Since July 1st 2019 Etihad Airways began using their largest aircraft, The A380, on a route from Abu Dhabi to Seoul Incheon. I was the first guest in The Residence!
This isn’t my first time flying in The Residence; I first flew it in December 2016 from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai (cost was just $2,500 USD one way) I had the honour to fly it again on July 1st, 2017 on the inaugural A380 to Paris from Abu Dhabi (ticket price was $7,000 USD one way) After two years, I was honoured to be the first guest travelling in The Residence on the Etihad A380 to Incheon.
The World’s Premiere Flying Experience
There’s nothing like The Residence in commercial travel. The Residence is above First Class; with a living room, separate bedroom and en-suite shower room, it is the only three-room suite on a commercial airline in the world. Every aspect of your travel is well taken care of; there are no queues, no hassles and no check-ins, just sit back, relax and enjoy the fine service in the lounge and on-board.
I hadn’t flown The Residence in 2 years and I was very keen to re-live this fantastic experience, so I decided to dress up for the occasion (I have never dressed in a tuxedo for a flight before!)
A Mercedes S class limo picked me up at my residence in Dubai, it was sharp on-time to take me to Abu Dhabi Airport. Once I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by the staff and porters (waiting outside in 40 degrees heat!)
The Residence Lounge
There was no check-in, as the staff already had my boarding pass printed. I was escorted straight to immigration, through security and then on to The Residence Lounge.
The Residence Lounge is a separate “hidden” lounge inside the Etihad First Class Lounge.
My Residence Lounge butler, Trisha, was waiting for me at the door.
As soon as I sat down, I was offered a glass of chilled Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blancs Brut 2004 champagne.
The Residence Lounge is totally private, there is a private bathroom and shower room and even a private prayer room for the Muslim faith. I was glad to see my favourite lounge book “Arabian Horses” still on the table!
I was getting quite hungry, so I ordered food not long after settling down. I sat at the dining table, where all the glassware was crystal by Vera Wang and the show plates by Bernardaud.
The items I had for dining included a clear consommé, mini burger sliders and grill cod fish with risotto. The presentation was excellent, all dishes were brought by the waitress from the kitchen one by one.
After the meal I was invited to the Cigar Room in the First Class Lounge, to have a cigar and a cognac. I have to admit that I am not a smoker, so I just took a few pics of it.
After a visit to the Cigar Room, I went to the Six Senses Spa and enjoyed a complimentary foot massage. After my massage, the Etihad attaché came and asked me whether I wanted to board first or last. Although I had purposefully arrived 3 hours ahead of the flight, there was simply not enough time to enjoy all the services The Residence Lounge has to offer.
If you’re not in a rush, I recommend to arrive 4-5 hours ahead to relax and pamper yourself in The Residence Lounge
As the excitement of boarding the A380 had built up, I decided to board early this time. I was escorted by my lounge butler and a porter to gate 33 for early boarding; I met with my flight butler, Mr Pratish, at the gate.
Just like in a Hollywood movie, I became the centre of attention at the boarding gate with my large entourage. What an VIP experience!
Welcome to The Residence
To my utter surprise, I found a portrait of myself in The Residence. My butler, Pratish, explained that this is to make me feel at home! He knew I was an AvGeek and brought me some aviation magazines to read as well. I must say the service is really personalised in The Residence.
The cabin manager and the in-flight chef came around to introduce themselves and wished me a good flight ahead. They presented me with an inaugural A380 flight certificate (Every passenger received one of these on this inaugural A380 flight to Incheon)
A photo with the cabin crew, chef, F&B manager and my butler
I also visited the cockpit during boarding. In a cheeky attempt, I asked the captain to slow down the flight so I could enjoy The Residence longer!
The flight time on flight EY876 to Seoul Incheon was just about 8 hours, with a tail wind travelling Eastbound. The aircraft registration was A6-APC.
1 to 1 Service On-Board
After takeoff, I changed into the more comfortable pyjamas. My butler then arrived to discuss my flight with me; I prefer to eat first, then take a shower before finally going to sleep. The next morning, I would like to have breakfast in bed.
The in-flight chef visited me and recommended food and beverages for the flight. I was still quite full but decided to try out an Asian slider starter and a grill steak from the grill menu. There were lot of choices on offer from The Residence menu, including grills (fish, chicken, steak) vegetarian options and Korean selections such as bibimbap.
You can see from this wide angle picture the 3 private rooms of The Residence (lounge, bedroom with bathroom and shower en-suite)
One of the nice features of Etihad The Residence is that you can have both tables set up together, so I could enjoy 2 courses at the same time! I was surely spoiled in The Residence!
After a private shower, it was time to hit the sack. The bed in The Residence is a true double bed, not one of those converted ones. There is also 2nd TV that I could watch from my bed.
I am on cloud nine in my own bedroom with total privacy! There is nothing that comes even close to this in commercial flying!
The Next Morning
Champagne Dreams and Caviar Wishes
I slept about 3 hours in total darkness and quietness, and in total privacy! (the A380 front end is very quiet) I didn’t want my Residence experience to end too soon, so I woke up 2 hours before landing. I ordered breakfast in bed; my butler, Pratish, suggested a glass of Rosé champagne with caviar first and a coconut jelly waffle after.
Not long after breakfast, the cabin was prepared for landing. Pratish handed me back my clothes and I changed in my bedroom, in private. I enjoyed some good private moments until I arrived at Incheon in The Residence.
Below are some pictures taken by a Korean photographer Seungho Cha.
Typically The Residence passenger gets to deplane first, but I chose to stay on-board for a photo together with all the crew members as a memento to take home.
After all, there is only one inaugural A380 flight! Everyone wanted a photo!
The Residence passengers are entitled to a free limo transfer. In my case, a local Etihad staff member helped me through the formalities and then whisked me away into the limo. Another perfect Residence flight completed!
Etihad A380 The Residence Verdict
I understand The Residence costs a lot of money to fly; but for those who value their flying experience, I would argue it is worth more than every cent you’ve paid. Forget the other First Class offerings, save up to fly the best in commercial aviation, at least once!
Above all, it is the experience that I value the most!
Total privacy, 1 to 1 service, amazing fine dining, your own 6’10” double bed, shower in the sky, VIP treatment on the whole journey…..the list goes on….. I think it is a lifetime flying trophy for anyone who enjoys aviation.
Lower Residence Fare?
A one way trip Abu Dhabi to Incheon costs around $15,000 USD. You can combine a round-trip ticket with one way in The Residence and return in First/Business Class to obtain a lower price (from $13,000 USD).
You can find lower price in The Residence from Mumbai. For example Mumbai to Paris via Abu Dhabi one way in The Residence (AUH-CDG) and one way back in First Class can be just under $9,000 (even lower combine it with Business Class!)
Hi Sam , I feeling I am also traveling with you . Excellent. Enjoy 🌹
Nice presentation and nice video on YouTube as well.
Here’s a question : if I google etihad residence I can find this very blog and the Etihad presentation webpage but nothing to book a flight in The Residence, only can book in Economy, Business or First class… how do you succeed in booking a residence flight?
Other bonus question how was this to fly back on economy?
The Residence is an exclusive product on Etihad A380 which is currently grounded.
Sam Chui pleas can you do a flight review on British airways from London to Dubai
Hey Sam your video is awesome and definitively gives us a great insight on how this kind of trip is, 1 question which is the song you use at the beginning which is fantastic
This is a paid soundtrack from Audio Jungle called Luxury
Thanks
I understand this is a 1 pax only experience… now I wonder if one could be allowed to book The Residence for more than one person ?
One can enjoy the sofa, watching movies, 2 can dine together, one can sleep, etc…. no thinking of anything ‘out of the norm and what is acceptable on a plane’ but like QR Qsuites where a family of 4 can be in a quasi-close section together, would be nice to see that.
You can book 2 persons (2nd person pay only about 25% extra of the first person fare) on The Residence. The bed is a double bed.
Sam,
One last question about the Residence. My observation from your various videos of the residence, and also from other sources, it appears that the Living Room size (front to back) is the length of two windows, while the length in the Apartment is three windows. Granted that the Apartment must accommodate the fold down bed, while the Residence has a separate dedicated Bedroom. Question: if traveling with a second individual in the Residence, would it feel a bit cramped in the Living Room? Otherwise, I can’t think of a better option for traveling with my wife
I have only traveled myself in The Residence, so I can’t really tell you what 2 people traveling is like. The living room can fit comfortably for 2. The bed is a double bed size (not queen/king). The fare on 2nd person is about 25% more than just one person.
Sam,
Thank you for all your reviews, but especially this one. One question I have about the Residence experience. Are you able to control the temperature in the Residence…particularly in the bedroom area. Given airlines are notorious for being too warm, was wondering if one perk of the Residence is to control the temperature in your own kingdom. Thanks
No airline seat have individual cabin temperature control. You can ask the crew to change the temperature in each section of the cabin only.
The food onboard might be expensive but it doesn’t look very enticing to me. Everything else, top notch!
Thank you for posting those deals Sam, I am sooooo jealous of the Europeans, they could get first class long haul for 2000Euro while I (from Toronto, Canada) can’t get anything cheaper than that for across Atlantic flight in a 2nd rated business class. I pray someday you will find something originating from Canada? help, please! lol
Unfortunately like you said, very few competitive deals out of Canada. If we see some, we will write it and share it here.
Great review! I’ll probably never be able to travel in The Residence, so it was fun for me to be able to fly from Abu Dhabi to Seoul with you, Sam. I loved the experience. And kudos to you for dressing for the occasion! (Personally, I’m tired of nit-picking airplane reviews written by bloggers who boarded in dirty-looking jeans and trainers.)
Should we wait for a youtube video????
Yes, of course, it is coming this Saturday!
Sam is now a so well known customer all over the world by major companies that he should have special treatment by crew and commercial services. Invitation for inaugural flights, discount for personal trip, this is advantage to become a VIP as a blog reporter. Sam is followed by thousands of readers or maybe millions.
However, he continues to do very good comments. I think that he as full time travel job now and makes some money with advertising and SC products or conferences. Sam you had a great improve in your life, congratulations.
Last thing, since I read your blog I enjoy to find good deals to travel in better conditions. My next trip will be in November from LHR to SHA with Swiss Firt Class for less than 2000€ per person. Thanks and I hope to see you in person during a trip. Regards
I agree Sam does a good job
Also. Good work on your upcoming Swiss Air flight! I’m still using miles but that’s a great price for Swiss First – not available to me using miles
Sam, really amazing reading your so well written account of your flight in the Residence, accompanied by excellent photos which really brought home to me what the experience must be like. Thanks as always!
One question if I may? You obviously enjoy really superb rich meals on these flights. What do you do to stop the inevitable piling on of the pounds? Do you run or play sports etc. Just curious. Hope you don’t mind me asking?
I am definitely not a healthy person. But I tried to drink very little on the flight and stay hydrate. Also it is not necessary to finish all the dishes and courses. A few sample bite is good enough.
John, good question I don’t travel nearly as much, but Sam is right – don’t eat all food. Of course wasteful, but the whole experience is wasteful :-(. One of my biggest hypocrisies is this hobby as opposed to feeding the poor, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, etc. so not cleaning my plate when there are starving people is a disconnect for me, but I persist. My apologies!
I had a bad experience with customer service.
One of the best blog’s of Sam chui. I enjoyed and felt like I was also with u in the Residence to Korea. Once the blog ended, then I realized that I am at my home now. So beautiful. Thanks sam chui and cheers. I am also so excited and i wish i could travel in Residence one day or I will meet u in flight one day in my life.
Hello Sam chui. I’ve always followed your videos and they mean a lot to me. I’ve never flown before in my life but I really do wish to someday. Please keep up the good work. Even if I never had a chance to fly, watching your videos and spending an entire day on your YouTube channel gives me a sense of belonging.
Sweet! Enjoying your fun!
I’ve paid $100US for the Residence Lounge @AUH for a long layover on RTW18 – between Apartment 4A from SYD and home to IAD on the DreamLiner. I so enjoyed the privacy, the shower, and napping on the coach plus the foot massage was lovely! 🙂
I’m looking forward to RTW19 3.0 flying JFK-DXB-ICN-AUH-LHR. 4 showers in a row! 🙂
That’s great to hear! I think the $100 is well worth it isn’t it? Do you have someone bring food to the residence lounge?
Sam, long story, but it took me awhile to decide to pay the $100 because my flight from SYD was not entirely pleasant. The lights in the adjoining empty apartments kept coming on and interrupting my nap. The FAs noticed this and called ahead but no complementary access. So I had already eaten the Sliders and tried to sleep in the relaxation area, but after that failed, I just paid the money and napped on the couch. The shower was fun!
In May I didn’t arrive so early (Ramadan held drinks until 7 pm – by the way that prayer room can be used by anyone of any faith or no faith :-))
So just had a nice meal and some beverages. Alon* with the foot massage 🙂
I agree with the others as for enjoying your reporting! Also loved the Tuxedo