Emirates review by Gavin 2014-12-06

777-300ER, Christchurch to Sydney, Business Class, seat 8K (assigned at check-in).
Previously travelled Emirates on this route a couple of times QF codeshare. First two times economy, first time satisfactory due to window seat and spare seat in middle – good service, good meal for economy. Only complaint was to ask for more wine was met with “I’ll get that for you later” and when much later it arrived it was white, not red!
Second time much worse, seated in middle, one in from aisle. Middle is a 4 seat squash and while knee and leg room are good for economy, the width is a problem for broad shouldered Europeans. I had to sit slightly sideways to fit and hated the flight.
So to my latest business class flight – this is the way to fly with Emirates I think. For me now a couple of times business class has been terrific. Space is good (some note the width is less than other airlines in 777 due to 2-3-2 layout for Emirates but I think its fine). The seat appears to go if not horizontal then almost. Service is super. Once I am in business class I can sense the cabin staff are trained to greet by name and serve you. I am pleasant and thankful and this seems to go a long way towards making the experience the best – I really think it helps to make friends with the cabin staff here – they appreciate it and respond. Wine and food flows. The menu is very good. The cheese board is beautifully presented and amongst the best on all airlines. I didn’t get the luxury chocolates – I went to sleep instead!
So to seat 8K (or 8A). These two window seats, at least, at the front of the second business class sub-cabin, seem to be semi-isolated by a forward projecting centre console between the seats, which houses the entertainment screen for seat 8I (or 8C). It means one has to enter the 8K (or 8A) seat facing sideways but once in the space it is half way to a first class cell! Yes I liked it. One slight issue is the screen for 8K (or 8A) is on the partition in front of you, so a relatively long way away. I also could not find the control for adjusting the brightness on this screen so had to use the default setting and close the window shades to get best vision.
All in all though this seat and the flight aboard this magnificent 777 was thoroughly enjoyable. Would I rather be on an A380 – probably, but this was a terrific experience.