Emirates A380 Business Class

In a world where many airlines are retiring their A380 fleets, Emirates has doubled down, operating over 100 superjumbos and continuing to invest in their product. The Dubai to Bali route (EK398) is one of the carrier's most coveted business class experiences, combining a long-haul flight time of approximately nine hours with Emirates' flagship onboard product. Having flown this route in the current 2024/2025 configuration, this review covers what you actually need to know, beyond the marketing brochures.

The Seat: Lie-Flat, But How Flat?

Emirates' A380 business class seats operate in a 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access, a significant advantage over the 2-3-2 layout found on their older 777 business class. The seats convert to a fully flat bed measuring approximately 72 inches (183 cm), with a width of 20 inches. Critically, the pitch (distance between seats) is 72 inches, which is generous but not class-leading; Qatar Airways' Qsuite offers 78 inches. What Emirates does exceptionally well is the personal mini-bar built into the console, stocked with soft drinks and snacks accessible throughout the flight without pressing a call button. The noise-cancelling headphones provided are Bowers & Wilkins, a meaningful upgrade from the generic aviation-grade sets found on many competitors.

Catering: The Bali Route Difference

Emirates partners with regional suppliers to customize menus by route, and the Dubai to Bali service reflects this. Expect options like rendang-spiced lamb, Balinese-inspired salads with kemangi basil, and a selection of Indonesian desserts alongside the standard international menu. The onboard bar, located at the rear of the upper deck, serves bespoke cocktails using ingredients sourced from the destination: on this route, you can request a pandan-infused gin and tonic or an arak-based cocktail. The wine list, curated by Emirates' team of three sommeliers, includes Dom Pérignon as standard in business class on A380 services, a detail many travelers assume is reserved for first class.

How Emirates Compares in 2026

The Perks Nobody Mentions

Chauffeur Service

Emirates provides complimentary chauffeur transfers in select cities for business class passengers. In Dubai, this means a Mercedes S-Class to and from the airport. In Bali, the service extends to luxury hotel transfers in Seminyak and Ubud.

Lounge Access

The Emirates Business Class lounge in Dubai Terminal 3 is enormous (over 9,000 square meters) but can feel impersonal. The insider move: request access to the quieter Concourse B lounge, which is less crowded and has the same food and beverage offerings.

Booking Strategy

Fares on the Dubai to Bali route fluctuate significantly. Booking 90+ days out during the May/June shoulder season can yield fares under $2,800 round-trip, roughly 40% less than December peak pricing. Emirates Skywards miles can offset taxes and surcharges even on paid tickets.

Emirates' A380 business class remains one of the best ways to arrive in Bali feeling rested and indulged. Wyta can assist with fare monitoring, lounge strategies, and seamless ground transfer coordination at both ends.