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Flydubai Business Class Review

Cover image for Flydubai Business Class Review

Flydubai, based in Dubai, is often described as a low-cost airline, but today it operates more as a hybrid carrier offering both budget and premium travel experiences. Since its launch in 2009, the airline has expanded rapidly across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, building one of the most diverse narrow-body networks in the region.

What sets Flydubai apart is its unexpectedly strong Business Class product. On many medium and long-haul routes, the airline offers fully lie-flat beds and even private suites with sliding doors, features usually reserved for wide-body international aircraft. At the same time, some short-haul routes still operate with traditional recliner seats, meaning the Business Class experience can vary significantly depending on the aircraft.

Cabin and Seats

Flydubai operates three different Business Class seat types, and the experience varies dramatically depending on the aircraft used. This makes seat selection one of the most important parts of booking a Flydubai Business Class ticket.

Business Suite

The Business Suite is Flydubai’s newest and most exclusive product, introduced on select Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

FlyDubai business class suite

The cabin features a 1-1 herringbone layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access. Each seat is a fully enclosed private suite with a sliding door, offering an exceptional level of privacy for a narrow-body aircraft. The seats convert into fully lie-flat beds and include generous personal storage and large entertainment screens.

FlyDubai business class suite

This product is currently available on a very limited number of aircraft and appears mainly on select high-demand European and premium regional routes. When available, it represents the best possible Flydubai Business Class experience.

Lie-Flat “Throne” Cabin, Most Common Long-Haul Product

This is Flydubai’s main international Business Class product and the one most travelers encounter on longer routes.

FlyDubai business class - throne seats - lie flat

The cabin uses a staggered 2-2, 1-1, 2-2 layout with a total of 10 seats. Each seat converts into a fully lie-flat bed, suitable for overnight and long-haul flights.

FlyDubai business class - throne seats - lie flat

The standout feature is the “Throne” seats in Row 2, seats 2B and 2E. These seats have no direct neighbor and feature large console tables on both sides, offering exceptional privacy, storage, and personal space. They are considered the best seats in the entire Flydubai fleet.

This cabin is found on:

  • Boeing 737 MAX 8
  • Boeing 737 MAX 9
  • Retrofitted Boeing 737-800 aircraft

FlyDubai business class - throne seats - lie flat

It is commonly used on longer routes to Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia.

Regional Business Class

On shorter routes, Flydubai operates a traditional 2-2 regional Business Class cabin with wide leather recliner seats and 12 seats in total. While comfortable for short flights, these seats do not convert into beds and are not designed for sleeping.

FlyDubai business class - regional - reclining seats

This configuration appears on:

  • Older non-retrofitted Boeing 737-800 aircraft
  • Some regional-configured 737 MAX aircraft

These seats are typically used on GCC, Middle East, and short South Asia routes.

How to Identify the Right Seat Before Booking

Aircraft type alone is not a reliable indicator, as many older 737-800 aircraft have been retrofitted with lie-flat seats. The seat map is the only accurate way to identify your cabin.

  • 1-1 layout indicates the Business Suite
  • 10-seat layout with two solo seats in Row 2 indicates the Lie-Flat Throne cabin
  • 12-seat 2-2 layout indicates the regional recliner

Checking the seat map before booking is essential to securing the best possible Business Class experience on Flydubai.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Flydubai Business Class offers a solid in-flight entertainment experience across all aircraft types, with variations depending on the cabin configuration.

Passengers flying in the Business Suite and Lie-Flat Throne cabins enjoy large high-definition touchscreens with a wide selection of movies, television shows, music, and games. The system is intuitive to use and responsive, and noise-canceling headphones are provided to enhance the experience.

On aircraft equipped with the regional recliner seats, screen sizes are smaller, but the same general content library is available.

FlyDubai business class - regional - reclining seats

Flydubai offers Wi-Fi on most newer aircraft, with complimentary access typically provided for Business Class passengers on flagship routes. On other aircraft, Wi-Fi is available for purchase, with pricing based on flight duration and data usage.

Power outlets and USB charging ports are available at all Business Class seats, allowing passengers to keep personal devices charged throughout the flight.

Dining Experience

Flydubai offers a refined dining experience in Business Class, particularly on medium and long-haul routes operated by lie-flat and suite-equipped aircraft.

FlyDubai business class - dining experience

Meals are served as multi-course services, typically beginning with a selection of Arabic mezze or international starters, followed by a choice of hot main courses and desserts. Menus are inspired by a mix of Middle Eastern and international cuisine, with options designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

A curated selection of wines, spirits, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages is available, with attentive cabin crew providing a well-paced and personalized service.

On shorter regional routes operated with the recliner seats, the meal service is simplified but still maintains a higher standard than typical short-haul catering, with plated meals and a full beverage offering.

Overall, Flydubai’s Business Class dining delivers a consistent premium experience that aligns well with its evolving brand positioning.

Amenities

Flydubai Business Class passengers receive a thoughtfully curated set of amenities designed to enhance comfort on both short and long-haul flights.

On lie-flat and suite-equipped aircraft, passengers are provided with quality bedding, including a plush pillow and blanket, allowing for proper rest on overnight routes. Slippers and an amenity kit with skincare essentials are also offered on longer flights.

Noise-canceling headphones are standard in Business Class, complementing the in-flight entertainment system. Storage space is generous in both the Business Suite and Lie-Flat Throne cabins, with multiple compartments for personal items, shoes, and small bags.

On regional recliner-equipped aircraft, amenities are more limited but still include essential comfort items and attentive service, maintaining a premium feel even on shorter routes.

Business Class Lounges

Flydubai Business Class passengers receive lounge access across the network, with services varying by airport and whether the flight departs from Dubai or an international destination.

Dubai International Airport

Flydubai operates primarily from Terminal 2, with some flights using Terminal 3 in coordination with Emirates. Business Class passengers enjoy access to dedicated lounges offering comfortable seating, hot and cold dining options, beverages, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi.

For passengers connecting between Emirates and Flydubai, a bus transfer is required between terminals. Business Class travelers benefit from a dedicated premium bus, which is significantly faster and more comfortable than the standard economy transfer.

International Outstation Lounges

Outside Dubai, Flydubai partners with a range of contract lounges at international airports. These typically provide:

  • Comfortable seating
  • Complimentary food and beverages
  • Wi-Fi and charging facilities
  • Shower access at select locations

While the quality varies by airport, the lounges generally meet the expectations of a Business Class traveler.

Getting the Best Business Class Deal

Business Class offers exceptional value, but not all seats deliver the same experience. With multiple cabin types across modern airline fleets, choosing the right route, aircraft, and seat can be the difference between a standard recliner and a fully private suite or lie-flat bed.

Whether you are planning a short regional trip or a long-haul journey across Europe, Asia, or Africa, the Above9 team ensures you receive the best possible Business Class experience at the best available price, from booking to boarding.
 


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