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Emirates Hit a Home Run With This Incredible New First-Class Suite

Nov. 12, 2017
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3 min read
Emirates 777 New Suite
Emirates Hit a Home Run With This Incredible New First-Class Suite
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WOW. At this point, words can't describe how outstanding Emirates' new first-class suite really is. So until I can gather my thoughts, all I can say is... WOW.

I just had a chance to tour the airline's brand-new Boeing 777-300ER on Sunday at the Dubai Air Show, and it's absolutely incredible. First class, that is — business maintains the subpar 2-3-2 configuration, and economy is super tight with 3-4-3 seating throughout. But these first-class Suites are just out of this world.

I'll be sharing an in-depth tour on our Facebook page later Sunday, so stay tuned for that, but in the meantime, here's a preview to tide you over.

Update: Here's the Facebook Live tour as well:

The 777 is the first Emirates plane to get these new Suites — there are just six onboard, in the same space the airline uses to accommodate eight Suites on the older version.

The attention to detail is really breathtaking — from the textured wall panel to the lighting to the window treatments, Emirates didn't spare any expense when designing this new product.

It's also quite spacious — no, the 777 Suite isn't on par with Singapore's new A380 Suite or Etihad's Apartment, but it's by far the roomiest mini-cabin I've ever seen on a Boeing plane. Center Suites also offer virtual windows, with a live feed from outside the plane. It's really something to behold.

You can still move about with the bed extended, even when the Suite door is closed.

You also don't feel too closed-in during the meal service.

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Much of the design is a real innovation for airplane interiors. I've never seen a pop-up vanity quite like this, for example, and a special slide-up panel on the side makes it possible for flight attendants to deliver meals and other items without opening the main door.

Some Emirates exclusives make an appearance here as well — the mini-bar is present, and has even been extended, with a cabinet on each side of the huge 32-inch screen.

Unlike the previous Suite, however, this new model is fully enclosed — it even has its own ceiling, and overhead lighting, too.

Another first is the video-chat ordering system. A button on the 13-inch tablet connects you directly to the galley, and you can have a two-way video conference with a flight attendant, making it possible to place a food or beverage order without interacting face-to-face — if that's what you'd prefer.

Here it is in action:

And here's the galley interface. Pretty slick!

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, pictured in the photo below, was instrumental in the new Suite's development — his vision really made the product excel here.

This really is an incredible first-class product. And, it launches in just a few weeks with inaugural flights from Dubai (DXB) to Brussels (BRU) and Geneva (GVA) on December 1. I've booked Suite 1E on the very first flight, so stay tuned for a full review!

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.