What Is It Like to Fly the New Emirates Business Class on Its Boeing 777?

Flying the new Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class offers a sophisticated travel experience with both highs and a few compromises.

Recently launched in August 2024, this refreshed cabin already serves routes like Brussels and Tokyo-Haneda, with plans to roll out to Chicago and Boston by late 2024 and Dallas/Fort Worth, Seattle, Newark, and Miami by early 2025.

Photo: Emirates, Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of Emirates

I got to try the new cabin on two flights, from Brussels to Tokyo Haneda via Dubai, offering insights into what travelers can expect in this upgraded cabin.

Check-In

For this trip, I was traveling light with just a carry-on, so online check-in was smooth and effortless. The real intrigue, however, began weeks earlier when I contacted Emirates’ call center to secure the only available window seat, 3A.

Their premium passenger line connected me instantly, and I was addressed by name—a touch of personalized service that didn’t go unnoticed. Strangely, I couldn’t select a seat online, but the agent handled it swiftly, ensuring my ideal seat was confirmed.

Boarding

Boarding in Brussels was a breeze. I was the last premium passenger to board, but there were no lines, and the ground staff was exceptionally friendly. Dubai, as expected, was a different scene, with its typically crowded gates. Yet, arriving late to board again worked in my favor—I skipped the crowd and boarded efficiently.

The Seat

My journey featured the airline’s refreshed Boeing 777 Business Class, first introduced in August 2024. With my flights from Brussels to Dubai and onward to Tokyo, I experienced two segments on this new product.

Photo: Courtesy of Emirates

Emirates has plans to refurbish 81 Boeing 777 cabins, and while they brand the updated seats as “best in class,” this claim feels slightly exaggerated.

The new 1-2-1 configuration eliminates the middle seats of the old 2-3-2 layout, but if you’re seated in an aisle seat, you’ll notice the absence of privacy.

There are no sliding doors or partitions—just you and the aisle. The window seats—especially 3A and 6A—are much better, offering more personal space and privacy.

Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Spaeth

The seats themselves are comfortable, made from soft cream leather, with a generous 20.7-inch width and 44-inch pitch. When fully reclined, the bed measures 78.6 inches, and with a padded mattress cover, it’s quite cozy.

Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Spaeth

The new additions, like two USB-C ports and updated power outlets, are practical. One downside is the lack of personal storage, as the seat design leaves little room for extra drawers or compartments. Emirates’ signature mini bar takes up some of this valuable space.

The Flight

After a slightly delayed departure from Brussels, the flight settled into an easy rhythm. Emirates doesn’t provide amenity kits on shorter flights like this one, though you get slippers and eyeshades at every seat.

What surprised me was the lack of printed menus. Instead, passengers are encouraged to scan a QR code using the in-flight entertainment system. The Wi-Fi worked instantly, allowing Skywards members free messaging services, though full internet access comes at a cost ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 depending on flight duration.

The dining experience started with a pre-ordered Fish Sayadieh—a baked cod dish served with fragrant rice. It was filling but not particularly memorable.

Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Spaeth

The poached scallop appetizer was more pleasing, and the meal was paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2015 champagne. Later, I enjoyed a selection of cheeses with a wonderful 2005 Port wine, all while admiring the scenic views of the Adriatic coast.

Unfortunately, my seat adjustment buttons malfunctioned during the flight. Despite two attempts to reboot the system, the issue persisted, but I could still control my seat through the touchpad. We landed in Dubai on schedule, around midnight.

Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Spaeth

The following morning, I boarded my onward flight to Tokyo and, to my surprise, found myself on the same aircraft with the same seat, 3A. This time, the seat buttons were working. Emirates stepped up its game, providing a lavish Bulgari amenity kit and a pair of light, silky pajamas. We departed about 41 minutes behind schedule, which is quite typical for the morning rush hour.

Breakfast was served about an hour into the flight, with a choice between a Japanese Kaiseki bento, a Western option of banana pancakes, or a cheese and basil omelet. I opted for the omelet, followed by a good nap.

Photo: Courtesy of Andreas Spaeth

Later in the flight, the main meal was served—a delightful Kaiseki bento with beautifully presented dishes like duck, eel, and squid. A chilled bottle of Nanbu Bijin sake complemented the meal.

While the bed was incredibly comfortable for sleeping, the lack of a dine-on-demand option meant I couldn’t enjoy the meal at my preferred time. Another disappointment: the Wi-Fi didn’t work during this trip, and the crew seemed unaware of the issue.

Arrival

We arrived in Tokyo 15 minutes early, a welcome conclusion to the journey. Haneda is the most convenient airport in the city, and while there was a long queue at immigration, the process was smooth and efficient.

Photo: Emirates opens new ‘City Check-In and Travel Store’. Courtesy of Emirates.

In no time, I was on my way to my hotel in Roppongi, thanks to the airline’s excellent chauffeur service for Business Class passengers.

The Verdict

The updated 777 Business Class offers a refined experience but is not groundbreaking. The window seats provide excellent privacy, but aisle seats lack the seclusion many business travelers expect. The lack of personal storage space and dine-on-demand service are minor drawbacks, but the seat’s comfort and quality of service remain top-notch. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality business class experience, especially on long-haul flights, this is a solid option.

Best For:

Travelers seeking a smooth and comfortable journey with reliable service, particularly on routes with Emirates’ updated 777 cabins.

Flight times: Brussels-Dubai: 6 hours, 16 minutes; Dubai-Haneda: 9 hours
Configuration: 1-2-1
emirates.com