Best Etihad A380 First Class Apartment Seats: My Picks

Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380 first class is among the best in the world, with incredibly spacious suites, which the airline refers to as “Apartments.” An OMAAT reader sent me a question asking for seat recommendations on this aircraft, so I figured I’d make a post of it, given how often I’ve flown the product.

Basics of Etihad A380 first class cabin layout

Etihad’s Airbus A380 first class is innovative, as it’s located at the front of the upper deck, and features just a single aisle. It’s rare to see this on a wide body jet, as you’ll only otherwise find this Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites.

The cabin consists of a total of nine First Class Apartments, in addition to The Residence, which is a three-room suite, with a private living room, bedroom, and bathroom (this is available as an upgrade option for those who book first class, and your ticket must have been issued through Etihad).

The first class cabin has a staggered layout, both to maximize space and privacy for each passenger. You can find the seat map below.

The seats alternate in two ways. First of all, while there are only two seats per row (one on each side of the aisle), the location of the seat in relation to the aisle varies. Sometimes it’s closer to the aisle, and other times it’s closer to the window.

On top of that, seats alternate between facing forward and backward. Etihad’s A380 first class has a seat and fold out bed. Some seats face forward (meaning the bed is in front of the seat), while some seats face backward (meaning the seat is in front of the bed).

With that in mind, which seats face which direction, and what is the location in relation to the aisle?

• Seat 1A: This is The Residence, and not first class
• Seat 1H: rear facing aisle seat
• Seats 2C & 2H: forward facing aisle seats
• Seats 3A & 3K: rear facing window seats
• Seats 4A & 4K: forward facing window seats
• Seats 5C & 5H: rear facing aisle seats

Best Etihad A380 first class seats for solo travelers

If traveling alone in Etihad’s A380 first class, I’d recommend a seat in row three or row four. That’s because the seats are closer to the windows and further from the aisle, so they offer more privacy.

If you have a seat closer to the aisle, then it’s basically impossible to look out the window during takeoff and landing.

There’s no real difference between these seats, other than that row three is rear facing, and row four is forward facing. I find rear facing seats to be kind of fun, so I actually prefer that, for the novelty, if nothing else. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness or aren’t used to it, then you’re probably better off avoiding those seats.

Best Etihad A380 first class seats for couples

While Etihad’s A380 first class seats don’t turn into double beds, there are a couple of seats that connect.

As you’ll see in the below pictures, there’s a “shield” between rows three and four, and that can be retracted if you’re traveling with someone. So if you’re traveling as a couple, your best bet is two seats behind one another in rows three and four.

I should clarify, though, that the shield only retracts by where your head is, and not for the entire bed. So it lets you be closer to your travel companion than in other suites, but it’s still not a true double bed, like in Singapore Suites.

Other Etihad A380 first class seat preferences

In general I’d avoid row one if possible. You’re right by the shower and toilet, so there’s going to be quite a bit of foot traffic, and once in a while even noise. Furthermore, you’re right across from The Residence, so you might almost feel a little second class. 😉

In general I’d also avoid row five if possible. It’s not bad or anything, but keep in mind that the one downside of having only one aisle is lots of foot traffic through that aisle. So it helps not to be right by the galley, in terms of noise and light. Furthermore, row five only has one window on each side, since the seats are closer to the aisle.

Bottom line

Etihad’s A380 first class is a lovely way to fly, with some of the world’s most spacious first class seats. Personally I recommend picking a seat in row three or row four, if possible. If traveling with someone, you’ll want to select seats behind one another in row three and four, since that forms a slightly interconnected space.

But if those are occupied, don’t worry, you’ll have a great flight no matter which “Apartment” you’re seated in.

What’s your favorite Etihad A380 first class seat?