Emirates elevates First Class with unlimited caviar, zero-gravity seats and spa showers
Lounge-style check-in, virtual windows and more added for premium flyers
DUBAI: UAE’s premier airline Emirates has announced a sweeping upgrade to its First Class experience, redefining luxury in air travel with innovative additions both in the sky and on the ground.
From unlimited caviar and zero-gravity seats to exclusive designer amenities and a soon-to-be-revealed refurbished lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the airline continues to push the boundaries of premium flying.
The latest features promise enhanced comfort, personalisation, and exclusivity – cementing Emirates’ position as the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel with over 26,800 seats available weekly, all in private suites.
Private suites
Emirates' commitment to opulence begins with privacy. Onboard its flagship Airbus A380, 14 First Class suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck, each offering full-flat beds with electronic doors for total seclusion. These suites are tailored for work or rest, complete with a pull-out dining table and desk space.
On Boeing 777 aircraft featuring the Game Changer configuration, only six suites are available, offering even more exclusivity in a 1-1-1 layout. These include floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, adjustable mood lighting, and seats that recline into a NASA-inspired ‘zero-gravity’ position, designed to alleviate pressure from the spine and mimic weightlessness.
Technology plays a starring role. Game Changer passengers can initiate video calls to cabin crew for in-suite service requests. Middle suite occupants enjoy high-definition virtual windows displaying real-time views, while window seat travellers receive Emirates-branded binoculars to make the most of the vistas.
Storage solutions are abundant, with overhead compartments, a full-length wardrobe, baggage spaces, and dedicated shoe storage within the suite. Passengers can bring along 50kg of checked baggage as standard.
Dining & drinks
Dining in Emirates First Class is now a fully immersive, on-demand experience. Menus are available at any time during long-haul flights, offering à la carte multi-course meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Passengers can indulge in unlimited caviar, served in bespoke Robert Welch-designed bowls. The presentation includes seven accompaniments: melba toast, blinis, chopped egg, chives, white onion, sour cream, and lemon – served with a mother-of-pearl spoon to preserve taste.
A refined cheese board is presented on rustic slate, with artisan cheeses, chutneys, and a wooden honey dipper. Cabin crew provide white-gloved service to elevate the dining experience.
For lighter cravings, the Movie Snacks Menu offers gourmet bites like Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, edamame, and popcorn. Sweet treats include premium chocolates, pralines, and dates, with passengers encouraged to take away their favourites in a mini gift box.
Vegan and vegetarian options are part of the regular offering, ensuring inclusivity without compromise.
The drinks menu is no less impressive. Emirates is the only airline serving Dom Pérignon Champagne in First Class, available on all routes. Premium spirits such as Stoli Elit 18 Vodka, The Botanist Gin, Eminente Reserva 7 Year Old Rum, Glenmorangie Signet Scotch, and Hennessy Paradis Cognac feature prominently.
Wine aficionados will appreciate Emirates’ robust cellar, currently housing over six million bottles in France. Some vintages will not be served until 2037. Prestigious white Burgundy wines like Montrachet 2011 and Corton-Charlemagne 2014, alongside red Grand Crus, enhance the inflight wine programme.
Luxury amenities
On the ground, Emirates is finalising the refurbishment of its First Class check-in area at Terminal 3, DXB. The updated space promises a “lounge-inspired design” and dedicated personalised service. First Class travellers also benefit from complimentary chauffeur service and access to 43 luxury lounges worldwide.
Onboard, the pampering continues. The suites on Game Changer aircraft are equipped with mattresses, cotton-lined duvets, pillows, and plush faux sheepskin blankets. Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas use microcapsule technology to hydrate skin with Vitamin C and olive oil. Matching slippers and eye masks are provided.
Amenity kits receive a luxurious boost through Emirates’ collaboration with Bulgari. For women, the Le Gemme Orom fragrance leads with amber and vanilla bourbon notes; for men, Le Gemme Tygar blends grapefruit and ambergris. The bags come in four leather designs – rich chocolate for men and Champagne tones for women.
Each suite includes skincare by Byredo, the Swedish luxury label. Products such as face toners, eye cream, sleep oil, pillow mist, and towelettes are stocked for personal use. Illuminated vanity mirrors are built into each suite for added comfort.
In addition to personal grooming kits, the long-haul amenity kits include a sustainable hairbrush, mirror, toothbrush, dental kit, and shaving kit.
Spa & entertainment
The Emirates A380 offers the world’s first onboard Shower Spas in First Class. Each suite is equipped with exclusive access to one of two spacious shower facilities featuring heated floors, leather seating, and sustainable Voya shower products from Ireland.
The spa area includes a full-length mirror, vanity unit, hairdryer, and ambient floral arrangements. Products from the Voya Revitalise and Tranquillity collections ensure a refreshing inflight experience. Nearby, the Onboard Lounge, also located on the A380 upper deck, is open to both First and Business Class passengers.
In entertainment, Emirates leads with its award-winning ICE system, now accessible through a 32-inch Full HD LCD touchscreen. The suite’s sound is powered by Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones with noise-cancelling technology and sheepskin leather finishes for supreme comfort.
ICE features over 6,500 channels in more than 40 languages, including blockbuster films, series, documentaries, music, and podcasts. It’s one of the largest entertainment libraries in the skies.