Emirates is one of two flag-carrying airlines in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1985, it is now a subsidiary of The Emirates Group. Its headquarters and main hub are at Dubai International Airport. Emirate's mission is, 'Committed to the highest standards in everything we do'. It fulfils this both with its level of passenger service and its safety record. It has never suffered a fatality.
Emirates has over 250 aeroplanes in its fleet including the largest number of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft in the world. It is the biggest operator in the Middle East with nearly 4,000 flights a week to 150 cities and 80 countries across every continent. It is the world's fourth-largest airline, carrying around 58 million passengers annually. From Toronto, Emirates flies to destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia that are routed through Dubai. Its connections around the world are extended by codeshare agreements with two dozen airlines that include Air India, Japan Airlines, Qantas and TAP Air Portugal.
Emirates has opted to remain independent of any airline alliance, but does have a frequent-flyer programme. Emirates Skywards has Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers which allow passengers to collect Skywards Miles and exchange them for benefits. Benefits include flights and upgrades or services such as duty-free shopping, car rental and hotel bookings.
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With spacious cabins, comfortable seating and generous legroom, you can enjoy a touch of luxury whether travelling Emirates Economy, Business or First Class. Complimentary food and drinks are standard in all classes.
First Class: Enjoy privacy doors and wide-ranging entertainment through Bowers & Wilkins headphones as well as showers and a lounge bar in Emirates A380 First Class. First Class on a Boeing 777 is like having your own hotel room with floor to ceiling doors, state-of-the-art entertainment and personal lighting and temperature controls. All First Class seats convert into a lie-flat bed when it is time to sleep.
Business Class: Your own personal space that converts into a fully flat bed and a lounge to catch up with friends or colleagues is part of your Business Class experience on A380 aircraft. The Boeing 777 offers a personal minibar and large-screen TV. Enjoy gourmet dining on all Business Class flights.
Economy Class: You do not need to travel in Business Class to catch up with business as you travel. Economy Class seats have power outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi. You can even make phone calls. Menus are regionally-inspired while entertainment systems deliver the latest favourites TV shows and movies.
Emirates has lounges in Dubai while partner lounges can be enjoyed across the globe including at Toronto Pearson International Airport. All lounges offer refreshments, complimentary Wi-Fi, flight monitors, business facilities, TV and reading materials while some also have showers and relaxation rooms. The First Class lounge at Dubai also features showers, a cigar bar, a wine cellar and direct boarding access.
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Save time at the airport by checking in online. Online check-in opens 48 hours before a flight's scheduled departure time. It closes 90 minutes before take-off. You can also check-in at the airport when you drop off your luggage. Boarding generally starts 45 minutes before each flight and gates close 20 minutes before departure.
First Class
In First Class, you can check in two bags each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs). You are also permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage.
Business Class
Business Class passengers have an allowance of two checked suitcases. Each can weigh up to 32 kg (70 lbs). You are also allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage.
Economy Class
Economy Class passengers have a checked allowance of one or two suitcases depending on their ticket type. These can each weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs). You are also allowed one piece of carry-on luggage.
The total dimension of each piece of checked baggage must not exceed 150 cm (59 inches). This is length plus width plus height. The maximum size for any piece of carry-on luggage is 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inches).
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Most sporting equipment and musical instruments are accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance. Each individual piece must not exceed a total dimension of 300 cm (118 inches) (length + width + height). Infants from seven days to two years can travel on an adult's lap or in a prebooked bassinet. Older children must have their own seat.