TravelSkills editor Chris McGinnis having fun with Emirates flight attendants during the A380 tour at SFO (Selfie!)
This week Emirates Airline deployed not just one, but TWO giant Airbus A380s between Dubai and the US.
On Monday, the 489-passenger double-decker touched down at San Francisco International and on Wednesday another one landed at Houston Intercontinental.
Luckily, TravelSkills was invited to tour the new plane and to attend two of Emirates celebratory events in San Francisco, and both were, as expected, way over the top. Way. Like Moet champagne and canapes served by butlers at the airport, a private dinner on the stage of San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall, thousands of deep red roses, and a special performance by a orchestral quartet. See photos of all of it below!
Emirates now has a whopping 54 A380s in service and has 86 more on order– more than any other airline in the world.
The journey from San Francisco over the North Pole to Dubai takes 16 hours– the longest commercial flight from SFO. With the upgauge, Emirates now has 135 more seats to sell on the increasingly competitive route from SFO to the Middle East and particularly to India. Another UAE carrier, Etihad, recently launched new nonstops from SFO to Abu Dhabi. Turkish Airlines arrives at SFO in 2015.
The A380 jumbo jet is too large to park in front of Emirates’ 10,000 square foot business/first class lounge at SFO (see photos), which means passengers must now walk from the lounge to the end of Terminal A at Gate 9, one of four gates with the three jetways needed to load and unload this behemoth. Previously, business and first class passengers could walk from the lounge directly onboard Emirates’ B777.
What are the two best all-around credit cards? Both currently offer 40,000 mile sign up bonuses!
Emirates’ A380 is currently the only commercial airline with showers on board. On this plane, there are actually two showers for exclusive use of those seated in the 14 first class seats onboard. Showers last five minutes, with a full stream of hot water for four minutes and a pulsating warning stream for the last minute. A flight attendant told me that nearly every first class passenger takes a shower on A380 long haul flights. (See photos below and here’s Emirates’ A380 web page)
Take a spin through our photos below and leave your comments at the end. Enjoy!
The Emirates celebration started out with a reception at SFO’s Aviation Museum. I’ve been to several receptions here, but have never seen one as lavish as this one! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Yep, that’s right, a champagne reception at 11:30 on a Monday. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
At least 10 different, and delicious, canapes from which to choose served by a team of white coated butlers…at the airport! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
A delicious vanilla and strawberry cake is cut by dignitaries to celebrate the A380 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Time for the tour of the new A380 a gate A9 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Emirates glam crew waiting to board the aircraft for the 16 hour flight to DXB (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
There are only four gates at SFO with the three jetbridges needed to unload a behemoth A380 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
The entire main deck on the Emirates A380 is economy class (399 seats)– configuration is 10 across configured 3-4-3. All seats have 12 inch screens, electrical outlets and the plane is equipped with wi-fi and phone service. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
That’s the economy class loo! How nice, and big, is that? (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
First and business class lounge at the rear of the upper deck (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
A sea of business class seats on the A380 upper deck– 76 of them, all true lie-flat and configured 1-2-1 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Two center business class seats- one set up for dining, the other for sleeping (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
First class (14 seats) on this bird is just insane (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
This is what you see when seated in first class. Note the make up mirror w lights and fresh flowers! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Entering the shower spa. Ever seen a airplane lavatory like this? (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Here’s the shower stall and look at that sink! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Showers are limited to 5 minutes each. This is the timer to let you know… (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
50,000 miles = first class round trip flight … for <$100
Manufacturer stamp on the door jamb- just like a car (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Emirates private dinner on the stage of Symphony Hall- that’s a dinner party down there, not an orchestra! (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Speeches, toasts, dignitaries and dinner on stage at Symphony Hall (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Elegant dinner on stage (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Red roses everywhere… and I mean everywhere. In the thousands, I’m sure. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Printed menus – just like onboard 🙂 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Elegant, delicious. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
Post prandial performance by a string quartet from the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
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Michael Schaible says
February 24, 2017 at 2:54 pmPatrick Boury: Poor creatures try to hide jealousy by making big noise! Sorry, you have crossed your line. Since you don’t know me you have no right to judge my person. I am not wasting my time with creatures like you. Have a nice life.
patrick boury says
February 24, 2017 at 1:58 pmYour response totally validates my comment.
“Possibly you only compare with US carriers: they are not famous for
service plus their products are noticeably poorer than Asian and Middle Eastern airlines (and a tick below European as well)…. I had the
pleasure with 100+ airlines on estimated 1,500 flights on 6 continents.”
…and this part of your comment was priceless.
“when flying First and Business Class and repeatedly having to face amateurish or unnecessary problems makes me think over”
Sympathies to your business associates and family who are forced to be around such a tone deaf, self important, and pompous braggart. How they must suffer not mention the airline who has the misfortune of transporting you and your lofty attitude. After discovering what a deplorable passenger you were it would seem that Emirates to their credit figured out a way to keep you off their otherwise pleasant flights. Another great reason to choose them when flying to the Middle East or otherwise..
Michael Schaible says
February 24, 2017 at 12:46 pm1. Possibly you only compare with US carriers: they are not famous for service plus their products are noticeably poorer than Asian and Middle Eastern airlines (and a tick below European as well)…. I had the pleasure with 100+ airlines on estimated 1,500 flights on 6 continents. And here Emirates is ranking in my upper midfield, far away from my personal top 10. To be honest, I was a fan of EK some 15 years ago. But their service for premium customers was sacrificed by their (too) fast expansion. I agree with you: nobody is perfect! However, when flying First and Business Class and repeatedly having to face amateurish or unnecessary problems makes me think over. When comments and complaints are repeatedly ignored by top management I don’t give another chance!
2. Don’t mention this corrupt organization SKYTRAX. Simply riculous! They are opening the pockets ahead of their annual awardings. This organization seems to run the same modus operandi as the executive committee of FIFA. It became a bit too ridiculous for many airlines already: for instance Etihad publicly distanced themselves from SKYTRAX and prefer to allocate their marketing budget towards more efficient partners. SKYTRAX is listing airlines far away from reality but close to their “contributions”. Proof: there are airlines as “5-star” which are far from there in reality. On the other side there are fantastic airlines which never come close to their “top airlines”.
This is my thought about your “professional organization” which I share with plenty of real frequent fliers around the world.
patrick boury says
February 24, 2017 at 11:51 amYou continued pursuit of this issue which is nothing more than questionable bias against Emirates speaks for itself. Aside from you no one is perfect, but in the face of a seemingly endless rant It’s worth repeating that Emirates is recognized by professionals as one of if not the best airline in the world. Recognition within the Industry reflect those opinions as recently as Skytrax’s 2016 award for ‘World’s Best Airline’. Not a small accolade. One wonders if regardless of the situation or topic you always insist that your opinions are 100% correct and beyond reproach.
patrick boury says
July 29, 2016 at 10:03 amMy flight to Dubai in January traveling in Business Class on Emirates was outstanding. Etihad is not my preference and I haven’t flown Singapore since 2011 when an equipment failure on one of their A340’s left me sitting in Incheon for 14+ hours.
“My personal opinion, and mean it exactly as I wrote it!!!”
Sounds like something we can agree on.
Michael Schaible says
July 29, 2016 at 5:41 amPatrick Boury, it is not prejudice. It is my experience. I spend quite some time and money in the air and can well compare Emirates with other airlines. Yes, I was a fan of them 10 years ago but unwillingly became a witness of declining service.
patrick boury says
July 28, 2016 at 5:20 pm“a BIG NO!!!! NO WAY Emirates’ Economy (Coach) is any better than an average airline!”
…It sounds like you have some sort of intense prejudice that’s locked in against this airline and Tim Clark. Not sure why you feel the need to personally attack the president of the company. I have no idea what your bad experience was with them although it sounds like your larger beef is that they didn’t jump to their heels or fall at your feet during one of your many declarations of displeasure with their performance. Maybe they didn’t find your complaints rose to the high level of response you clearly demanded. What ever the case, I have found on the several flights that I and companions have taken on Emirates from San Francisco to Sydney and back again twice, as well as regional flights around the Middle East to be far superior to any airline I have ever flown in my 40+ years of traveling.
Michael Schaible says
March 14, 2015 at 12:31 amSalvatore Johnson,
a BIG NO!!!! NO WAY Emirates’ Economy (Coach) is any better than an average airline! They fitted their fleet (particularly the 777) in an ultra-tight 10-abreast configuration. After a 12 hours+ flight you will understand what that means! The Economy catering on board is enough to survive but nothing to boast with! Leave out asking once-in-a-year travelers or journalists who get free tickets in exchange for overwhelming reports. Check on reviews of those who spend a lot of time and money in the air. I belong to those over the last 10 years and can well compare with other carriers.
Business and First have a decent cabin product however (including their A380) very clearly below the best airlines in civil aviation. Additionally the cabin comfort is inconsistent, especially on links within GCC and to South Asia / South East Asia. EK’s service on ground and in the air is just terribly INCONSISTENT, can be anything from nice to irritating and extremely amateurish! One flight you may be lucky, the next may be a total screw-up…
I had enough of this and pulled the plug with Emirates! I am also avoiding certain US carriers (thanks to their reputation) but there are many Asian airlines giving me much more service and satisfaction than EK!
I can literally imagine how Tim Clark locks himself into his 300 square meter office in Dubai with a handful of servants. He only comes out when there is an opportunity to show his “I am god” attitude. He doesn’t know what is going on down the ranks and on the front-line and he doesn’t care either.
Michael Schaible says
March 8, 2015 at 10:23 pmEmirates is the ultimate in non-existing customer service! Having had many issues as First and Business Class passenger and Skywards Gold member I sent my complaints to their customer service’s email. Despite sending reminders from time to time I have never received any reply. Eight months later I had enough and showed up in person in their Hong Kong office. I cancelled my booked upcoming flights and let off steam. Then, suddenly, there came an email claiming that my
complaints have never been forwarded by the customer service headquarters in Dubai. Too ridiculous to believe! For the massive lack (or non-existence) of customer service they “generously” offered me a few useless miles, just enough to upgrade from the terminal building to the runway. I declined and made it clear: instead of miles I expect a precise answer on my specific case, not just this computer generated nonsense. Of course that never happened, due to lack of professionalism.
After that I have sent an email to their President, Tim Clark, requesting an explanation from the
senior management. Again, nothing happened! Emirates is a careless airline with a careless and
unprofessional management! Tim Clark lacks the drive to run a company with high service standards. In short: A fish rots from the head down!
One solution would be replacing him and bringing the necessary fresh wind into this company. Currently the EK management knows only one vocabulary: to expand. Under a new leadership they may learn another one: to serve.
In my company we issued an office order that nobody to fly Emirates anymore. Middle Eastern business goes with QR and EY: both more classy, more prestigious, better cabin product and more impressive fleet for the same price.
sasboy says
March 5, 2015 at 9:22 pmI do not think your claims of Emirates flight attendants being fired when they reach 33 years of age are factually correct. If you have a source for this claim, please provide it.
sasboy says
March 5, 2015 at 9:19 pmEmirates Rocks and Rules.
x1achilles says
December 12, 2014 at 9:05 pmEmirates gets to (does) fire their flight attendants when they hit 33 years old. While I’m no fan of the cranky FAs on UAL, I do not believe in age discrimination. Emirates also has Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani “guest workers” working to make all of those nice things look so pretty in Dubai. $400/mo??!! They’re lucky if they get paid at all. Its nearly slavery.
Mr. McGinnis at least shows a pic or two of economy. But these gulf airlines show such lavish spreads that he has lost all sense of unbiased journalism. You can tell he is just ‘giddy’ with all of the perks that really only the one percent get. I would have much more respect for him if he wrote an unbiased (not paid for by Emirates) review of their 10 across economy seating on that 16 hour flight to DXB. (UAL has only 9 across on their 777s)
Robert B says
December 8, 2014 at 2:30 pmI had attended the Davies Symphony Hall event, and yes … it was elegant, over the top. It was an enjoyable evening.
Michael Schaible says
December 6, 2014 at 5:36 amInteresting to see that Emirates doesn’t seem to save money at least on those events.
However as a former very frequent passenger on their links between Germany, Qatar, UAE and China, flying Business and First Class (mostly on the A380) I had enough of their obvious transformation from quality to quantity.
Just a few examples: chauffeur driver did not show up (drove to the airport in my own car otherwise I would have missed the flight), heartless and reduced lounge service during the night hours, shower on board not working, unskilled and inexperienced cabin crew on board (yes, EK is growing too fast to hire and train qualified employees before letting them serve in First Class). The icing on the cake was their careless and ignorant customer service giving inappropriate replies after eight months and several reminders.
All on all: a nice product but the service is visibly declining since 2010. I still do fly a lot but as a paying guest I won’t compromise service! For that reason I have terminated my loyalty with Emirates and found a good place with other carriers.
An airline must not be judged by some “show-off” events but by its consistency in service and product!
guest says
December 5, 2014 at 4:09 pmwhy are there no pictures of the laborers who clean these airplanes for less than $400 per month while the company makes billions.
Tim Parker says
December 5, 2014 at 6:31 amThey get their facilities for free, get a break on their aircraft purchases, pay no taxes, unions are outlawed, and they are owned by a despot. Of course Americans with any sort of conscience would want to ride with these kleptocrats.
Dan Leifker says
December 4, 2014 at 11:37 pm5-minute showers for all the first-class passengers? That’s a lot of water… if they reuse it, I want to be first in line!
Carl from Vallejo says
December 4, 2014 at 7:05 pmListening in on SFO ground control frequency the other day, it sounded as if the poor controller was going to rip his hair out when Lufthansas A380 arrived from Frankfurt. It was a busy day on the tarmac with reduced visibility from the downpour of rain and the the LH pilot having trouble comprehending instructions.
John says
December 4, 2014 at 6:31 pmSaw the first A380 flight Wednesday on approach to SFO over Palo Alto. Today, I saw Lufthansa’s over Mt View coming in from Frankfurt.
Jeff says
December 4, 2014 at 6:15 pmWhat a difference in Flight Attendants. I bet after the 15.5 hour flight they still look fresh not like the US carriers flight attendants after a long haul.
Salvatore Johnson says
December 4, 2014 at 6:13 pmI will start this off by saying that Emirates could be the best airline in the world.
Even coach is comfortable and offers more room than we are use to.
It’s a joke the difference coach is between United and Emirate from Washington to Dubai.
Business class on Emirates is better and more comfortable than first class on United.
If I was an American carrier I would be very worried over Emirates because they have a lot of options to fly not only to Dubai but other places in South Africa, Asia and Australia.