The Ultimate in Aviation Luxury
The Etihad Residence is a three-room private apartment on an Airbus A380 – the only one of its kind in commercial aviation. Living room. Bedroom with double bed. Bathroom with shower. Personal butler. Starting at $25,000+ one-way.
When Sam Chui’s video touring the Etihad Residence hit 8.5 million views, people couldn’t believe what they were seeing. This wasn’t a first class seat. It wasn’t even a suite. It was a legitimate apartment in the sky.
The Etihad Residence remains the most exclusive – and most expensive – way to fly commercially. Here’s everything you need to know about aviation’s ultimate splurge.
Three Rooms at 40,000 Feet
The Residence occupies the entire front section of Etihad’s A380 upper deck. Only one exists per aircraft, bookable by up to two passengers.
1. Living Room
- Two-seat leather sofa (converts for dining)
- 32-inch flatscreen TV
- Chilled minibar
- Work desk
2. Bedroom
- Full double bed (not a convertible seat)
- Luxury bedding by Pratesi
- Wardrobe space
- Vanity area
3. Bathroom
- Full-size shower
- Separate toilet
- Premium toiletries
- Heated floors
The Butler Service
Every Residence booking includes a dedicated Savoy-trained butler for the duration of your flight. This isn’t a flight attendant with extra duties – it’s a professional butler focused entirely on your experience.
The butler handles:
- Unpacking and organizing your belongings
- In-suite meal service and wine pairings
- Turndown service with pajamas laid out
- Wake-up calls with fresh coffee/tea
- Any special requests (within reason)
Residence guests receive chauffeur service to the airport, fast-track immigration, and access to the exclusive Etihad First Class Lounge with spa treatments and à la carte dining before the flight.
The Dining Experience
Forget airline meal trays. Residence dining is a multi-course affair served in your private living room:
- Pre-flight: Consultation with an onboard chef to plan your menu
- Caviar service: Unlimited, served with traditional accompaniments
- Tasting menu: 6-8 courses from an à la carte menu
- Champagne: Dom Pérignon, Krug, and premium selections
- Late-night snacks: Available on request
How Much Does It Cost?
The Residence isn’t just expensive – it’s in a category of its own:
| Route | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi – London (one-way) | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Abu Dhabi – New York (one-way) | $32,000 – $45,000 |
| Abu Dhabi – Sydney (one-way) | $35,000 – $50,000 |
Important: The Residence cannot be booked with miles or points through any loyalty program. It’s cash-only – and prices fluctuate based on demand.
Where Can You Fly It?
Etihad operates A380s with the Residence on limited routes from Abu Dhabi:
- London Heathrow (LHR) – Most consistent availability
- New York JFK – Flagship US route
- Sydney (SYD) – Long-haul showcase
- Paris CDG – Seasonal
Etihad’s A380 fleet is limited (10 aircraft), and availability has fluctuated post-pandemic. Check current schedules before booking, as routes change seasonally.
Etihad Residence vs. First Class Apartments
Etihad also offers “First Class Apartments” on their A380 – essentially enclosed first class suites with showers. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | The Residence | First Apartments |
|---|---|---|
| Private Rooms | 3 (living, bed, bath) | 1 (suite) |
| Double Bed | Yes (always) | No (single bed) |
| Private Shower | Yes (exclusive) | Yes (shared) |
| Butler | Yes (dedicated) | No |
| Capacity | 1-2 guests | 1 guest per suite |
| Price (AUH-LHR) | $25,000+ | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Points Booking | No | Yes |
Who Books the Residence?
Based on industry reports and passenger interviews:
- Honeymoons/anniversaries: Couples celebrating once-in-a-lifetime occasions
- Business executives: CEOs and VIPs needing privacy and productivity
- Celebrities: Complete privacy from other passengers
- Aviation enthusiasts: The ultimate bucket list experience
Is It Worth $30,000?
That depends entirely on your definition of “worth.”
For the money, you could book:
- 3-4 Emirates Game Changer first class flights
- A week at a luxury resort
- Multiple round-the-world business class itineraries
But nothing else offers what the Residence provides: true privacy, a real bedroom, and a level of service that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in commercial aviation.
The Verdict:
The Etihad Residence isn’t about value – it’s about exclusivity. If price is a consideration, it’s probably not for you. If you want the most private, spacious, and luxurious way to cross an ocean that money can buy, there’s literally nothing else like it.
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