Dubai. The name itself conjures images of futuristic skylines, vast deserts, and unparalleled luxury. As a long-time fan, I always love to come back for a few days of relexation. When it came to choosing an airline for the journey from Frankfurt (FRA), Emirates, with its global reputation and direct route to their hub in Dubai (DXB), seemed like the obvious choice this time (after having lost my Lufthansa status).
Booking my Emirates Economy Class tickets for the round trip, I was eager to experience firsthand what flying with the renowned Middle Eastern carrier was like, even without splurging on premium cabins. This is the detailed account of my adventure in the skies with Emirates, experienced entirely aboard their Boeing 777 aircraft.
Table of Contents
Part 1: The Outbound Leg – Frankfurt (FRA) to Dubai (DXB)
Getting to Frankfurt Airport
My journey began with the familiar commute to Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 2. Getting there by car was straightforward and stress-free, leaving me with ample time before my flight. The airport was busy, as expected from a major European hub, but the atmosphere was well-managed.
Smooth Check-in and Security
Having completed the online check-in the day before, which I highly recommend for convenience, I headed straight to the bag drop desks. This process was incredibly efficient and took only a few minutes. Shedding my luggage felt like the first real step of the journey. Security followed, and while thorough, it moved at a decent pace, with clear instructions from the staff.
Pre-Boarding Atmosphere at Terminal 2
With my boarding pass in hand and security cleared, I had some time to explore Terminal 2. I’m very familiar with Terminal 1, which I have visited countless times, but never flown from Frankfurt’s other terminal. It offers a reasonable selection of duty-free shops, bookstores, cafes, and eateries. While not as extensive as some larger terminals (like Terminal 1), there was enough to keep me occupied. I opted to find my departure gate early, take a seat in the nearby lounge (with my Priority Pass), and soak in the pre-flight atmosphere, watching other travellers prepare for their journeys.
The Boarding Process
As boarding time approached for the flight to Dubai (EK44), the gate area began to fill up. Emirates organizes boarding efficiently by groups, starting with premium classes and Skywards status holders, followed by Economy passengers in designated zones. This systematic approach prevented congestion and made the process feel orderly and calm. When my zone was called (surprisingly early), I joined the very short queue and soon found myself walking down the jet bridge.
First Impressions of the Boeing 777 Cabin
Stepping onto the Boeing 777-300ER, I was warmly greeted by the cabin crew – a consistent and pleasant touch on Emirates flights. All cabins appeared well-maintained and clean though a little outdated. Knowing the aircraft type beforehand prepared me for the 3-4-3 seating configuration, which places ten seats abreast in most rows. As I was traveling as a group of two, I reserved one of the few 2-seat options in the back of the plane. While dense, the cabin lighting and design made it feel more open than some other 777s I’ve been on and the little more spacious back added to that.
Overhead bins filled up quickly and it already was a small challenge getting our bags packed away (one of the most annoying things for me).
Settling into the Economy Seat
I located my aisle seat and began to settle in. The seat fabric was standard and appeared clean. The seat pitch felt adequate for my height (average), offering enough knee room without feeling overly confined. The adjustable headrest with flexible side wings was a welcome feature, crucial for finding a comfortable position. The seat pocket in front held the essential safety card, the inflight magazine, and the menu for the flight. Located on the seatback were the personal high-definition touchscreen for the entertainment system and a convenient USB charging port.
The Dining Experience: A Multi-Course Meal
About an hour or two into the flight, the cabin crew commenced the meal service. Emirates is known for offering a substantial meal even in Economy Class, and the tray presented was indeed a multi-course affair. It typically includes a main dish, a starter (often a salad or small appetizer), crackers and cheese, a bread roll, and a dessert. For the main course, we were offered a choice between two options. I selected the pasta dish, which was served warm and came with a flavourful sauce and accompanying sides. The meal was surprisingly good for airline food, well-presented and tasty.
Throughout the service, the crew offered a selection of complimentary beverages, including juices, soft drinks, water, beer, and wine, with further rounds offered later in the flight.
Onboard Comforts: Amenities and Essentials
For this medium-to-long haul flight, no amenity kit was available. I was expecting this and brought my own socks and eyeshades plus some moisturizer. These items are simple but incredibly useful for improving the journey. A standard blanket and a small pillow were provided on each seat, adding a layer of comfort for relaxation or attempting sleep.
Attempting Rest at 35,000 Feet
As the flight progressed and the cabin lights were dimmed, many passengers settled down to rest. Sleeping in Economy is rarely luxurious, especially on a night flight, but the provided amenities helped a little. The adjustable headrest offered some neck support, the blanket provided warmth, and the eye mask helped block out light. While I didn’t achieve deep, continuous sleep, I managed to doze off and on for a few hours, thanks to the relatively quiet cabin environment and the ability to recline the seat slightly.
Attentive Cabin Crew Service
The cabin crew on the outbound flight were professional, efficient, and friendly. They conducted the meal service smoothly, made regular passes through the cabin offering drinks, and were prompt and courteous when responding to call button requests. Their attentive service contributed significantly to a pleasant flight experience.
Approaching and Arriving in Dubai
As the first shapes of the Dubai skyline appeared outside the window, the cabin lights were slowly brought up. A light refreshment was offered before the crew began preparations for landing. The descent into Dubai offered stunning views of the illuminated city below as we got closer. The landing was smooth, bringing our first leg to a close.
Navigating the Grandeur of DXB Terminal 3
Disembarking the large Boeing 777 took a little time due to the number of passengers and the location of our seats. Once inside Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, I was struck by its sheer scale and modern design. It felt less like an airport terminal and more like a sprawling, high-end shopping mall and transit hub. Following the clear signage for arrivals, I navigated the long walkways towards immigration, which was relatively efficient. Baggage claim was straightforward, and my luggage arrived promptly.
Exploring Dubai
After successfully navigating the arrival process, I was ready to immerse myself in the vibrant city of Dubai. To read more about my stay, please check some of my previous blog posts.
Part 2: The Return Leg – Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA)
Starting the Journey Back at DXB Terminal 3
My return journey began back early morning at the impressive DXB Terminal 3. Having experienced its size and facilities on arrival, I knew to allocate enough time to get to my gate. The terminal offers an incredible array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a meal before the flight.
Efficient Check-in and Departure Process
Just like the outbound flight, I had completed online check-in, making the bag drop process relatively quick and seamless. Security at DXB was also very efficient, moving passengers through quickly and professionally.
Unfortunately, all lounges available with Priority Pass were packed, but we could get a table and some food before our return trip.
Boarding Another Emirates 777
Heading to the gate for my return flight to Frankfurt (EK45), I was once again preparing to board an Emirates Boeing 777. Knowing I would be on the same aircraft type provided a sense of familiarity. The boarding process was equally well-organized, following the same zone system as in Frankfurt, ensuring a smooth and orderly entry onto the aircraft.
Consistent Seat Comfort on the Return
Stepping onto the Boeing 777 for the second time, the cabin was instantly familiar. My Economy seat (again a 2-seat combination in the back of the plane) offered the same dimensions and features as on the outbound flight – the adjustable headrest, the personal HD touchscreen, and the USB charging port. I highly recommend – if you fly as a party of two – to get one of those 2-seat options on the 777. I found the seat to be reasonably comfortable for the duration of the flight, consistent with my experience on the first leg. Knowing the seat comfort allowed me to better prepare for the flight ahead.
Enjoying ICE Again
The ICE system was again a highlight of the flight. With thousands of options available, I had no trouble finding new movies and TV shows to watch or music to listen to. The quality of the screen and the ease of navigation remained impressive, making the time fly by.
The Return Meal Service
The meal service on the return leg, another daytime flight, was just as satisfying as the outbound. A multi-course meal was served, with a choice of main dishes. The quality and presentation were consistent with my previous experience – tasty and well-portioned for Economy. Complimentary drinks were offered frequently by the cabin crew.
Inflight Service Consistency
The cabin crew on the return flight maintained the same high standard of service I had experienced on the outbound. They were attentive, friendly, and efficient throughout the journey, handling meal service, drink requests, and other passenger needs promptly and courteously.
Heading Home: The Final Hours
As the flight progressed across Europe, I spent the final hours enjoying the inflight entertainment and looking out the window as we approached Germany. The flight was smooth, and the cabin environment remained comfortable.
Arrival Back in Frankfurt
The descent into Frankfurt was smooth, and the landing was gentle. Disembarking the 777 back at Terminal 2 was difficult though. There seemed to be additional border or immigration controls, causing long waiting lines. Also the luggage delivery took really long – but both things are totally unrelated to the Emirates experience itself.
Overall Reflections
Consistency is Key: The 777 Experience
Flying the same aircraft type, the Boeing 777, on both legs of my journey provided a consistent and predictable experience. This familiarity was welcome. While the 3-4-3 seating is a common point of discussion for comfort, Emirates’ specific cabin design and the presence of 2-seat rows as well as key features like the excellent IFE and USB power at every seat (or almost every seat) certainly helped.
Highlights of Emirates Economy
The standout features of my Emirates Economy experience were undoubtedly the ICE entertainment system – unparalleled in its variety and quality – and the consistently good quality of the inflight meals. The attentive and friendly cabin crew also made a significant positive impact on the overall journey. The provision of a basic amenity kit is another plus that enhances comfort on these routes.
Areas for Consideration
While generally very positive, the primary area for consideration for some passengers might be the seating width on the 777 in the 3-4-3 configuration. If you book early enough and opt for your own seat selection, you can and should definitely go for the 2-4-2 configuration rows in the back of the plane.
Drawback is that it probably takes long until you get out of the plane and you might also have to wait longer for cabin service, but the benefit of “more privacy” certainly predominates.
You should also be aware that the 777 cabins tend to be older. It seems that Emirates slowly updates their fleet, but I’m not sure how long it will take.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on Flying Emirates Economy
My round trip experience in Emirates Economy Class from Frankfurt to Dubai and back, entirely aboard the Boeing 777, was a highly positive one. Emirates lives up to its reputation for providing a quality travel experience, even in the standard Economy cabin. The excellent entertainment, good food, and attentive service make the relatively long flight hours pass comfortably. For anyone looking for a reliable, well-appointed Economy option on this route, Emirates is a strong contender. It was a great and consistent experience that contributed positively to my trip to Dubai.
I have just booked my next flight to Dubai beginning of 2026 – this time again in Emirates’ 777 but with the brand new Premium Economy Class.
