I flew this route, on this plane, with Emirates, twice. The first time I flew Emirates International 777-300 Adelaide to Dubai was in Business class. The second time was in international economy.
This review covers my International Economy experience.
Pre Flight
Through the Qantas “Manage Your Booking” system, I was able to pre-select my seats, and put in my special meal request.
Check In
We used the Silver member check in queue for Emirates, despite having a QF flight code, so we had a taste of that award winning service after just a few minutes. Indeed, our check in was quick, friendly efficient, and we heard those magic and much desired words “let me check on your seats for you”. This time we were lucky to be bumped six rows forward from our allocated ones, with a vacant seat next to us in Row 20.
Our bags were checked directly through to Milan, and checking for us if there were any better seats for us than the ones I had pre-selected online.
Emirates EK441 Economy 777-300 Rugby World Cup sponsor. Photo: Willunga Wino
Boarding
Announcements were made and boarding was organised by class and group, so that the plane was filled efficiently from back to front.
There wasn’t enough seating for all passengers to sit at the gate, but there were duty free and coffee shops to browse.
One lucky passenger even managed to find a beer to drink! (I was jealous).
Cabin
The cabin was neutrally coloured in off white,with grey mottled seats and carpet. Aisles are wider than on domestic flights.
The signature light up LED ‘stars’ adorn the aisle ceiling when the cabin lights are dimmed.
The cabin is split into classes and a few more to make smaller sub class cabins, giving better access to toilets, and quieter cabins.
Seat
Emirates EK441 Economy 777-300 seat. Photo: Willunga Wino
Row 55, window and middle seat. The aisle seat, as advised by the check in employee, was vacant.
You can tell it is an older plane, but it is well refurbished. Two coat hooks, a drinks holder that can be used without opening the tray table, touch screen and remote controlled information, communications and entertainment system, USB port, and a universal powerpoint.
Two pouches on the back of the seat provide a wide pouch large enough for a laptop, and a smaller one handy for headphones.
Under the seat is enough space to fit my large handbag and still extend my feet and legs next to the handbag.
Overhead storage compartments are generous.
There is no foot rest under the seat in front.
Four inch clearance from the end of my knees to the back of the seat.
Seats are wide enough to fit my arms by my sides inside of the armrests.
Recline is about 4 inches and no footrest comes up from the bottom of the seat when reclining.
The seats are quite comfortable but after 6 or 7 hours the lack of ability to lift my legs causes some discomfort, though I do manage a few solid hours of sleep.
Emirates EK441 Economy 777-300 seat. Photo: Willunga Wino
Entertainment
There are over 500 movies, plus lots of music, radio podcasts, tv box sets and games.
There is wifi and the ability to make calls using your own carrier, but I couldn’t get the wifi to work by connecting to the “OnAir” service.
Meals
On this long (12-13 hour flight) there are two meals, and snacks. I’m not sure if the snacks were offered via trolley service or on demand. I didn’t get one, but may have been asleep when they were brought past.
The first meal was dinner, and then there was another savoury meal before we landed. The standard economy dinner tray included some snacks that could be enjoyed later, bagel chips with salsa and crackers with cream cheese.
Read more about the meals on board Emirates International Economy Adelaide to Dubai here.
Emirates EK441 Economy 777-300 vegetarian meal. Photo: Willunga Wino
Service
Upon settling into your seats, air stewards offer a hot, lemon scented towel to refresh yourself. Hot towels just keep on coming, before each meal, after each meal, and then again just before landing. It’s a luxurious touch, and useful too.
After the safety video, menu cards are distributed.
Cabin crew make announcements regarding turbulence throughout the flight, but I noticed that at no time was the turbulence very bad.
Captains announcements regarding flight plan, weather, and expected arrival are broadcast at the start of the flight before take off, and again around an hour before landing.
Disembarkation
Quite quick, on time, and the connections / transfer service was easy to navigate with an expedited route through security.
X Factor
Service was very friendly, and the hot towels a nice touch of luxury.
Overall
A great way to get from A to B in economy, with just a little touch of luxury.
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