Here's what it's like to fly first class on Emirates, the best airline in the world

Emirates first class
Passengers are treated like royalty in their own private cabin.
Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
Emirates has been named the best airline in the world in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2017.

The travel company analyzed millions of user-written reviews to find out which company offers the best experience for its customers — and the Middle Eastern airline came out on top.

A number of factors were taken were taken into account including legroom, seat comfort, customer service, cleanliness, food and beverage, and value for money.

The 32-year-old airline was recognized for its comfortable economy class and its famously luxurious first class cabins.

A first class return from London Gatwick to Dubai costs roughly £4,000 ($4,800), but for that price, Emirates provides its first class passengers with an unforgettable experience.

A couple of our readers, Owen and Rory, documented their experience for Business Insider during a recent trip on board an Emirates A380.

Scroll down to see what it's like to travel first class on the best airline in the world, according to travellers.

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Emirates took the top spot in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2017, and it's easy to see why. For starters, the Middle Eastern airline's first and business class passengers can relax in one of the Emirates lounges before boarding the plane.

Flickr/Bill Holler
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When boarding as a first class passenger, you're greeted and escorted to your seat by a flight attendant and offered complimentary Champagne. You're given your own spacious cabin with sliding privacy doors and the kind of amenities that you'd expect to find in a high-end hotel. The leather seat reclines and becomes a lie-down bed.

Reuters/ Kai Pfaffenbach
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Upon arrival in the cabin, you'll find a wash bag filled with fragrances and toiletries by luxury fashion house Bvlgari, Gillette shaving foam, a toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, and Axe deodorant.

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The glossy wood paneling and gold trim provide the perfect frame for the view outside. First class on an Emirates Airbus A380 only has 14 seats, so the service is tailored to each individual.

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If you need to freshen up at 40,000 feet, you can book a slot in one of two onboard showers and spas. The room has heated flooring and each passenger is given five minutes of running water during their 30-minute session. When you return to your seat, your assigned shower attendant will have left a fruit plate with honey waiting for you.

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Regionally inspired gourmet meals can be prepared for you at any time and are served on Royal Doulton bone china. Your suite can be transformed into a mini dining room by the flight attendant.

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Passengers can relax and enjoy a range of treats while watching movies on their interactive touchscreen TV, which doubles as a gaming system. Emirates beat both Singapore Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines to top the TripAdvisor's ranking.

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Passengers' chairs also have a massage function — you can see the controls in the image below.

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The controls can change the intensity and the type of massage. You can also use the interactive panel to set the ambient lighting and to open and close the doors to your private suite.

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Soft drinks are provided in an automated mini-bar ...

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... but passengers can always go to the bar if they fancy something a bit heavier. It serves premium spirits, exclusive wines, Champagne, and cocktails — including Dom Perignon. There's enough room to stand and talk to other passengers around the bar.

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And at night, the bar lights up. It also serves Hennessey Paradis, the most expensive alcohol served by any airline, starting at around $745 per bottle.

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Though the $4,800 price tag may seem steep, Emirates treats its first class passengers like royalty – and also allows them to disembark before anyone else on the plane.

O. Win
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