Emirates Details New First Class Check-In, Enhanced Caviar Service

Updated: May 14, 2025, 1:32pm CDT

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Emirates’ First Class Check-In Area in Dubai Gets a Makeover
An Upgraded Caviar and Cheese Service, Now With Gloves
Keepsake Menus
Final Thoughts

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Emirates is known for offering an elite first class experience.

However, being the best isn’t enough for the Dom Pérignon-serving, Dubai-based carrier. White-glove service and a refreshed check-in area at its Dubai (DXB) hub are just 2 new elements that the airline hopes will make its first-class service even more luxe.

Let’s take a look at what’s in store.

Emirates’ First Class Check-In Area in Dubai Gets a Makeover

After being chauffeur-driven to Dubai’s Terminal 3, Emirates‘ most premium passengers will start their airport experience at a brand-new first class check-in facility that is due to open in the next few weeks.

As you can see in the rendering below, the space’s design resembles a 5-star hotel more than an airport check-in area.

Emirates new first class check in — A rendering of Emirates’ new first class check-in area at DXB. Image Credit: Emirates

Hot Tip:

Experiencing Emirates first class is more achievable than you think, as Upgraded Points’ Juan Ruiz explains. You can get a head start by learning about the many ways to earn Emirates Skywards miles to help you get started.

For now, Emirates is only making these incredible upgrades to its first class check-in area, but hopefully it soon extends to business class, which could use an upgrade.

Emirates business class check in at DXB — Emirates business class check-in at DXB. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

An Upgraded Caviar and Cheese Service, Now With Gloves

Emirates already has an excellent reputation among flyers who love caviar, thanks to its “unlimited” policy in first class.

Now, it’s getting an aesthetic boost — caviar will now be served in bespoke engraved bowls designed by British homeware brand Robert Welch.

Additional tweaks have been made to the first class cheese board. Passengers will receive a matching coordinating set consisting of a cheese plate and ramekins for condiments, including honey accompanied by a wooden dipper.

Emirates first class cheese board — Nothing says over the top like a honey dipper with your cheese course. Image Credit: Emirates

Cabin crew will wear gloves throughout the entire service, adding an extra splash of class.

Keepsake Menus

A new keepsake menu denoting the stories of the dishes, fine wines, and Champagne served in first class allows Emirates’ most premium passengers to learn more about their culinary experience. The menus will also include pairing suggestions for each dish.

Emirates new first class menu — Emirates keepsake first class menus. Image Credit: Emirates

Final Thoughts

Premium travel is here to stay, and airlines worldwide are keen to remain competitive in this lucrative market.

The opening of a refurbished first class check-in area, coupled with onboard service enhancements, doesn’t change the game entirely. Still, it should make the experience even more appealing, both to Emirates loyalists and first class newbies