Emirates is known for its top-notch service and luxury – even in Economy, they deliver a surprisingly fancy experience for the price of an international flight. Thanks to their high service standards, Emirates has earned its rightful place as one of the best long-haul flight carriers in the minds of Singaporeans. Think better food, the best entertainment, fewer annoying extra fees and seats that are actually comfortable – a real win in the Economy world!

Travellers prioritising value may notice that Emirates' international economy fares exceed those of budget airlines. However, the trade-off is a demonstrably better economy class journey. Emirates' history underscores its dedication to this segment, consistently setting new standards. Consider this: they were the first to bring individual TV screens to Economy in 1992, enabled mobile connectivity across their entire fleet in 2007, and globally launched onboard Wi-Fi for all passengers in 2011!

In addition, with Changi Airport as a departure hub, travellers can enjoy a wide range of pre-flight shopping and dining options.

The Emirates Economy Class experience

Your experience begins right at boarding. Priority is given to families and Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Following this, economy passengers board row by row, beginning with those seated at the rear of the plane. As soon as you step foot into the cabin, you are greeted by friendly cabin crew and provided with a warm towel before takeoff, making you feel truly welcome. 

Emirates Economy Class seats

As you settle into your Emirates Economy seat, you will appreciate the thoughtful design. Free seat selection comes standard with Flex and Flex Plus tickets – all other passengers can make their selection online 48 hours before flight commencement. 

These international Economy seats are designed for comfort, featuring improved ergonomics, adjustable side panels, and plush leather headrests. You will also find a comfortable pitch of up to 33 inches and a recline of over 6 inches. Notably, seat width varies by aircraft, offering 17.05 inches on Boeing 777s and a wider 18 inches on Airbus A380s.

Taller passengers can book a bulkhead seat to benefit from extra legroom, especially on long-haul flights to Dubai or Europe.

Emirates Economy Class entertainment options

Once airborne, particularly on the A380, you can enjoy a remarkably quiet and smooth flight ideal for rest. However, if sleep eludes you, Emirates' acclaimed ICE entertainment system offers a wealth of options on 13.3-inch seat-back screens – think thousands of movies, TV shows, music tracks and games. From Hollywood to Asian cinema and even Singaporean films, you are sure to find something to keep you entertained!

To keep your own devices powered, each seat features laptop/tablet outlets, dual USB ports, and RJU headphone jacks. Emirates Skywards members can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi (with some restrictions), which is also available to all other passengers from $2.99. Even headphones are provided free of charge!

Emirates Economy Class cuisine

Emirates ensures you are well-cared for at mealtimes, with long-haul flights featuring a satisfying multi-course meal. This includes a main course accompanied by fresh fruit or salad and a dessert. To drink, a generous selection of complimentary fruit juices, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits is available, something Singaporean travellers will appreciate. The decent flavour and generous portion sizes are something Emirates is well known for and makes a nice surprise for Economy Class passengers.

If you have dietary requirements, it is possible to pre-book a special meal via the ‘Manage Your Booking’ function before your flight.

Emirates Economy Class bathrooms

Even on long flights, bathroom breaks are inevitable. While not boasting the showers and heated floors found in First Class, the lavatories in Emirates Economy Class offer a slightly more spacious and refined experience compared to many airlines.

You will appreciate the thoughtful touches like high-quality, scented soaps and lotions, a welcome amenity in a crowded cabin!

Checked baggage policy for Emirates Economy Class 

While the checked baggage policy offered by Emirates Economy Class is highly generous, your exact allowance will depend on your destination and fare type. Flights to Africa and the Americas operate on a piece concept whereas all other flights operate on a weight concept.

Let’s take a closer look at the specifications:

Besides the checked baggage allowance, each passenger is allowed to bring two carry-on items weighing up to 7kg, including a backpack and a smaller item such as a handbag or laptop bag.

To bridge the gap between Economy and its more premium offerings, Emirates unveiled Premium Economy on select A380s in late 2020. Its immediate success prompted its introduction on the Boeing 777X and further expansion.

Stepping into Premium Economy reveals a significant leap in comfort, starting with an impressive 40 inches of legroom and a 19.5-inch wide seat. Sink into cream leather adorned with soft pillows and enjoy a cushioned leg rest with a deeper recline, along with a six-way adjustable headrest – all designed for superior rest compared to standard Economy. Even the meals are a step above. 

In deciding between Economy and Premium Economy, ask yourself if it’s worth paying 40% to 70% more for the abovementioned benefits. Many Singaporeans would consider splashing out for special occasions such as a honeymoon or milestone trip, but Economy Class is still well worth the money for regular trips.

Find the best rates on Best Fare Finder

To find cheaper Emirates Economy flights, make use of the Best Fare Finder tool on their website. This Economy-only feature offers a fare calendar to help travellers discover the best available prices. 

If you have a flexible schedule, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of a weekend or planning your trip to coincide with a shoulder season, such as late January. Additionally, you may wish to pay with travel credit cards to maximise the miles and rewards points you can earn.

>> MORE: Best travel credit cards in Singapore

Utilise miles and rewards points

Although Emirates points often yield the best value in premium cabins, redeeming them for Economy seats can still be a cost-effective option. You can even convert points earned from partner banks in Singapore (such as HSBC, DBS and Citibank) into Emirates Skywards miles. However, keep in mind that some of these partner banks may charge a redemption fee, which you have to factor into the total cost of your ticket.

Wondering which of your credit cards will allow you to earn Emirates Skywards miles? Let’s take a look at the options:

Read our reviews:

1. https://www.singsaver.com.sg/credit-card/blog/review-citi-rewards-card
2. https://www.singsaver.com.sg/credit-card/blog/hsbc-travelone-credit-card
3. https://www.singsaver.com.sg/credit-card/blog/dbs-altitude-visa-signature-card-review

Consider fifth-freedom flights

Imagine flying between two countries without connecting through the airline's home nation – that's a fifth-freedom flight. In fact, many of us may already have been on one without realising it! A particularly popular route is the one from Singapore to Brisbane. Often, you will find that you can enjoy a lower fare on flights between these segments.

>> MORE: 10 best air miles credit cards in Singapore

Bring your kids 

Taking the kids on their first big trip to Europe or have family to visit in the Middle East? Travelling as a family on a premium airline like Emirates may seem like a budget stretch, but their dedication to children can make it a surprisingly sensible choice. 

Emirates offers exceptional kid-friendly entertainment, including dedicated TV channels, complimentary stuffed animals and blankets as well as age-appropriate activity packs. They also offer practical support with special children's meals, organic baby food and bottle-warming services. As an added perk, children under 11 benefit from discounted fares.

If you are booking your next holiday to Europe or the Middle East, Emirates Economy Class remains one of the most popular options out there. From good food and comfortable seating to top-notch entertainment, Emirates provides great value for money compared to budget airlines flying out of Singapore.

Maximising your rewards

You want a travel credit card that will reward you for your spending. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Convert points to Emirates Skywards miles: Citi PremierMiles Card

• Comes with 10 annual complimentary airport lounge visits: DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card

• No foreign transaction fees during peak travel periods (June-July, November-December): Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card

• Provides travel insurance worth up to $1,000,000: Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

• Offers complimentary hotel upgrades and unlimited airport lounge access: American Express Platinum Cards