Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Wednesday, 23 August 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
There’s nothing quite like lounging by a champagne bar while waiting for a flight – and that’s exactly what travellers can do at the expansive and stunning Emirates lounges in Dubai; in fact it’s only one of the many splendid options on offer.
From grazing at multiple buffets featuring everything from sushi to biryani and most things in between or sliding into restful sleep in one of the comfortable sleeping pods on offer, to enjoying a massage, catching up on work at the business section after dropping the kids off at the play and entertainment area or even getting your shoes shined, Emirates really has thought of everything when designing its beautiful lounges.
An impressive showcase of Emirates’ success, the lounges facilitate travellers in every possible way, making flying a pleasure. These are places in which long transits turn into nothing worth fretting over.
Checking into the Emirates Business Class lounge at Dubai Airport, Terminal 3 Concourse B was a breeze when local media including Daily FT visited as part of a tour organised by Emirates. It’s a short journey from Emirates’ flagship terminal to the lounge and once inside, it’s all about comfort and luxury. If you’re not interested in duty-free shopping, nothing will entice you to leave the lounge until it’s time to fly off.
In Dubai, Emirates operates First Class lounges on Concourse A, B and C, with seating capacities of 1,491, 900+ and 168 and Business Class lounges on Concourse A, B, C in Dubai, with seating capacity of 2,552, 1,400+ and 596.
All lounges feature a business centre with state-of-the-art all-in-one touch screen workstations, printers, secure recharging facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, conference rooms, formal and relaxed seating and dining areas, show kitchens, juice bars, a health sanctuary/spa, shower facilities, children’s play and entertainment area with arcade quality games, Skywards help desk, prayer rooms, Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) all over the lounge, TV areas, newspaper and magazine counters, an open smoking area, a dedicated premium cigar lounge, shoe shine service and a wheelchair counter.
First Class customers can also enjoy the wine cellar, which provides a unique opportunity for them to view, taste and purchase a range of exquisite wines, or shop at the dedicated duty free area. There’s also a conference room and a mother and child care room. For Business Class customers, there’s a barista coffee experience offering complimentary Costa Coffee.
When it comes to culinary offerings, Emirates certainly hasn’t skipped anything. In the Business Class lounges there are some great health food options at the health hub, while the main dining buffets feature many kinds of cuisine. In addition, there’s a champagne bar, wines and an extensive selection of teas. Business Class lounges feature several identical full buffets to ease waiting times, along with a bar at each one.
Meanwhile, First Class customers are able to enjoy a la carte dining, a sushi station, cheese selections with wine, champagne and coffees, and customised mocktails and cocktails, apart from the buffet dining options. The food selection certainly won’t disappoint, as Emirates caters to all palates, with its extensive range of appetisers, mains, desserts and drinks.
After a refreshing shower, if they so desire, travellers can relax with a drink, indulge in some gourmet cuisine, catch up on the latest news and live sports, stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi or simply enjoy a quiet moment.
Those who want to rest can curl up in the welcoming sleeping pods or rooms in one of three quiet zones in Business Class or enjoy the privacy of curtained off sections in the quiet zones in First Class.
To experience the airline’s absolute attention to detail, try arriving at one of the lounges on your birthday – you will be greeted with a specially-made cake and exquisite champagne, served on arrival.
Emirates’ lounge facilities serve the airline’s First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Platinum and Gold Skywards members – the frequent flyer programme of Emirates. Silver and Gold Skywards Economy Class fliers are entitled to use the Business Class lounge, while First Class travellers can invite one guest and Platinum members can invite one adult and two kids to the lounges.
When it’s time to leave, Emirates makes things easier still – with gates available from the lounge, travellers are able to effortlessly board from the same level.
It’s not just at the Dubai Airport, Emirates lounges offer its premium customers the highest standards of comfort and ease at every stage of their journey. It boasts a network of over 40 dedicated airport lounges at major global airports which have all been designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service.
