Emirates economy class - the A380 upper deck experience

In this review, I will share the full Emirates A380 experience in Economy. What is it like flying on the world's largest passenger aircraft from Dubai?
In this comprehensive review I will share the full Emirates A380 journey from check-in to landing. Flying on the upper deck, we will look at what economy class passengers can expect from the meal service, the famous ICE in-flight entertainment and of course how comfortable the seat is on a long haul flight. As always I will share my final thoughts at the end of the review.
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Airline: Emirates
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Flight: EK39
Route: Dubai-Birmingham
Distance: 3486 miles
Class: Economy
Seat number: 32A
Flight time: 07 hours 08 minutes airborne
Date of travel: August 2019
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
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#flightreview #emirates #a380 #aviation #tripreport #review #travel #birminghamairport #blakeedgington #airline

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Great video mate - really interesting seeing the layout of the 2 class A380 - that upper deck economy looks great, especially those window seats.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks Dennis, and the upper deck economy is very nice indeed. Small cabin, plenty of space, good storage. Felt like I was in European business!

[@BlakeEdgington]

I have been looking forward to this one for a long time. Hope you enjoy the video and hit that like button.

[@SupremeOllz]

Blake Edgington - Airborne looks amazing, great video

[@jemmallanao30]

Blake Edgington - Airborne Hi Blake, I just want to ask about the seat behind you in this video. after "seat 33A" is there a wall behind it? I'm travelling next month from BHX-DXB and I can't decide which seat on upperdeck I'm going to choose.. . 😃 resident from East Midlands. Thank you

[@BlakeEdgington]

No wall behind as the exit is there. Any seat upstairs is a good one in my book.

[@jemmallanao30]

@@BlakeEdgington 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@1leesol]

Because of this video I have now upgraded to seat 32A on my flight from Dubai to Manchester. Thanks

[@BradleyPennyAviation]

Absolutely fantastic review Blake, got to be your best one yet!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you Bradley.

[@Aviatial]

Fantastic video!! Glad you enjoyed your journey, looked amazing! Thank you for the detailed review, really enjoyed!! Thank you!

[@BlakeEdgington]

It was a great flight and thanks for watching.

[@Aviatial]

Blake Edgington - Airborne no problem! See you next time :D

[@JaydenWong]

another fantastic video Blake!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks and I appreciate you watching.

[@MomentsInTheSky]

Lovely video Blake..worth the wait for sure

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks Neil, it was a stressful one to put together.

[@hobbykidsediot7285]

Thanks for the video. In February I’m going to Dubai and I takeoff in Birmingham. I normally see all the first class videos but I actually found a decent economy video.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I am heading to Dubai myself in February! I hope that you have a great trip.

[@theglobalpeasant]

I enjoyed seeing the details which you provided in your video!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Great to hear and thanks for watching.

[@oscarbl4377]

Been waiting for this one 👍

[@BlakeEdgington]

I hope that it was worth the wait.

[@oscarbl4377]

Blake Edgington - Airborne yes 100%

[@ilovetheuk4865]

Such a great review!!! I hope I will fly to Dubai soon

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks I appreciate it. I love Dubai and highly recommend you visit.

[@farangtravels3956]

Awesome video thanks 👍✈️

[@BlakeEdgington]

Glad that you liked it and thanks for watching.

[@ciarangillece7572]

Ohh! Dubai looks lovley I would love to go on day! Dubai Airport looks really impressive Emarits looks beautiful. Lovley video!!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks for your kind feedback and I highly recommend your visit Dubai.

[@samuelknight3826]

Fantastic video, the A380 really is amazing! When you landed at BHX, I had just landed on G-TCVD that you parked near to!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks Samuel, as much as you love Thomas Cook I am pretty confident that my flight was better!

[@marklewis9146]

Really professional video blake, we need to get your subscribers up, you deserve a lot more like Dennis and Paul Lucas

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you Mark I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Not quite on the same level as the guys you mentioned but hopefully one day.

[@TripReportaviation]

Nice trip report! That's the biggest economy lavatory I've ever seen so far. The meals were delicious. IFE screen was wide, I really like the touch-screen remote control

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks it was a superb experience.

[@Jimmerjimmer]

Really Enjoyable video! I transited through the same terminal in Nov 2018 en route to Brisbane..Although I wish I had found the Emirates shop subscribed after watching this video, look forward to seeing more - Stay safe..

[@BlakeEdgington]

The Emirates shop is an avgeek dream! Always swing by when I pass through DXB. Thanks for watching.

[@donaldknowles9640]

Great Review . Love the Trent 900 powered A380

[@BlakeEdgington]

Any A380 is a winner in my book. An amazing machine.

[@donaldknowles9640]

@@BlakeEdgington yes please

[@amc3]

The wooden trim, lockers with plush handles, big toilet and huge window storage are unique to the A380 two class economy upper deck. Why is that? The upper deck is designed for Business Class use only, so this add on cabin is probably the best economy seat in the fleet, its not a regular economy cabin. Love Emirates, flown them 20+ times Glasgow/Seoul/Phuket/Kuala Lumpur and other routes too, my favorite airline by far. BTW, leg room stays the same even with the seat in front fully reclined, its only the top part that actually moves, but its still intrusive and annoying. Great video Blake, love it.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks for watching and I agree that the upper deck 2 class A380 economy seats are the best on Emirates.

[@Timstravels01]

I thoroughly enjoyed this report. Emirates set the bar very high.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank's Tim, they certainly do. I hope to try their competitors next year and see how they compare.

[@dalecollins2085]

I've got 4 x A380's coming up. EK20 Manchester to Dubai..EK434 Dubai to Brisbane....I just can't wait.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I am rather jealous of you right now Dale.

[@dalecollins2085]

@@BlakeEdgington What would you say were the best seats to book on the A380 in Economy Blake.?

[@hamoodtatari]

Dale Collins I’ve been on the one that goes to Brisbane many times it’s amazing!

[@dalecollins2085]

@@hamoodtatari I go back to Brisbane again on May 1st via Dubai.....I can't wait..I love the A380

[@Sahil-ul9ig]

Lovely video. Had travelled to Birmingham on the 2nd of July 2019. Now waiting to travel again to bhx.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you

[@aquadino2250]

Thankyou for the journey

[@BlakeEdgington]

You are welcome.

[@aquadino2250]

Adding this to my bucket list

[@BlakeEdgington]

I highly recommend it.

[@nudgenudgewinkwink3212]

Got 3 flights on the A380 coming up in 4-5 weeks like you I think I will be buying some emirates merch!

[@BlakeEdgington]

I could have spent a fortune in there!

[@onlyaviation1260]

Great video!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you very much 👍

[@onlyaviation1260]

@@BlakeEdgington When are you going to fly to Gothenburg? 🤔

[@BlakeEdgington]

Funnily enough I was looking at a trip around Scandinavia recently. Hopefully early 2020.

[@onlyaviation1260]

@@BlakeEdgington Mske sure to fly to Gothenburg in that trip!

[@BlakeEdgington]

@@onlyaviation1260 We will see.

[@davidcartwright5591]

Good video representation of Emirates . I agree 100% , the A380 is in my opinion the best long-hauler out there , offering an unsurpassed passenger experience . I also agree on your perception of the cabin staff , I have had similar experiences with Emirates inconsistencies . I booked a Emirates flight yesterday from SYD ( my base) and MAN ( my homeland ) and interestingly they now charge for all seat selections . Cheers and a happy New Year .

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks a lot!

[@craigwillis3372]

One of my favourite airlines of all time. Only ever flown Business Class with them and never had a bad flight. Dubai Airport is a maze and amazing...! Great review as always Blake and I am glad you and Mrs E enjoyed Emirates economy and thanks for showing me what's behind that curtain !! ( joke ! )

[@BlakeEdgington]

I have flown the A380 business myself and thoroughly enjoyed it. Particularly the bar!

[@GilbertTravels]

Excellent job on this one and clearly you captured the excitement of flying Emirates. Definitely high on my list to experience, don't think anyone else does the A380 better (well, maybe Singapore). I love that they have the wood trim even in economy, hah!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Excited doesn’t come close. The wife said I was a nightmare to sit next to on this one. Constantly filming and moving about. Loved it. Singapore Airlines is very high on my list of airlines to try, especially on the A380.

[@GilbertTravels]

@@BlakeEdgington haha, I can picture that!

[@rehanzaffar5291]

Will be trying this beauty for the first time on this following tuesday😀❤

[@BlakeEdgington]

Enjoy! Are you sitting upper deck?

[@rehanzaffar5291]

@@BlakeEdgington well i don't know if it is the upper or the lower deck. But my seat number is 42k economy.

[@amiemohan8578]

I always fed up seeing all the flight reviews were just abt business/ first class..yr review spread smile on me..great video..im sure many choose to fly in economy class..cnt wait fr my first ever A380 KL-DBX-LHR in Dec...

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks for watching Amie. The majority of people on any flight are in economy and I try to show those people what to expect. I hope that you enjoy your visit to London and your first A380 experience.

[@HeathrowFlyerTakeoff]

I’m late but nonetheless, what a great video! Emirates really stand out in Economy, lovely experience on the A380 👍

[@BlakeEdgington]

Absolutely. I need to check out some more Middle East carriers and see how they stack up.

[@nafeekarim2780]

Well done sir.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you!

[@cazborob728]

Well this was exciting to watch as we may well be on Emirates (or Singapore Airlines which are good) when we go to Australia in Feb 2022). Great to know about the space in economy too as I thought that would have been first class). Thanks for this detailed video, loved it!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CS_22]

Ah the Birmingham to Dubai route! One route I can now finally say I have done. I thought it was an alright flight on Emirates, I myself thought Virgin was better, but I wasn’t exactly feeling 100%, so I’ll have to try them again properly!

[@BlakeEdgington]

I haven’t tried Virgin myself but have two flights with them in December.

[@naijatraveler3945]

Your videos are so clear. I love them!!!. What Iphone do you use please?. I'm learning the trade:)

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thank you, I am glad that you enjoyed the video. This one was filmed last year on an iPhone 8 plus but newer videos are on the 11 pro max.

[@cazborob728]

Wow fabulous airport and would love to fly to Dubai one day, if only to see this amazing place. Think they now get 90 million passengers passing through per year (I have been watching the TV program Ultimate Dubai Airport). Now to continue watching to see what flying with Emirates is like which I am looking forward to.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I am a big fan of DXB myself and always enjoy my visits there.

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video - I enjoyed it. I’ve been fortunate to do a number of flights on Emirates A380s, between Manchester and places in SE Asia - Singapore, KL, and Bangkok. They’ve all been economy, and mostly on the lower deck, but I did do one flight from Dubai to Singapore in economy on the upper deck. I ended up not liking this as much as the lower deck seats. Like you i had a window seat but I became a bit wary of using the window-side storage bin - I could see myself forgetting things behind. I wasn’t too happy with the window, either - because the upper deck is on the upper curve of the body, the windows point up a bit; i found it hard to look downwards. And are they a little bit smaller than the lower deck windows? Everything else about the flight was the usual excellent Emirates experience. I’m looking forward to the time when i can enjoy it again.

[@BlakeEdgington]

The windows are the same size but you are correct. The curvature of the fuselage means that the view is not as good as you would find on the main deck.

[@hcm160]

Hi Blake, were there any separate drinks services that weren’t part of the normal meal services? Also, was there an inflight magazine or just entertainment and duty free guides? These were the small criticisms on my Dubai-Birmingham flight recently. Great video as usual :)

[@BlakeEdgington]

Same for me Glen, the magazines were the same that you experienced but we did have one extra drinks run.

[@ntfrmhre7740]

Great video! off subject but are you a drummer? Drum and Bugle corp members sign heads! lol

[@BlakeEdgington]

Haha I have no rhythm or co-ordination sadly. It was signed by a band at a show I went to.

[@global_flyer]

Another nice video mate. It is definitely a good idea to fly on the upper deck instead of the lower deck on the A380. Ps. I got a new mic

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks buddy and I look forward to your next video using the new equipment.

[@global_flyer]

Blake Edgington - Airborne You're welcome! Voiceover of serval videos has already been recorded with the old mic.

[@craigmaddison8254]

Don;t think it's just Emirates who have a lack of communication from the pilots, I flew with KLM, almost 12 hours to Tokyo from Amsterdam and only heard from the Captain once on takeoff and then again on landing, doesn't bother me too much though, it just reminded me about it watching your review. I do like KLM, much shorter flight to Tokyo from the U.K rather than the route Emirates take via Dubai.

[@BlakeEdgington]

KLM are a personal favourite airline of mine but I have not had the pleasure of trying a flight on a long haul route yet. Something which I hope to rectify sooner rather than later.

[@FlyAround]

What's the first song you used? 😅 Great video btw!

[@BlakeEdgington]

The song is called Hunger by Ramin. Thanks!

[@sahilanant123]

Wonderful weather in Dubai? Lol. I have lived there for 18 years and still keep gng there to visit family, how is the weather wonderful? Try visiting in July/Aug.

[@BlakeEdgington]

This video was filmed in August.

[@petermoll8309]

Are the two class layouts by route or aircraft - ie would any from LHR have to two class, or is it to do with the airports they serve?

[@BlakeEdgington]

Hi Peter. The two class A380 is usually deployed on specific routes only. Things may be different because of the current global issues but Heathrow does not usually see this configuration.

[@petermoll8309]

@@BlakeEdgington Thanks Blake. Best find another local airport then...😄

[@hamoodtatari]

What editing software I like it!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Currently using Adobe Premiere Pro for my videos.

[@petebuck9889]

One thing to remember, If you pay extra like we did to get the twin seats in economy on the Upper Deck, Emirates at anytime can put a different configurated aircraft on , ie a 380 with First and Business only on the Upper Deck, and you are downstairs right up the back. The worst thing is they don’t tell you. I only found out playing about with the Emirates app a few days before the flight. We are still waiting for a refund. We did Mauritius Birmingham return vis Dubai . It was awful cramped terrible food . Never again

[@kaifrahman6092]

Hey! I will be flying with emirates tomorrow and it is my first time flying! I was really scared until I found your amazing video that calmed me down. Amazing video! Thank you for relieving my fear!

[@BlakeEdgington]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and I am glad that you found the video helpful. I am a huge fan of Emirates and have reviewed the airline 3 times on the channel. I am sure you will have a great experience.

[@matthewbrew777]

I flew my first A380 with BA on the upper deck in economy. It was probably the best flight experience I’ve ever had. I would love to fly the EK A380 in the future, looks like the world's best economy class along with Singapore and Qatar! The only time I’ve flown Emirates in the past was to New Zealand and back on a mix of 777s and A330s, but I was only 4 at the time so I don’t remember it 😂

[@BlakeEdgington]

Both Singapore Airlines and Qatar are must do airlines for me at some point. Those two generally fight it out for worlds best airline.

[@BlakeEdgington]

They operate a limited number of two class A380 aircraft. It depends on the route if you are able to get one with upper deck economy.

[@wellardsmith3629]

You mentioned a good amount of seats are offered complimentary. My up coming flight to Australia has no complimentary seats. The cheapest is £22 all the way up to £83. Per sector.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I should have been more specific that the search example and my booking were based on a flex fare. Saver fares or special fares are chargeable. These were not available on the example route. You can select seats for free when check-in opens 48 hours before departure.

[@lillycham]

I remember my first time on A380 it was Air France and wow i was amazed by the size of the plane. Is it true that airlines are phasing these big birds out??

[@BlakeEdgington]

Yes with Air France being one of them. Don’t worry though the A380 will be around for a number of years yet.

[@tomaszignielnicki4320]

Nice video ! Did you need to buy a tourist visa to Dubai?

[@BlakeEdgington]

No. As a British national I was not required to apply for a visa before travel. This applies to a number of countries and upon arrival a tourist visa valid for 30 days is issued.

[@tomaszignielnicki4320]

Thanks . Meantime I found out as a Polish citizen don’t need it either.However I will get 90 days visa. Cheers .

[@robert79051]

Have you flown to los angeles with vigin

[@BlakeEdgington]

Only to New York with Virgin Atlantic.

[@drewlikesbacon6806]

Hm. On the emirates website, it says that economy on the upper deck is only available in the 2-class layout (only economy and business class). Is that true?

[@BlakeEdgington]

That’s correct. The upper deck economy section is located where 1st class would ordinarily be with business behind.

[@flashultra369]

I actually like emirates because they do smaller flight to Birmingham Manchester etc

[@BlakeEdgington]

They have a huge route network for sure.

[@flashultra369]

Blake Edgington - Airborne thanks for not being like somebody cough Sam ch cough sorry and doing economy

[@nickclarke6560]

Agree 100% that the Pilot should be engaging more with all the passengers on board. Square headphones look very odd, should always be round/circular. My trip on a BA 747-400 that I booked back in January’s is too not far away from LHR to CPT. Long haul flight of 12hrs is going to be my longest ever flight. Hoping there will be no Pilot strike walkout in December.

[@BlakeEdgington]

You will have to let me know what you think of your 747 experience! I am flying the 747 myself in November with Lufthansa.

[@tlgraber]

Is your flight on a 747-8? I have flown on many 747s over the years, both the -200 and -400. Most of these flights were on KLM and Lufthansa, but also include a smattering of other airlines such as United, Northwest, and British Airways. In November 2018 I was privileged to fly Lufthansa ORD-FRA-BOM, with both flights operated by the 747-8. The -8 is definitely a more modern aircraft. The passenger experience is much closer to that of the the A380. Great report! I flew Emirates from Africa to the US last week, returning this week. The DXB-IAD-DXB flights are operated by the A380. I enjoyed this video partially because it is all very fresh in my mind! ;-)

[@BlakeEdgington]

My flight is set for the 747-400 which I am actually a little more excited about. Gives me the classic and more common 747 experience.

[@simondavey7787]

Do any other airlines fly the A380 to BHX?

[@BlakeEdgington]

Sadly not. Long haul at BHX is rather limited compared to the major airports in Manchester and London. We do have Qatar, TUI and Air India with the 787 and PIA operate 777 flights. In days gone by there were also flights to New York with United and American but they were operated by the 757.

[@wellardsmith3629]

It would seem not everyone who books on their website have free seat selection. I didn't pay cheap and I still have to pay for seat options.

[@BlakeEdgington]

It depends on the fare conditions.

[@hobbykidsediot7285]

I am departing on 12th of February

[@BlakeEdgington]

Have a great trip.

[@nafisabegum6301]

Which one is better? Upper deck economy or the main floor?

[@BlakeEdgington]

I personally prefer upper deck for a smaller more private cabin and the twin seats with extra storage are great.

[@marknagle1912]

first again blake

[@BlakeEdgington]

Well done Dennis! (Actually it was me)

[@TravelAnorak]

Unfortunately the Emirates A380s we've been on didn't have the upper deck economy. We always sit in row 50 in the front cabin and have found that it's the best economy class experience we've had so far.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I have heard good things about the lower deck forward cabin, I will have to try it one day.

[@TravelAnorak]

The lower deck forward cabin is really good. It feels like you're on a smaller plane, has plenty of space and toilets and is near to the entrance for embarking and disembarking. We've booked row 50 again for our trip next year which will include a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Zanzibar. It's a little more expensive to book seats in the forward cabin than the one behind it though.

[@BlakeEdgington]

@@TravelAnorak For a long haul flight I never mind paying a little extra for comfort, particularly in economy.

[@tlgraber]

I believe the upper deck economy is only on the 2 class A380s. I flew round trip DXB-IAD-DXB last week and this week, and I sat in the forward economy cabin on both flights. The flights are fairly long too. It was about 14 hours westbound and 12.5 hours eastbound. It was great! It's one of best economy experiences I've had on any airline and any aircraft. There are plenty of lavatories available for the number of passengers. It was very roomy. In fact, because it's a fairly short section of the cabin, it seems like a square room. It is smaller, partially because of the stairway going to the upper deck being at the front of the cabin.

[@BlakeEdgington]

You are correct Tom, if first class is available then there is no upper deck economy seating. Great to hear that you enjoyed your experiences, 14 hours in economy is a very long time so I am glad that you found it comfortable.

[@aakashkarajgikar9384]

What does "12R" stand for?

[@aakashkarajgikar9384]

Also why did you make the takeoff faster than it should be? What happened?

[@BlakeEdgington]

It’s the runway identification and stands for the heading (direction) and which of the runways in this case 120 degree heading and the right runway.

[@BlakeEdgington]

I speed up takeoff as many viewers find this part boring. I do have full takeoff videos on my channel.

[@liamphilbin7256]

oooooooooooooo🪶

[@dalecollins2085]

Is it possible to book your seat for free on Emirates?

[@BlakeEdgington]

That depends on your fare class. Assuming you are flying economy then standard seat selection is free on a flex fare (except extra legroom and upper deck). If you have booked a special or saver fare then seat selection is chargeable before check in opens. Free seat selection is then available from 48 hours before departure.

[@dalecollins2085]

@@BlakeEdgington Thanks Blake.

[@AberdeenAviation]

Awesome video no Dennis quotes this time maybe for the better Lol

[@BlakeEdgington]

Sometimes I have to take the focus away from Dennis and of course my lovely wife.

[@tlgraber]

You missed an opportunity to mention Jeb at 10:39 when you showed your Bose headphones. ;-)

[@corey6537]

100th comment oh yea

[@BlakeEdgington]

Congrats!

[@frontier_001]

Emirates looks nice, but I think I’ll stick to spirit

[@BlakeEdgington]

Who doesn't love low cost!

[@andrewdales8136]

Just can't understand on most travel blogs why people have to stroke and tap the table.

[@danielonn2002]

Stop serving chicken Beef tastes better.

[@BlakeEdgington]

Sadly I have no control over the catering choices by the airline.