An Ultra-Luxury Journey in the Sky You Won’t Forget
Flying Beyond First Class
Flying from London to Abu Dhabi in Etihad’s A380 First Class Apartment was an experience that redefined luxury air travel for me.
When it comes to luxury air travel, few experiences can rival Etihad Airways’ A380 First Class Apartment. This is not just a seat, it’s a private suite in the sky.
On the popular London Heathrow (LHR) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) route, Etihad’s A380 delivers an unforgettable level of comfort, service, and style that sets the gold standard for premium flying. In this review, we’ll break down the entire journey—from booking and boarding to sleeping and showering 40,000 feet in the air.
Booking the First-Class Apartment
Etihad’s A380 First Class Apartment can be booked with:
- Etihad Guest Miles or partner airline miles (e.g., American AAdvantage)
- Cash fares, which can vary between $3,500–$8,000+
- Upgrades from Business Class using miles or promotions
Pro tip: Look for off-peak flights or fare deals between London and Abu Dhabi to experience the Apartment at a lower cost.
Etihad Lounge Experience at Heathrow Terminal 4
Before boarding, First Class passengers can access the Etihad First & Business Lounge at LHR:
- À la carte dining & buffet
- Showers and spa area
- Champagne bar
- Work and relaxation zones
Note: The A380 flight usually departs in the evening—perfect timing to enjoy a pre-flight dinner and unwind before takeoff.
First Class Apartment Tour: Spacious, Private, Unmatched
Once onboard, you’re led to a suite that feels like a hotel room in the sky:
✦ The Layout
- 6-foot 10-inch suite with separate reclining lounge chair and full-length bed
- Personal vanity mirror with drawer
- Large 24-inch TV screen and Bose headphones
- Sliding doors for full privacy
✦ Amenity Kit
- Luxury products from Aqua di Parma
- Sleepwear, slippers, and skincare essentials
Tip: Capture wide-angle photos of the suite—it’s one of the most photographed first-class cabins.
Onboard Dining: “Dine Anytime” Excellence
One of the best parts of the Etihad First Class experience is the flexible dining:
Menu Includes:
- Arabic mezze platter
- Gourmet main courses (steak, seabass, biryani)
- Artisanal breadbasket & dessert trolley
- Wide selection of premium wines, champagnes, and mocktails
The onboard chef can customize your meal to your preferences—yes, it’s that personalized.
The Shower Spa: Freshen Up at 35,000 Feet
A rare luxury only found on the A380:
- Private shower room (booked in advance during the flight)
- Towels, bathrobe, and full amenities
- Refreshing and invigorating before arrival in Abu Dhabi
This makes a huge difference if you have a business meeting or connecting flight ahead.
Crew & Service: Personalized and World-Class
Etihad’s First-Class crew are trained to deliver a discreet, five-star service:
- Addressing passengers by name
- Setting up your bed with mattresses, pillows, and duvet
- Offering skincare routines before landing
Many reviewers consider Etihad’s soft product (crew, food, ambiance) among the best in the industry.
Comparison to Other First-Class Products
Here’s how Etihad’s A380 Apartment stacks up:
| Feature | Etihad A380 Apartment | Emirates First | Singapore Suites |
| Private Suite | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Separate Bed & Seat | Yes | No | Yes |
| In-Flight Shower | Yes | Yes | No |
| Personal Chef | Yes | No | No |
Verdict: Etihad’s layout wins on personal space and comfort.
Is It Worth It?
For frequent flyers or special occasions, the Etihad A380 Apartment offers an unparalleled experience.
Worth it if:
- You’re using points/miles strategically
- You want privacy, sleep, and top-tier service
- You’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone
Not ideal if: You’re on a tight budget or the A380 isn’t available on your route
Tips for Booking the Etihad Apartment
- Book early – only 9 Apartments available per flight
- Use American Airlines AAdvantage miles or Etihad Guest miles
- Look for flights from London, New York, or Sydney when the A380 operates
Etihad has been gradually reactivating A380s post-pandemic—confirm aircraft type before booking.
Final Thoughts
The Etihad First Class Apartment on the A380 is more than a flight, it’s an immersive, luxury experience that few airlines can match. From lounging in a private suite to showering before landing, everything is curated for elite comfort.
Reflecting on this journey, the personalized service and comfort provided made it one of my most memorable flights to date.
For more details, visit the https://www.etihad.com
Ready to book your own Etihad First Experience? Let us know in the comments or explore our lounge reviews next!
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