Has anyone tried to fly using Emirates Airlines?
Apr 6th, 2004, 08:29 PM
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Has anyone tried to fly using Emirates Airlines?
My mom is looking for flights from Manila, Philippines to Frankfurt, Germany. So far, the cheapest fare is with Emirates. We just want to check if it's safe to fly Emirates. Also if there are any feedback from people who have flown economy on this carrier. Thanks so much!
Apr 6th, 2004, 08:39 PM
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I haven't had the chance to fly them, but there's a site that ranks airlines on various items that you might be interested in. This is the page on Emirates: http://www.airlinequality.com/Airlines/EK.htm
They typically rank among the best airlines in the world. Much higher on various polls than any of the US carriers.
Further, Emirates has not had a fatal accident since it's startup in 1985.
http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/emirates.htm
Apr 6th, 2004, 08:42 PM
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It's a safe and well-run airline. Haven't flown it myself, but their first/business service is supposed to be very good.
However, I don't see this as a comfortable journey for two reasons:
1. There's a 4-hour layover in Dubai, very early in the morning. The Manila flight arrives at like 4am.
2. MNL-DXB is on a 777-200. Emirates is unfortunately one of the few airlines that put 10-seat across in their 777s, while most put 9. Which mean very narrow seats for a flight close to 9 hours.
So, there is a reason why they often have the cheapest rate...
However, I don't see this as a comfortable journey for two reasons:
1. There's a 4-hour layover in Dubai, very early in the morning. The Manila flight arrives at like 4am.
2. MNL-DXB is on a 777-200. Emirates is unfortunately one of the few airlines that put 10-seat across in their 777s, while most put 9. Which mean very narrow seats for a flight close to 9 hours.
So, there is a reason why they often have the cheapest rate...
Apr 6th, 2004, 09:15 PM
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Obviously, Emirates have a far better safety record than United, American or most other US airlines.
They're an excellent alternative for Europe-Asia flights to the national airlines: many Brits (me included) routinely use Emirates for flights to Hong Kong, South Asia or Australasia since they frequently undercut the biggies. Dubai is a pleasant, relatively unchaotic hub, and Emirates' service in economy is generally outstanding.
They do serve booze (they're based in UAE which is the least rigid part of the Gulf on these matters).
Strongly recommend them.
They're an excellent alternative for Europe-Asia flights to the national airlines: many Brits (me included) routinely use Emirates for flights to Hong Kong, South Asia or Australasia since they frequently undercut the biggies. Dubai is a pleasant, relatively unchaotic hub, and Emirates' service in economy is generally outstanding.
They do serve booze (they're based in UAE which is the least rigid part of the Gulf on these matters).
Strongly recommend them.
Apr 6th, 2004, 09:37 PM
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Be a hero to your mom and buy her a first class ticket 
If it's the new A345, your mom would experience one of if not the best first class cabin in the business today.
I'm not sure if the link will work, but here it is -
http://www.emirates.com/a340/firstTo...p;menuSelect=2
The closest thing in the sky today is the Cathay Pacific, Singapore, JAL and believe it or not American with the Atlantic Suites. Still the Emirates A345 F cabin is still a notch or 2 above the others.
If it's the new A345, your mom would experience one of if not the best first class cabin in the business today.
I'm not sure if the link will work, but here it is -
http://www.emirates.com/a340/firstTo...p;menuSelect=2
The closest thing in the sky today is the Cathay Pacific, Singapore, JAL and believe it or not American with the Atlantic Suites. Still the Emirates A345 F cabin is still a notch or 2 above the others.
Apr 6th, 2004, 09:50 PM
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How can you compare Emirates to any airline that started in 1930's. Emirates came into existance in 1985 and while the safety record is perfect it's only the 20th largest airline in the world. Not even close to the number of planes that AA or UA or BA have in their inventory and fly on a daily basis.
Apr 6th, 2004, 09:53 PM
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I flew Emirates from Singapore to Turkey return and they were really good. The aircraft was brand new too. I found it very confortable as well. Also, to promote Dubai as a tourist attraction, Emirates proposed a one night stopover complete with 5 star hotel ( it was gorgeous) and an evening bus tour of Dubai.
Apr 6th, 2004, 09:56 PM
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I flew Emirates from Singapore to Turkey return and they were really good. The aircraft was brand new too. I found it very confortable as well. Also, to promote Dubai as a tourist attraction, Emirates proposed a one night stopover complete with 5 star hotel ( it was gorgeous) and an evening bus tour of Dubai thrown in free. PS: I only fly economy and Emirates was as comfy as Malaysian and Singapore airlines and in my opinion, those 2 are much better compared to Qantas/BA
Apr 7th, 2004, 12:18 AM
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rkkwan:
I've flown Emirates a couple of times and will be using the airline again for my upcoming trip to Athens, which also entails a 4am-8am connection in Dubai.
While a direct flight indeed saves time, energy and effort, I chose Emirates for its sheer value, great service, and good food. Sometimes, for many of us, value is of utmost importance. What Emirates offers in terms of price and service is worth the few hours of layover in my book. As for seat-spacing, I'm small, so I'm okay on most economy class seats. But you're right, others may need to consider these factors before deciding.
But to answer the original poster's question: yes, I do recommend the airline.
I've flown Emirates a couple of times and will be using the airline again for my upcoming trip to Athens, which also entails a 4am-8am connection in Dubai.
While a direct flight indeed saves time, energy and effort, I chose Emirates for its sheer value, great service, and good food. Sometimes, for many of us, value is of utmost importance. What Emirates offers in terms of price and service is worth the few hours of layover in my book. As for seat-spacing, I'm small, so I'm okay on most economy class seats. But you're right, others may need to consider these factors before deciding.
But to answer the original poster's question: yes, I do recommend the airline.
Apr 7th, 2004, 12:39 AM
#11
Emirates is a very good airline - much, much better than any US based airline IMO. They have an excellent reputation and yes, they're safe!
I've flown Emirates from Kuwait to Dubai (in coach) several times, which is only a 90 minute flight. The fact that Emirates flys 777's on this leg, instead of Airbuses (which I personally dislike), is a plus as far as I'm concerned. I've also flown Emirates from Dubai to Male (also in coach), but that's still a relatively short flight at just under four hours.
The seatback video screens on their 777's are a nice touch and the service is very good. I've only flown them longhaul once, and that was in Business Class. I was impressed.
Singapore Air rules as far as I'm concerned, but Emirates rates pretty high with me.
Incidentally, Emirates is usually the most expensive airline in this part of the world (Middle East), not the cheapest.
As far as that early morning layover is concerned, it's not uncommon to have long Dubai layovers in the wee hours. I've bee stuck there for as long as seven hours, which isn't a whole lot of fun, but there are worse airports to be stuck in.
I've flown Emirates from Kuwait to Dubai (in coach) several times, which is only a 90 minute flight. The fact that Emirates flys 777's on this leg, instead of Airbuses (which I personally dislike), is a plus as far as I'm concerned. I've also flown Emirates from Dubai to Male (also in coach), but that's still a relatively short flight at just under four hours.
The seatback video screens on their 777's are a nice touch and the service is very good. I've only flown them longhaul once, and that was in Business Class. I was impressed.
Singapore Air rules as far as I'm concerned, but Emirates rates pretty high with me.
Incidentally, Emirates is usually the most expensive airline in this part of the world (Middle East), not the cheapest.
As far as that early morning layover is concerned, it's not uncommon to have long Dubai layovers in the wee hours. I've bee stuck there for as long as seven hours, which isn't a whole lot of fun, but there are worse airports to be stuck in.
Apr 7th, 2004, 01:23 AM
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I flew Emirates last month. Fully agree with Melnq8, much better than any US (or European) carrier I have flown.
One interesting aspect was they have cameras mounted on the nose and belly of the plane, and you can watch the world go by from the pilots viewpoint on your seat screen. Really cool to see when taking off and landing. I have never seen this on any other carrier.
Apr 7th, 2004, 02:01 AM
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Emirates is excellent! The seats are covered in lightish pink/green/beige material that give an impreesion of space and light and the cabin crew very polite and professional - and very very friendly.Every seat has its own TV screen and the food is excellent!
The lay over in Dubai is not bad at all - there is so many shops, and they are open day and night! You do not even know you are there in the middle of the night.
I am sure they are very safe - I flew from South Africa (via Dubai)to Paris during the war in the Gulf last year and was really scared. But they did not fly over Iraq and Iran as usual but made a detour over Cairo just to be safe. The flight was only about 30 minutes longer.
I really vote for Emirates - especially if you have to fly Economy. I made use of a number of other airlines - we are going to Europe twice a year, visited USA four years ago - but still - Emirates is tops!Already bought tickets for our next trip - we are leaving for Paris on 2 May!
The lay over in Dubai is not bad at all - there is so many shops, and they are open day and night! You do not even know you are there in the middle of the night.
I am sure they are very safe - I flew from South Africa (via Dubai)to Paris during the war in the Gulf last year and was really scared. But they did not fly over Iraq and Iran as usual but made a detour over Cairo just to be safe. The flight was only about 30 minutes longer.
I really vote for Emirates - especially if you have to fly Economy. I made use of a number of other airlines - we are going to Europe twice a year, visited USA four years ago - but still - Emirates is tops!Already bought tickets for our next trip - we are leaving for Paris on 2 May!
Apr 7th, 2004, 06:56 AM
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Just wondering if any of you have flown in Emirate's 777 in coach for long-hauls?
I had flown on Cathay's L1011 frequently, and they had 3-4-3 seating while most airlines have 9-abreast. Trust me, a relatively short 4-hour HKG-NRT is unbearable, and you bump into your seatmates all the time. I know that the 777 is slightly wider than the L1011, but not by much...
I had flown on Cathay's L1011 frequently, and they had 3-4-3 seating while most airlines have 9-abreast. Trust me, a relatively short 4-hour HKG-NRT is unbearable, and you bump into your seatmates all the time. I know that the 777 is slightly wider than the L1011, but not by much...
Apr 7th, 2004, 07:15 AM
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I agree with rkkwan,
It wasn't the original posters intention, but many of the follow up posts, for one reason or another compare Emirates to any American airline, stating that Emirates is all that and much more. I will agree that business and first is a notch above, but since the comparisom was brought up by others, I will say this. AA coach comfort on their international 777's will blow Emirates coach seating out of the water. No comparison. If you want to be sardined, fine, fly the other airlines, if you want to fly comfortably, or as comfortably as any coach product allows, AA international is tops.
It wasn't the original posters intention, but many of the follow up posts, for one reason or another compare Emirates to any American airline, stating that Emirates is all that and much more. I will agree that business and first is a notch above, but since the comparisom was brought up by others, I will say this. AA coach comfort on their international 777's will blow Emirates coach seating out of the water. No comparison. If you want to be sardined, fine, fly the other airlines, if you want to fly comfortably, or as comfortably as any coach product allows, AA international is tops.
Apr 7th, 2004, 07:31 AM
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Just as a follow up, I compared Emirates 777-200 to American Airlines 777-200 Atlantic configuration. Here are the results:
Emirates:
Economy - 236
Business - 49
First - 18
Total - 303
American Airlines
Economy - 230
Business - 35
First - 16
Total - 281
Same exact plane. You tell me who is more comfortable?
Emirates:
Economy - 236
Business - 49
First - 18
Total - 303
American Airlines
Economy - 230
Business - 35
First - 16
Total - 281
Same exact plane. You tell me who is more comfortable?
Apr 7th, 2004, 07:47 AM
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I'd go for comfort too and I'm a regular AA flyer, whenever it has an affordable route available.
My response was mostly based on a couple of key words from the OP's post: cheapest and safe.
Comfort may certainly be a concern so it's good that various points are being raised. Service level rankings (an area where I think AA could do better) only show part of the picture, in that polls only give answers to the questions asked. Since AA isn't actually an option here, and since AA comfort levels in coach aren't typical of US airlines in general, I think it's probably still an ok point of comparison. Not to say that pointing out the sardine factor isn't valuable. Certainly something I'd note for my own future reference.
