Emirates First Class

My boyfriend stockpiled enough Amex points to reserve us two first-class tickets from Dubai (DXB) to Los Angeles (LAX) via Emirates on a recent trip. I never dreamt an overnight flight could be a highlight of any vacation, but our Emirates experience became just that.

Even before boarding, the airline rolls out the red carpet. After breezing through security inside Emirates’ own terminal at the airport, we entered into a lounge dedicated solely for first-class passengers. The lounge itself is impressive, and boasts a cigar bar, fine-dining restaurant, complimentary spa and even a wine cellar.

When it was time to board the flight, we stepped directly onto the plane from inside the lounge. Arriving in my private suite gave the impression I was arriving in a miniature hotel room rather than an airplane seat. I began to play with all the amenities like a kid on Christmas, opening and shutting the privacy doors, exploring the complimentary minibar, spraying every facial mist and perfume from the Bulgari amenity kit on myself and slipping into the plush sleepwear.

A flight has never gone by so quickly. I ordered a glass of vintage red wine and a four-course gourmet meal served on a white tablecloth, then drifted off to sleep on the lie-flat bed under a night sky of “stars” sparkling on the ceiling. When morning came, I took a hot shower in the spacious Shower Spa and returned to my seat feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Disembarking was effortless. An luxury bus whisked us directly to immigration, where we were given passes to fast track the line. From there, a complimentary private town car took us back to our home in San Diego.

Flying Emirates first class feels like owning your own private jet for a few hours. Start saving those credit card points pronto.