Luxury in the Sky: Etihad’s Residence Experience

Let’s face it, when it comes to first class flying, there are wild experiences out there. But nothing, and I mean nothing, stacks up to The Residence by Etihad on their Airbus A380 – a private, three-room suite in the sky. So, let’s dive in and see what all the buzz is about. What is The Residence, how much will it drain your wallet, and what do you get for your cash?

What is The Residence on Etihad’s Airbus A380s?

Flying on an Airbus A380 is a treat in itself, but Etihad has truly outdone itself with luxury on these birds. Their first class cabin, aka First Class Apartments, offers a level of opulence that’s nothing short of impressive. Picture this: nine seats on the upper deck set out in a 1-1 configuration, featuring huge personal space with your own chair and bed. It’s the kind of stuff aviation dreams are made of.

However, The Residence is the real show stopper. Nestled at the front of the first class area, it’s a sprawling three-room suite with 125 square feet of swankiness. Imagine your own lounge, a bedroom that’s tighter if you’re cozying up with someone else but plain palace if you’re flying solo, and your private bathroom, shower included. We’re talking about the kind of magnificence you’d expect from a private jet, only here, you get to brag to the whole commercial aviation world.

Which Etihad routes feature The Residence?

If you’re riding high on thoughts of The Residence, keep your eyes peeled on certain routes aboard Etihad’s A380s. Their super jumbos were parked during the pandemic, catching dust like a Val Seny ski resort in summer. But, joyfully, they’re back in action since summer 2023. Seven of the original ten have returned, so while not as widespread as they were, you can catch flights from Abu Dhabi jetting off to London, Paris, Singapore, and Toronto.

How do you book The Residence on Etihad?

Booking The Residence used to mean flushing away over $25K for a one-way ticket. Insider tip: it’s not a separate product anymore. Now it’s all about upgrades for first class passengers willing to splash a bit more cash. Flash some extra dough, and you could see yourself stepping into a suite as you book your first class seat, or give it a go later through Etihad’s booking management.

How expensive is an upgrade to The Residence on Etihad?

Here’s the kicker, upgrades are only for those who managed to secure a first class spot on the Etihad A380s. But before you click that “Upgrade” button, remember, you gotta book directly with Etihad, whether you’re coughing up cash or painting the town with miles. Don’t think you can swing this if you got your ticket through a partner program.

Now for the wallet damage:

• Going Abu Dhabi to Paris or Singapore? Think AED 5,840, or $1,590 USD
• Flying from Abu Dhabi to London? That’ll be AED 8,780, or $2,391 USD
• Doing the long haul to Toronto? Fork over AED 11,720, or $3,191 USD

Sure, using miles is an option, but let’s be real, the value per point isn’t about to make headlines. And sure, you might get lucky with a last-minute discount call from Etihad or an operational upgrade, but you might as well be counting on rain in the Sahara.

What’s included with a ticket in The Residence on Etihad?

Let’s talk perks. Back in the day, you’d have a butler, the dining equivalent of a royal feast, and a stocked bar just for you. Now, not so much. However, what you do get is still miles better than what most can dream of:

• Your very own escort through the airport, feeling like a rockstar
• A private retreat in Etihad’s First Class Lounge, Abu Dhabi
• Enhanced tableware and shimmery glassware for that in-flight dining
• First class bedding and your very own shower to freshen up

Bottom Line

With their A380s back in the skies, these flights are dishing out luxury like it’s candy. While first class is top-notch, The Residence remains the crown jewel, offering a suite fit for kings and queens of the sky.

Booking The Residence has morphed into an upgrade scenario. If you’re armed with an Etihad-issued ticket, keep your upgrade toolkit ready. Prices hover around $1,600 to $3,200 for an upgrade, depending on where you’re headed, but here’s the catch; it’s the same whether you’re booking it for one or two.

So, here’s my question: What’s your take on Etihad’s aerial palace, The Residence?