Putting aside the futuristic first class cabins on select Emirates Boeing 777’s, it’s the Airbus A380 that wins hearts and minds for the airline.
Some would say it’s the best in class dimensions of the economy seats and their seat back screens, others would say the stylish business class bar, and others the first class showers, but whatever the pick, the Emirates A380 is unlike any other.
Sadly, the plane has been cast aside as pandemic woes linger and cargo proves more viable than transporting passengers. With hope that the US will continue easing travel restrictions, Emirates is adding the A380 back to a variety of North American routes, including not one, or two, but three US gateways.
Emirates A380’s Returning To Americas
Emirates has updated its summer flying schedule, and is stepping up the timeline for the A380’s return to North American service.
According to Simple Flying, Emirates will fly the Airbus A380 on EK 201/202, as one of its two New York JFK services from June 1st, rather than a planned summer schedule starting July 1st.
In addition, Washington Dulles (IAD) and Los Angeles (LAX) will see A380’s rostered onto the schedule for summer 2021, with an expected return by July 1st. Toronto (YYZ) will also receive Airbus A380 service from Emirates over the summer.
With the UAE added to the UK’s red list, Emirates jets which were expected to handle booming demand for travel to and from the UK are being deployed to North America, where a travel rebound is booming.
Is It Worth Booking To Enjoy The A380?
Airlines are offering better flexibility than they usually might right now, but like many things in travel, even scheduled services are subject to change. Emirates will likely stick to its A380 plans for North America, but adjustments could me made in the interim if travel restrictions were to change.
If you’re hoping to travel purely to experience the A380, versus what would be found on an Emirates Boeing 777, it’s best to wait a bit until schedules firm up. Emirates had previously planned to fly the A380 to more international gateways, but lack of demand saw those plans pushed back for months. It’s unlikely to happen again, but if the A380 is the deal breaker, keep that in mind.
The A380 is arguably the best plane for passenger experience in all cabins, thanks to the increased dimensions and spaced offered. It’s wonderful to see the super jumbo added to flying schedules around the globe, particularly as rumors of a resurgence with airlines including British Airways gain traction.
If flying between Dubai and North America is in the cards for you, an A380 might be too. Just double check before booking!
Even then tho isn’t the A380 biz class kinda meh? I mean compared to their 777 it’s a win with all aisle access but compare to other airlines. Just average right?
In general, it’s a great business class. All aisle access, good screen size, some unique amenities. It’s not ANA ‘The Room’, or Qatar ‘Qsuite’ but very nice.
https://www.godsavethepoints.com/review-all-nippon-ana-business-class-777-300er-the-room/
https://www.godsavethepoints.com/flight-review-qatar-airways-qsuite-business-class-a350-1000/
SeatGuru lists the seats as being 18.5″ wide. That seems awfully narrow for business class, particularly for 105,000 Alaska miles. I adore the walk up bar idea but price and seat width have me at an impasse. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Why are you showing Photoshopped pictures of EK’s business class? That cabin doesn’t exist, it was an art project from an artist that puts shiny objects everywhere… 🙂
Where is there a photoshopped picture of EK business class? There’s a picture of the exact bar used on board, with the amusement of diamonds which do not exist, but the space is exactly what one would find.
Economy class prefer a380s anydAY legroom and seat width far superior
The Cathay Pacific A350 isn’t bad either. I prefer the stop in Hong Kong compared to Dubai. HKG is a much better airport than DXB. And Premium Plaza lounge is miles better than the Maharaba lounge. The showers in the later are like a sauna and have no built in toilet. Really annoying as they escort you from the desk to the shower and you have to ask for a pit stop on the way. You can’t lock the shower from the outside and leave your gear safely there as its the general toilet area of the lounge. Bad design and also poor food.