Flying can quite literally be a pain in the rear. The stale air dries you out like the world's largest blow-dryer, the they never have that movie you wanted to watch, and the less said about the seats, the better. We're not even going to try to get into the deal with airplane food.
Unless you splurge and upgrade your ticket to business class. Then, you'll be treated not only to extended legroom and complementary drinks, but also a reclining seat. You can even splurge on one of those little privacy pods to help you sleep on long flights.
However, there is a class not just above business class, but above first class. It's only available on one airline, and it will set you back an astonishing $31,000. This is "The Residence" by Etihad Airways.
Etihad Airways
Etihad is an Emirati airline that took flight in 2003. With a fleet of 112 aircraft, they're relatively small. However, what this airline lacks in size, it makes up in splendor.
The Residence, unveiled in 2014, is the best of the best. The Residence is only available on Airbus A380 flights operating between Abu Dhabi and major cities like New York, Paris, and Sydney. It's as close as you can get to flying private on a commercial airliner.
But, enough chit-chat! What does The Residence actually include? Let's dive into the specifics.
Technically, The Residence is an upgrade to first-class. You can't book one of these apartments outright. First, you book your premium ticket for first class, then you shell out an additional $5k for an upgrade to your apartment in the sky.
While this experience is overpriced to the point of being gauche, you can't argue that passengers don't get their money's worth. Before you even board the flight, you get access to an exclusive lounge inside an already-exclusive lounge. Because there's only one Residence per flight, you and one other person will will be entirely alone save for a server and personal escort through security.
The Residence is more than a simple seat, it's an apartment 30,000 miles in the air! The 125 square foot space includes a living room, bedroom, and bathroom. However, space isn't the only thing you're paying a premium for.
Inside The Residence
Let's start with the living room. There are two plush recliners that are almost smarter than Japanese toilets, able to recline, adjust cushion firmness, and recline. If you want to watch that romcom you missed in theaters, you can do so—on a 36-inch TV with complimentary noise-cancelling headphones.
And, if you're the sort of person who can only eat while watching something, have no fear. Not only will your flight start with premium champagne served in designer glasses, but you'll have an entire culinary team at your disposal. Etihad used to employ private chefs, but now you'll simply have to settle for an extensive menu of truffles and caviar.
It's no secret that long-haul flights can leave you feeling a little musty. There's no better place to freshen up than a private bathroom. Not only will you not have to wait in line for the bathroom, but you'll also have your own shower.
Granted, showers are strictly limited to five minutes. However, the novelty of an in-flight shower with hot water makes up for the short shower time. After you've freshened up, you can get cozy in your complementary lounging cloak and Armani pajamas.
You don't have to worry about turning down the bed either. That work, and any other whims that may arise, are all covered by your personal butler. Not only is the bed super comfy, but there's an option to simultaneously watch a movie in the bedroom and the living room, in case your plus-one is sleepy.
Did we mention that the floors are heated? If there are any possible upgrades the Residence is missing out on, we can't imagine them.
They say that once you've flown business class once, you'll never be able to fly economy again—even for the shortest of flights. If that's true, then we pity the traveler who splurges on Eithad Airways' Residence, for they'd better have extremely deep pockets. Who are we kidding? Nobody but the ultra-wealthy is flying this way.
