Emirates carries hundreds of passengers between Dublin and Dubai on double-daily flights
A handful are lucky enough to nest in Business or First Class, but most of us on its Boeing 777-300ERs will be in economy. On a recent trip, I flew this class four times. Here are some thoughts.
Airport experience
Emirates is based in Terminal 2. Photo: Dublin Airport
You’ll find Emirates in Dublin’s Terminal 2. Economy passengers don’t get preferential lines or lounge access, but there’s a generous 30kg checked-bag allowance (plus 7kg carry-on), and service is swift and friendly — a well-oiled process continuing to the gates, with boarding by group.
In Dubai, transiting passengers need to go through security again; the airport is world-class and flows well. But, boy, is it pricey. I paid €7 for a bottle of water.
The cabin
The older economy class cabin on an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, with smaller screens. Photo: Getty
There’s something about Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad aircraft that feels a cut above. Here, beige and cream tones, mood lighting (including starry ceilings) and impeccably turned-out staff ooze class, even if you do have to suck up a walk through Business Class.
Economy seats are in a 3-4-3 formation, tapering to 2-4-2 towards the rear (two people travelling together may prefer the paired seats to avoid sharing).
Emirates recently unveiled the first of 65 Airbus A350s joining its fleet. The aircraft seem slicker and slightly smaller, with a 3-3-3 layout, but we don’t know if these will serve Dublin.
Seat & amenities
The newer ICE entertainment system. Photo: Pól Ó Conghaile
The newer Boeing 777-300ER interiors have smashing 13.3in HD seatback screens — it’s like watching movies and live TV (I tuned into a Grand Prix) on a decent laptop.
ICE is one of the best entertainment systems in the skies, but headphones — despite being cupped and better than other economy offerings — are pretty bad (I bring my own).
There are USB-B, USB-C and three-pronged plug charging points, blankets, pillows, and activity packs for kids. WiFi is free if you sign up to the Skywards loyalty programme, otherwise charged from US$2.99 to $19.99 depending on the package and flight length.
The onward legs I flew were on 777s without the latest updates, however; screens were poor by comparison. Emirates mostly uses newer aircraft on the Dublin rotations, but says that “different aircraft can be deployed from time to time”.
A seat pitch of 32in compares with Aer Lingus’s A330s. I found it tight as the hours went by, but that’s not unusual in long-haul. Seats by the galley have more legroom, but loo queues form beside them.
Food & drink
Pól’s main meal on the Dublin to Dubai flight.
Expect a main meal and a pre-landing snack on 7.5- to 8.5-hour routes. Dishes on mine were adequate but bland, and awash with packaging.
A “regionally inspired meal” on one leg included a choice of chicken curry with spinach rice or braised beef with okra, for example. Breakfast was a standard pastry and muffin, with no fruit.
There’s real cutlery, and ample snacks like cheese, bread and crackers, but this in no way stands out as an airline-food experience (few do). Note that you need to request veggie meals before you fly, and can go to the galley for snacks and drinks at other times.
Service
Emirates cabin crew
Uniforms are always sharp; the red lipstick never seems to fade. Emirates cabin crew are glam, professional, and serve with a studied warmth that can sometimes feel clinical, in my experience. But the flights tick over nicely, and taking Polaroid photos for select passengers is a nice touch.
Bottom line
Economy fares from Dublin to Dubai start from €654 return, departing at 1.10pm or 8.50pm.
Service aside, its long-haul economy beats Aer Lingus, but it’s a toss-up between this, Qatar Airways and Etihad for me.
Most decisions for connecting flights will probably be made on price, but it’s worth looking at the aircraft on all legs, too — I prefer Qatar’s Boeing Dreamliner, as one example, with a 3-3-3 economy layout on the Dublin to Doha route.
And the difference between entertainment systems on older and newer Boeing-777 economy cabins is substantial.
A final tip? Keep your boarding pass. The ‘My Emirates Pass’ offer allows you to present it at hundreds of participating hotels, spas, attractions, theme parks and more, with savings of up to 30pc. T&Cs apply, and the offer runs to March 31. emirates.ie
