Emirates B777 First Class Review: New York/Newark EWR to Athens ATH

Flying first class with Emirates is an experience synonymous with luxury, and their Boeing 777 service from Newark (EWR) to Athens (ATH) is no exception. Known for setting the gold standard in premium travel, Emirates offers an unparalleled combination of opulence and innovation. In this Emirates first class review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the journey to explore if this renowned product truly lives up to the hype. 

Booking

Booking Emirates first class with points and miles can be elusive on this route, much more so than their business class awards between New York and Athens. Emirates Skywards partners with many credit card programs, including American Express, Chase, Capital One, Bilt, and more. For this flight I redeemed miles plus minimal taxes and ended up getting over 6.5 cents per point, which I consider to be a fantastic value! If cash fares are more your style, expect to pay around $17,000 round trip for this route, depending on the season. There are no other airlines with direct flights from NYC to Athens in first class, but United and Delta also offer direct flights in economy and business class.

Ground Experience

After arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport, check-in was a breeze with a dedicated counter and no wait. For eligible passengers, Emirates offers a complimentary chauffeur drive, making airport transfers stress-free. However, it’s worth noting, as per the Emirates website, that this service is not available for Skywards Business and First Class Classic Rewards or Economy-to-Business Class upgrades.

Once through security, I headed to the lounge. While Emirates doesn’t operate its own lounge at Newark, they partner with SAS to provide a comfortable pre-flight experience. The SAS Lounge was perfectly serviceable, offering a basic buffet and drink selection, but it lacked the luxury Emirates brings to its first class lounge. The space was crowded in the end but not uncomfortably so, with ample seating and outlets available. The staff were attentive, keeping the area clean and well-stocked throughout.

Boarding was efficient and well-organized, with first and business class passengers invited to board together. Upon entering the aircraft, I was warmly greeted by the crew and escorted directly to my suite—more on that next in this Emirates first class review!

Cabin

While the hard product shows its age in some areas, the Emirates first class cabin on the 777 remains a stunning space that embodies luxury. The color palette of soft golds, creams, and wood finishes exudes an unsubtle opulence, and the starry ceiling adds a serenely magical touch. The cabin features two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. My suite was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a fully lie-flat seat, a generously sized entertainment screen, and a desk/vanity area complete with a lighted mirror. 

The suite’s tall sliding door offered an incredible sense of privacy, even though it’s not fully enclosed. There was plenty of storage, and a minibar stocked with drinks and snacks. The seat’s tablet conveniently allows you to do anything from adjusting the seat to navigating the in-flight entertainment. If you didn’t want to use the larger tablet, there was also a standard smaller IFE controller.

Dining

Dining in Emirates first class is nothing short of a culinary adventure, with their dine-on-demand service allowing passengers to enjoy meals on their schedule. Before departure, I was offered a welcome drink and opted for a glass of champagne (Veuve Clicquot – Emirates doesn’t serve Dom Pérignon on the ground, though I’ve heard that may change). Arabic coffee and dates were also offered, though I declined, hoping to catch some sleep not long after our midnight departure.

Once airborne, the indulgence began with a glass of Dom Pérignon, served alongside warm mixed nuts. This was followed by a delightful amuse-bouche, featuring shrimp with horseradish sauce and a deconstructed Caprese salad. And what Emirates first class review would be complete without caviar?? Their signature caviar service was the undeniable highlight, served with all the classic accompaniments. Next, I enjoyed a seasonal salad topped with chicken leg confit, followed by a rich and comforting warm apple blackberry torte for dessert.

For breakfast, I opted for a lighter start with Greek yogurt, followed by a flavorful mushroom omelet, which came accompanied by baked beans, spinach, and sautéed potatoes with onions. Every dish was well-presented, portioned, and timed. Though tempted by the “movie snacks” menu—which featured treats like sliders and lobster salad—I simply couldn’t find room for more! As a sweet final touch, the crew left a box of assorted chocolates at my seat, which I enjoyed over the next few days.

Service

Emirates is renowned for its first-class service, and this flight reaffirmed their reputation with the cabin crew anticipating almost every need. There was only one (very small) miss—while I noticed pajamas and slippers being handed out to other passengers, my set seemed to have been missed? I asked for a set later, and they promptly and graciously brought over my size without hesitation. I’d totally give them the benefit of the doubt on this one—throughout the flight the crew otherwise maintained a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, making the experience feel genuinely personal.

Tech

The tech on Emirates first class is similarly fantastic. Their ICE entertainment system offers tons of options, including everything from Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, tv shows, music, live TV, and more. The oversize screen was sharp and responsive, and the Bowers & Wilkins headphones provided were great.

Each suite also includes a personal tablet to control seating, lighting, and entertainment. In-flight Wi-Fi was available, though I couldn’t get it too work (admittedly I didn’t try hard and it was nice to disconnect for a bit). The seat is outfitted with an outlet/USB port, along with a standard smaller IFE controller. 

Amenity Kit

The Bvlgari amenity kit provided on this Emirates first class flight was every bit as luxe as you’d expect. Presented in an elegant pouch, it included a thoughtfully curated selection of premium items: a comb, dental kit, lip balm, body lotion, shaving kit (razor, shaving cream, and aftershave), deodorant, tissues, earplugs, and a full-sized cologne—a rarity among airline kits.

The suite’s vanity area was also stocked with Byredo products (eye cream, facial toner, pillow mist, sleep oil, and facial towelette) as well as an Emirates-branded pen and notepad. In addition to the amenity kit, first-class passengers are treated to a pair of super-comfy hydra-active moisturizing pajamas, slippers, and an eye mask, packaged in a stylish jute-inspired grey bag.

Lavatory

While the Boeing 777 lacks the iconic A380 shower spa, the space is well-appointed with toiletries and Voya products (hand lotion, cologne, perfume). The crew maintained the lavatory impeccably throughout the flight.

Conclusion

This Emirates first class review of the EWR to ATH route highlights why the airline is a perennial favorite among premium travelers (despite the hard product showing age in some areas). From seamless booking and luxe amenities to the privacy of the suites and exceptional service, every detail is designed to impress. If you’re considering splurging on this experience, rest assured it’s worth every point. Whether for a special occasion or just a luxurious escape, Emirates first class delivers an unforgettable journey that raises the bar for luxury travel.