How The Other Half Flies

Really? Is this what you use while your own plane is in the shop?

I’m chatting with my friend as he waits at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. He’s in-transit from Kabul, Afghanistan to Los Angeles. Three flights. Thirty three hours. He is happy.

My friend is one of the few people I know who is exceptionally suited to living the ex-pat life on-the-road.

I told him I am envious of his travel. I am envious of the ease with which he moves through foreign cities. We have chatted while he’s been on five continents.

He’s taking the long way home tonight. He could have hopped a non-stop from Dubai, but it’s outrageously expensive. Why?

That sent me to the Emirates Air website. I wanted to see how the other half flies.

Refresh mid-flight in the Emirates A380 signature Shower Spa

We understand that air travel can be tiring, especially during long flights. That’s why we included two onboard Shower Spas as part of the First Class experience on the Emirates A380.

From the state-of-the-art shower system to the classic walnut and marble design to fine linens, the Shower Spas were conceived with your pleasure and convenience in mind. And, to complete the spa experience, we offer our signature Timeless Spa shower kits, made from the finest natural ingredients.

A relaxing visit to the Shower Spa can help ensure you arrive at your destination ready to take on the day.

Yeah. Why haven’t I ever taken the shower spa upgrade?

There’s more on their planes including a walk-up snack bar on the second deck for Business and First Class passengers. And, of course…

Retreat into your own world inside the Emirates A380 First Class Private Suite

If you value privacy and personalised service above all else, you’ll love our First Class Private Suites. Each suite comes fully equipped with a sliding door, a personal mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and its own vanity table, mirror and wardrobe.

If you want to stretch out and sleep, our crew will convert your seat to a fully flat bed with a mattress, so you can arrive at your destination totally refreshed. And if you’re travelling with a companion, the privacy divider separating the adjoining suites can be lowered, allowing you to share your experience together.

Really? Is this what you use while your own plane is in the shop?

My friend’s more pedestrian Air France 777 flight will take the Great Circle Route over England and Ireland, Southern Greenland and Canada’s Hudson Bay. Between the ocean and the vastness of the boreal forest he’ll be far removed from civilization most of the trip. He reenters the United States over North Dakota.

It’s a helluva commute to get home.

Wouldn’t you like to try the Emirates flight just once?

5 thoughts on “How The Other Half Flies”

  1. I’ve flown transcontinental on business and first on Air France and Lufthansa a few times. The lie-flat bed with the personal pod space experience is really amazing. Its definitely something everyone has to experience at least once.

    It is a little unnerving though when after youre priority boarded, all the other 200 passengers stroll by you angrily to their seat (albeit enviously)

    One thing I dont like is how you cant interact with seatmates. Even if youre travelling with a friend or partner its difficult to talk since all the seats and suites are oriented away from other passengers.

  2. On Sex in the City 2 they take this flight. Can’t remember anything else from that movie, wasn’t very good. But their flight seemed really cool. Did not actually think it existed. Thanks for this blog, coach seems really third world now.

  3. The other half, or rather the people who control 99% of the wealth in this country would just purchase a Gulfstream G550… With a range of 6700nm you could fly from NY to Dubai non stop with ease. That’s the way i’d rather travel. No wait, no delay and the ultimate in luxury. Now I just have to save the $56 Million to buy one (and the operating costs) and i’m well on my way… 🙁

  4. Can’t disagree with the other Mike on this one… Nothing beats that mode of travel and until the G650 comes along, I’d take a G550 in a heartbeat. Wonder who sells those that I could talk too? 😉 I also must say that while I didn’t fly First Class on Emirates, I did fly the A380 in coach from Dubai – JFK and was amazed at how quiet the aircraft was. It was pretty empty (flight attendant stated that only 150 of the 500 seats were filled that trip) so I had a whole row of the center 5 seats all to my self to stretch out.

    (Blogger’s note: Mike sells gently flown business jets and will gladly sell one to you.)

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