Emirates offers Thanksgiving menu at 35,000 feet — with turkey trimmings and NBA action onboard

Emirates is elevating Thanksgiving for international travelers, serving traditional festive menus across all cabin classes on flights to and from its 12 US gateways from November 24 to 30. The celebration begins even before takeoff, with holiday dining running in select Emirates Lounges from November 23.

This is a comprehensive dining program, ensuring passengers flying across the Atlantic can enjoy an authentic, high-end holiday meal complete with gourmet sides and themed entertainment.

Emirates offer gourmet Thanksgiving

The holiday dining experience is meticulously tailored, offering separate menus for passengers flying from the US and to the US, particularly in First Class.

All First, Business, and Premium Economy customers start their day with a special Thanksgiving breakfast of cinnamon pancakes topped with seasonal apple & cranberry compote and a luxurious whipped ricotta pumpkin cream. Business Class also receives complimentary blueberry muffins and cinnamon rolls.

Lounges, routes and extras

The holiday experience extends beyond the meal tray into Emirates’ world-class facilities on the ground and in the air, ensuring continuous festive cheer. US Lounges (New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco) serve a roasted mushroom bisque, followed by Cider-Brined Turkey Breast with brioche stuffing, traditional gravy, cranberry compote, and creamy mashed potatoes.

Dubai Lounges feature a roasted turkey breast, glazed chestnuts, roasted root vegetables, and a dessert spread that includes classic pecan pie, white chocolate and cranberry cheesecake, and pumpkin cranberry cheesecake. Guests can also enjoy festive mocktails and cocktails like the Pumpkin Spiced Martini or Maple Pumpkin Sangria.

Onboard the iconic A380 aircraft (flying from Dubai to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.), First and Business Class customers can visit the Onboard Lounge for pecan cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, paired with premium beverages. Passengers can settle in to watch live NBA games on Sport24 and Sport24 Extra throughout the holiday period. The ice entertainment system also offers 6,500 channels, including movies, TV shows, and holiday-themed content.

How much do tickets cost?

While this exceptional Thanksgiving dining experience is a complimentary benefit with every ticket purchased on US routes, the final price you pay ultimately depends entirely on your specific travel dates and class. Securing the best value during the peak holiday travel period often requires planning; experts still recommend booking carefully six to ten weeks in advance to maximize savings.

Generally, round-trip Economy fares between the US and Dubai range from approximately $1,200 to $2,200 (AED 4,400 to AED 8,100). For those indulging in the enhanced Business Class menus, which include lie-flat seats and exclusive lounge access, expect prices to range from $3,000 to $5,000 (AED 11,000 to AED 18,350) or more.

To find the most current and exact pricing for your specific dates, travelers should use Emirates’ official online search tools and consider using Skywards Miles for potential savings.