Executive travel: Emirates business class lounge offers pre-flight sanctuary at Dubai airport

Is it worth spending US$100 for four hours at Emirates’ business class lounge?

Emirates in January started to offer four hours’ access to its business lounges for US$100. Courtesy Emirates

There’s something special about heading to a business lounge after the security check. You walk with a purpose because you have somewhere to go, which is why some even pay for the privilege.

Until recently, entering an Emirates business class lounge was a no-go unless you had a business class ticket, had been upgraded or were a Skywards member on a particular tier.

That changed in January when the carrier offered four hours’ access to its business lounges for US$100. So what does that get you?

My Emirates flight was at 4.05pm on a Thursday afternoon so I entered the lounge at Concourse B mid-afternoon.

After a hectic week I was looking for quiet and something to eat as I’d missed lunch. The first eaterie I stumbled upon seemed limited until I realised it was one of seven spread across the 10,000-square-foot area.

Each dining station offers a different selection; hot meals at some or doughnuts, yogurt and fruits at another. There’s also a Costa.

I headed to the main dining area and chose biriani with an artichoke salad and a bowl of nuts on the side. After finishing my meal I went in search of a socket to charge my phone – there wasn’t one next to my dining table.

There is seating to suit all moods such as lounge areas with reading materials or working zones. I was disappointed, however, to find an open smoking lounge at the end of the complex.

I finally settled on a recliner set privately behind a wooden panel. It came with a blanket, socks and an eye mask. I wanted to catch up on emails though and with the socket positioned some distance from the chair, I ended up leaning across to reach the device while it charged. I liked the privacy however; although anyone could peer around, for 15 minutes I was away from the airport bustle.

So is it worth shelling out US$100? For a short stopover, no. I was only there for an hour before my flight so it wouldn’t be worth it. But for a four-hour stopover, perhaps. You could grab a couple of meals in that time, have a spa treatment a shower and a nap.

q&a pampering privileges

Alice Haine reveals what else is on offer at Emirates’ business class lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport:

Who gets automatic access to the business lounges?

First and business class customers as well as Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members and passengers with upgraded tickets.

Can I pay to get into the first class lounge too?

Yes, but the price goes up to US$200 for the four-hour per­iod. Business passengers can upgrade to the first-class lounge for a fee of $100.

Tell me about the extras.

There’s enough seating for 1,500 passengers, showers, a spa and a children’s play area. There’s also a shoe shine service. A classic seven-minute shoe shine costs Dh20, while the prestige shoe shine, which also includes a nourishing balm and a sole dressing, costs Dh45. However Skywards Silver members pay only Dh40 and Gold members only Dh35. At the Timeless Spa, there is a full service available. A 15-minute neck and back massage costs Dh125; a seaweed facial Dh275 for 30 minutes and a basic manicure Dh155 for 30 minutes.

How many business lounges does Emirates have?

The lounge at concourse B – which recently completed a two-year $11 million refurbishment – is one of seven at Dubai airport and part of 40 dedicated lounges around the world. Last year, 2.5 million customers visited the Emirates lounges in Dubai International Airport, according to Emirates.

Why did Emirates widen its business and first lounges out to paying guests?

A spokesperson says the decision was based on customer feedback and “a careful review to ensure the same quality experience can be maintained”.

* The writer was a guest of the lounge.

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