Based in Dubai, Emirates’ extensive global network spanning six continents has made it one of the most recognisable airlines. It also has one of the world’s most recognisable Business Class products, with this cabin class available on every single one of its aircraft.

Emirates currently operates the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777. It will also begin flying the Airbus A350 early next year.

On the iconic Airbus A380, you can enjoy fully lie-flat seats and access to the onboard lounge and bar. Meanwhile, Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class offers either lie-flat or angle-flat seats, depending on the specific aircraft configuration.

This guide explains the different seat types and features…

Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class seats

Let’s start by looking at the different Business Class configurations you’ll find on Emirates’ Boeing 777 fleet…

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER angle-flat Business Class

The vast majority of Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ERs use an angle-flat seat in Business Class, in an outdated 2-3-2 configuration. This means the seat does not fully lie flat, although it does stretch out to 175cm and comes with a footrest. Privacy is actually quite decent though, as there are large dividers between the seats that you can raise as desired.

The seats are 20.5 inches wide with limited storage, although they do come with a 17-inch entertainment screen and an AC power outlet. Newer aircraft come with a USB-A port and feature OnAir Wi-Fi.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER (old) lie-flat Business Class

A select few of Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ERs feature lie-flat Business Class seats, although still in a 2-3-2 configuration. These seats have footwells and extra storage options compared to the angle-flat seats, as well as an updated 23-inch entertainment screen. You’ll also find AC/USB-A power outlets and OnAir Wi-Fi.

It can be difficult to work out in advance which type of seat will be on your flight, and Emirates can change aircraft types at short notice. But two indications that your 777-300ER might have the newer fully lie-flat Business seats could be either that there are only six First Class seats, or that the Economy Class seats 50D-G don’t exist.

Emirates Boeing 777-200LR Business Class

Emirates also operates 10 Boeing 777-200LRs, which have similar fully lie-flat seats to the newer Boeing 777-300ERs, but in a 2-2-2 configuration. This results in a wider 22-inch seat and direct aisle access for both passengers in the centre of the plane.

The Boeing 777-200LRs also feature the updated 23-inch entertainment screen, with power outlets and USB ports available, as well as OnAir Wi-Fi.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER (new) lie-flat Business Class

Emirates is currently refurbishing most of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. The refurbishment introduces Premium Economy, but also installs a modern 1-2-1 Business Class layout, with seats by Safran. This is essentially an updated version of the A380’s seat, meaning everyone gets direct aisle access.

This seat is in a staggered configuration, so that rows alternate between being closer to the aisle, and cocooned away from the aisle. The seats themselves are 20.7 inches wide, turning into a 2-metre long bed. They also feature a 23-inch entertainment screen, USB and AC power outlets and a personal mini-bar.

Emirates Airbus A380 Business Class seats

The largest A380 operator in the world, Emirates has opted to maintain consistency for their flagship aircraft, equipping them all with the exact same Business Class seat. This is the lie-flat Safran SkyLounge product, set up in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all passengers.

Although Emirates uses the same seats on all A380s, there are some minor cosmetic differences between aircraft that have been refurbished and those still sporting the original design.

The airline’s refurbished A380 Business Class seats feature a lighter, more subdued tone than the darker bold chestnut of the unrefurbished A380s. However, every A380 Business Class seat has the same 18.5 inches of seat width, an 18-inch entertainment screen, AC/USB power, and a personal minibar.

Arguably the best part of the Emirates Business Class experience is the onboard bar, located at the rear of the upper deck. This is only accessible to Business or First Class passengers.

The bar isn’t an afterthought making use of some empty space. Emirates has opted to install this where they could have put another eight Business Class seats! Instead, you’ll find a full-blown lounge with seating and a TV, allowing you to mingle and chat with other flyers or cabin crew.

The Business Class experience begins on the ground

Regardless of the route, if you’re flying Emirates Business Class you’ll experience fantastic in-flight service, food and beverages.

But before you even get on board, the airline also provides a complimentary chauffeur-drive service to and from the airport in selected cities. Note that the chauffeur service is not available on reward tickets, upgrades, codeshare flights (including with QF flight numbers) or Business Special fares.

Unless you’re travelling on one of Emirates’ many fifth-freedom routes, you’ll experience Emirates’ mega-hub at Dubai International Airport. When flying Business Class from Dubai, you can access Emirates’ three different Business Class lounges in concourses A, B and C.

At other airports, you may have access to an Emirates Lounge (including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and Singapore) or a third-party contract lounge.

Earning and redeeming points on Emirates

Thanks to their partnership with Qantas, Emirates allows you to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points for Emirates flights. You’ll also earn Qantas points and status credits if you book an Emirates codeshare service with a Qantas flight number. However, if you book the Emirates flight number, you’ll only earn Qantas points and not status credits.

Emirates’ own Skywards frequent flyer program is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and CommBank Awards in Australia. You can transfer points earned on Amex and CommBank credit cards to Skywards, which you can then use to book Emirates reward flights or upgrade with Skywards miles to Business Class.

Wilson McTaggart

Wilson's love of travel started from a young age, but his love for points developed after figuring out ways to travel on a gap year for less - leading naturally towards Australian Frequent Flyer! Wilson's hobbies include skiing, cricket and planning trips, both with and without points.

Wilson posts on the AFF forum as @WilsonM.