Review: Etihad First Class Apartment A380 Was a Dream

The Etihad First Class Apartment on the A380 stands tall among the most aspirational First Class experiences in the skies, perhaps rivalled only by Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

With its private suite featuring a separate bed and armchair, personal wardrobe, mini bar, vanity unit, and ample storage, it’s akin to a luxurious caravan—but at 40,000 feet! 

A Long-Awaited Experience

When the First Class Apartment launched nine years ago, I was a young graduate – and such luxury seemed a distance dream.

At the time, Business Class was a rare indulgence for me. Fast forward five years, and I seized the chance to book this extraordinary product for just over £3,200 return to Seoul. The most I had ever spent on a flight at the time.

Originally scheduled for June 2020, the trip was derailed by the pandemic. Even after rebooking for 2021, further cancellations and Etihad’s eventual retirement of the A380 seemed to end all hope. Imagine my thrill when Etihad announced the return of these aircraft after nearly three years in storage!

Flight Details

Route: Abu Dhabi – Mumbai
Flight No: EY204
Departure Time: 15:50
Date: December 2024
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Suite: 4A

Etihad Chauffeur Service

Flying on a paid Etihad First Class ticket includes complimentary chauffeur service to and from Abu Dhabi. Booking was seamless via the app, which initially suggested a pickup just two hours before departure. I adjusted it to three hours for some proper lounge time, and confirmation arrived within minutes.

The day before my flight, my driver reached out via WhatsApp to confirm the details. Impressively, companions not flying First Class can also ride along!

My driver arrived at my Hyatt 15 minutes early in a seven-seater Mercedes !

My booking confirmation clearly listed 1 passenger + 1 luggage, so I didn’t quite understand why they switched from a regular Sedan. But I had nothing to complain about !

Though an older model, the vehicle was immaculate, equipped with bottled water and refreshing cold towels.

I was dropped off just by the entrance to First & Business Class check-in area.

Zayed International Airport Terminal A

Having just opened in November 2023, this was only my second visit to this airport, and it delivered a smooth, delightful experience.

Bright, modern, and airy, its X-shaped design features four piers themed around city, desert, sea, and oasis. The layout ensures seamless passenger flow, minimizing backtracking. The main concourse is a visual marvel with elegant arches and curves.

As the world’s first airport with nine biometric screening facilities, it offers an efficient journey. Seeing the project completed was particularly sweet, knowing an engineer friend of mine had worked on it.

First Class Check-In 

Etihad’s dedicated First Class check-in is as premium as you’d expect. Head straight pass the Business Class check-in..

To the right end of this is First Class area

I like that they kept the space open so you can fully take in the stunning architecture..

I was welcomed with a drink while my documents were processed.

A minor hiccup arose with my lack of eVisa printout, but the staff quickly resolved it, and I breezed through the exclusive First Class security area.

Etihad First Class Lounge

I had just over 2 and half hours before departure to check out the rest of the First Class offering on the ground.

The Etihad First Class Lounge is an oasis of calm with understanded elegance – I indulged in a complimentary massage and a leisurely lunch, making the most of my two-hour wait before boarding.

Boarding the First Class Apartment

It took a good 10-12 minutes to get to our designated B gate, as our aircraft was not at one of the 3 gates able to board directly from the lounge..

I’ve flown A380’s over several dozen times by now, and yet to this day, I still get a tingling sensation when I see one that I am about the board !

Boarding began slightly ahead of schedule, with clear organization ensuring efficiency despite an almost full A380 load.

Inside Etihad First Class Apartment A380

Walking into the First Class Apartment cabin felt surreal. The closest comparison I’ve had to my first experience with Singapore Suites—a true sanctuary of exclusivity. Ambient music and a spa-like atmosphere set the tone.

I was greeted at the door and escorted in..

Within a matter of seconds then greeted by another First Class crew member offering me champagne or any drink of choice..

You realize why this is now called an “Apartment” – there is just so much to unpack, you almost don’t know where to look first !

The crew noticed me taking picture of everything and proactively offered to take one of me, which I was only too happy to oblige to..

Etihad First Apartments Layout

This First Class cabin of 9 is arranged in a 1-1 layout with different configurations. The cabin accommodates 11 guests, The Residence being akin to a throne Suite for 2 people – which occupies the very front left side of the Upper deck.

Suites 1H, 3A, 3K, 5C and 5H are backward facing. The remaining 4 and The Residence is forward facing.

Note, the SeatGuru depiction of the seat-map is off with the orientation. The correct on seat map looks like this :

What Are The Best Apartments?

Really this is the point where you start nit-picking for the sake of nit-picking. There are simply no bad choices. They ultimately provide the same comfort!

For me personally, I chose 4A on this instance. My preference in general would be either 3A, 3K, 4A, 4K. Why? Well simply because these are the Suites where the chair is aligned and closest to the windows, and I like windows!

If you are travelling with a partner, these are also the Suites that can have their dividers opened up to form partial double bed pairs with with 3A & 3K and 4A &4K. Additionally, 1H & 2H can also double up.

Whilst both sides of the cabin mirror each, another subtle difference I noted other is the A/C side of the cabin had lighter cream leather tones whereas the H/K side was more dark chocolate.

Apartment Features

Diving deeper into nooks and crannies, here are the features available in each Suite.

The personal wardrobe is on the door side, and is actually rather generous in width so you can easily hang a few things up there..

Right beside your seat you have a substantial draw that opens up which can fit your phone, tablets, camaras and probably most ladies handbags..

Under that you have your own mini-bar, and yes unlike Emirates, it is actually semi-chilled!

Here you will find sparkling or still bottles of VOSS water, two coke and two sprits. They are kept chilled by an ice-pack placed underneath when Etihad prepares the cabins for each flight !

Beneath the ottoman, which converts into the bed, you can store your full sized carry-on. My was on the bigger end and fit snuggly..

There are various other storage areas which just push open, some already have bedding etc stored..

To the right (or left ) of your armchair you will find the main IFE controller, which is essentially the same one as Business Class that can control the entertainment but you also have a few physical buttons to control the seat positioning and electric window shades..

There is a flat which open up which provides a touchscreen to also be able to control various lighting elements within your Suite as well as a built-in Massage function – which was truly excellent!

Last but not least, when you are in First Class, off course you need vanity unit and Etihad goes all out with this one

I mean, we can’t have your hair out of place in First Class now, can we!

Restrooms & Shower In Etihad Apartments

There are two First Class restrooms at the front of the cabin, one which contains the shower.

These are stocked with additional ESPA products and all other amenities that you could possibly need. Unsurprisingly, they are immaculately maintained.

The shower room is not as opulent as Emirates A380 First Class , but I actually think Etihad’s colour scheme is far more stylish with their signature lighting creating a soft, relaxing environment.

Like Emirates, your shower water is timed to 5 minutes but you can book a 30 minute slot if you can fit that into your flight plan !

Etihad First Class Amenities Are Another Level

Before take-off, I received an amenity kit that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Etihad’s partnership with Giorgio Armani and ESPA elevates the flying experience with luxurious pyjamas, slippers, and premium skincare products, all presented in a large leather folio bag – just make sure you have space on your carry on because this thing is bigger than anything else I’ve had given on a place.

The Giorgio Armani PJs are uber luxurious and partially silk. It’s remarkable that such indulgence is offered even on short flights, outshining competitors like Emirates.

Emirates for instance do not offer full First Class amenities on most European day flights and even some Asian flights departing in evening that they do not consider a “night flight” because it arrives in Dubai before 1am local time.

Etihad First Class Dining: A Culinary Highlight

Etihad offers full dine on demand and means it.

I requested to start my meal later into the flight before landing. I thus enjoyed a few more champagne and snacks after take-off

1 hour 45 minutes prior to arrival, the crew asked if they could set my table.

The table slides out from side of the armchair and is of considerable size..

Notice how huge this wine glass is? You could empty half a bottle in there !

The Grand Prix themed menu was as follows:

Again I loved Etihad’s commitment to the catering and service with 4 different choices or mains and a appetisers!

To start, I chose the ZAAFRANI PRAWN – Tandoori potato, tamarind chutney, charcoal coral

The generous size and portion of prawns were impeccably plated – it was an exquisite way to start.

For the main, I opted for LAMB SHANK ROGAN JOSH – saffron rice & mash roasted aubergines.

Once again, I was simply amazed by the portion of lamb here, it was probably enough to share between two people !

The lamb was tender aromatic and deliciously spiced ! So good that I ended up eating more than I thought I could.

To finish, I ordered Passion Fruit Bavarios…

Which proved a sweet way to conclude the dinner.

By the time my final plates were cleared we were 40 minutes from landing but the crew still offered me hot drinks.

The sun began to set while I was eating, I spent the rest of the flight just watching the flight map, until all too soon, it was time to land.

Etihad Apartment Bed & Turn Down

Whilst I did not sleep on this flight, I did so on my return and including it here for complete picture of the product..

The crew are happy to make your bed whenever you prefer. The bed is over 6 foot and bedding provided are supremely comfortable…

The IFE monitor sliders out for bed mode and you have further Suite controls within easy reach at the side..

Whilst not pictures – the product even thoughtfully includes a slide out mini table extending out from under the vanity unit so you can store your drink or water bottle for each reach from bed.

Etihad A380s Destinations

Etihad’s A380 First Class Apartment currently serves London, Paris, and New York, with plans to expand to Singapore in February 2025.

Sadly Mumbai was a temporary slot fill for a few months.

Etihad First Class Apartments Cost & Best Way to Book it

Looking at the next 6 months, Etihad is currently charging £6000 for First Class apartments between London and Abu Dhabi return.

If you connect and fly to Mumbai – ( will no longer have First Class post Feb ) the cost drops to £5400. If you fly from Paris to Phuket the pricing becomes more reasonable at £4500 – even if AUH-HKT sectors are in Business. Etihad Business Class is also fantastic !

I originally booked London- Mumbai in Business Class for £2100 with stopovers. All sectors were either scheduled in A350s or 787s, so First Class was not even an option.

Then two months before, I received email invitations to upgrade to First when the Mumbai sector was switched to A380s. The minimum bid was £1500 or so from London to Mumbai. I initially resisted. But couple of weeks before, I put it a bid at what amounted to £500 for this sector and got that secured – a great deal compared to the outright £5400 fare from London.

Airline scheduling changes can be a pain but in this instance it worked in my favour !

Flying Etihad First Class With Points

Your best bet would be to book via Etihad’s own programme – you can transfer miles from Amex if you don’t earn EtihadGuest miles normally. While you have the best availability and able to book in advance, the rates are steep!

You can also booked Etihad First Class from London/Paris – Abu Dhabi with just 62,500 American Advantage miles! This is a far better deal, unfortunately this is now only bookable maximum 30 days in advance.

I’d managed to book London-Abu Dhabi for early 2023 via AA but unfortunately had to cancel and never found availability that worked for me again !

Overall Thoughts

Flying Etihad First Class apartments has been a truly phenomenal experience. I’m incredibly fortunate to end my year with one of the best and most enjoyable flights.

The crew and service was absolutely top notch – and the product itself, well it is quite something! Etihad has designed something so spectacular and thoughtful that more than 10 years in is proving to be the one to beat.

I’m not sure when I’ll get to review Etihad business flight from this trip, and return Etihad First Class flight, with backlog of trip reports from 2024. In summary – Etihad is back in top form, and it’s a joy to witness their resurgence. If you have the opportunity, this is an experience worth every penny or mile.

It most certainly will shoot into my Top 5 First Class Airlines – any guesses who it would knock out?

A happy new year to you from London, wherever in the world you may be 🙂