There are some airline seats you book for convenience, and others you book because they sit stubbornly on your bucket list. Etihad A380 First Class was firmly the latter for us. Launched in 2014 during Etihad’s most ambitious luxury era, the Apartment concept rewrote expectations of what First Class could be: your own spacious suite, a separate armchair and bed, even an onboard shower, all within just nine cabins on the upper deck.
We had originally booked to try the First Apartment on a trip to Seoul in May 2020. Then the pandemic happened. The A380 fleet was grounded and our booking quietly evaporated along with much of long haul travel. For a while, it genuinely felt as though this bold, slightly extravagant product might never return. When Etihad brought the A380 back into service, it moved straight back to the top of our list.
So when a family event in South East Asia gave us an excuse to route via Abu Dhabi, and Etihad happened to be on sale, we did not hesitate. Flying in your own private suite at 35,000 feet is still mildly ridiculous in the best possible way. But if you are considering this cabin, the finer details matter, particularly which Apartment you choose. Read on.
In this review
Flight Details
Flight No: EY68
From/To: London Heathrow (LHR) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Departure time: 20:55
Ticket Class: First
Flight time: 6 hours 47 minutes
Frequent Flyer Guest Miles: 7,000
Tier miles: 7,000
Aircraft Reg: A6-APG
Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
Number of classes: 3
Number of seats in flying class: 9 + 2 in The Residence.
Seat: I was in 2C and my partner in 3A
Airport Experience
Check in at Heathrow Terminal 4 was straightforward. There was no queue, luggage was tagged swiftly and we were given our boarding passes in less than 2 minutes. It did exactly what it needed to do, though it felt slightly transactional. In First, I always hope for at least a hint that someone is pleased to see you.
The lounge felt a clear step up from check-in. Service was warm and proactive, with a member of the team checking in regularly to see if we needed anything. That attentiveness did come with a mildly awkward twist. Guests were encouraged by the manager to scan a feedback QR code and complete it on the spot, framed as him helping you through the process. I have no issue with airlines collecting feedback, but rating the experience while the person responsible stands nearby creates an unusual dynamic. In fairness, the service was genuinely good, so we had no hesitation in scoring it highly.
Food and drink options were good. The lounge’s position directly opposite the boarding gate made the transition seamless. We moved from lounge to aircraft in minutes.
Boarding & Welcome
By the time we reached the gate, boarding had already begun, but staff quickly clocked we were in First and directed us into the premium lane. At the door, the crew greeted us warmly and escorted us to our seats, introducing themselves and talking us through the cabin’s features. Champagne appeared almost immediately, followed by Arabic coffee and dates. The whole sequence felt polished without being scripted, and it matched the anticipation we had built up after years of meaning to try this cabin.
First impressions count, and Etihad A380 First Class delivered. The cabin looked just as impressive in person as it does in photos and videos. Although the design dates back to 2014, it still felt spacious, distinctive and properly premium. Look a little closer, however, and a few areas hinted at age, with minor maintenance niggles that reminded you this was not a factory fresh suite.
Seat
The First Apartment is, fundamentally, a brilliant concept: a wide leather armchair paired with a separate bench that converts into a proper bed. In practical terms, it means you can sit comfortably without feeling as though you are perched on a half flattened mattress, and you can sleep without folding your seat into something that resembles origami.
The surrounding setup was well thought through. A large table folded neatly out from the armrest, seat controls were tucked under the opposite armrest, and there was a decorative cushion, soft blanket and slippers waiting in the suite. A vanity style cupboard housed amenity products, and additional storage sat beneath the ottoman. It felt designed for living in, not just sitting in. Airlines use the word “suite” liberally these days, often to describe something that is little more than a seat with a door. This is genuinely spacious.
The weak point was ongoing maintenance. My bed felt slightly rickety and shifted more than it should have, even when locked. It was not a deal breaker, but it was noticeable. The Apartment could also feel mildly impractical during take-off, landing or turbulence. Because the suite is genuinely large, a few essentials ended up just out of reach once strapped in. First world problems, admittedly, but worth noting.
That said, the fundamentals remain impressive. It is a properly spacious, genuinely premium hard product that does not rely on gimmicks. More importantly, it is exceptionally comfortable. One practical note: with so many cupboards, compartments and storage spaces, it is surprisingly easy to leave something behind when disembarking. Do a thorough sweep before you step off.
Which is the best seat on Etihad A380 First Class?
Seat selection mattered more than the airline’s seat map suggested. I was in 2C, a forward facing seat beside the aisle with only two windows positioned far from the actual armchair. In short, it was probably not the best choice.
3A was a far better option. Positioned beside the window, it benefited from three windows and greater protection from aisle traffic. For those who preferred forward facing seats, 4C struck the best balance, being further from the aisle than 2C while still offering three windows. If you are travelling as a pair, it is best to book 3A and 4A or 3K and 4K. Do not rely solely on the airline’s generic seat map. Instead, look at the detailed plan such as AeroLOPA to understand the true window alignment and layout. See the seating plan on AeroLOPA.
With only nine Apartments available, getting this right made a noticeable difference to the overall experience. Some cabins have three windows while others have only one!
Onboard Experience
Up front were two generously sized lavatories, one housing the shower suite. They were consistently kept clean and well stocked, and importantly, never felt overused. Small operational details like that matter in First, particularly on an overnight sector.
There was not really a traditional amenity kit as such. Instead, pyjamas were presented in a large Giorgio Armani branded pouch, which effectively doubled as a keepsake wash bag. The usual amenities were neatly arranged within the vanity unit inside the Apartment itself. It felt slightly different from the standard boxed kit approach, but no less premium. In there, you also find face and eye masks to use onboard. A lovely touch.
After dinner, the crew made my bed while I got ready to sleep, and they even dealt thoughtfully with my own headphones while the bed was being set up. That attention to detail made a difference.
Then there’s the shower. I opted to have one before landing. The Shower Spa genuinely surprised me: hot water, proper pressure, and a cubicle that felt larger than you’d get in plenty of midscale hotels. Etihad runs it on a five-minute timer, which sounded stingy until I actually used it. Five minutes was plenty for a normal shower, and I stepped out feeling human again rather than like I’d just tried to wash myself with a wet wipe.
The service was excellent, attentive without being intrusive, and delivered with quiet confidence. The crew seemed completely at ease in the cabin, anticipating needs rather than reacting to them. It felt seamless, polished and genuinely premium.
The onboard bar adds another dimension, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a change of setting, even if it is more understated lounge than party space. The space is shared with Business Class passengers.
Food & Drink
We chose to dine together, and the crew mentioned that the cabin table was not especially large, so it might feel tight. In practice, it was more than adequate, and actually one of the unexpected highlights of the flight. Even with multiple courses and wine glasses on the go, we never felt short of space. We sat properly facing each other, with enough room to eat comfortably rather than juggle plates. It felt closer to a small restaurant setup than an improvised arrangement in a suite.
Dining overall was flexible, with the crew pacing the meal around us rather than following a rigid script. The food itself was genuinely impressive, not just good for an aircraft, but good full stop. Presentation was elegant, flavours were well judged, and the steak arrived beautifully cooked medium rare, which is never guaranteed at altitude.
Breakfast was more mixed. The tea was properly brewed and the milk tasted fresh. The croissants, however, were the low point, warmed but soggy and oddly heavy. I would rather they were served at room temperature than reheated into submission. After five courses the night before, skipping most of breakfast felt entirely acceptable.
Caviar Course
Caviar service featured Osetra, described as Persian sturgeon. It is the sort of course that instantly signals, “yes, this is First.” We initially wanted to pair it with Champagne, but realised it wasn’t working. Curious to experiment, we asked the crew whether vodka might be a better pairing. Without hesitation, they returned with a small, ice cold shot of Grey Goose. It transformed the dish. If we are being purists about caviar, vodka often makes more sense at altitude than Champagne.
Caviar is probably something we would only indulge in at the pointy end of an aircraft rather than actively seek out on the ground. It is part theatre, part tradition, and entirely appropriate in this setting.
Wine Selection
The wine list was varied and broadly appealing rather than headline grabbing. Champagne included Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018, with a rosé alternative for something lighter. Whites ranged from crisp Chablis to Austrian Riesling, while the reds covered familiar territory from Bordeaux and Saint-Joseph through to Othello from Dominus Estate in Napa Valley. Dessert wines and a 20 Year Old Tawny Port rounded things off neatly. It was a well rounded list that would suit most palates.
In-flight Entertainment
The IFE ran through a responsive touchscreen and was easy enough to navigate. The screen itself was large and well positioned within the suite. The weak spot was the film selection, which felt surprisingly thin for a flagship product. There was enough to fill the flight, but it lacked that depth that makes you half wish the journey were longer. That said, between meal service, the bar, the shower and a decent night’s sleep, there was barely enough time to settle into a full film anyway.
Noise cancelling headphones were provided and did a respectable job of softening the general hum of the aircraft. Combined with the upper deck setting, the cabin felt suitably insulated once the lights dimmed.
WiFi was complimentary in First, which feels right at this end of the aircraft. It worked reliably for messages and quick catch-ups before switching off for the night.
Arrival
As we descended into Abu Dhabi, a soft sunrise reminded me why I still favour window seats. The crew began preparing the cabin for landing around 50 minutes before touchdown, which felt slightly early. Some of that appeared to be driven by an anticipated hold, but it did make the final stretch feel longer than necessary.
On the ground, the A380 taxied briskly and the doors opened within moments of reaching the stand. That kind of operational efficiency matters, particularly when you have a very short layover.
We had just 45 minutes to make our onward connection, which felt uncomfortably tight. There was a brief moment of doubt about whether our luggage would make it to our final destination, but it did. Abu Dhabi Airport also had buggies circulating throughout the terminal. We stopped by the lounge to ask for assistance. Within seconds we were being driven directly to the gate.
BG1 Verdict
Etihad A380 First Class remains a genuinely special way to fly. The Apartment concept still feels bold, with vast personal space, a separate bed and a shower that delivers more than novelty. Yes, there are signs of age in places and a few catering details could be sharper, but the core experience holds up impressively well. What elevates it is the service, attentive, intuitive and delivered with quiet confidence, which binds the hard product together and gives the cabin its sense of occasion. I can’t wait to fly it again.
BG1 Tip
With so many cupboards, compartments and storage spaces, it is surprisingly easy to leave something behind when disembarking. Do a thorough sweep before you step off.
Rows 3 and 4 are the sweet spot in the main cabin. If you are travelling as a pair, avoid splitting across rows 2 and 3 as we did. Instead, book two Apartments in rows 3 and 4, where the centre divider can be lowered to create a more connected shared space.
We would also avoid 2C if window views or aisle privacy matter to you. Although forward facing, it feels exposed and the window alignment is limited. Before booking, cross check the layout on AeroLOPA rather than relying solely on the airline’s seat map.
Finally, the crew were impressively obliging. If you want to indulge a little wine tasting session, the crew would be more than happy to set this up. Lean into it and enjoy the experience.
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