It's widely known that among the world's airlines, Emirates Airlines is one of the top ranking transportation companies. The reputation is well deserved. They are well above (if you'll pardon the pun) their European and North American competitors, and they are easily the nicest option bar none from the Middle East.

I've flown with Emirates a few times, as well as one of their main rivals. Hands down, this is my preferred choice for the Middle East. Aside from the lack of alliance partnerships, Emirates is a powerful international player, and flying with them's a joy as well.


CABIN COMFORT
Economy class on Boeing/Airbus aircraft was never meant to be very comfortable, so to a certain extent there isn't much airlines can do to make the economy cabin more pleasant. Emirates does, however, give more than ample legroom. The seat pitch is comparable to that of Malaysia Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and there is more room than on any of the European or North American carriers I've flown. That helps make the flight easier to enjoy. The aircraft all seem to be new as well, and the seats are nicely padded. Furthermore, the seats I got had adjustable headrests and neckrests, which most airlines don't provide.


CABIN AMBIENCE
Being on board an Emirates flight feels like a cross between the western perception of Middle Eastern culture, and the Middle Eastern perception of continental European culture. It's a curious mix. The flight attendants seem to come from all over, and they're efficient and friendly in the manner of most European airlines, yet they observe some rather unusual (and pleasant) cultural mannerisms of the Middle East. It's a refreshing change from North American style, and although I still prefer the absolute deference of Asian airlines, I've never had poor service on Emirates. Service is consistently prompt and efficient, while at the same time being friendly and hospitable, and the flight attendants are very good looking and presentable as well. The cabin decor as well is soothing and well appointed.


FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Here's where Emirates really shows its Middle Eastern culture. All the food I've tried on board has been either Arab style or Arab influenced, spiced accordingly. It isn't nearly as hot as the real thing, but it's still really tasty, and I must say that they give very generous portions. I especially liked being served ice cream after dinner once. The entrees taste as if they're made fresh as well. Interestingly enough, since Emirates follows Islamic food handling procedures, the flight attendants don't (technically) serve alcohol aboard...they give it out in miniature sealed bottles so that passengers may serve themselves. That's a nice touch indeed, and ironically enough, their alcohol selection is considered the best in the world.


ENTERTAINMENT
Until I'd flown with Cathay Pacific, I believed inflight entertainment to be limited to the single screen movie format of the 80's. Then, I came to believe that inflight entertainment was limited to movies and programs played on personal televisions on each seat. Emirates has shown me live flightcams (showing the plane taking off and landing) and touch-screen personal television monitors. This is now the best inflight entertainment system I've seen, surpassing Singapore Airlines. There's lots to play with and watch, which is important to me on long flights.


GROUND HANDLING
Emirates seems to have its act together with its computer systems, which so far have been able to handle all my flights without so much as a glitch. Lines are generally not long, and the check-in agents are both friendly and informed as to passenger and frequent flyer details. Also, they've always been very quick at offloading my baggage, and I noticed that the priority tagged suitcases were offloaded with great speed.


HOOKING UP GLOBALLY
Emirates, although allied with key Star Alliance player United Airlines, is still not a member of any notable worldwide alliances. Their Skywards alliance with SriLankan Airways is a good start, but in this day and age, it's not enough. I've found complete integrated global alliances, such as Star Alliance and oneworld, to be of tremendous help when flying long or complicated itineraries, and Emirates is still on the wrong side of the globalization divide.

I've heard rumors that Emirates will be the sixteenth airline to join up with Star Alliance, but those are, as yet, just rumors. I can only hope.

The location of Emirates' home airport, Dubai, and the lack of integration with major alliances doesn't make Emirates a true global player...yet. They've managed to create a company that offers excellent and modern service, that is efficient and that serves its purpose very well. Once they've taken the final step towards connecting themselves to the rest of the world, I believe they will overtake the Asian trendsetters. They definitely have the potential.


Recommended: Yes