Inside Etihad's three-room suite in the sky with double bed, private shower

A private living room, a separate bedroom with a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower — all at 40,000 feet. Etihad Airways' ultra-luxury offering, The Residence, is designed to provide an experience closer to a private apartment than a conventional airline seat. Located aboard the airline's Airbus A380 aircraft, The Residence is billed by Etihad as the world's only three-room suite in the sky and can accommodate up to two guests. It sits above the airline's regular First Class offering in terms of space, privacy and personalised services. The three-room layout comprises a living area, a separate bedroom and a private bathroom. The living room provides seating for two along with a dining area and entertainment screen, allowing passengers to eat, relax or watch television without entering the bedroom.

A bedroom at 40,000 feet

The separate bedroom features a double bed with premium bedding and its own entertainment screen. Etihad also provides designer loungewear and other amenities for passengers using the suite. Perhaps its most unusual feature is the private en-suite bathroom. Unlike conventional aircraft lavatories, it includes a shower, allowing passengers to freshen up during long-haul flights. Bath linen, robes, toiletries and premium amenity products are also provided.

Dining is another major part of the experience. Passengers can choose when they want to eat rather than following the normal cabin meal schedule, with an extensive à la carte menu available during the journey. Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi and an extensive selection of onboard entertainment are also included.

Luxury starts before boarding

The Residence experience is not confined to the aircraft. Depending on the journey, Etihad offers services including chauffeur transfers, personalised airport assistance and access to a private suite in its lounge. On arrival in Abu Dhabi, passengers can also be met by an Etihad host and taken to a private chauffeur, while baggage can be delivered directly to their destination. The suite is currently offered on selected A380 services connecting Abu Dhabi with London, New York and Paris, according to Etihad. Travellers first select an eligible First Class ticket on an A380-operated flight and can then choose The Residence from the seat-selection options.

A hefty price for privacy

Such exclusivity comes at a significant cost. Full one-way fares have historically reached tens of thousands of dollars, although Etihad's current system also allows eligible First Class passengers to pay an additional amount to upgrade to The Residence. The precise cost varies according to the flight and availability. With an entire living space rather than simply a larger airline seat, The Residence remains one of commercial aviation's most extravagant premium products. Its combination of a living room, actual bedroom and private shower offers something even many conventional First Class cabins cannot match.