About this flight
Emirates Airlines consistently ranks among the top in global airline service rankings.
This time, the journey is from Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates), to Narita. I traveled from Cairo, Egypt, connecting in Dubai before flying to Narita.
The flight from Cairo arrived in Dubai early in the morning. Since the flight to Narita was scheduled to depart late at night, I spent about 20 hours enjoying the First-Class Lounge at Dubai Airport to the fullest.
The aircraft was an Airbus A380-800, a fully double-deck airplane.
Emirates Airlines' First-Class service offers an extraordinary experience—whether it's the cabin facilities, in-flight dining, lounge amenities, or the gourmet meals in the lounge. Every aspect provides exceptional comfort, luxury, and a sense of escape from the ordinary.
Airport Lounge
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Emirates Terminal 3 Entrance

The entrance to Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. All Emirates Airlines international flights arrive and depart from here.
Heading to the Departure Gate (1)

Pass through the first floor and head towards the escalator at the back.
Heading to the Departure Gate (2)

The departure gates are located on the second floor.
Airport Lounge
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Lounge Entrance

This is the lobby area before immigration control.
Wall Art

A stunning geometric design made of aluminum decorates the wall.
Boarding Board and Floor Map in the Lounge

The First-Class Lounge in Concourse A, directly connected to Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, spans an entire floor. There’s even a lounge map available to guide guests.
Magazine Counter

A counter offering a variety of magazines.
Seating Area (1)

A spacious and relaxing sofa area.
Seating Area (2)

A sofa setup perfect for pairs or companions to sit together.
Seating Area (3)

Leather sofas in calm, neutral tones are arranged in this expansive space. The sheer size is overwhelming.
Seating Area (4)

Another sofa area with a different design. The space is vast, and you can hardly see any people around.
Seating Area (5)

Yet another distinct seating area in the First-Class Lounge. Again, it’s remarkably spacious, with very few people in sight.
Business Corner

A table equipped with computers for business use.
Meeting Room

There’s also a desk area in the back for meetings.
Shower Room in the Lounge

It looks just like a high-end hotel shower room.
Quiet Lounge (Nap Room)

This is the nap room.
Nap Room (Lights Off)

A photo of the nap room with the lights turned off, creating a restful atmosphere.
Corridor Inside the Lounge

A corridor inside the First-Class Lounge. On the right is an open atrium space, and on the left is the lounge bar.
Duty-Free Shop Inside the Lounge

A duty-free shop selling wines and spirits. There’s no one around.
Kids Room

Surprisingly, the First-Class Lounge also features a kids' room.
Timeless Spa

The Timeless Spa is located on the same floor as the First-Class Lounge.
Paid services include full-body massages and facial treatments. The spa is open not only to lounge guests but also to the general public.
Wine and Spirits Shop

A view from the First-Class Lounge atrium, looking down at the duty-free shop.
This is Le Clos, a specialty store for wine and spirits.
COSTA Coffee

From the First-Class Lounge atrium, you can also see the COSTA Coffee stand below.
COSTA Coffee originated in London.
Emirates Original Merchandise Shop

A store selling Emirates-branded merchandise such as shirts and travel bags.
View of the Lower Level

A look at the lower level from the atrium inside the First-Class Lounge.
It’s bustling with people. Since most international flights from Dubai Airport depart late at night, the number of passengers increased as the night went on.
Dining in the Lounge
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Champagne Corner

The Champagne from Moët & Chandon (France) fills the area with a sense of happiness and luxury.
Dates and Arabic Coffee Corner

Dates are elegantly presented in a wooden box. Serving dates with Arabic coffee is a traditional hospitality custom in the United Arab Emirates, and they make a perfect pairing.
Arabic coffee is infused with herbs and spices such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, and saffron, giving it a distinctive flavor. It is traditionally poured from a metal pot called a Dallah into a small cup known as a Finjaan, and enjoyed in small sips.
Mineral Water Corner

The mineral water served is VOSS, a premium brand from Norway. Only the finest selections from around the world are offered.
Cheese Corner

A paradise for cheese lovers, featuring a variety of selections such as:
- ・ Stilton and Red Leicester from the UK
- ・ Comté and Brie from France
- ・ Tête de Moine from Switzerland
An irresistible selection for any cheese enthusiast.
Open Sandwich Corner

An assortment of canapés (open sandwiches) is available, including:
- • Smoked salmon and cheese
- • Tomato and basil
- • Porcini mushrooms with Parmesan cheese
- • Grilled eggplant wrapped with mozzarella cheese
- • Goat cheese with pumpkin purée
- And more!
Italian Bread Corner

This section features Grissini (breadsticks) and Focaccia, flavored with olive oil and herbs. A light Italian snack selection.
Italian Snack Corner

Here you'll find Grissini and Focaccia, accompanied by bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Middle Eastern Pastry Corner

A dedicated area offering a variety of traditional Middle Eastern baked sweets.
Coffee Machine

A station with a coffee machine, along with a selection of tea bags for tea lovers.
Breakfast - Menu

The breakfast menu includes a variety of options:
- ・ Foie gras terrine
- ・ Italian burrito
- ・ Salads
- ・ Ravioli
- ・ Arabian Mezze (traditional Middle Eastern breakfast)
- ・ Soup
- ・ Risotto
- ・ Salmon
- ・ Steak
- ・ Kebab
- ・ Various sandwiches
- ・ Omelets
- ・ Cakes
Options marked for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets are also available.
Breakfast - Appetizer

I enjoyed a foie gras terrine with lettuce, paired with champagne, as my appetizer.
Breakfast - Restaurant Ambience

The chairs in the restaurant are stylish with casual, chic checkered patterns, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
Lunch - Menu

As lunchtime approached, I returned to the restaurant and browsed through the lunch menu.
Lunch - Sushi Corner

At the buffet, there was a sushi station offering high-quality sushi and sashimi. The freshness of the fish was impressive!
They even had California rolls, popular with American guests, and soba noodles served in bowls.
Lunch - Salad Counter

A diverse salad bar featuring Japanese, Thai, and Greek-style salads, catering to international travelers from around the world.
Lunch - Arabian Appetizer Counter

A spread of Arabian Mezze (traditional Middle Eastern appetizers) to enjoy with flatbread:
- • Hummus: Mashed chickpeas blended with tahini and olive oil
- • Mutabal: Roasted eggplant paste mixed with yogurt and lemon juice
- • Fattoush: A salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, and crispy pita pieces
Lunch - Restaurant

I selected a variety of small portions from the buffet counter to sample many different flavors.
Lunch - Soup

I had broccoli soup, poured fresh into a bowl containing the toppings and ingredients.
Lunch - Sushi

I enjoyed sashimi and California rolls. The sashimi was so fresh, I wondered where it had been sourced from.
I never expected to find such delicious sashimi at Dubai Airport! The wasabi was authentic as well.
Lunch - Dessert (1)

I tried Tres Leches Cake (meaning “three milks” in Spanish), a popular cake in Mexico and Latin America.
The waiter made an impressive presentation by pouring what appeared to be liquid nitrogen into the dish!
Lunch - Dessert (2)

A dessert consisting of avocado ice cream and fruit, served on top of a vanilla sponge cake.
Late-Night Snack - Champagne and Appetizer

While waiting for my late-night flight departure, I had a light meal.
I selected salads and bread from the salad bar, paired with champagne and iced tea.
Late-Night Snack - Sashimi

After the salad, I picked up some sashimi, served with pickled ginger, seaweed, and wasabi on the side.
Business Class Lounge
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Entrance Lobby

This is the entrance lobby for the Business Class Lounge.
Seating Area (1)

The seating area in the Business Class Lounge, located on the floor above the First Class Lounge.
The Business Class Lounge also occupies an entire floor, offering a spacious environment.
Seating Area (2)

An area with a different style of sofas. The Business Class Lounge provides a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Seating Area (3)

A wide, open space where you can spend your time in comfort.
Seating Area (4)

The lamps placed throughout create a calm and relaxing ambiance.
Seating Area and Bar Counter

Compared to the opulence of the First Class Lounge, the Business Class Lounge balances a sense of luxury with functionality.
Lounge Bar Counter (1)

The bar counter is lined with a selection of whiskies and spirits.
Lounge Bar Counter (2)

There’s also a variety of champagnes and wines on display.
Lounge Bar Counter (3)

A view of the bar counter area.
View of the Runway from the Large Windows

Expansive windows provide a great view of the runway.
Nap Area

The nap area within the Business Class Lounge.
Spacious sofas are equipped with blankets and eye masks for resting.
Lounge Art Installation

An art piece inside the Business Class Lounge—perhaps representing Emirates aircraft connecting destinations across the world.
Spatial Design

Even the smallest design details help to create an extraordinary and luxurious atmosphere.
Boarding
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Exiting the Lounge to the Boarding Corridor

Upon exiting the lounge on the second floor, there is a direct boarding bridge that connects straight to the First-Class cabin on the upper deck of the Airbus A380-800.
From the Lounge to the Upper Deck of the Airbus A380-800

This dedicated corridor allows First-Class passengers to board directly from the lounge to the First-Class section on the upper deck of the A380-800.
First Floor and Second Floor Boarding Corridors

When boarding the double-deck Airbus A380-800 from the terminal building, separate boarding bridges are provided for the lower and upper decks.From the Second Floor First-Class Lounge, passengers can directly access the upper deck of the aircraft, where the First-Class seats are located.
Aircraft
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Airbus A380-800

The aircraft for this flight is the Airbus A380-800, a full double-deck plane.
The upper deck houses First Class and Business Class, while the lower deck is for Economy Class.
Emirates operates over 100 Airbus A380-800s, making it the largest A380 fleet in the world. Thanks to its size, the A380-800 offers an exceptionally smooth and comfortable flying experience.
In-flight Seat
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Seat Front Amenities

In front of the seat, there’s a basket with snacks, including biscuits and chocolates. Inside the drawer, you’ll find a notebook and a ballpoint pen.
An orchid flower is elegantly displayed on the wall behind the snack basket.
Seat

A spacious leather seat, designed for maximum comfort.
Drink Bar Beside the Seat

There is a storage area for soft drinks next to the seat. While it looks like a mini fridge, it doesn’t have a cooling function.
You can enjoy soft drinks and mineral water whenever you like. If you finish your drinks and want more, the cabin crew will gladly replenish them anytime upon request.
Welcome Drink

I was served a welcome drink of champagne, along with dates and Arabic coffee.
Blanket

The blanket for sleeping is neatly stored. It is made from sheepskin, offering exceptional warmth and comfort.
In-flight Meal: Dinner
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Dinner Menu

This is the dinner menu.
Dinner – Aperitif

For the aperitif, I was served champagne along with a selection of nuts.
Dinner – Table Setting

A white tablecloth was spread out for dinner, followed by the arrangement of plates, forks, knives, and spoons. It felt just like dining in a fine hotel restaurant.
Dinner – Appetizer

The appetizer was caviar, served with classic garnishes such as finely chopped onions, crumbled boiled egg yolk, cheese, and cream.
Dinner – Main Course (1)

The main dish was served shortly after.
Dinner – Main Course (2)

For the main course, I had a delicious meat pie.
In-flight Bar
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First-Class In-Flight Bar

You can order your favorite alcoholic beverages here. A wide selection of wines, whiskeys, and spirits is available.
In-Flight Bar

There are also snacks, such as dried cherries in bags, available at the bar.
In-Flight Staircase

This is the staircase near the in-flight bar. The lower deck houses the Economy Class cabin.
In-flight Shower Room
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Inside the Shower Room

The Airbus A380-800 features two exclusive shower rooms available only in First Class.
Once you notify the crew of your wish to use the shower, a dedicated attendant will come to escort you once it’s ready.
The space features wooden walls, creating a calm and stylish atmosphere.
Amenities Shelf with Hair Dryer

The two First-Class exclusive shower rooms are found only on the Airbus A380-800.
The hair dryer is neatly stored in its designated spot, and the wooden walls add to the elegant, soothing vibe of the room.
Monitor

A screen displaying the flight map shows your current location during the flight.
Shower Booth Door

After each use, the dedicated attendant thoroughly cleans the room, maintaining a high level of cleanliness and comfort.
Inside the Shower Booth

Instructions on how to use the shower are provided.
The key point: each passenger has 5 minutes of hot water.
It’s recommended to quickly rinse off first, then turn off the water to lather up with body shampoo, and finally use the remaining time to rinse thoroughly.
A countdown timer helps you monitor the remaining time as you shower.
Seating Area

The wood-grain interior and spacious layout make it feel luxurious and relaxing.
Washbasin (1)

Hand towels are neatly stacked for drying your hands—comparable to what you would find in a luxury hotel restroom.
Washbasin (2)

A view of the shower capsule and sink area.
Amenities

Various amenities are arranged in a wooden box, resembling those of a high-end hotel.
Bench

There is a bench seat inside the shower room for added comfort.
Oshibori and Fresh Fruit

After the shower, without even having to ask, I was served a refreshing oshibori (hot towel) and a plate of fresh fruit as a post-shower treat.
In-flight Meal: Breakfast
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Breakfast – Bread

As we gradually approached Japan, it was time for breakfast.
After the table was set, a basket of breakfast bread was served along with salt, pepper, butter, and other condiments.
Breakfast – Side Dishes

The meal included a mini omelet with spinach, potatoes, and kebab.
Arrival at Narita
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Just Before Arrival

Breakfast was finished, and we were getting closer to Japan.
Airbus A380-800

I spotted an ANA aircraft, which made me feel relieved and happy to be back in Japan.
View from the Aircraft

From the window, I could see an ANA Bombardier aircraft during boarding.