Emirates’ Stunning Premium Economy Cabin Is Coming To More US Airports On The Airbus A380

Passengers from the US have been enjoying Emirates’ stunning premium economy product on its Airbus A380 since the start of the month – at least, those flying from New York and San Francisco have. But soon, passengers from more US airports will be able to access this beautiful cabin as the airline looks to expand the product to more routes.

Route expansion

Emirates’ premium economy expansion in the US this summer is set to include four of its busiest routes. The airline already rolled the product out to New York and San Francisco (SFO) earlier this month aboard EK203/204 and EK225/226, respectively. Houston (IAH) will see the new class in June, while premium economy service to Los Angeles (LAX) will begin in July. Each route originates in Dubai and will utilize one of the company’s Airbus A380s, now featuring a refreshed four-class configuration.

Photo: Emirates

Additional expansion of the A380 premium economy product is taking place on routes outside the US as well, including on Emirates’ Dubai to Singapore (SIN) route, which will begin on June 1st. The company says that through its ongoing expansion efforts, its long-haul premium economy product will reach ten destinations globally by the end of 2023.

At the moment, Emirates has 16 A380s fitted with the new premium economy seats that, in addition to the new routes, already serve flights to London Heathrow (LHR), Sydney (SYD), Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), and Melbourne (MEL).

Amenities

Emirates’ premium economy tickets include a variety of higher-end service offerings both on the ground and in the air. Passengers utilizing the class can check in at a dedicated premium economy class desk in Dubai and receive a 35kg baggage allowance, along with priority boarding.

Passengers don’t need to clear immigration to pick up their bags when they are booked through. Photo:Emirates

During their flight, passengers will find leather seating with upgraded appointments laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Seats are 19.5” wide and have a pitch of up to 40”. They also offer 6-way adjustable headrests, as well as calf and leg rests, with a maximum 8” recline. Emirates’ ‘ice’ inflight entertainment system displays on 13.3” seatback-mounted LCD screens that offer both headphone jacks and Bluetooth connectivity.

Photo: Emirates

Passengers can request complimentary headphones, blankets, and pillows, and will also receive an amenity kit with socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a bookmark. Those traveling with children can also expect the cabin crew to take family photos that will be framed and presented to passengers before deplaning.

Photo: Emirates

Three cabin crew members staff premium economy, providing attentive service in this relatively small cabin. Passengers will have access to a regularly-updated gourmet menu and complimentary alcoholic drinks. Food and beverage service is presented on china and glassware.

Competition

Emirates is presently the only airline based in its home region to offer a premium economy product. It also faces no direct competition from airlines offering premium economy on any of its new and upcoming US routes with the class, positioning the product as a more affordable option to passengers who might otherwise look to fly business class with other airlines.

It may be noted that this lack of direct competition is not the case for flights on all of Emirates’ premium economy routes. For example, the company’s Dubai to London route is also served by British Airways, which offers its take on a premium economy product aboard the Boeing 777.

Have you flown Emirates’ premium economy product aboard the A380? Where might you like to see the airline add additional premium economy routes? Let us know in the comments below.