The Residence is a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a private luxury apartment than an aircraft seat
While most of us are accustomed to shelling out less than £100 for a Ryanair flight, the world’s wealthiest individuals enjoy an entirely different level of air travel. There are your run-of-the-mill flights, and then there are those that become legendary tales.
One ticket stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to sky-high luxury, so opulent that it makes business class seem pedestrian. Picture this: your own personal flat soaring thousands of feet in the sky, complete with a private living room, separate bedroom, mid-flight shower facilities, and a personal butler at your beck and call.
Throw in some customised gourmet dining — think succulent steak instead of microwaved pasta — access to a lounge before take-off, and even Armani pyjamas to slip into when you’re ready to hit the hay.
The price tag is enough to make most of us choke on our peanuts. If you fancy flying like the crème de la crème, you’ll be paying a pretty penny. You’ll need to cough up as much as £50,000 for “The Residence” experience aboard one of Etihad Airways’ A380s, reports the Express.
“The Residence” is far from your average cabin. It’s a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a swanky private flat than an aeroplane seat. Etihad describes it as a “bespoke journey above the clouds”.
The service is just as lavish. Each guest has a personal butler, trained at the prestigious Savoy Butler Academy in London, to handle everything from meal service to unpacking luggage to keeping your champagne glass brimming.
Whilst the luxurious service isn’t offered on every route, The Residence operates from the UK, primarily on journeys to New York or Abu Dhabi.
The premium travel experience commences well before boarding, featuring a bespoke airport welcome and dedicated escort to guarantee a smooth airport journey.
Whilst most passengers switch their devices to flight mode, those travelling in The Residence can access complimentary onboard Wi-Fi with unlimited data.
The second room of your airborne suite is the sleeping quarters, featuring a generous double bed to guarantee you reach your destination fully refreshed. Cabin crew will serve meals at your convenience, including a special breakfast in bed arrangement if desired.
Experiencing one of the services from London to Abu Dhabi, travel vlogger Walk With Me Tim shared his thoughts on YouTube. He commented: “Wow, what an experience from start to finish. The service is impeccable. The food, I cannot fault. They walked me to where I got my case, and then escorted me to where I got my car.
“They took my case the whole way there. I didn’t even have to get it off the belt. That bedroom, though, as something else, the whole thing was an experience, I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”