Emirates, one of the most celebrated airlines for its in-flight premium products, is a force to be reckoned with in the airline industry. It has the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380s, and flies all around the world, connecting destinations with one of the most luxurious in-flight products.

In Emirates business class, the experience begins at your home or hotel, where you'll be picked up via the airline's own chauffeur service. From there, you'll be whisked to the airport where you can relax in an exclusive airline lounge. Onboard, you'll curl up in cozy seats which lie flat. But if you prefer to stay awake, you might order your own beverage from the stand-up lounge bar, or watch a movie on a screen that's massive by airplane standards.

This guide will help you know which planes to seek out and which to avoid (if possible, given your routes), what amenities to look for when you fly business class on Emirates, and how you might book a free Emirates business class seat using points. Here’s what you need to know about Emirates business class, plus how to maximize your miles when you book:

What to expect when flying business class with Emirates

Emirates business class. (Photo by Sally French)

Flying business class on Emirates is an experience far different from U.S.-based carriers. Many of the things you are familiar with for premium cabins are there, but the in-flight service and airport lounges are a step above its North American competition.

Chauffeur service

If you're paying for business class (excluding mileage redemptions or the most discounted fares), Emirates will pick you up at least 12 hours before departure. The distance from the airport that they will pick you up ranges by city, so it's worth reviewing before purchasing a ticket, although you can circumvent the mileage restriction for a fee.

Emirates business class baggage allowance

Emirates allows passengers flying to or from the Americas up to two bags that each weigh 70 pounds (32 kilograms). You can also travel with two carry-ons — one standard carry-on and then either a briefcase or garment bag. Each carry-on can weigh a maximum of around 15 pounds (7 kilograms).

Here are the Emirates bag policies, by region, and compared across fare classes:

The Emirates economy class checked baggage policy is especially unique when it comes to flights outside the Americas and Europe, as you can bring as many bags as you want — as long as you don't exceed the weight limit. In theory, you could check 20 bags that each weighed two kilograms, which might offer some passengers more flexibility.

Priority airport service

At the airport, you’ll enjoy priority check-in desks before heading to the lounge and priority baggage reclaim. From Dubai Concourse A, business class passengers can board directly from the lounge.

Emirates business class lounges

A meal from the Emirates lounge at San Francisco International Airport. (Photo by Sally French)

There are more than two dozen Emirates lounges all over the world accessible to business and first class customers. The airline’s Dubai base has the most impressive business class lounges (special perks include barista-made coffee and a new health and wellness buffet). Also in Dubai’s Concourse B, you can even visit the Moët and Chandon Champagne lounge, where you can sample top-notch bubbly for free. And at Dubai International Airport, Emirates has 3 lounges in its flagship Terminal 3, exclusively for business class.

The Emirates lounge at San Francisco International Airport. (Photo by Sally French)

That said, any of the Emirates-branded facilities are sure to carry the airline’s signature touches. No matter where in the world you are, these lavish lounges serve hot and cold buffets, impressive bar selections including champagne and sometimes a la carte meals. Beyond the food, lounge benefits include individual workstations, complimentary Wi-Fi, plasma screen TV’s, quiet area’s for sleeping with blankets and pillows

Emirates business class lie-flat seats

(Photo courtesy of Emirates)

Lie-flat seat availability is one of the main reasons that people book an Emirates business class ticket, but the airline has several business class configurations. It is important to know your aircraft type before understanding what seat you will find.

Emirates A380 business class

On the Airbus A380, there is no need to worry about getting the dreaded middle seat, as every business class seat has direct aisle access thanks to the 1-2-1 configuration. On the sides of the plane, seats alternate between being closer to the window or closer to the aisle. In the center section, seats vary between being closer to the aisle or tucked into the center section for more privacy from those moving in the aisle.

Seats are 18.5” wide seats, pitched up to 44” apart. They recline into 76.6”- to 78.6” fully flat beds, and also have a 6-way adjustable headrest and electric footrest extension.

There are 76 seats available in the 3 & 4-class configured A380, or 58 seats in the 2-class configured A380.

Other A380 benefits include the airline’s famous onboard lounge and bar, which is exclusive to the A380.

Emirates 777 business class

It’s on the Boeing 777 where things get tricky. Only the Boeing 777-200LR has a 2-2-2 configuration. Most other Boeing 777s guarantee that you will have a 2-3-2 setup where the person in the very middle will have to climb over their neighbors. These are angled lie-flat seats, which are not 180-degree-flat like seats on other aircraft.

Though there are some features that make the Boeing version superior to the Airbus version. They're slightly larger seats at 20.5” wide, with seat rows pitched up to 65” apart.

There are also fewer people in this business class cabin which makes it more exclusive, as the Boeing 777 has just 42 business class seats on the 777-300ER and 38 on the 2-class 777-200LR.

(Photo courtesy of Emirates)

The airline also uses a lot of cream, hardwoods and gold finishes to create a luxurious cabin. While it may not appeal to everyone’s design tastes, it is certainly striking. While no one wants a middle seat in a premium cabin, the top-notch in-flight service remains the same.

Emirates business class food and drink

Emirates offers some of the finest menu selections, such as Arabic mezze appetizers and champagne breakfasts (food and drink are included with the airfare). While menus change monthly with the season, there are always menus to support most diets, including a kids menu and a vegan menu that launched in 2022.