Emirates adds new offerings to first class as awards tickets face new restrictions

Emirates takes luxury seriously, and the Dubai-based airline is upping its game with a slate of first class amenities from unlimited caviar in specially-engraved bowls to white glove service and more.

Adding to an already-luxe experience, the carrier is now offering its caviar service in special brand-new Robert Welch-designed engraved bowls, Emirates said in a statement. That will complement what the airline calls its “enhanced” cheese board, now plated on a rustic slate plate with matching bowls and a wooden honey dipper.

All this will be served with a new gloved service for an extra flourish and detailed in new keepsake menus, which explain the airline’s “wine selection and culinary inspiration.”

“Emirates is the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel… and [has] the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, entirely comprised of private suites,” the airline wrote in a statement, adding, “Emirates continues to refine its First Class ‘Fly Better’ experience, with an array of new enhancements for First Class customers.”

The new amenities, which Emirates told TPG are currently available on flights, are in addition to the airline’s signature first-class offerings, which include its beloved onboard showers, opulent Bulgari amenity kits, unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon, and a special movie menu complete with Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls and popcorn.

In addition to upgrades to the in-flight experience, Emirates is renovating its first class check-in area in Terminal 3 at the Dubai International Airport (DXB) to include personalized check-in services and a lounge-like design. These improvements are expected to open in the coming weeks.

The upgrades come on the heels of Emirates restricting first-class award tickets to its Platinum, Gold and Silver status members. That policy went into effect on May 12.

It also comes just weeks ahead of plans for both American Express and Chase to temporarily suspend Skywards transfers and ahead of plans for Citi ThankYou Rewards to devalue point transfers to Emirates Skywards.

Related reading: 

• Emirates Skywards loyalty program: How to earn and redeem miles, elite status and more
• Flying Emirates’ first class from Miami to Bogota
• 9 amazing first-class seats you can book with points and miles
• The best luxury suites in the sky and how to fly them
• How to upgrade to first class without spending a ton of money