As of July 25, 2023, Etihad has finally returned its superjumbo Airbus A380 back to the skies after a long hiatus. And to celebrate the return, I found some great one-way Etihad First Class deals from Bangkok to London throughout the year.
As of now, Etihad A380 is only operating between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow so this is the only route you can experience the amazing A380 First Class products.
Bangkok – London Etihad First Class Deal (One-way)
Note that the Bangkok (BKK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) sector will be operated in a Business Class cabin.
Bangkok(BKK) – London(LHR) – From $2,571 One-way
The terms and conditions of the carriage are as below:
- RESERVATION AND TICKETING: RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SECTORS
- MAXIMUM STAY: NONE UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
- MINIMUM STAY: NONE UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
- STOPOVERS: UNLIMITED FREE STOPOVERS PERMITTED ON THE PRICING UNIT
- CANCELLATIONS: CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED FOR CANCEL/REFUND
- CHANGES: CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REISSUE/REVALIDATION
Earning Miles From Etihad First Class
Etihad’s frequent flyer program – the Etihad Guest – is not part of any major alliances therefore, it is best to credit the miles to its own program. Although there are few airlines where you can credit the miles, it has some restrictions such as the flight must be either codeshared or marketed by that specific airline.
The fares are available throughout the year however, tickets can sell out quickly so if you have travel plans, it is best to check the dates and purchase before the prices increase.
Experience Etihad’s ‘The Residence’ By Upgrading Your First Class Ticket
With the return of Etihad’s A380 in service, you are now able to book its exclusive ‘The Residence’ cabin located on the front of the First Class cabin. And the best thing is you are now able to make an upgrade if you have a confirmed First Class ticket.
In order to score an upgrade to The Residence, you must first book the First Class fare directly from Etihad’s website. As of now, award tickets redeemed by partner programs are not eligible for the upgrade offer.
There are two ways to upgrade:
- Upgrade at the time of the booking
- Upgrade after you made your booking through the ‘Manage’ tab
How Much Does Upgrade to The Residence Cost?
The cost of the upgrade comes with some cash out of your pocket. The upgrade costs are slightly different based on the departure city.
Generally, the Residence can accommodate up to two passengers and the fares are also sold as ‘two’ people and that includes this upgrade offer too. So the value of the upgrade is especially great if you are traveling as a couple as you can just upgrade one passenger to The Residence and both of you can enjoy the exclusive product.
Upgrade to The Residence from Abu Dhabi to London
From AED 9,190 ($2,500) per person
Upgrade to The Residence from London to Abu Dhabi
From £1,987.90 ($2,564) per person
With the upgrade offer, here is the fare value of The Residence:
- The one-way First Class fares from Bangkok to London cost $2,571
- The upgrade to The Residence costs around $2,500 per person per cabin
- The total fare to be in The Residence will cost around $5,100 per person
What’s Included in the Residence?
Given that the pure fare of The Residence used to be over $20,000 one-way from Abu Dhabi to London, now you can get to experience this amazing cabin for a fraction of the cost – from $5,100 to London per person.
However, you wouldn’t expect tailor-made services like a private butler service or upgraded food products since Etihad is currently offering The Residence as part of a First Class upgrade.
On the plus side, you are still eligible to use the bed and showers that are offered in The Residence. Furthermore, as you purchased a First Class fare, you are also eligible for the complimentary chauffeur service to and from Abu Dhabi airport and use The Residence lounge inside Etihad First Class lounge.
So your math /!presentation is wrong by your own calculations …and of course the airline will prevent the second non upgraded person from joining the first for free. So it’s $10,000 one way plus, if going from Bangkok, the x2 business fares to the UAE. So another $4000 +. Good ofbyou to point out the discount but your exaggerations are not helpful
For one person, he can get The Residence by paying just $2500 makes it about $5000. For 2nd person, it is double the price, there’s no free deal.
As a follow up, technically, even if the second person is in economy, would they still be upgraded to residence?
It can only be upgraded from a First Class ticket.
Hi thanks for this but kinda confused. So when I buy 2 first class and then it shows residence available, it charges me for 2 people for upgrade. So it becomes $10,000+. Are you sure the math is correct on your end? Or are you saying it’s best to do two itineraries separate? But that would still mean $2000+ for each person and then upgrade of $2500+ which then still comes out to be $7500+. Please explain and clarify. Thanks!
It’s best to book two separate itineraries. This means $2000+ for each person and only use one person’s booking for upgrade. Since The Residence is for two people per cabin.
Person 1: $2500 + $2500(upgrade)
Person 2: $2500
You will have The Residence for two and one extra First Class Apartment that was booked for Person 2 assuming Etihad doesn’t restrict Person 2 from joining Person 1.(There may be restrictions from the airline)
The upgrade pricing is still hefty but given that The Residence usually cost $25K+, the upgrade is still 1/3 of the usual price.
For your follow up comment, if booked in Economy, the second person cannot be in the Residence. The upgrade is sold as part of First Class passenger.