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Only 46 of the massive, double-decker Airbus A380 (launched in 2007) planes are in operation, so when Emirates invited me to tour the world’s largest passenger jet at JFK last week, I happily accepted.
Quite simply, the double-decker plane is a beast: Baggage handlers look like dolls next to the oversized jet engines; the wingspan is wide enough to host a soccer game; and a nudge of Air France’s own A380 infamously sent a Delta plane twirling 90 degrees at JFK in April.
Despite the size, the planes consume 20 percent less fuel per seat than the next-largest aircraft, are more fuel-efficient per mile than Toyota’s Prius, and produce less than half the noise of a Boeing 747-400 – no wonder then that Emirates operates 15 of the machines and has an additional 75 on order.
One walk through the aircraft convinced me to try and nab a seat on any A380 for my next long-haul flight. Here’s what to expect if you fly Emirates:
![](https://d2c8orla013wc0.cloudfront.net/from-blog/emirates_air_a380_first_class.jpg)
First Class: Absolutely everything about this class is lavish. Complimentary chauffer service whisks passengers to and from their respective airports; at JFK, passengers may board via jetway directly from the Emirates lounge; and FastTrack immigration clearance is available at select airports.
On board, passengers cocoon themselves in one of 14 suite-seats, each walled in by electronically operated doors to create mini-rooms throughout the upper deck cabin.
Once comfortably seated, flyers sip champagne, fresh fruit juices, and Arabic coffee before take-off; choose from more than 1,200 channels of OnDemand entertainment, 200 movies, and 100 video games at cruising altitude; and dine on multi-course, chef-prepared meals (served on exclusive bone china) throughout the flight.
![](https://d2c8orla013wc0.cloudfront.net/from-blog/emirates_a380_shower1.jpg)
Even that grimy, I’ve-been-in-an-airplane-for-12-hours feeling is a non-issue. The two bathrooms have showers – the only such amenity in the industry – with enough hot water to service a full cabin (though know that the water will only stream for five minutes at a time).
Sample round-trip fare: NYC to Dubai, June 17 – 24, $19,140
Business Class: The in-flight shower is off-limits for business class passengers, but this middle tier still claims plenty of perks.
Travelers sit in one of 76 flat-bed seats, each stocked with seatback TVs, mini-bars, and dividers for privacy. Seat-to-seat calling, OnDemand channels, in-seat power outlets, and seatback SMS and email access keep travelers connected en-route, while complimentary drinks, gourmet meals (also served on fine china plates), and an in-seat minibar sate passengers throughout the flight.
![](https://d2c8orla013wc0.cloudfront.net/from-blog/emirates_a380_bar.jpg)
As if all those TV and video game channels weren’t entertainment enough, first and business class passengers may retreat to the shared bar and lounge in the middle of the upper deck; complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, and appetizers are on offer throughout the flight.
Sample round-trip fare: NYC to Dubai, June 17 – 24, $9,318.50
Economy:
Even plain-Jane economy seats on Emirates are swankier than back-of-the-plane tickets on most domestic airlines. Passengers have access to the same menu of 1,200 OnDemand channels, 200 movies, and 100 video games as the folks upstairs; enjoy complimentary soft drinks, spirits, wines, and beers throughout the flight; and may hook up their laptops to power outlets, available in each seat.
Sample round-trip fare: NYC to Dubai, June 17 – 24, $2,215.50
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