India > Business class to Dubai

At exactly 6:30 p.m., the doorbell rings. The Emirates taxi driver is at the door to take me to Schiphol. It is Saturday evening, and the roads are quiet. Twenty minutes later, the driver opens the car door for me at Departure Hall 3. Inside, I meet my colleagues. Together, we check in for the flight to Dubai. “Are you familiar with the business lounge?” I am asked. Uh, no? This is my first time flying business class. I am kindly explained how to reach the Emirates lounge. I am also told to keep in mind that it’s still a ten-minute walk from the lounge to the gate. After passing through baggage control and customs, I look for Lounge 41. I am not the only one there. It’s a struggle to find a free spot where the six of us can stand. There is a small buffet with snacks and a variety of drinks. With a glass of wine in my hand, I toast to a pleasant week. A little after nine o’clock, I arrive at the gate. The impressively large A380 aircraft is already ready. Seeing the plane like this, I can hardly imagine that such a giant can fly. I can practically walk straight onto the plane.

India - The luxury bar aboard the Airbus A380

The A380 has two levels: the lower deck is for economy class, and the upper deck is for first and business class. I take my seat in business class in the spacious chair. Next to me is a small table, with plenty of space. Drinks are already set in a small minibar. I think I’ll be perfectly comfortable here during the flight. Unfortunately, it’s also important to get some sleep tonight—the flight to Dubai is only six hours. While the plane’s wings are being de-iced outside, a flight attendant takes my dinner order. I decide to order only a starter and a cheese platter—it’s already late in the evening. At the back of the plane, there is a full bar. I order a glass of wine. Together with my colleagues, we toast to the journey. When a flight attendant announces that my meal is ready, I return to my seat. After eating, I recline the seat into sleep mode. The seat can lie completely flat, allowing me to lie down comfortably. It doesn’t take long before I fall asleep. Above me, a starry sky is projected onto the ceiling of the Airbus.