When Robert Ferguson was cancelled off a flight to Dubai with only 24 hours notice (by an airline to be reviewed at a later date…) he needed a quick and reliable replacement to get him there in time for his onward connection on Druk Air to Bhutan. He chose the obvious replacement – Dubai’s own carrier Emirates. Here is his review of the whole Emirates experience, from last minute booking online to walking out of Dubai International Airport into a hot, humid evening.
Booking my first ever flight with Emirates to Dubai, I felt a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Emirates has always projected an image of glamour and luxury, with its A380 bars, celebrity endorsements, and reputation for being one of the best airlines in the world. But my ticket was for economy on the Boeing 777-300, the real workhorse of their fleet, and I wondered whether the experience would live up to all the hype.
This was not only my first time flying Emirates but also my first long-haul from Stansted, an airport more commonly associated with low-cost carriers than one of the world’s most prestigious airlines. Booking was straightforward on the Emirates website, an easy-to-use platform. I booked late, the night before, so seats were limited, but otherwise it was a simple and hassle-free experience
Being a regular flyer and a bit of a travel nerd, I’d researched the 777 and knew to expect the 3-4-3 seating layout in economy. This means ten seats across, and many travellers describe it as feeling a little tight, particularly for longer flights. One reviewer on Tripadvisor called it “the narrowest 777 layout I’ve ever experienced,” while another on Business Insider, who was 6’3”, admitted he was worried about legroom but was “more than comfortable” once on board. With that in mind and the fact that I too am 6’3”, I chose an aisle seat, knowing it would give me some space to stretch and an easy escape during the flight.
Check-in at Stansted was smoother than I expected. Emirates only runs a handful of flights from here compared to Heathrow or Gatwick, but the operation was clearly well drilled. The Emirate uniformed staff were very efficient and very friendly, and my bag was tagged and sent through within minutes. The lady who processed us even managed to get us seats together, something that hadn’t been available the previous evening on this full flight. The same staff were at the departure gate a hour or so later, friendly and helpful as before.
Security at Stansted can be hit or miss, but on this day it was quick and organised. Once airside, it struck me how unusual it felt to be flying long-haul from an airport usually dominated by short-haul budget carriers. Yet the Emirates gate, with its smart branding and orderly queuing system, made it clear this was no ordinary departure. Boarding was calm and well-structured, with passengers called by zones. Walking down the jet bridge onto the Boeing 777, I felt that familiar pre-flight buzz.
Stepping inside, the first impression was of space and order. Emirates’ cabin design isn’t minimalist or cutting-edge like some newer airlines; instead, it’s traditional, with cream and gold tones. Some reviewers describe it as dated, while others find it warm and welcoming. For me, as a first-time Emirates passenger, it felt fresh, clean, and reassuringly premium compared to many other economy cabins I’ve flown in.
The seat itself was slimline and reasonably padded, with a blanket, pillow, and decent headphones waiting. On paper, the seat pitch is around 32 inches and the width about 17 inches, which is industry standard but narrower than some airlines that fit only nine seats across. Personally, as someone of slim but tall build, I found the legroom perfectly fine and better than many other airlines. Online reviews reflect this split: some call it “surprisingly comfortable for a long flight,” while others warn that it’s “the tightest 777 economy in the skies.” The truth is probably somewhere in between, depending on your body type and whether you land a seatmate who encroaches into your space.
One of the real highlights was the in-flight entertainment. Emirates’ ICE system is consistently rated among the best in the world, and I quickly saw why. The screen was large and clear, the touch response was quick, and the sheer amount of choice was overwhelming. Hollywood blockbusters, arthouse films, boxsets of TV dramas, documentaries, and music albums filled the menus. I ended up flicking between a new release movie (The Ballad of Wallis Island – excellent – had to pretend I had dry eyes so I could keep wiping them discreetly) and a couple of TV series I often drop into on flights to distract myself. Other travellers echo this sentiment: one reviewer on Flight Report described ICE as “the best entertainment system I’ve ever used,” while another said it made the hours “fly by.” For an economy passenger, it felt like a genuine perk.
I also love cameras and Emirates have two excellent ones, one straight down, the other forward. Watching the take-off and landing were real highlights but boy, the runway looks small when you first see it.
The cabin crew lived up to Emirates’ reputation for polished service. From the initial welcome to the regular rounds of drinks, they struck the right balance of friendliness and professionalism. About an hour into the flight, meal service began. The choice was between chicken curry or a meat pasta. I opted for the curry, which came with rice, a bread roll, salad and dessert. I also liked the cheese and crackers which I saved for later in the flight. It was hot and tasty enough, and the option of complimentary wine or beer alongside was appreciated even though I always go for a ginger ale. The guy next to me announced he was vegetarian and a vegetarian option was brought up to him quickly and without fuss. Tea and coffee was hot but tasted like airline hot drinks, a fairly unique taste.
Later in the flight, a snack comprising of a small wrap with drink was served. Airline food is rarely memorable, and Emirates is no exception. I’d describe it as solid and satisfying, though certainly not gourmet but undoubtedly a cut above many airline offerings in both quality and quantity. The meals were also tidied away quickly and efficiently, preventing one of my flight pet hates of having to balance a finished meal tray in front of you for a couple of hours. Reviews from other passengers show the same mixed picture: some praise the meals as “a cut above average economy food,” while others complain of “dry chicken” or “dull flavours.” I ate all my meal. That is the best review I can give it.
The flight itself lasted around seven hours. After dinner, the lights were dimmed, and the cabin was calm. The mood lighting, part of Emirates’ design, created a more restful atmosphere. I tried to sleep but only managed a short nap. The recline was decent but at my height is never enough to get fully comfortable. I did appreciate the sliding headrest so that my head was fully supported. Still, the darkened cabin and steady engine hum made it easy to relax with a film instead. Many reviewers comment on the difficulty of sleeping properly in economy, and I’d agree. For a night flight or longer route, I’d bring extra comfort items like a neck pillow and sleep mask, but for this sector it was manageable.
Landing into Dubai around midnight, disembarkation was slow as buses had to be loaded and a long drive to the terminal. 45 minutes from touchdown to being dropped at the terminal is too long. I suspect that at that time of night there were too many parked planes clogging the prime spots and we were left on a distant apron.
Dubai International Airport is huge but very efficient, and I was through a very friendly immigration and baggage claim in under half an hour. Stepping out into the hot, humid night air, I felt surprisingly refreshed for someone who had just crossed continents in economy.
Reflecting on the experience, I can see why Emirates has the reputation it does. The service, entertainment, and overall sense of organisation elevate the experience above many competitors. Other travellers seem to agree. Flight Report reviewers often describe Emirates economy on this route as “as comfortable as long-haul economy gets,” while Tripadvisor paints a more mixed picture, with complaints about food or space balanced by praise for the crew and entertainment. Business Insider’s tall reviewer concluded he was “more than comfortable,” while Gulf Insider highlighted the “super friendly” staff. The general consensus is clear: it’s not always perfect, but it is consistently good.
If you’re flying from Stansted to Dubai in Emirates economy, my advice is simple. Choose your seat carefully. Avoid the middle of the 4-block if you can (certainly the two middle seats). Bring your own noise-cancelling headphones. Stay hydrated (easy to do, lots of water available on board), as the combination of aircraft air and Dubai’s dry climate can leave you parched. And make the most of the ICE system, it really is world-class and makes the hours slip by. If you have the money you can also upgrade to their Premium economy or Business class cabins.
So, would I fly Emirates again? Absolutely. For my first flight with them, the airline delivered exactly what I hoped: a smooth, professional, and comfortable experience that made a seven-hour journey feel far less of a chore. I may not have had a shower in the sky or a cocktail at the A380 bar with Jennifer Aniston, but as an economy passenger on the 777-300, I felt looked after and that, in the end, is what matters most.
Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash
