Emirates Shower Bar

Trip Report: What’s Changed on Emirates Flight?

Sam Chui·October 13, 2020

I recently flew with Emirates for the first time since the pandemic, let's have a look at what's changed onboard with Emirates.

Video: Latest Emirates Flight Offering

My flight was from Zurich to Dubai on flight EK88 in Economy Class, but the crew was kind enough to show me what changes they have also made in First and Business Class.

The Emirates Lounge at Zurich Airport was closed. In fact, the mid-field terminal E at Zurich is completely closed and all international flights now arrive and depart from Terminal A/B. There is no dedicated lounge for Emirates passengers at the moment.

You must present a negative COVID PCR test in order to be able to fly to Dubai. However, you may not need the test if you are transiting through Dubai. Click here to see the full requirements.

The flight was very empty, with only about a 20-30% load factor, and it was operated by a B777-300/ER.

The crew came around and gave every passenger a travel hygiene kit, this kit contained 5 sanitizer wipes/gels, 2 gloves (in different sizes) and 2 masks.

a red box with white text and white text on it — Emirates Travel Hygiene Kit

a box of medical supplies — Emirates Travel Hygiene Kit

Blanket and pillow now came in wrapped and sealed. — Blankets and pillows now come wrapped and sealed.

The crew now wears not only mask, but with visor and covered in PPE. — The crew now wears not only a mask, but also a visor and are covered in PPE.

Economy Class

Most of the services have been retained on-board, including the food and beverage services. Beverage choices included water, soft drink, juices and beer in sealed package or cans. The only exception was wine, which the crew poured into plastic cups.

a person wearing a mask and a face mask standing in an airplane

No major changes in the meal, except that the appetizer and dessert had plastic covers on them. The only items that were missing were the cheese and crackers.

a tray of food on a plane — Emirates Economy Class meal

a plate of food on a tray — Emirates Economy Class meal

Business Class

In Business Class, the crew set up an individual table with linen, cutlery (which now comes in a plastic cover) and offered each passenger an individual bottle of water. The wine and champagne were still free flowing, but the crew are not allowed to serve any open mix drinks (cocktails).

The 3 course meals are served in one tray with the food covered, accompanied by hot bread sealed in plastic.

Emirates Table Service in Business Class

a woman in a white coat and goggles holding a bottle of wine

a woman wearing a white coat and goggles holding a bottle of wine

First Class

In First Class, the meals are also served on a single tray, to reduce interaction, instead of being served course by course. Yes, Emirates are still serving caviar!

a white round container on a white plate

The duvet and mattress were both sealed. The crew are making every effort to reduce contact points where possible, as a consequence of this they are not able to make up the bed for you anymore.