Etihad's 3-Room Residence: The Most Exclusive Airline Cabin You Can Reserve. Here's What It's Like

Ten years after Etihad Airways unveiled its most luxurious onboard experience—known as The Residence, a three-room sky apartment featuring butler service, a private en suite shower, and other high-end amenities—it remains one of the most exclusive offerings in commercial air travel. Naturally, this luxury comes with a significant price tag: between $20,000 and $30,000 one way, depending on the route, at its initial launch.

Thanks to a recent fare restructuring by Etihad, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, travelers can now enjoy this extravagant experience at a more accessible price.

In the summer of 2023, as Etihad reintroduced its flagship Airbus A380 fleet following the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline also brought back The Residence with some updates. It is now available as an upgrade option for first-class passengers, as confirmed by an Etihad spokesperson to Dinogo.

One-way upgrade prices from Etihad First Class stand at $4,790 for a single traveler and $5,990 for two passengers flying together from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH). Prices vary based on the route and other factors, but a solo traveler on a round-trip journey, booking the lowest fare, would pay approximately $24,700 for the JFK-AUH route, which includes both first-class tickets and The Residence upgrades for each leg of the flight. This means that current prices are about half of what they were a decade ago.

Experiencing Life Aboard The Residence

With a price tag nearing $25,000—comparable to the annual salary in many parts of the world—this ticket is undeniably extravagant. Yet, The Residence offers a luxurious private jet experience filled with lavish extras and amenities.

Firstly, the generous space. Guests can unwind in the living area, which includes a double-seat sofa, two dining tables, and a 32-inch television, while indulging in a wide range of in-flight entertainment and gourmet meals from Etihad’s exceptional culinary program. Additionally, a private en suite shower for refreshing and a double bed adorned with plush linens and elegant Armani sleepwear ensure a restful slumber during the journey.

Gino Bertuccio is a loyal patron. The Miami-based entrepreneur and aviation aficionado was the inaugural passenger on Etihad’s A380 launch from Abu Dhabi to London in December 2014. When the superjumbos resumed service post-pandemic, Bertuccio boarded the 14-hour journey from Abu Dhabi to New York, once again enjoying The Residence, complete with a personalized invitation, menu, and other luxurious touches.

While there are numerous fantastic cabins in the skies, The Residence stands out as a home of its own.

How to Secure a Ticket for The Residence

• The Residence is currently offered on four routes serviced by A380-800 aircraft between AUH and JFK (in both directions) and AUH and London’s Heathrow Airport (in both directions). Starting November 1, 2024, it will also be available on routes between AUH and Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• Previously, passengers could book The Residence as a standalone cabin option directly from Etihad’s website. However, due to changes in the fare structure, you now need to look for first-class flights and select the upgrade to The Residence.
• Additionally, following a change in Etihad’s loyalty program in June 2024, you can now book The Residence using miles. Keep in mind that you’ll need a substantial amount: at least 300,000 miles if you're a Gold Tier member (or higher).
• Upgrading to The Residence can also be done using miles, according to an Etihad representative. This upgrade can only be completed after your initial booking in the “manage your booking” section.
• If the price for a ticket to The Residence is beyond your budget, you can still experience it virtually through Etihad’s 3D tour.