Review: Etihad The Residence Airbus A380 (AUH-CDG)

I still remember Johan (yoo-wan), the monogramed bathrobe, a signed photo of Shawn Mendes by your bedside, lobster roll, diecast A380, even your walkaround request of the A380 getting denied because you didn't have a UAE passport.

Simon Wilson recently few The Residence as well.

What a waste, no champagne for breakfast

Didn't the residence shower used to have 10 minutes of running water? I know in first they have 5 minutes.

@Ben, silly question just for the sake of confirmation: if there's 2 people using the residence, does that mean they have to either use it for only 2.5mins each or shower together?

Residence for one person is luxurious. For two, it's quite cramped and I would rather get 2 adjoining apartments. The ground services, except for the separate room are pretty much the same.

So while still amazing and awesome, it sounds like it's not quite as amazing and awesome as when you flew it in 2017. But it sounds like it's also (relatively) more affordable now.

@ jallan -- I think that's a fair summary! It's not quite as over-the-top as before, but it sure has gotten less exorbitantly priced.

@ hbilbao -- Each person gets an allocation of five minutes. I have to imagine that sometimes they may even offer the person in The Residence more water if available and you ask.

@ flying100 -- Back in the day it seems like some crews may have unofficially given people 10 minutes, but I don't think that was the company policy.

@ Mike O. -- You have incredible memory!

You've gotten to know me pretty well for quite a while now (16-17 years) and all I can say is I enjoy my time here.

So thank you.

As it was my birthday this past weekend, I still remember telling you by email in 2011 after my birthday that CX gifted me a bottle of Krug and I was a Diamond member at the time. I don't know if you remember, but I asked if I can drink it from a regular glass or mug and how long the Krug will last both opened and unopened.

While still impressive, I would rather do this in a much longer flight where I could really experience it all. It seems not enough on a less than 7 hours flight. Also, your lounge experience was way too short. If spending this money or points, I would splurge for Abu Dhabi to NYC at least.

Wow, they didn't even charge you for Wifi? That's so generous, I can't believe it. Thanks for really making sure we got the details of that.

Can you tell us more about the free wifi you get for your USD1,590 upgrade cost? I really would like to take this amazing generosity in. Like, how did you feel when you got that gift? Did you feel like Etihad was making all your dreams come true?

Between that and some of your biggest life accomplishments, how does it rank?

if my startup IPOs then I am going to do this & pay cash

It’s called a “Navy Shower”.

Etihad doesn't fly the a380 to nyc.

Cramped is a relative term, though, right?

Are you the ‘my income is 9 figures’ guy? Bring the cash in a large duffel bag to the airport, in $1s, just for sh*ts n’ giggles…

They used to. Wish they’d bring it back!(they certainly won’t anytime soon… because… well… *gestures broadly*)

Surprisingly poor vegetarian options as mains.

If you book the residence and your partner has a 1st class seat, can they visit?

My income is extremely not 9 figures

That looks really amazing. If i have to pick nits though. The whiskey offerings leave something to be desired given the price point.

@Ben, what's the storage situation like? Those two spaces in the ottoman don't seem to be large enough for one standard carry-on spinner, let alone two. Add in personal items, coats, etc., and it seems to be lacking.

Good mile high club opportunity

Hi Ben, when you write that "Note that the cost to upgrade is the same whether you’re one or two people", do you mean that the price is the same for 2 persons as for 1 (1590 USD to upgrade a booking of either one or two persons) or do you mean that it costs 1590 USD per person (total 3180 USD) to upgrade both in a booking with 2 persons?

Slightly controversial take, but I’ve just completed two legs: LHR - AUH in The Residence and AUH - SIN in First. Both were great, obviously. But I actually had a much better experience on the First leg. The separate lounge for The Residence at LHR served very average food, and it was uncomfortable having someone hovering around the whole time. I had to politely invite them to leave and to say I’d call if I needed anything. The Residence bedroom was hot and airless and I barely slept. By contrast, the normal First lounge at AUH was wonderful and I got a genuinely good sleep in the First Apartment. The Residence was a £1.7k upgrade and I’d say definitely not worth it.

Never thought I'd see that much Bernardaud Ecume tableware on a plane!

Once again I enjoyed reading this review, thank you Ben. It was reassuring to me that you too would not recommend The Residence, for two people. We would stick to the adjoining suites if we take the via ME route to Oz, on our next trip (assuming ‘rump stops disrupting air traffic soon).

Our suitcases were stored under the bed

You didn't order the fish! What a treat for those of us who don't enjoy seafood. 🙂

Since the person (or persons) in the Residence is by definition upgrading from First, I don't see how there is any NET change in water use. Therefore, why would two persons have to use showers for only 2.5 mins each??

I had the exact same reaction!

Definitely not him, 1990. That one would be telling us that his startup went public after two weeks and raised three billion dollars.

So do tell us, please, why exactly you read this blog in the first place?

Thanks so much for this. I have been looking forward to this review and you didn’t disappoint! I’d love to make this happen at some point, but agree on the pricing for 2 people. Makes me not feel as interested as I’d want to do it with my wife.

I had Marcel serving us in January as well and he was indeed amazing! He made such a difference.
Thank you for the report!