it also can mean total isolation which doesn't suit everyone.
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