One of the many attractive views inside Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai
Dubai is known for having impressive and large things. It makes sense then that Emirates Airlines would have a huge, and impressive, First Class Lounge at their main hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Getting access to any lounge is a nice benefit — but not all lounges are created equal. Most of the time, those paying $20,000 for their First Class international ticket do not want to mingle with those who paid a mere $7,000, and they do not have to. We aren’t in Kansas anymore folks.
The First Class Lounge seems to go on forever in Dubai
First of all, the lounge is frek’n huge. It took a good ten minutes for me to do a lap around the place and I am convinced I still did not see everything. There are some things you would hope to find in any lounge; comfortable seating, easy access to quick food and drink, high-end service, and even showers. But there was more at this lounge that you do not find often.
I almost wish there was a play are like this for adults
If you have kids and want to have some time away from them before hopping on a plane for 14 hours, the lounge has its own kids play area. Not only does this allow you the chance to enjoy the rest of the lounge’s amenities with some peace, but it also allows your children to tire themselves out a bit before the flight.
There might not be a real play area for adults, but there is a free spa — called the Timeless Spa. Get a quick massage or facial and it is all complimentary. You just have to add you name to the list, wait your turn, and relax. I wanted to test these services for myself (you know, for the story), but I unfortunately ran out of time.
Take a seat at a table or one of the booths inside the restaurant, in the lounge, in the airport, in Dubai.
There are quite a few food options in the lounge — the most impressive being a sit-down restaurant. From snacks to full meals, you surely shouldn’t be leaving the lounge hungry. No matter what you order or get, leave your wallet in place, because there is no additional charge.
If you are more in the mood for some alcohol, no worries, you have lots to choose from. Want to take some wine home with you? No problem — there is a shop in the lounge, where a wine connoisseur will help you pick out that perfect bottle.
One could easily visit the lounge and have a different seating experience each time. From comfy, large seats to a faux living room to working areas, whatever you are looking to do, there is a seat for you.
If you are hoping to plane spot from the lounge, or even from Terminal 3, you might be disappointed.
Overall, the lounge was outstanding. However, there were two things that I did not find appealing; one which most people will share in my pain and the other only AvGeeks will.
The biggest disappointment was the Wi-Fi — which was slow. When I say slow… I mean S L O W. It was borderline useless to get any work done. Reading online, I found this was not an isolated experience and seems to be a constant problem.
The second issue I had was the view to the airplanes outside. There are large windows, but they all had markings on them to help keep the interior cool. I was told that the airport also designed the windows in this fashion so that passengers do not feel that they are in an airport. Of course, I like to feel that I am in an airport — oh well.
SEE ALL 13 PHOTOS FROM MY VISIT OF EMIRATES FIRST CLASS LOUNGE IN DUBAI
“Of course, I like to feel that I am in an airport oh well”
Yeah I know that feeling. Watching the planes is the best part of waiting at the gate. I really hate airports that try to pretend you’re in a shopping mall. Fortunately I always fly out of Schiphol, so I get to watch the planes on the outbound leg at least.
Dubai has an impressive Airport but the plane watching is terrible. I could barely see the A380 we were getting on to London.
Hong Kong airport is the best I have seen for plane watching. I love just chilling at the gate area and getting awesome views of airlines from different parts of the world.