I'm an Emirates cabin crew supervisor - here are my 10 essential tips to get the most out of flying business class
Flying business class is a luxury that takes the stress right out of travelling, but it obviously comes at a greater cost than economy.
So, is it worth it? If you can afford to, then without a doubt, yes. It turns flying from simply a necessity to get from A to B into a pleasurable and very comfortable experience to look forward to and savour.
If you are going to splurge, it makes sense to get your money's worth and enjoy all the amenities because, unlike many economy services, business provides much more than just the flight.
Emirates airline offers one of the world's leading business class services. Here, cabin supervisor Emma Wood gives her top tips to make sure you experience all it has to offer:
1 - MAKE USE OF THE COMPLIMENTARY CHAUFFEUR SERVICE
Enjoy seamless travel from your doorstep to the airport with Emirates' complimentary Chauffeur Drive Service, included in the ticket price in most countries for Business Class customers, including the UK and Dubai.
This premium car service accommodates customers within 70 miles of the airport. Make sure you book it in advance to make the most of it.
Any excess mileage will be subject to an extra charge. If you'd like to travel further, or to request an infant or child seat, it is best contact your local Emirates office at least 24 hours in advance.
2 - ARRIVE UP TO FOUR HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT TO ENJOY THE LOUNGE
Make sure you give yourself enough time to indulge in one of Emirates Business Class Lounges before your flight - you can access the lounge up to four hours before scheduled departure time.
They offer the ultimate way to start your journey with gourmet dining with locally sourced foods, alongside a premium beverage selection.
The designated quiet zones and Business Centres feature complimentary Wi-Fi, making them ideal spaces for unwinding or catching up on work, while private showers and spa treatments ensure you can reset and feel refreshed before you board.
Business Class travellers departing Dubai can also visit the exclusive Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge.
Here, four of the brand's most iconic champagnes are served alongside delicately crafted canapés by Michelin-starred chefs. The lounge's elegant design and tranquil setting provides a refined pre-flight moment.
3 - BROWSE THE MENU OPTIONS AND PRE-ORDER
Emirates Business Class offers an elevated onboard dining experience, featuring a diverse selection of food and beverages from sweet and savoury snacks to gourmet meals and complimentary champagne.
Enhance this inflight dining experience further by pre-ordering your main course as early as 14 days and up to 24 hours before you fly.
It's a simple way to guarantee your top pick, and it helps streamline the dining experience once you're in the air.
For those who prefer to decide closer to take off, the full food and beverage menu is available to browse via the Emirates app or website.
Whether you're craving something familiar or curious to try a regionally inspired dish, your selections are just a few taps away.
4 - ENJOY THE AWARD-WINNING WINES AND CHAMPAGNE SERVED TO YOUR SEAT
A wonderfully curated selection of white and red wine is available, alongside premium spirits and an array of other beverages.
In Business and First Class, Emirates has tailored its wine selections into six regions: the UK and USA, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australasia, and Asia.
This approach allows the airline to offer wines closely aligned with the taste preferences of passengers from these regions.
5 - KEEP THE COMPLIMENTARY LOUNGEWEAR AND WASH KITS
One of the newer touches on board is Emirates' thoughtfully-designed Business Class loungewear.
On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants, made from breathable modal fabric in a soft blue tone.
It's the kind of outfit you can easily fall asleep in. The kit includes matching slippers and an eye mask, all neatly packed in a drawstring pouch.
On shorter flights, slippers and an eye mask are still provided to keep things relaxed.
To complement this experience, signature Bulgari amenity kits are also offered on long haul flights, containing luxury skincare products and fragrances, alongside other comfort essentials for your personal and convenience care during the journey.
Customers can make use of a dental kit, earplugs, a double mirror made from wheat straw material, deodorant, tissues, and a foldaway hairbrush with a new soft black elastic hair tie.
On flights over nine hours, passengers receive a matching set of ultra-soft cowl-neck top and pants
6 - ENJOY WHAT REALLY SETS BUSINESS APART FROM ECONOMY - THE BED
When you're ready to switch off, your seat seamlessly converts into a fully flat bed with a mattress topper, plush blanket, and pillow, designed for optimal rest during your flight.
Adjustable lighting and seating controls allow you to create the perfect sleep environment. Should you need additional bedding or assistance, the crew will be happy to help.
7 - SIT AT A BAR TO CHAT WITH FELLOW PASSENGERS AND CABIN CREW
Step away from your seat and stretch your legs in the iconic Emirates onboard lounge.
With its comfortable leather seating and curated premium beverage selection, it offers a welcoming environment to enjoy a speciality cocktail, savour gourmet bites, and connect with fellow travellers at 40,000 feet.
8 - ENJOY LIVE SPORTS EVENTS AT 40,000 FEET
For sports fans, the onboard lounge can also stream live TV, so you don't have to miss your favourite match while in the air – whether it's the Emirates FA Cup Final or Wimbledon.
Ask cabin crew to change the channel on the large TV if there's something you want to switch to.
9 - GET A POLOROID MEMENTO
Something our passengers love doing is getting a few nostalgic pictures of their experience in Business Class using our onboard Polaroid camera. Don't forget to ask cabin crew if you or your family want to get a nice picture keepsake of you posing in the onboard lounge to take home.
10 - EXPLORE ICE TO PLAN YOUR FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MUSIC, GAMES, FILMS, TV SHOWS AND PODCASTS
With thousands of hours of entertainment and up to 6,500 channels to choose from, Emirates' award-winning ICE system is best enjoyed with a little planning.
Browse the latest films and shows before boarding and create a watchlist so you can start enjoying as soon as you're seated. ICE now also includes curated Spotify playlists and top-charting podcasts, so there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal the 'unethical' travel hack that could ruin your honeymoon - and how to secure a legitimate upgrade for FREE
Marriage might have its perks, but the honeymoon is a distinctly special occasion - marking the moment couples begin a new chapter after tying the knot. And let's be honest, the freebies and room upgrades aren't bad either. Honeymoons, especially those spent at a luxury hotel in a dreamy destination, can be especially sweet: think complimentary welcome drinks, chocolates, fresh flowers, room service vouchers, and even the chance of a surprise upgrade. But after months - or even years - of stressful wedding planning, getting the relaxing experience you deserve might be trickier than expected. As wedding season kicks into full swing, Google searches for 'honeymoon upgrade' have surged by 195 per cent in the past three months - but for legitimate newlyweds, this could open the door to disappointment. A controversial trend has emerged on social media encouraging travellers to fake their honeymoon for free upgrades, such as free drinks, a better room, or room service vouchers. One content creator, known as @ on TikTok, recently went viral for uploaded a video in which he shared his 'unethical travel hack'. Urging viewers to 'fake a honeymoon at check-in,' he added: 'You'd be surprised how many upgrades, free drinks, or room service vouchers you can score with a simple, "It's our honeymoon!"' Many expressed enthusiasm for the hack in the comments, as one viewer said, 'I'll have to try this out, sounds like a great idea!' while another wrote, 'Did this and got a nicer room and cakes and wine on arrival, worth it.' Others explained how this could cause issues for other travellers. One warned: 'As a receptionist: if you are on a REAL honeymoon and don't get special attention, you can say thank you to all these liars who try every other day.' A hospitality worker revealed hotel staff are now cracking down on fraudsters and establishments are tightening their policies, adding: 'Maybe that's why our resort required a copy of the marriage license for their free honeymoon package.' Thankfully, travel experts at Travel Republic have shared their top three tips for getting a real upgrade on your honeymoon this summer. Before you even book, they advised discussing honeymoon deals with your travel agent or hotel. Many places offer special discounts, packages, or perks to newlyweds if you flag it in advance - and you might even save money on your whole trip. If you're hoping to mention your honeymoon at check-in, be prepared with proof. A marriage certificate, a recent name-change on your passport, or even a wedding photo can help show your marriage is well and truly the real deal. Lastly, it's true what they say: 'If you don't ask, you don't get.' A polite request can go a long way - just don't assume you're entitled to anything. Not all hotels or resorts offer upgrades, and they may be subject to availability, so it's wise to pre-book any must-do experiences ahead of time.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
UK's POSHEST nursery with gourmet chef's tasting menu & kids potty trained on marble loos… but is it worth £150 a DAY?
IT COSTS £150 a day — and comes with marble loos, Mandarin lessons and a gourmet tasting menu. Welcome to Odyssey, the UK's poshest nursery, where toddlers are potty trained in luxury and dine like mini royals. 6 6 6 Based in Marylebone, central London, this lavish early-years setting has just opened in a Grade II-listed former prep school, offering a blend of elite childcare, plush interiors and a 'global' outlook — including marble loos for potty training. The nursery, which hails from Singapore and is built on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child-led learning, is the first of its kind in the UK. Spread across three pristine, light-filled floors, Odyssey caters to children from infancy up to five years old, offering everything from multilingual education to music lessons in a dedicated 'jam room.' Angela Ang, head of school, explained: 'Our philosophy is 'learning without boundaries', so we believe learning doesn't only take place in the rooms, it takes place anywhere.' For £150 a day — or £690 for a full five-day week — little ones are served three gourmet meals prepared by an in-house chef, all NHS -accredited. But this is no ordinary nursery food. Think free-range pork loin with leek and cauliflower gratin, or spanakopita with tzatziki. One parent reportedly mistook the menu for a high-end restaurant's tasting course. Still, Odyssey isn't just about luxury lunches. Children are introduced to French, Spanish and Mandarin between their story circles and sensory play. Each room is designed with natural materials and educational themes, encouraging hands-on exploration and creativity. There's a bespoke library, a spacious art studio, and even a climbing wall outside. Upstairs, children preparing for primary school learn about science, sustainability, maths and literacy through structured play. Ang said: 'We observe the needs of the children, their interests, and we provide materials based on what they enjoy.' Technology plays a subtle role too. 'We give the children iPads,' she said. What help is available to parents for childcare costs? CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help. 30 hours of free childcare - Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours of free childcare a week. To qualify you must work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. Tax credits - For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs. Tax-free childcare - Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2. 'If we're learning about shapes, for example, they might find a circle in their environment, snap a photo, and we project it onto the screen so everyone can see each other's work.' The focus, she insists, is not just on ticking off academic milestones. 'We want them to leave with lifelong learning skills — soft skills, open-mindedness, resilience and a willingness to take risks,' said Ang. The setting reflects a growing appetite in the capital for globally minded early years education. With Singapore's education system topping international rankings, Odyssey hopes to translate its success to a London audience who expect high quality — and are prepared to pay for it. In an age when many nurseries in the capital charge more than £100 per day, often with additional fees for meals or longer hours, Odyssey's all-in model, while eye-watering, is not entirely out of step. Parents across England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare for children aged three and four, with up to 30 hours for working families, but many London nurseries charge well above the funded hours. Odyssey also prides itself on being inclusive, catering to both mainstream children and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The nursery is yet to be rated by Ofsted but says it's committed to top-tier educational outcomes and pastoral care. 6 6 6
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
TSA issues warning over common camping item after man attempted to take it onboard in his carry-on
The TSA has warned travelers about a common camping item they cannot take on board after one clueless passenger put it in his carry-on. The security administration posted the stern note to Facebook after the team at Pensacola International Airport in Florida stopped a man from taking a stove - complete with propane tank - onto the plane. 'Listen, friends, we love watching cooking shows as much as you do, but any top chef has to know that you cannot bring a stove with a propane tank attached through airport security in your carry-on bag,' the post began. 'This one was hard to miss, but great job by our team at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) for discovering this during standard checkpoint screening on Monday, and educating the passenger on the regulations we have around prohibited items. 'The passenger said he was unaware that stoves and propane tanks couldn't be carried on a plane, so let this be a learning moment for everyone… propane tanks cannot and do not belong in either your carry-on or checked bags. 'Camp stoves can be carried on, but *only* if they're empty of all fuel and fully cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remains.' Many readers took to the comments to mock the passenger and applaud TSA for stopping him. 'A propane tank?!? Someone is sorely lacking in common sense!' someone said. 'This is truly a weird carry-on in the airport. Great catch TSA,' another wrote. 'He knew! If you have to bring travel-size shampoo you know. Good catch by TSA,' a person shared. Recently, the official travel administration shared a post about which popular snack was allowed through security: donuts. In the post, it also linked to all the rules about taking food and drinks on board. Each item was listed alongside the corresponding guidelines as well as whether they were allowed in a carry-on or checked baggage. It addressed a whole host of items - from alcohol and pizza to breast milk and live lobster. It might surprise many to know that taking alcohol with you is actually allowed within specific limits. 'Alcoholic beverages with more than 24 percent but not more than 70 percent alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging,' it explained. The security administration posted the stern note to Facebook after the team at Pensacola International Airport in Florida stopped a man from taking a stove - complete with propane tank - onto the plane Many readers took to the comments to mock the passenger and applaud TSA for stopping him 'Alcoholic beverages with 24 percent alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 'Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.' Despite alcohol being allowed, there are still parameters to what you can bring on a plane. Alcoholic beverages with more than 70 percent alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum, are not allowed in either a carry-on or checked bag. Other items are allowed on planes but have special instructions. Baby formula and breast milk, for example, are allowed in a checked bag, but there are a few extra steps to bring it directly on the plane.
