Review – Emirates A380 First Class Brisbane – Auckland

Emirates operate their A380’s to Auckland from Brisbane, Melbourne and currently Sydney but that will be changing to a Qantas A330 very soon. Emirates sell First, Business and Economy on the Tasman routes and it’s a great way to trial their premium products on the shortish hop. An even better reason to take the Emirates flight is they price First and Business very well out of Auckland, to the point that First can be the same price as Air New Zealand or Qantas Business so why not take the more luxurious option?

After leaving the lounge, I made my way onboard. The crew member looking after me guided to my seat (3A) and I was welcomed onboard. They informed me I’d be the only passenger onboard in First and if I’d like a drink before takeoff.

Emirates A380 First Class

I chose to have a water with a slice of lemon. Emirates have one of the best menus onboard and their usual champagne they offer before takeoff in First is Dom Perignon.

Emirates A380 First Class

In the A380, there’s a total of 14 suites and they’re in a 1-2-1 configuration which is pretty standard for First Class.

Emirates A380 First Class

The suites are leather and are quite comfortable. I’d say not as comfortable as Cathay First but more than sufficient.

Emirates A380 First Class

Each suite features a mini bar which can be lowered and raised. It features a variety of water, soft drinks and juices. Also note that it’s not chilled which is disappointing.

Emirates A380 First Class

Before we pushed back from the gate, the crew came to offer me some Arabic coffee and some dates, both were lovely and it’s a nice way to start the rather cold morning.

Emirates A380 First Class

Usually Emirates would offer an amenity kit on the service but for whatever reason, they also provided Pyjamas and slippers which was a very nice surprise.

Emirates A380 First Class

We left the gate on time and started our taxi to runway 19. It was quite a dreary day but watching the tail cam is always entertaining no matter what the weather.

Emirates A380 First Class

Just after we reached our cruise altitude, the breakfast service started. I went with an Apple Juice and some mixed nuts.

Emirates A380 First Class

Next was the fresh fruit plate and a yogurt.

Emirates A380 First Class

It was also accompanied with some warm Banana bread.

Emirates A380 First Class

It consisted of Orange, Blueberries, Kiwi fruit, Strawberries and Grapefruit.

Emirates A380 First Class

For the main dish I had the Apple and Cinnamon Flapjacks which were lovely.

Emirates A380 First Class

After having some breakfast, I decided to have an hour or 2 of sleep as I hadn’t slept the night before (no surprise there).

Emirates A380 First Class

On this service, there’s no bedding offered but there is a duvet of course.

Emirates A380 First Class

After having some pretty decent sleep, It was time for the most exciting part of flying Emirates First Class – the onboard shower.

Emirates A380 First Class

Emirates feature 2 showers In the front of the cabin for First Class passengers. You have to book it in advance and you get to access it for 30 minutes which is very generous. Note that you only get 5 minutes of water.

Emirates A380 First Class

The amenities in the bathrooms are pretty nice it’s well stoked.

Emirates A380 First Class

They feature both Voya and Bvlgari products which I quite like.

Emirates A380 First Class

Emirates A380 First Class

As you can see, the shower itself is not too tight. The bathroom is currently the biggest in the sky.

Emirates A380 First Class

You have to have both the bathroom and shower door locked to turn on the water.

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s even a seat in the case of turbulence.

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s a few other amenities and a hairdryer available if you need to use them.

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s also a small monitor to show you your location and altitude.

Emirates A380 First Class

And yes this is real, you can adjust the temperature of the floor!

Emirates A380 First Class

The pyjamas are some of the most comfortable I’ve come across and I’m a big fan of them.

Emirates A380 First Class

The amenity kit is very well stocked and features Bvlgari products.

Emirates A380 First Class

After having the shower, we commenced our descent into Auckland. The seat features a nice writing kit with a pen, notes and envelopes.

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s 2 forms of in-seat power with a 110v plug:

Emirates A380 First Class

And 2 USB outlets:

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s actually 2 controllers for the IFE and they’re found on the left of the seat. The main screen controller also adjusts lights and seating functions.

Emirates A380 First Class

On the right hand side of the seat, you’ll be able to choose seating positions and be able to close the suite doors.

Emirates A380 First Class

This is the screen controller which has the most functionality:

Emirates A380 First Class

There’s also a small vanity mirror with all types of creams and relaxing scents, these make for great presents 😉

Emirates A380 First Class

We arrived in Auckland on time and after leaving the aircraft and walking to clear customs, there’s a brilliant view of the massive A380.

Emirates A380 First Class

Overall, Emirates First Class is a brilliant product and it’s one I’ve flown a number of times and it’s always been great. I’m currently writing this in the Emirates lounge in Brisbane about to depart to Singapore on the 777 so I’ll report on that once I arrive back home.