Sweepstakes Time: Register for Your Chance at Free Travel

Emirates Airlines The World's Your Reward Sweepstakes. Chance to win two tickets anywhere in the world Emirates flies to. Register by September 30, 2009.

Discover Asia Now Sweepstakes. Chance to win a vacation for two to Tokyo and Seoul. Register by July 31, 2009.

Subway Land of the Lost Contest. Chance to win one of the daily $1,000 prizes, or a Southwest Airlines Vacation package for two. Enter the contest by July 5, 2009.

Emirates One Day World Sale - Thursday Only

We don't see huge discounts from Emirates too often, so this is definitely a deal worth looking into: For one day only - Thursday June 4, 2009, receive $100 off any destination Emirates Airlines flies from the United States, including flights from San Francisco. Best of all, there is no time restriction as to when you must fly by! Discount will automatically apply to all fares purchased at emirates.com/usa. 

Emirates Launches San Francisco Service Today

The inaugural flight between San Francisco and Dubai will also go down in the books as the world's longest green flight trial

At 3:45 PM today, Emirates Airlines will launch nonstop service between San Francisco and Dubai. The 16-hour flight will, at least initially, operate three times a week utilizing brand new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, featuring luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for Economy Class guests. 

But today's flight is much more than the debut of a top notch premium airline. The flight from SFO later today is also a trial to launch a new environmental program to execute the world's longest green journey. Simply put, it means rolling out the most environmentally-sophisticated route and trip possible to save an estimated 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions. 

Specifically, today's inaugural flight will demonstrate many fuel and emission saving measures including:

• The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag.
• A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing. 
• Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace.
• The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn.
• All on-board glass, newspapers, aluminium and paper will be collecting for recycling.

Passengers traveling through San Francisco Airport today will have an opportunity to see the new Emirates aircraft parked at the International terminal. The scheduled arrival time from Dubai is 1pm. Immediately following the arrival, local media will attend a press conference on the new service and best practices in Eco-efficient air travel. 

For more information on Emirates and the world's longest green flight, visit www.emirates.com.

Also Read: "Emirates Airlines' flying to S.F raises issues" -SFGate

Register for the 'Dubai is the Prize' Sweepstakes

Complete this form for a chance to win a magical trip for two to Dubai, courtesy of Emirates Airlines. According to the sweepstakes rules, you must register by November 18, 2008.

Emirates Reduction In Flight Schedule at SFO

Due to the Boeing machinist strike, Emirates Airlines, which has already delayed the San Francisco to Dubai launch, will limit frequency to 3 days a week between the two cities, rather than the previously scheduled daily service. According to airline route updates blog, the route will be operated by a 777-200LR.

Riding Coach on the Emirates A380

Last week I described the superior product Emirates has produced for passengers lucky enough to ride in Business or First Class on Airbus 380 flights. But what about everyone else? That is, the other 399 passengers flying downstairs in economy class.

Friends have asked, "is it worth flying the plane if you are not flying in luxury class?"My response is, while the luxuries are more prominent upstairs, there are plenty of enhancements and offerings for those riding downstairs, in economy, that do make riding the big bird an exciting experience, even in coach.


Economy/Coach Class
Thumbs Up:

• Economy seating (see below) is configured 3-4-3. Seat pitch is 33" which is about 1"-2" larger than economy seating offered by most U.S.-based airlines.
  

• A 10.6" seat-back mounted display screen is offered at each seat. Over 1000 channels of programming, including on-demand TV shows and movies, music and more is available using Emirates ICE entertainment system.


• A USB port works with the entertainment system, allowing you to bring personal music, video or PDF files from home. Power


• A seat-back mounted hook was added enabling passengers to hang a coat or sweater without the need of stowing it in the overhead bins, and providing easy access in the event the cabin cools during flight.


• Tray tables, as expected, are included at each seat. In addition, a drop-down cup/drink holder can be used, making it unnecessary lower the entire tray table just to lay your drink down.


• Exceptionally quiet in-flight experience. Conversations can take place in a normal tone and volume, without competing against excessive engine noise found on older aircraft models.
  
• Three separate jetways (pictured below) allow concurrent loading/unloading of passengers on both the upper and lower decks.

Thumbs Down:

• Rows 85-88; the numbers basically say it all. It's pretty far back on the plane. There is a general feeling of being cutoff from everyone else on the plane, in part because a center wall, which replaces where 4 seats would be located (3-4-3 configuration) causes an obstructed view to the opposite side of the plane. This areas of the plane is not for the claustrophobic! That said, these rows are sometimes reserved for flight crew, and would therefore be an infrequent problem for regular passengers.
  

Overall, Economy class on Emirates Airlines' A380 transcends the competition. Although far short of the generous amenities afforded to business and first class fliers upstairs, as you would expect, there is still a general "wow" feeling as you walk through the cabin. The massive interior, the unsoiled carpets, the smell of newness, all contribute to the experience.

Of course this same "wow" happened with the advent of the Boeing 747, and other grand additions to aviation history, but the A380 marks the latest and greatest in technological developments, and combined with the high standards of service Emirates has built its reputation on, flying the Airbus 380 on Emirates is simply an enjoyable journey not to be missed.

Click here for more pictures from Economy
Click here for more pictures from Business and First
Click here for pictures from the Emirates A380 arrival into SFO last week

Emirates Postpones San Francisco Launch

According to airline routes news, Emirates Airlines has again postponed their San Francisco launch. Although no reason is cited, Emirates previously stated delays were related to taking delivery of a new Boeing 777-LR, set to operate the San Francisco to Dubai route.

Emirates now expects to begin operating flights from

San Francisco on December 15, 2008.

Review of the Emirates Airbus 380 at SFO

By Mike Grasso
August 1, 2008, Emirates Airlines made history by launching the first-ever, Airbus 380 commercial airliner service into the United States. The flight touched down at New York's JFK, and will continue to be operated 3 times a week JFK and the Emirates hub in Dubai.

During a little downtime in the flights, the airline shuttled the super-jumbo jet to San Francisco Airport, where media and other aviation VIP's got a sneak peak of the A380, and a taste of the world famous Emirates service.


First Class

The 14 First Class Suites (pictured left) exceed a private jet experience. Electronically controlled double-doors open to an adjustable bed extending 86" in length. The suites provide the opportunity to customize a level of service depending on your needs. Simply relax in your suite with the accompanying mini-bar and refreshments, vanity mirror, 23" digital TV, including 1100 channels of programming, and request flight crew service on an as needed basis.

Or, pamper yourself with the award-winning service Emirates is known for. Indulge in a seven course meal, with a variety of options to please all tastes. First class passengers may order limitless menu items, including a complete range of sundries and premium liquors by simply informing the nearby cabin attendant.

First class passengers receive complimentary access to two full-service bathroom spa's (pictured above), including hot steamy showers, to freshen up after a long journey. Although showers are limited to 5-8 minutes in length due to water restrictions, guests are permitted to use the remainder of the bathroom for a longer duration. And who wouldn't, with heated flooring, premium grooming products, a hair dryer, and a 15.4" LCD monitor.

Although the suites provide a high level of privacy and comfort, they are not floor-to-ceiling enclosures you might expect when you hear the term, "suites." The surrounding wall to the walkway stands about 3-4 feet in height. Nevertheless, the luxurious first class suite on the Emirates A380 is one not to be missed, and certainly surpasses most other first class aviation products available.

First and Business Class, both which cover the entire second level of the A380, share a lounge area near the rear of the aircraft. Two nearby leather couches invite friends, new and old, to truly enjoy the experience of flying - outside of the assigned seat. A few steps away, a full-service bar (pictured above), featuring warm and cold canapés, premium liquors, and service with a smile, are all available at your leisure.

Business Class

Business class (pictured above), includes 76-lie flat beds which vary between 70" and 79" in length, depending on your seat. Although business class does not feature enclosed suites, high quality food and service, much like in first class, remain available to guests. On-demand media programming is available with a 17" personal digital TV in each unit.

An important consideration when flying Business Class on the new Airbus 380 is the staggering layout of the seats affecting your experience. Some rows for example are designed for two passengers travelling together, but still with the option of putting up a privacy wall in-between, while other rows are built with a large amount of space between the seat next - not particularly warming for a couple traveling together. An Emirates purser I spoke with indicated that the varying layout reflects the needs of the traveler, and often times, those traveling in business class are flying solo. Bottom line here. not all business class seats are equal, and be sure to know this when selecting them during the reservation process.

The business class product itself appears to be of superior quality and will most certainly makes for a wonderful flying experience.

Additional First & Business Class photos can be found here.

All Classes

Ring-ring, who is that calling? It's a friend sitting back in row 86K. (That is, economy class of course). A feature available to all passengers on the plane is the seat-to-seat calling. Can't sit together? Too lazy to go visit them? Call them. The quality of the voice comes through quite clear on the receiving end.

Another great element of the Emirates Airbus 380 are the three mounted cameras. The tail-mounted cam (pictured above) makes for hours of viewing pleasure, particularly during take-offs and landings.

The entire aircraft is equipped with the latest and greatest in technological developments. Each seat features a USB port whereby you can upload and work on important business tasks, or entertain yourself with music and movies you brought from home. ICE, the onboard entertainment system offers over 1000 channels of on-demand entertainment, as well as live BBC news headlines.

Each cabin has crew-controlled mood lighting and sounds. As night falls, the cabin dims and stars fill the roof of the cabin; by morning, light begins to fill the cabin, with the sounds of birds chirping, softly in the background.

Emirates has incorporated even these small details to ensure a premium travel experience for all passengers, regardless class of service.

Please check back later this week for a review of Emirates A380 Coach class.

Emirates Airlines Airbus 380 Arriving At SFO Earlier Today

Check back Tuesday for complete coverage of the Airbus 380 Demonstration flight at SFO. For now, check out more photos of the A380 arrival at SFO from earlier today.

Emirates Inaugurates Airbus 380 to United States

Special coverage of Emirates A380 flying to San Francisco on Monday

Earlier today, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines launched the first-ever commercial Airbus 380 service to the United States. The flight is scheduled to touch down at New York's JFK airport at 4:45 p.m. local time. No other airline operates A380 flights to the U.S.

On Monday, the A380 will fly to San Francisco to begin two days of familiarization flights along the West coast. The plane will be greeted with a water cannon ceremony upon landing at SFO. Shortly thereafter, media will have the opportunity to tour the interior of the aircraft and experience the service and comfort Emirates is famous for, during a two hour demo flight.

I'm pleased to report that I've been invited to attend the Monday festivities at SFO. Please check back late Monday for complete coverage on this exciting and historical event.

Read more: Past articles on Emirates.

Emirates To Operate Superjumbo A380 On San Francisco Route

Emirates airlines announced Thursday the intention to operate a superjumbo Airbus 380 aircraft on its upcoming San Francisco to Dubai route. The double-decker Airbus 380 is the largest aircraft in the world.

The airline, which announced the debut of the San Francisco to Dubai route beginning November 20th, will initially operate using a Boeing 777 aircraft. Emirates Senior Vice President of commercial operations for the America's said, "We hope to build up the route for the A380. I would be disappointed if we could not operate the aircraft in two or three years in San Francisco."

On August 4th, Emirates will show off the first fully outfitted Airbus 380 at San Francisco International Airport. The plane has 14 first-class suites, 76 business class seats and 399 seats in economy.

(Above: An Emirates Airbus 380 aircraft at the 2005 Dubai Airshow. Nasser Younes/Agence France-Presse --Getty Images)

Emirates Postpones San Francisco Launch By 3 weeks

As we mentioned in April, Emirates Airlines rolled out plans to begin flying between San Francisco and Dubai this October. According to the airline routes news blog, the airline now says it must postpone the launch by about three weeks as they await the delivery of new Boeing 777 aircraft, delayed because of galley installation issues. Emirates hopes to be flying the route by November 20th.

Emirates First To Launch Airbus 380 Flights To United States

Emirates Airlines announced it will launch its first Airbus 380 commercial service on the

Dubai - New York route beginning August 1st, making it the first airline to bring passenger service utilizing the Superjumbo into the United States.

Considered one of the leading airlines in the world in terms of service, Emirates has said the Airbus 380 will offer a "high quality experience previously associated with private jets" (HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airlines).

Separately, Emirates previously announced it would begin flying Dubai to San Francisco October 26th utilizing a new Boeing 777-ER aircraft.

Emirates to Begin San Francisco to Dubai Flights

Following news of only four weeks ago that it would start services to Los Angeles, Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines announced plans to launch an additional service to the West Coast. The award-winning airline will fly non-stop from San Francisco to Dubai starting October 26th, 2008, taking its total number of U.S. destinations to four.

Emirates has received multiple recognitions over the years, including being named top airline in the world, for their 5-star quality and service.

The airline is not part of any alliance, but has mileage arrangements with both United and Continental Airlines.

The daily flight to Dubai Emirates departs San Francisco at 4:45pm daily and arrives at 7:25pm the following day. As of November 2nd, the flight will depart an hour earlier, at 3:45pm. The route will be operated by a new Boeing 777-LR ("long range") aircraft.

Emirates Airlines: Shower facilities onboard flights by October

Environmental Impact Yields to Luxury Travel

One of the most luxurious airlines in the world, Emirates, is taking luxury and service to an even higher level. Beginning this October, Emirates will offer onboard shower facilities to first class passengers. The showers will be available on their Airbus A380 aircraft, operating a New York to Dubai route.

But talk about working against eco-friendly travel solutions. The London Times estimates aircraft will need to haul around an extra ton of water per flight, and the extra fuel to move it.

This results in a “carbon cost” of 48,455 pounds for every round trip flight.

It's fantastic technology has evolved to a point which permits people to bath themselves at 40,000 feet...and I suppose passengers paying $15,000+ for a first class flight have a right to it. And of course it would be great to try it and say, "wow!" But hopefully this doesn't become a standard for the que of other Airbus 380 aircraft on wait lists and assembly lines. There are other methods of "wowing" first class passengers that result in less harm on the environment.

Your First Class Seat Awaits

First on & first off the plane, complimentary fine foods and alcohol, massage, warm terry cloth socks, down-filled duvets and more are waiting for you (really); come aboard.

The quiet, the relaxation, the temptation...ugh, the price. Business and First Class for international flights can set you back well over $5000-$10,000. But, there are other options. First, consider this sampling of luxuries that await you when flying business or first class on some of these top international airlines:

Forget standing in long lines at the airport. Qatar airlines will have your personal escorted to the plane by way of a ride in a 7 series BMW. Once aboard and relaxed they offer a 10 course meal, "that typically includes caviar, lobster, prawns, Arabic mezzas, fine chocolates, cheese platters, freshly brewed cappuccinos, and the finest wines from the old and new world."

Singapore Airlines rolled out the SkySuite on some of its flights (ya can't just call it a seat), which fully reclines to any angle - right down to a flat bed. Also offered is turn down service, fresh bed linens and a down filled duvet.

Malaysia Airlines features 15" LCD monitors in first class, including video, TV and music on demand and tempting cuisines from around the globe. Malaysia Airlines also offers advanced onboard lighting systems, which replicates outside lighting providing a more natural feel to your journey.

Virgin Atlantic prides itself on having the longest fully flat (79.5") bed in its upper class suites, an upper body massage and mini-manicure.

Emirates Airlines 500 channels of on demand entertainment await their customers, along with Internet access on board for laptop enabled laptops and currently a promotion for 2 complimentary nights at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai for first class travelers. First class cabin reportably comes with the highest ratio of crew-to-passengers of any airline in the world.

Wake up. Dream is over. These amenities (and really, this is a short list of them) do make hops over the Oceans a lot easier. An alternative to paying cash for these great seats is to redeem frequent flyer miles. For example, United frequent flyer members can redeem points toward business class travel on its partner Singapore Airlines. Another way are operational upgrades (rare), where an airline may be oversold in economy class and "bumps" folks (typically high paying or elite passengers) to business or first class.