For many years, the ‘Big Three’ Middle Eastern airlines didn’t see a need for Premium Economy. After all, demand for regular Economy, Business Class and First Class can often be enough to fill even the world’s largest passenger aircraft. But Emirates is breaking away from the norm – now with Premium Economy on some of its Airbus A380 flights.

It’s early days, but Emirates is already averaging load factors of more than 90% in its Premium Economy cabin. And that’s without travellers currently being able to book or upgrade to Premium Economy using points.

Naturally, you can still earn Skywards miles or Qantas Points when travelling on paid Premium Economy fares. And if you’re chasing status with Qantas, it’s also now possible to book Emirates Premium Economy on Qantas (QF) codeshare flight numbers.

So what’s it like to fly Premium Economy with Emirates’ signature flair? I ventured to Dubai to find out.

Check-in and boarding

Emirates Premium Economy is currently available on selected Airbus A380 flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Being based in Brisbane, that sees my trip beginning with a quick domestic hop on Emirates’ partner Qantas. And as it happens, that leg finally gets me over the line for Qantas Lifetime Silver – huzzah!

To celebrate in style, I’ve booked a long daytime connection in Sydney. EK413’s 9:10 pm departure time gives me that flexibility… and it sure beats being rushed. I certainly don’t waste the opportunity, venturing into the city for lunch and a literal flight of Champagne with a dear friend. Then after putting on our brave faces (and harnesses) to scale the Sydney Tower Skywalk – some 268 metres above the ground – it’s time to fly for real.

I’m only away for a few days, so a cabin bag is all I need. Thanks to online check-in, I’m able to get my boarding pass before even leaving Brisbane. That means I don’t necessarily have to arrive when the check-in desks are staffed. I’m free to venture straight through security and passport control at leisure.

But chances are, you’re probably packing a checked bag. So I’m pleased to report, Emirates Premium Economy comes with a dedicated priority queue at check-in. I’ve arrived in plenty of time and pop by to cover off the obligatory passport check: saving time later at the gate.

At passport control and security in Sydney, Premium Economy passengers use the general queues. But there’s almost nobody else in line at the same time, so I’m through in mere minutes.

Fast-forward to the gate, and Premium Economy boards via the same lane as Economy – although Premium Economy is called first. Passengers with eligible Qantas or Emirates status can also board via the Business Class and First Class lanes, as applicable.

Lounge options in Sydney

A ticket in Emirates’ Airbus A380 Premium Economy doesn’t include lounge access by default. This is instead where frequent flyer status, the right credit card or lounge membership can come in handy.

Here are the many options available at Sydney Airport when flying Emirates, short of purchasing entry.

• Emirates Lounge: Open to Gold, Platinum and iO members of Emirates Skywards. Also open to Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge cardholders.
• Qantas International Business Lounge: Access mirrors the rules for Emirates’ own lounge, as above. But in addition, this lounge welcomes Qantas Club members travelling with Emirates when booked on a Qantas (QF) codeshare flight number.
• Qantas International First Lounge: Available to Platinum-grade frequent flyers (and above) of Qantas and Emirates.
• The Centurion Lounge: Unlimited access for American Express’ Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card and Centurion Card Members. Two complimentary visits per year with other selected Amex cards, such as the Qantas Amex Ultimate Card and Explorer Card.
• Plaza Premium Lounge: Unlimited access for Amex Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card and Centurion Card Members. In recent changes, Priority Pass members are also welcome.
• The House: Also open to Priority Pass members, although it can be quite busy in the evenings.

I’m fortunate to qualify for every single lounge above. And if you have the same freedom, it’s hard to go past the Qantas First Lounge. I stop by for the signature salt and pepper squid and seasonal pavlova. Shower suites are also plentiful, so I’m not kept waiting.

Closer to departure, I wander across to the Emirates Lounge. It’s on the other side of the terminal, but conveniently right near the departure gate for EK413. There’s a full hot and cold buffet. I have a few bites, but I’m saving room for supper in Premium Economy.

Emirates Airbus A380 Premium Economy seating

The upper deck of Emirates’ superjumbos is generally home to First Class and Business Class. This sees Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin residing at the very front of the Airbus A380’s main deck. It’s nestled around the A380’s iconic grand staircase, with seats adopting a 2-4-2 layout.

That works particularly well when travelling as a pair. Whereas most rows in Economy have at least three seats per group, the duos here avoid that third wheel. Larger families may appreciate the central quads, although they’re less ideal for solo flyers.

But how does the seat feel? I spent almost 15 hours sitting on it: so let me say, it’s very comfortable. It starts with a generous recline. That’s coupled with enough pitch – 40 inches, to be precise – for the passenger behind to dine when you’re fully tilted back. There’s also a fold-up leg rest, and a separate bar-style footrest.

The headrest extends vertically to suit taller travellers. Each side of the headrest can also tilt inwards, giving you something to lean on when sitting on an angle.