Etihad's $20,000 Flying Apartments Are Sold Out, But There Are Plenty Of Other Amazing First Class Cabins
Although this may not sound like a big deal, demand for the $20,000 a flight suite is a actually blowing away the usual 50% booking rate for first class suites, reports Bloomberg.
The Residence is the closest thing in mass commercial air travel to the service found on a private jet. Instead of an airline seat, The Residence is more like an apartment in the sky, with a bedroom, private shower, and living area. Flyers traveling in the 125-square-foot Residence are treated to a 32-inch flatscreen TV as well as the full attention of a private butler.
Etihad hopes its Residence-equipped Airbus A380 superjumbos will steal some of the thunder away from the first class offerings of Singapore Airlines and regional rivals like Emirates.
In fact, airlines - in general - are betting that these opulent accommodations will drive up profit margins and yield greater revenues per mile.
This assumption is not unwarranted. According to The Wall Street Journal, American Airlines' say that 70 % of its total revenue comes from just 25% of its passengers.
And the International Air Transport Association has found that first- and business-class flyers make up just 8% of all fares, but account for 27% of total revenues worldwide, according to The Christian Science Monitor.
And the high-end offerings keep getting better and better. So don't fret if you can't get find your way onto one of the Residence's first flight this December, here are 9 other first class airline seats that are probably nicer than your apartment.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has long been known as one of the best airlines in the world, and its first class suites certainly live up to its lofty reputation. Singapore's fulling enclosed private suites are equipped with a large 23-inch LCD entertainment system and actual standalone beds instead of converted seat beds.
Emirates
British Airways
Qatar Airways
Though Qatar Airways have decided to concentrate more on its business class seats in recent years, its first class product is still top-notch. Passengers are treated to world-class dining with menus crafted by the likes of Nobu founder Nobu Matsuhisa and Michelin-star-winning chef Tom Aikens.
Air France
Qantas
Jet Airways
Flickr/Matt@PEK
India's Jet Airways offers luxury suites on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, complete with private sleeping areas and a large selection of Hollywood and Bollywood hits on for viewing on 23-inch flat screen TVs. Suite flyers are also treated to a personalized five-course meal and endless flutes of Dom Perignon. (The photo above shows a Jet Airways plane that's on lease to Turkish Airlines.)Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific offers its most discerning passengers stylish Norm Foster-designed first class suites with amenity kits by Ermenegildo Zegna and Trussardi. Though not fully enclosed like some of its competitors, Cathay's world-class service and plush bedding make for an equally luxurious experience.