The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger aircraft ever built, with a maximum takeoff weight of 575 tonnes, roughly the same as 320 Ford 5-150 trucks.
A Emirates A380 It has a capacity for 480 passengers, compared to 280 for the A350-900 and 240 for the Boeing Dreamliner.
And let’s face it, double-decker planes are pretty cool.
The first time I stepped on an A380 was in the Dubai Airshowwhere I was able to see all the parts of an Emirates passenger plane, including the exclusive spa with private shower.
That was a few days before flying back to London on a Qatar A380 in economy classwhich was unsurprisingly disappointing in comparison. I think it’s best to choose a seat in economy class on the upper deck, unless you’re lucky enough to be able to enjoy the amenities of the higher classes. business and first.
I’ve flown business class on six airlines this year – there’s a huge difference between the best and the worst
Emirates’ Airbus A380 was one of the big draws at the Dubai Airshow, and anyone was welcome to climb aboard as long as they were willing to wait in line.
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It was my first time aboard the giant Airbus double-decker. My second experience came a few days later, flying back to London with Qatar Airways.
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I was pretty excited, but I wasn’t sitting on the top deck so it didn’t seem much different to me from other planes.
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However, there were many more passengers and a gap between the seat and the window.
The passenger in front had the clever tactic of piling a bunch of blankets and cushions on the armrest, which was made possible by the A380’s wide fuselage.
And I couldn’t help but marvel at the sight of its huge wings and open flaps as we landed at Heathrow.
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Luckily, I had already seen the upper deck of an A380 in Dubai. I was amazed by all the features and luxuries.
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It really does look like a leviathan when viewed from the ground.
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Once on board, everyone rushed into the 3/4/3 economy cabin.
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The queue slowed down as we climbed the spiral staircase to the upper floor.
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First you come across the horseshoe-shaped bar for first and business class passengers.
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There is plenty of space in this area, with a large screen and window seating.
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Where passengers can enjoy cocktails, champagne and sweets.
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Flying in business class on Emirates from London to Dubai costs around $4,000 (3,660 euros), compared to around $600 (550 euros) in economy class.
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Emirates’ A380 has 76 seats in business class and 14 in first class. In comparison, its Boeing 777 has 42 in first class. business and eight in first.
The class business includes socks, an eye mask, deluxe headphones and a blanket.
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There were also a couple of bottles of water, cans of Pepsi and 7up, and a glass placed in the holder.
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There is plenty of legroom and a 58-centimeter screen, almost 25 centimeters more than in economy class.
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More power outlets, two USB sockets, one for an HDMI cable, and an adjustable ventilation grille.
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If you’re like me and prefer a window seat, it’s important to note that the layout alternates which side the console is on. That can make your view quite limited.
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Seats closest to the windows also feel more private, as the console separates them from the aisle, and a small storage compartment on the side is easily accessible.
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Fortunately, the Emirates seat map indicates which side of each seat the console is located on.
Classroom seats business they transform into a flat bed.
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I was certainly impressed by the class. businessbut first class was a real qualitative leap. The suites have electric doors…
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…and a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
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The suite itself is incredibly spacious, with more than enough room to stretch out.
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There is a small table below the 32-inch screens, where you will find a fold-out vanity mirror…
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…which includes a washcloth, face creams, and even pillow mist and sleep oil.
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In addition to a small basket of snacks, including chocolates and hydration tablets.
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First class passengers also have access to a larger minibar, which pulls out from under the window.
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The seat is 58 centimetres wide, and on the armrest you will find buttons to close the door or call the flight attendants.
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The A380’s size comes into its own here, as there’s even more storage space tucked away in the corner behind the seat.
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Space is also maximised as the dining table folds into the side console.
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Past a food and beverage station, towards the front of the cabin, is the spa, with its onboard shower, a feature only offered by Emirates and Etihad.
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There is one on each side of the plane, and yes, you have to make a reservation.
I was surprised at how big the room was: bigger than the bathroom in my apartment.
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There is a long mirror and a sink.
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It also has a shaving kit, a nail file and cotton swabs.
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The tour ended by going down the wider front staircase.
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I think the best experience on an A380 is sitting on the upper deck. There are more amenities than on other planes and if you have the money to spend, it’s worth upgrading from business class to first.
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