I flew on Emirates A380 from Los Angeles to Dubai and checked out the new Premium Economy product on this 16 hours flight.
Emirates has just added Premium Economy on to/from U.S. A380 flights including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and New York. There were just 13 passengers taking advantage of the Premium Economy cabin on my flight.
Emirates Premium Economy Video
Emirates Premium Economy Fare
One-way Premium Economy fare from LA to Dubai non-stop is about $2000, which is one thousand dollars more than the Economy Flex fare.
Note: Currently, there is no mileage upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy.
One could pay cash onboard for an upgrade to Premium Economy but on my flight, the crew told me the rate was $1,800. So I think buying a ticket outright may be the better option.
Emirates Premium Economy Seat
The best seat is 35D and 35G if you don’t care about the window view. These are center aisle seats on the first row behind the A380 staircase bulkhead. There is literally unlimited legroom in front of these seats.
Row 33, 34 and 35 are quieter as it is located in front of the airplane. Due to the position of the A380 main staircase, row 33 to 35 offer only pair seats on each side which can be more private.
For the best engine view from the window, try seat 40A or 40K.
Premium Economy seat comes with legrest and footrest. The seat pitch is about 38-40 inches according to Emirates.
There is one power outlet share among the pair of 2 seats. USB and USB-C cable outlet is on the TV monitor.
One caveat of the Premium Economy seat, is the table console built in between seats. You simply can’t lift the armrest and lie flat across the seats like in Economy Class if your flight is empty.
My Flight
My flight was delayed due to offloading 2 intoxicated passengers in Business Class.
LAX Airfield has maintenance on the North side so our A380 has to taxi to the Southern runway for takeoff. It has to cross 2 active runways and taxi on the cargo (Imperial) side to runway 25L for takeoff. Runway 25L usually is used for landing at LAX. Enjoy the A380 takeoff in my video.
Our flight time to Dubai was 15 hours and 22 minutes over the North Atlantic.
Emirates Premium Economy Meal
The meal looks very good in my opinion, almost Business Class quality. It was served on a single tray as opposed to course by course in Business Class. I didn’t try any wine on this flight.
On this flight, Emirates serves 2 full meals (dinner and breakfast) with a light bite in between.
There is free Wi-Fi for Emirates Skywards members on this flight.
However, certain geographical region does not have Wi-Fi coverage such as flying over Russia or India.
Here are 2 more beautiful photos during the flight. Those passengers who didn’t sleep got treated to the amazing Northern Light which is quite rare in the summer month of July.
Summary
Overall, I think the Emirates Premium Economy is a strong appealing product at an extra premium. The seat is beautiful (as of now) and offers a decent recline and leg room. The strong point is the food and amenities. The best seat is in row 33, 34 and 35 which offer more privacy and legroom.
For more details, you can see it in my video.
Hi Sam, Emirates always blocks off 33A, 33K, 35F, 39A and 39B. Even on the first day the booking opens. Would you know why? What are the next best seats for three persons travelling on PE for such a flight? Appreciate your expert advice.
I think those are blocked until check-in in case of needs of baby bassinets above those seats.
Thank you for the amazing and thorough overview of Premium Economy, including tips on the best seats to select for long-haul flights. Based on your review, I decided to upgrade to Premium Economy for my upcoming flight from San Francisco to Mumbai.
I hope your mom is doing well.
i have Q. about the 40J in the last row , is there space to take it 8 inch back same as the front seats ? or its smaller space due to the partition on the back ?
Yes it does!
You never told us how you liked the food in Business Class!
I’m not impressed by the drink in PE, not even a proper Champagne, wine from a “low quality” vintage, to say the least, this is not premium at all.
Rows 33-34 may offer privacy and row 35D and G more leg room but be prepared for crying babies since bassinets can be attached in front of rows 33 and 35. I flew Dubai to Sydney recently and there were constantly crying babies and an irate toddler in rows 33 and 35.
I need the extra leg space but considering your comment and lack of footrest would you say 33 is worth it?
I just flew the A 380 LAX to Dubai. Going Business. Return Economy. WiFi non operational for the entire plane both directions over a several week time period. Business Class quite comfortable. Service so so other than the lounge. Regarding Economy, had a seat in the 40’s while near the restroom, no seats alongside nor behind. Quite comfortable. Service even less than so so. Best thing is the aircraft itself. Great aircraft.
Nice review! I wonder how often premium economy is that empty on that route? What luck to catch the aurora in July, amazing display!
It is quite empty right now as the product just enters U.S. market. I am sure it will become fuller later.
Love it. Thanks Sam. You rock!
Thanks for ‘taking one for the team’ in PE for such a long flight. That food is better than what United serves in business class.