Emirates First Class: Champagne at 40,000 Feet

Emirates First Class is Concorde's spiritual heir - Dom Pérignon at 40,000 feet, private suites with closing doors, onboard showers. The champagne is served in Lalique crystal glasses designed for the altitude (lower cabin pressure alters taste perception). Flying has never been more decadent.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Book First Class Adventure · Price: very high

   Book Emirates First Class on an A380 route (Dubai to London, New York, Sydney, or Paris). Suites have closing doors, personal minibars, and lie-flat beds. First Class tickets cost $5,000-$20,000+, but mileage redemptions are possible. The A380 has an onboard lounge between First and Business class.

   Backup: Use Emirates Skywards miles (180,000+ for long-haul) or book a First Class lounge day pass at Dubai DXB.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Order the Dom Pérignon Wine · Free

   Once airborne, request Dom Pérignon Vintage from your private minibar or order from the crew. Emirates serves it in Lalique crystal glasses designed for high altitude. Cabin pressure at 40,000 feet reduces your ability to smell by up to 30%, so champagne tastes different in the air. Dom Pérignon's bright acidity cuts through the dulled senses.

   Backup: Moët & Chandon and other champagnes are also available.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Visit the Onboard Lounge Adventure · Free · Optional

   Take your champagne to the A380 onboard lounge (rear of upper deck). This bar-in-the-sky serves snacks and drinks at 40,000 feet. Chat with other First and Business class passengers. You're drinking champagne in a space that would have been science fiction 50 years ago.

   Backup: If the lounge is busy, return to your private suite.

   Log Memory