Emirates “game changer” first class is a great suite for those traveling solo or for those who like their privacy while inflight. The beautiful new suites are operating a limited number of routes on only only approximately five aircrafts. Yet, for those lucky enough to fly them, even during the pandemic, Emirates luxury shines through. On a recent flight from Dubai to Frankfurt, the game changer first class suite sparkled and I was excited to eat, drink, and relax for my six and half hour flight to Germany.
Boarding and The Suite
Boarding on the 777 is done from both door 1L and 2L. Economy passengers board through 2L while first and business class passengers board through 1L. This leads to many business class passengers walking through first class. A few business class passengers even tried to self upgrade and claim confusion when sent further back in the plane.
Once on the plane though the typical welcoming is in order. Flight attendants walk first class passengers to their seat and offer them a welcome drink. I opted for the Krug champagne and it was followed by a full overview of the suite.
The Emirates new first class suite, dubbed the gamechanger is a lovely suite, but I’m not quite sure how much of a game changer. Better than the old first class, yes, but not the world’s best. In a 1 by 1 by 1 configuration there’s more space per passenger and more privacy. With floor to ceiling walls, there’s a sense of flying on a private jet.
Each suite is approximately 40 square feet in size. Offering 7 feet of personal space and a Mercedes Benz inspired zero-gravity lounger which becomes a full size bed. The chair converts to overtake most of the length of the suite to a full 78 inches.
Inside the suite there is also a full length wardrobe, overhead storage utilized for the bedding and below the desk an extra storage closet for roller bags.
The large work table was perfect height for me to double as a standup workstation. I am 5’10”. Thus offering a nice change of position while working inflight. So depending on your height, this table may or may not work for you. Otherwise it works well for holding drinks or other items inflight.
It’s really a pity it doesn’t convert to a second seat. This would allow another passenger to join you for meals or conversations when flying together.
The desk/work station also features one of many screens in the cabin. The 32 inch full HD LCD screen is touchscreen and offers LED backlighting. With Emirates ICE entertainment, it’s likely the best offering in the sky to keep passengers entertained.
Both sides of the TV also features a room temperature mini bar with snack, water, and soda. The middle suites are slightly larger, with more snack and drink items in the mini bar.
For comfort and ease of access, there’s also a 13 inch touch screen ipad like controller which controls many of the suites function, IFE, and even supports video calling with the crew. This way you don’t need to stand and use the larger main touchscreen TV.
Next to the ipad controller, there’s also another mini tray table which is retractable.
On the opposite wall of the fuselage is another small touch screen. This allows passengers to choose between 10 different lighting settings with 7 color schemes. Passengers can also adjust the temperature up and down via this screen.
If you get bored, just reach for a screen as there’s lots one can do and fidget with inflight to customize their flying environment.
The chair also comes equipped with a couple of quick buttons for seat adjustment at easy reach.
And if you can’t reach a screen but want to adjust the tv, don’t worry. There’s a wireless remote inside your arm rest!
Also, in the other arm rest is another cubby for personal items. Perfect for a wallet or a passport.
Power is also at your fingertips. Ready for the future, there’s a USB-C adaptor under the ipad screen and there’s a multiprong 120v/240v outlet on the desk along with two regular USB connector.
Enough good things cannot be said about this suite. It’s large, comfortable and customizable.
Yet it can also be very private. With ground to ceiling doors and a crew window for service, one can enjoy absolute privacy.
When a passenger wants privacy, they can use the do not disturb function and crew will leave passengers to rest. If the door is closed and you need a refill. Don’t worry, there’s a service window allowing crew to access suites without stepping inside.
Emirates First Class Service
Flying first class is more than a suite in the sky. It is also about the service along with the food and drinks. Emirates offers a very extensive menu for passengers flying First class with a curtailed wine cellar program. One can check the food menu and drink selection via that link.
Delicious 2008 Dom Perignon was onboard, as well as a full caviar service. With their dine on demand option, First class passengers can snack, eat or drink, at their leisure.
Most service was done through the service window. It was only when serving meals did they enter the suite.
After a delicious meal, it was bedtime for me. Although it was a day time flight, I had not slept much the night before. Pajamas are available on request on daytime flights to Europe. I had the bed made and slept for 4 hours.
There’s no full size amenity kits on daytime flights, but each suite does have a large mirror and small select amenities include sleep oil, facial mist and creams. There’s also a note pad and pin for those who may need to write something down.
Emirates First Final Thoughts
Emirates new first class is a great product. The food and beverages are fantastic. Offering luxurious wines that retail for $50 -$200 to some of the world’s most expensive whiskey’s and cognac. Emirates does not cut any corners. Hennessey Paradis rare cognac retails at over $1000 and is still offered to passengers, even during the pandemic.
There’s some cool features on this plane, but I still prefer other first class suites, such as Etihad’s apartments. And Singapore’s new first class product still looks better. Not having a place for a second passenger is probably what makes me dislike this product the most. In addition, I found the virtual window to be unique, but a gimmick. There’s no depth perception and one cannot really “look out”. Other bloggers rave about these HD camera windows. I found them to be cool, but not enough of a reason to select a middle seat. I still would opt for the window seat with the binoculars. Which I actually used.
Emirates new first class suite isn’t goddy like the previous rendition, but instead tasteful luxury. With the beautiful ghaf tree highlighting the suite and a staring ceiling and floor. Little added amenities make these suite shine. Yet, I still miss the A380 for the onboard showers.
