2025-02-05
Emirates Airlines is the leading airline in the United Arab Emirates and one of the largest in the world in terms of revenue, passengers carried and miles traveled.
It flies to Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, America and the Middle East from its main hub at Dubai International Airport.
I recently traveled with Emirates, on a flight between Lisbon and Dubai, and then Dubai and Colombo in Sri Lanka (and vice versa), and I’ve prepared this guide with the information I think is relevant for those traveling with Emirates for the first time.
So, as well as telling you about my experience with Emirates Airlines, I’ve also included information about online check-in, in-flight meals and entertainment, and where this airline flies to.
My experience traveling with Emirate Airlines
Traveling with Emirates was a good experience from start to finish, starting with organized and efficient boarding, with no delays or confusion.
On board, I was warmly welcomed by the crew, who were always available and attentive to any need. The space between the seats was comfortable, even in economy class, which made the long journey much more pleasant.
The meals, while not exceptional, were good. After all, I can’t forget that I was traveling in economy.
The in-flight entertainment system was varied, with movies I hadn’t seen before and which kept me occupied throughout the trip.
Right from the start, I downloaded all the available movies and saved them on the console to watch.
During the flight, the crew stopped by a few times to offer snacks and drinks.
It was definitely a good experience and, whenever I get the chance, it will be at the top of my choices.
Everything you need to know before traveling on Emirate Airlines
When can I check in online?
You can check in online with Emirates from 48 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.
This service is available up to 90 minutes before take-off.
During the online check-in process, you can select your preferred seat, add your Emirates Skywards membership number to accumulate Miles and also check last-minute upgrade options.
In addition, you can choose specific dietary meals, if applicable.
After completing online check-in, and upon arrival at the airport, passengers can simply check their baggage at the designated counters and proceed to security procedures.
This saves time and makes the travel experience more efficient.
Do they serve free meals/snacks on Emirate Airlines?
Yes, Emirates Airlines serves free meals and snacks on board in all classes of travel.
Thus, in Economy Class, they serve hot meals inspired by international cuisine, accompanied by free drinks, including wines and other alcoholic beverages.
In addition, on longer flights, snacks are usually available between meals.
In Business Class and First Class, the options are more elaborate, with a gourmet menu prepared by chefs and a selection of premium drinks. And how do I know? Because on my flight a group of friends got a free upgrade and showed me the photos.
If desired, the airline also offers special meals, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher and halal meals, as long as they are requested at least 24 hours in advance.
In addition to meals, passengers have access to hot and cold drinks throughout the flight, including tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks. All you have to do is ask if they don’t come with a trolley.
Another thing I find interesting is that you can see details of the flight menu on the Emirates website, i.e. in the “In-flight meals” section.
What are Emirate Airlines’ baggage policies?
Emirates Airlines’ baggage policy is similar to that of other flag carriers, i.e. it depends on the class of travel, route and type of baggage.
So, for hand luggage, you should consider the following:
- Economy Class: Passengers can carry one piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 55 x 38 x 22 cm and weighing up to 7 kg.
- Premium Economy Class: Passengers are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage with the same maximum dimensions (55 x 38 x 22 cm), but weighing up to 10 kg.
- Business Class and First Class: Passengers may carry two pieces of hand luggage: a briefcase (max. 45 x 35 x 20 cm) and a handbag or laptop bag (max. 55 x 38 x 22 cm), each weighing up to 7 kg.
With regard to checked baggage, the baggage allowance depends on the route and class of travel and is applied in two ways:
Weight Concept: Applies to all routes, except for journeys to and from the Americas and flights originating in Africa.
- Economy Class: The allowance varies between 20 kg and 35 kg, depending on the type of fare (Special, Saver, Flex or Flex Plus).
- Premium Economy Class: Up to 35 kg.
- Business Class: Up to 40 kg.
- First Class: Up to 50 kg.
Piece concept: for flights to the Americas and Africa.
- Economy Class: One or two pieces of luggage, depending on the fare, with a maximum weight of 23 kg each.
- Premium Economy Class: Two pieces of luggage, with a maximum weight of 23 kg each.
- Business Class and First Class: Two pieces of luggage, each weighing a maximum of 32 kg.
What are the in-flight entertainment services?
Emirates Airlines offers one of the most complete and award-winning in-flight entertainment systems in the world, known as ice, or Information, Communication, Entertainment.
Thus, each seat has an individual high-definition screen where you can choose from more than 6,500 entertainment channels, including films, series, documentaries, cartoons and TV shows from different countries and in several languages, including Portuguese.
The selection of films includes productions from Hollywood, Bollywood and other international cinematographies, as well as popular series and entertainment programs. For music lovers, there are hundreds of albums and playlists available, as well as podcasts and audiobooks.
There are also games and animated films for children.
In addition, there is free Wi-Fi on board for First Class passengers and selected Skywards members, with paid options for those who want to stay connected during long-haul flights.
Where does Emirate Airlines fly to?
Emirates Airlines flies to more than 130 destinations in 85 countries, covering six continents.
In fact, its global network includes cities in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific.
Check out our experience with other airlines
- TAP Air Portugal: Everything you need to know to fly with FlyTap
- Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS): Everything You Need to Know
- Aegean Airlines: Flying with Greece’s premier airline
- Iberia Airlines: Flying Affordably and Comfortably
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