No more shower attendants on Emirates A380 flights to UK

Dubai - Among world-class airlines, only Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad offer this facility.

Shower attendants are no longer available in the first class cabin of Emirates flights bound to the UK following an order from the UK Border Control, a spokesperson of the Dubai-based airline confirmed to Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
Emirates, however, will still continue to offer in-flight showers 35,000 feet above the ground for its first class passengers but Emirates Shower Spas will no longer have dedicated shower attendants on its A380 flights to London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester.
Attendants work on flights to ensure that on-board shower facilities are clean but they are technically not part of the cabin crew and don't have the same training as flight attendants. They also don't have the same flying licences and special visas as members of the cabin and flight crew, according to UK authorities.
The UK Border Control had ordered Emirates to do away with shower attendants from flights to the British cities because of its "restriction on non-licensed crew," according to media reports.
The in-flight shower is a special perk for first class passengers who can book a maximum of 30 minutes shower time - and enjoy five minutes worth of water plus other exclusive bathroom products. The floor of Emirates' shower room is heated and there are seats in case the plane hits turbulence.
Among world-class airlines, only Emirates and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad offer in-flight showers.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE