Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380-800 from Bangkok to Hong Kong

Emirates First Class in the Airbus A380 - Cabin

I have been waiting a long time for this moment - my first flight on the Airbus A380! To make my first flight on this model as unique as possible, I treated myself to a First Class ticket. Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, offers an affordable ticket for the Bangkok - Hong Kong route, even for those with a normal income. Find out whether a flight in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380 is worth it in the following review!

Emirates First Class check-in at Bangkok Airport

For us, however, the Emirates First Class experience began long before the actual flight. We took the Airport Express from downtown Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, about 30 kilometers away. With firm steps and full of anticipation, we walked down the red carpet to the exclusive First Class counter. No more waiting in line with the "economy class" customers. Before we could even begin a conversation with the lady at the counter, another employee asked us again whether we had really chosen the right route. With a broad grin on our faces and the answer, "Yes, we are flying first class!" we answered in the affirmative.

Emirates First Class counter at Bangkok Airport
Emirates First Class counter at Bangkok Airport

The Emirates Lounge Bangkok

In addition to our flight ticket, we received an invitation to the lounge and a pass to use the Premium Lane at the airport. This security check and exit control, specifically designed for the airline's premium customers, saves valuable time. This allowed us to access Emirates' exclusive waiting area even faster.

The Emirates Lounge
The Emirates Lounge
Seating area in the lounge
Seating area in the lounge

There, we found a larger waiting room with several small seating areas and a buffet. There were several hot and cold dishes, canapés, and desserts to choose from. However, since we were expecting a good meal on the plane, we only had a light bite. We preferred to use the time to toast the upcoming experience with a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.

Emirates First Class on Airbus A380 – Boarding EK384

Shortly after 1 p.m., we left the lounge and went to departure gate E4, where the A380 was already waiting for us. To fill the Airbus's two passenger decks in a reasonable time, Bangkok has three jet bridges.

E-Gates Bangkok
E-Gates Bangkok
Gate E4
Gate E4
A380-800 (A6-EDT)
A380-800 (A6-EDT)

We were allowed to use the right bridge for the upper deck with the other First and Business passengers. Upon arriving at the aircraft door, we were personally greeted and escorted to our seats. "Space" is actually an understatement with Emirates—it's a suite! Even though Bodo sat a row in front of me, the suite separated us so much that we couldn't see or hear each other. Therefore, I'll continue this blog post from my perspective.

Emirates First Class in the Airbus A380 - Cabin
Emirates First Class in the Airbus A380 cabin
Suite 4A - Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380
Suite 4A – Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380

After a welcome from the purser, followed by an explanation of the seat and other equipment in my suite (4A), I was treated to another glass of champagne before pushback. This time, it was a 2002 Dom Pérignon.

Welcome champagne in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380
Welcome champagne in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380
My Suite
My Suite

Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380 – Tour of my suite

I used the time until takeoff to familiarize myself with my suite. The central control unit is an easy-to-use touchscreen controller. This controls the seat, the integrated massage function, the lighting, the entertainment system, and more.

Touchscreen controller
Touchscreen controller

What is the seat like in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380?

The leather seat can be adjusted continuously to any desired position. Seven zones, from the headrest to the footrest, can be electronically configured. For faster adjustment, there are several memory buttons (takeoff, lounge, dining, etc.). Each suite is equipped with, among other things, a 25-inch (approx. 64 cm) LCD display. This runs the ice entertainment system with countless videos on demand, music, and other gadgets. However, I only used the various camera angles of the aircraft and listened to a bit of current chart music. The headphones cancel out the ambient noise, providing great sound.

Noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones

Each passenger also has the option of increasing their privacy through the electrically adjustable sliding door. A small minibar and a snack basket are provided for individual refreshments.

Minibar in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380
Minibar in Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380
Slippers
Slippers

I was astonished at how quiet the cabin was. The four GP7200 engines were barely audible, even during takeoff. I watched on the monitor as the captain slowly pulled the plane upwards.

Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380 – Food and beverage offerings

Afterwards, it was time to peruse the menu and wine list, which had been handed out shortly before takeoff. Due to the short flight time, there was only a "light meal" to choose from.

menu
menu

Emirates First Class – Starter

For my starter, I chose the smoked salmon with pineapple, celery, and apple salad. This was served with a mixed salad with various dressings.

Starter: smoked salmon with pineapple, celery and apple salad
Starter: smoked salmon with pineapple, celery and apple salad

Emirates First Class – Main Course

Shortly afterward, the warm main course was served. I had red snapper, served on a tomato sauce with sautéed potato slices, fresh spinach, and red bell peppers. Simply delicious! The purser recommended a French white wine (2007) from the Sancerre region to accompany it.

Red snapper placed on a tomato sauce, with sautéed potato slices, fresh spinach and red pepper
Red snapper placed on a tomato sauce, with sautéed potato slices, fresh spinach and red pepper

Emirates First Class – Dessert

The menu concluded with a panna cotta with passion fruit and a 2003 Château Rieussec dessert wine.

Panna Cotta with passion fruit and a 2003 Château Rieussec dessert wine
Panna Cotta with passion fruit and a 2003 Château Rieussec dessert wine

Emirates First Class in the Airbus A380 – Shower at a height of ten kilometers

While using the restroom before dinner, I told the flight attendant that I'd like to use the onboard shower. Yes, you read that right, there's a shower here! With a flight time of just two hours, that requires some planning. For this reason, the purser hurriedly served the meal. I had just finished my dessert wine when I heard the friendly flight attendant say, "Sir, your shower is now ready!"

She accompanied me to the front of the left washroom and explained what I should keep in mind while showering. The water is limited to five minutes, with the remaining water level indicated by a color display. The water pressure is better than in some hotels, and I only used half of my shower time. A small display shows, among other things, the current altitude. Only then did I realize I had just enjoyed a shower at an altitude of over 10 kilometers. Brilliant!

Visit to the bar

When I returned to my seat, the purser asked me if I wanted another drink. As I looked at the cocktail menu, he told me about the lounge at the back of the plane. I'd completely forgotten about it! He then escorted us through Business Class to the end of the upper deck. Unfortunately, the bar had already prepared for the impending landing, and we only had time for a photo.

Bar in the rear of the upper deck of the A380
Bar in the rear of the upper deck of the A380

I enjoyed the approach to Hong Kong with a champagne cocktail and a Mars Bar. It's a shame my first first-class experience was over so quickly. Someday, I'd like to try it on a longer flight. But the time will come!

Flight route Bangkok to Hong Kong
Flight route Bangkok to Hong Kong
landing approach
landing approach
Apron of Hong Kong Airport
Apron of Hong Kong Airport

More information about Emirates

Website:https://www.emirates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emirates/
Online booking:Flugladen.de*, Expedia* or Skyscanner*

Did you like this post? Then share it on social media. This way you support our work. Have you ever had the good fortune to enjoy Emirates First Class on the Airbus A380? Then I'd love to hear your opinion in the Comments.

Review of Emirates First Class on the Airbus 380-800
  • Seat
  • Service
  • Cleanliness
  • Beverages
  • Food
  • In-flight entertainment
  • Price/performance
4.4

Summary

The design of Emirates First Class certainly isn't for everyone. I'm not particularly fond of the gold accents and the light burl wood either. Nevertheless, Emirates First Class is a magnificent product in the sky. The service is extremely friendly and competent. Even on the short flight between Bangkok and Hong Kong, there was a delicious three-course meal. A unique selling point of Emirates First Class is clearly the shower.

Christian

My name is Christian and I was born in the green heart of Germany and studied computer engineering in Ilmenau, Thuringia. Since 2021, I've been living in Merseburg with my wife Christin and our son and working as a product manager in Leipzig. What I love about travelling is flying, discovering good food and drink and staying in great hotels. I love travelling and am always on the lookout for the next adventure. I have been reporting on my experiences while travelling since 2007.

This post has 2 comments

  1. Torsten

    Hello,
    Was there really a box of sweets on the flight?
    I flew first class from BKK to HKG to BKK in May of this year. I didn't see any of the treats, and I was a bit disappointed. I wouldn't have paid for the flight; I had an upgrade.

    1. Christian

      Hello Torsten,
      Thanks for your comment. :)
      Yes, that basket of sweets was on my flight. I think it contained a small packet of chips, chocolate bars, and nuts. My first-class flight with Emirates was in December 2011, though. Perhaps the snack basket was eliminated. But the flight attendants would definitely have had something for you. :)
      Best regards

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