AirAdvisor has ranked the 10 most extravagant airline luxuries, awarding the top spot to Etihad Airways' The Residence, a three-bedroom apartment in the sky. The ranking, which gave marks for rarity, scarcity and experience, placed Emirates First Class second and SWISS's First Grand Suite third.
Etihad's The Residence Leads the Ranking
Etihad's A380 product comes complete with a living room, a private bedroom with a double bed and an ensuite shower room. The experience begins before boarding, with services including home or hotel check-in, chauffeur transfers and a personalised airport welcome.
Emirates First Class took second place for its onboard shower spas on selected A380s, with heated flooring, a vanity area and changing space. SWISS's First Grand Suite secured the third spot, offering a private "loft" in the sky that combines two adjoining First Class suites to create a fully secluded space that can function as a bedroom, office or meeting room for up to three travellers.
Air France and Other Premium Offerings
Air France placed fourth with its La Première service, a private 45-square-metre suite at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Complete with a double bedroom, bathroom and outdoor patio, guests can completely relax in privacy before their flight. They also get access to the La Première lounge and Sisley spa.
Singapore Airlines' A380 Suites include a separate full-flat bed and leather chair, and certain suites can be combined into a double bed. Japan Airlines' A350-1000 First Class suite offers a bed up to 123 cm wide and 203 cm long, a personal wardrobe and minibar, and a 43-inch personal screen.
Virgin Atlantic's Retreat Suite Takes Tenth Place
Virgin Atlantic is the only British airline to feature, taking tenth place with its Retreat Suite on the airline's newer A330neo configuration. The suite's ottoman doubles as a second seat and the space can accommodate up to four people to dine, work or socialise together - an unusual proposition in Business Class rather than First.
Anton Radchenko, founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, said premium air travel has become "an arms race", with a lie-flat seat no longer enough to stand out. "Airlines are now competing with bedrooms, showers, private lounges and spaces designed for couples or groups," he said.
Radchenko urged passengers to research different planes before boarding, because the premium price tag does not always signal the top facilities. "For travellers, the cabin name alone does not tell you what you are actually buying. The same airline can offer a dramatically different premium experience depending on the aircraft and route. If you are paying thousands for First or Business Class, always check the exact aircraft configuration before booking."
Full List of Top 10 Experiences
- Etihad Airways – The Residence (three-room apartment in the sky)
- Emirates – A380 Shower Spa (shower at 40,000 feet)
- SWISS – First Grand Suite (private "loft" in the sky for up to three people)
- Air France – La Première (private 45 m2 suite before your flight)
- Singapore Airlines – Suites (separate seat and double bed inside your suite)
- Lufthansa – Allegris Suite Plus (two-person First Class suite that becomes a double bed)
- Japan Airlines – A350-1000 First (1.23 m-wide suite with minibar and 43-inch screen)
- Emirates – A380 Onboard Lounge (cocktail bar at 40,000 feet)
- Qatar Airways – Al Safwa First Lounge (thermal jacuzzi before boarding)
- Virgin Atlantic – Retreat Suite (Business Class suite where four people can dine together)
