Emirates A380, a heavenly journey. 

By Kristy Charleson

Through a series of fantastically fortunate events starting at birth, I was lucky enough to travel from Sydney to Dubai in first class on one of the A380 airplanes in the Emirates fleet. Remember that better than best private jet Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte flew to Abu Dhabi on? It wasn’t fictional movie magic but the wonder of the A380.

The journey begins before you even board the aircraft. Complimentary access to the Emirates Sydney lounge allows you to relax and enjoy light refreshments in preparation for your flight. But the real magic happens when you are invited to take advantage of the priority boarding, stepping onto the plane well before the rest of the passengers giving you time to settle and rest before departure.

The first class seating is far from the norm. Passengers will lap in the luxury of their own private cabin complete with vanity mirror, writing desk, wardrobe, interactive plasma screen tv, built in drink cooler, a plush lounge chair and best of all, a  never ending refreshment basket (trust me I tried to empty it and the attentive staff would refill it in a flash). The center cabins even have electronic partition walls that can be lowered so you can toast a glass of Don Perion with a friend or loved one during take off.

Feeling a little isolated after basking in your own privacy? Get social in the first and business class bar lounge. Make connections and mingle with interesting people from all over the world while sipping on lip licking freshly made cocktails and some of the worlds finest wines sourced specially for the journey.

Don’t expect a reheated stew in plastic containers on this trip. The dine on demand al a carte menu is a professionally prepared fine dining experience made with fresh ingredients from all around the world which are to die for. The Emirates staff will set a table in your private cabin with crisp white table cloth and shiny silver wear for a 5 star restaurant experience right in front of the telly and it’s 2000 shows and movies. Sorry, but that is basically my sexual fantasy…

At the beginning of the flight you will be offered the opportunity to book a time to use the on board shower. I assumed it would be pleasant but that was before I realized the shower cabin was more of an unmanned day spa decked out with adjustable heated flooring, fluffy bathrobes and slippers, an array of only the finest beauty, cleansing and spa products, a seating area with windows to watch the stars while your mud mask soaks in and of course the super high tech shower that topped the list of my first world problems when I had to ask a cabin crew member how to turn it on. While in the shower you can select the turn down service so you can return to your cabin where the staff have converted your lounge chair to a lay flat bed complete with plush bedding for a great night of undisturbed beauty sleep.

Once you reach your final destination, don’t fear the usual trampling. You will disembark before everyone and will even be provided with fast track customs cards so you can jump the queue. Not only that, but your bags are guaranteed to be first off the carrousel. Once you step outside there will be no hailing cab hailing for you! One of the Emirates private town cars will take you safely to your destination and leave you to begin your adventures.

I now know the real reason the Sex and the City girls were in such a rush to leave. It’s not because they lost funding and were facing possible jail time, it is most definitely because they wanted to get back on board the Emirates A380.