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5 Things That Make Emirates A Unique Airline

Emirates has always been known as one of the world’s best carriers and has won buckets of awards. Most passengers say it is a lot to do with the fantastic service from economy to first-class, the larger and more modern in-flight entertainment, and the better-than-average plane food. Let’s look at some of the reasons Emirates is highly regarded.

1. Award-winning In-flight Entertainment

Emirates has won Skytrax’s ‘best inflight entertainment’ awards every year for over a decade, for a good reason. Emirates was one of the first airlines to offer individual entertainment systems in the 1990s. While initially, the industry questioned the expensive endeavor, it has now become the stock standard of long-haul travel. The company calls it the ICE system – information, communication, and entertainment – and has continued to ensure it is the best in the industry. First-class screens are as big as 32 inches, and economy has generously sized 13.3-inch displays. The company offers up to 5,000 movies, music, and games channels and is well known for having the latest episodes of popular tv shows. In fact, Emirates has said that it would take a passenger to fly between Dubai and Sydney 500 times to watch everything on hand..

2. First-Class Showers

Emirates is one of two airlines to give first-class customers a spa-like shower experience 30,000 feet in the air. While many airlines have been quick to retire their Airbus A380 aircraft, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen single-aisle travel lead the recovery, Emirates prides itself on flying the two-storey jet. The extra room comes with space for a luxurious shower, which may also give customers a reason to book a flight with the A380 over the Boeing 777. While not all A380s include a shower, the ones with two are located at the front of the upper deck. Customers can shower once per flight – the busiest times are usually two hours before landing – and will have about 30 minutes in the spacious bathroom. The only catch is that customers get just five minutes of running water, but most reviewers have said this is plenty of time. Before or after take-off, a flight attendant will ask customers if they would like to book the shower and will collect them when the time is ready. Plus, the shower has temperaturecontrolled floors, a movable shower head nozzle, and a selection of skincare to make passengers feel refreshed.

3. Inclusive Dubai Stopover

Dubai is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world, and Emirates makes it easier for customers to enjoy the sites during a long-haul layover. Emirates gives customers complimentary transit visas who want to extend their layover (and will even help with the application process), but not only that, the company will also plan the whole trip. From booking hotels (with 24-hour check-in), transfers, and exclusive deals on attractions, passengers can relax and enjoy the experience while Emirates plans the rest. Emirates will also give customers a 10% discount on new flight bookings.

4. Super Child-friendly

While most airlines must accommodate children, Emirates is known as one to go the extra mile for parents. The Dubai-based carrier lets infants under two years old ride on a passenger’s lap or in a bassinet for a discount, and children from ages two to 11 will also receive a discount. Uniquely, Emirates offers complimentary strollers for parents at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at the check-in desks in Terminal 3. On the flight, children between two and 12 get specially made meals. Babies are also treated to Ella’s Kitchen range, which is entirely organic. Plus, Emirates also plans for extra-prepared parents. Those who choose to bring their own meals can heat them on the aircraft, and flight attendants will have bottles and formula also on hand for those who don’t have enough. To keep kids company, Emirates also lets them cuddle with furry friends and a warm blanket onboard. Older children will be given activity sheets and stickers to keep them occupied.

5. Amenity Kits for Every Class

A treat usually reserved for business, first class, and sometimes premium economy, the complimentary amenity kits that keep passengers refreshed after long flights are a passenger favorite. Emirates takes this further and makes these kits available in economy class. According to the company, the kits contain socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a bookmark. The kits are also made with recycled materials, resembling Earth’s elements, and the six regions of the company’s network, such as Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Australasia.Adding to this unique feature, in 2016, Emirates also announced the world’s first interactive amenity kit. The Augmented Reality (AR) technology was through a partnership with the Blippar mobile app, and customers could scan their amenity bags and unlock multiple features. The content supposedly refreshes every six months and allows customers to point at objects on the app and learn interesting facts.