The Emirates First Experience - What to Expect?

[gdm73]

We purchased a last minute upgrade to Emirates first class in May last year - Prague to Sydney. Our first time ever.
The whole experience was absolutely incredible - from the upgraded limo to the airport, the Dom Peringnon you are offered as you take your seat on the plane, the basket of treats in each cubicle, the a la carte menu, which you can order at any time, the wonderful amount of space in your private cubicle, the lie flat beds where your feet don't have to fit under the seat in front, the attentive first class team.

Our flight Prague to Dubai, we were the only first class passengers, so we had the entire team looking after us, pre-empting our every possible need or desire.
It was on the 777, so no shower, which wasn't needed at that stage.

Immediately on leaving the plane in Dubai we were met in the tunnel by an Emirates representative who guided us through to first class lounge in another area of the airport. Firstly we were placed in an extremely luxurious limo which drove us to the transfer bus. We were delighted to find that the transfer bus was exclusively for first class, hopped on and sat in the individual lounge chairs for the rest of the transfer - so easy & comfortable. We were then guided to the lounge to check in. We only had a short transfer time, so we didn't have time to indulge in any of the complimentary spa treatments - just time for a quick drink.

The second leg was in a 380, so the crew booked us in for showers a couple of hours before we landed.

More Dom and my husband indulged in very expensive Scotch and Cognac and a large plate of fine caviar with seven accompaniments including melba toast, egg, chives, white onions, sour cream and lemon. He was offered more if he wanted it.

For dinner we both had rack of lamb - yummo.

I popped into my complimentary PJs shortly after taking off, and actually managed to get a few hours sleep within the 14 - 15 hour flight. Another first for me.

Lots more great stuff, but I have to go out now.

I think I am now officially spoilt for Business Class even.

Wonderful, wonderful experience. Do yourself a favour.

Agree 100%.

 

[SAB]

Agree 100%.

You can now never go back to steerage you know!

That's the problem when you start flying first.

 

[SOPOOR]

My.experience.in F has motivated me to try and be able to afford it more.often, and i can say im no longer one of those that says "ill never be able to experience first class in my life"

 

[levelnine]

Any recent data points on the cash upgrade cost from J to F at check-in/boarding on an Australia to Dubai leg?

Flying J on a QF codeshare ticket, so unfortunately unable to upgrade using SkyMiles.

 

[iamsuperandrew]

Any recent data points on the cash upgrade cost from J to F at check-in/boarding on an Australia to Dubai leg?

Flying J on a QF codeshare ticket, so unfortunately unable to upgrade using SkyMiles.

Are there any seat in F for your flight?

Try checking your Emirates App/ website for manage my booking to see if any upgrade offers are available?

I overhead someone at the checkin who upgraded from J to F with cash at counter SIN - MEL but no idea how much

 

[AIRwin]

SIN - MEL

Final flight today

 

[levelnine]

Are there any seat in F for your flight?

Try checking your Emirates App/ website for manage my booking to see if any upgrade offers are available?

I overhead someone at the checkin who upgraded from J to F with cash at counter SIN - MEL but no idea how much

F cabin is empty. They don't typically offer upgrades on Qantas codeshare flights (ineligible), so I'm fairly certain I'll have to wait until the flight goes under airport control and it'll only be available in cash.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Nah. It only benefits those who can lock in their flights 12 months in advance and disadvantages those who are not able to.

Random releases are best. Fair level playing field for all. Nobody has an advantage. No discrimination.

F cabin is empty. They don't typically offer upgrades on Qantas codeshare flights (ineligible), so I'm fairly certain I'll have to wait until the flight goes under airport control and it'll only be available in cash.

You're fundamentally on a QF flight.
EK can't/won't sell you the usual cash upgrade rates as they'd need to pass a cut on to QF...which logistically likely doesn't exist, so you'll be out of luck. You are right in that the price will be the ticket different rate...keeping in mind...you'll be paying QF's rate, not EK's.

If you were an EK member on EK flight:
- You could pay a nominal cash rate at check in
- Onboard, even after sitting in your J seat, you could use miles to upgrade to F if a seat is available

 

[levelnine]

You're fundamentally on a QF flight.
EK can't/won't sell you the usual cash upgrade rates as they'd need to pass a cut on to QF...which logistically likely doesn't exist, so you'll be out of luck. You are right in that the price will be the ticket different rate...keeping in mind...you'll be paying QF's rate, not EK's.

If you were an EK member on EK flight:
- You could pay a nominal cash rate at check in
- Onboard, even after sitting in your J seat, you could use miles to upgrade to F if a seat is available

Not correct. EK are happy to give you a cash upgrade at check-in/boarding on a QF ticket. Some check-in agents don't know how to to do it — you usually need to ask for a supervisor. Done it many times before.*

Just trying to work out the going rate. Cost is far less than the cash difference for the flight. EK have fairly standard rates from what I can tell. Pre-COVID it was about $AUD125-150/hour of flight time. Seems to be closer to $AUD175-200/hour these days, but was interested in any recent DPs.

* Now I'm not sure (or particularly bothered) with what happens on the back end. EG if you upgrade on board, they don't change your ticket — they just reassign your seat.

Edit: I should add I don't care about getting the additional points/SC (minimal difference between J & F). I think if you wanted the additional points/SC, you'd be out of luck for the reasons you mentioned.