Sippin’ Champagne at 35,000 Feet: Inside Emirates’ Flying Lounge
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Emirates A380s have an onboard lounge with champagne, cocktails, and carrot cake at 35,000 feet.
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Only business and first-class passengers get in. Economy? Sorry, you're not on the list.
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You can book this wild experience using points from almost any major credit card.
Want to Mingle in the Sky? Fly Emirates A380
Jennifer Aniston may have her own Emirates commercial, but you can live your own movie moment aboard the airline’s double-decker superstar: the Airbus A380.
Emirates operates more A380s than any other airline, with over 100 of these massive jets in its fleet. They fly ultra-long routes like New York to Dubai, Johannesburg to Dubai, and Sydney to Dubai. And yes, these flights are packed with entertainment—not just from your screen but also from the literal bar at the back of the business-class cabin.
Yes, There’s a Bar Onboard
The Emirates A380 comes with a lounge that makes most airport bars look like sad juice stands. Located at the rear of the upper deck (just past business class), the bar is U-shaped and manned by a bartender who’s ready to whip up cocktails while you float over continents.
There are two designs for this social space. One has classic curves and wood tones. The other is a bit trendier, with lighter cream and beige vibes. Both offer seating for up to eight passengers and tables for your drinks and snacks.
Passengers in business and first class (no matter how they booked—points or cash) can use the lounge once the seat belt sign turns off. The party goes until the crew starts prepping for landing.
This lounge is strictly VIP. So, if you’re flying in economy or premium economy, even if you’re the CEO of miles, no Skywards status will get you past that velvet rope.
Free Booze, Bites, and Banter
The bar serves real-deal drinks like Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Belvedere vodka, Bacardi rum, and more. There are rotating wines, brand-name spirits, and a pile of snacks including Arabic sweets, lemon cake, jelly beans, and savory nuts.
Not sure what to order? Ask the bartender. There’s even a cocktail recipe book on board. Want a photo behind the bar? The crew is likely way ahead of you, offering before you ask. They're that good.
Plan Your Bar Time Like a Pro
Right after the first meal is prime time at the bar. But if you want a more relaxed vibe, try visiting mid-flight while others are sleeping. You can go during meal service too, but be warned: the crew will be zooming through on food runs, so maybe don't sprawl out like it’s your living room.
If the lounge gets too packed, the crew may limit access. First come, first poured.
Booking It With Points
This isn’t just for people who drop five figures on airfare. You can fly this route using points. A round-trip business class ticket from New York to Hong Kong on the A380 can cost over $7,500 in cash, or around 302,500 points plus $2,568 in taxes and fees (in the low season).
Note: When booking, make sure all connections are on the A380
Book with Cash
Book with Points
That might sound like a lot, but here are ways to earn and stretch those points:
- Team Up With Family: Emirates has a "My Family" account where up to 8 relatives (including kids) can pool miles. That makes it easier to save up for a reward flight.
- Watch for Transfer Bonuses: Credit card programs like Chase, Amex, and Citi sometimes offer bonuses when you transfer points to Emirates. These change often, so keep your eyes peeled.
- Fly Emirates (or Partners): You can earn Skywards miles by flying Emirates or partners like Qantas, Air Canada, and United. Here is the full list of Emirates partners. Emirates also has a Miles Calculator so you know what you'll earn on a flight as well.
- Rent Cars or Book Hotels: Emirates has partners across car rentals and hotels. You might earn miles booking with Hilton, Hyatt, or Atlantis, The Palm.
- Leverage Credit Card Points: Emirates partners with every major transferable point program except Wells Fargo. That means you can transfer points from Amex, Chase, Citi, Bilt, Capital One, and Brex at a 1:1 ratio. Look for cards with high welcome bonuses and transfer your points when you're ready to book. Here are some cards that will get you there faster:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Limited Time Offer: You can earn 100,000 miles after you use your new Sapphire Preferred to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Read here to learn more about this offer.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Limited Time Offer: You can earn 75,000 miles + a $250 Capital One Travel credit after you use your new Venture Rewards to make $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
The American Express Business Gold Card
You can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new Business Gold Card to make $15,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
The American Express Platinum Card
You can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new Platinum Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Final Thoughts
Flying Emirates A380 in business or first class is like crashing a fancy rooftop party at 35,000 feet. There’s cake. There’s champagne. There’s camaraderie. You don’t need to be rich, you just need to be strategic with your points.
Now, go start planning that flight and practicing your best "Cheers!" in Arabic. (It's "Sahtein!" in case you're wondering.)
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