I did the first madness of 2025: I booked Etihad's The Residence, it's not an armchair it's a three-room apartment

When the covid broke out in the very distant 2020s, companies alarmed by the (wrong) predictions of analysts and experts had decided to sacrifice A380 and 747, planes too large and not sustainable in a world that would never again return to pre-pandemic levels of travel.

With each passing day came an announcement of a carrier intent on saying goodbye to its giants. From BA's 747 and Virgin Atlantic, to the Air France's A380, Qatar and many others.

There are those like Thai Airways who in one fell swoop. Has disposed of all the four-engines in the fleet. In those months of lockdown and empty flights it had been only Singapore, Qantas and Emirates who had confirmed a future for the King of the Skies.

But then things turned out differently and those who could backed off and Etihad is just such a company.

The Residence, only Etihad offers something like this

This is a cabin that represents the old Etihad very well, namely the one that wanted to compete with Emirates. In the midst of the expansion phase, the airline had aimed to offer something that would overshadow its Dubai sister's first-class proposition.

There are 10 first-class seats on the upper deck of Etihad's A380. Nine seats named The Apartment and one The Residence, which can accommodate two passengers if desired.

The special feature of The Residence is precisely the fact that the passenger who chooses this solution has a living room, with a double sofa, TV screen and dining table. Then there is a bathroom with a shower for exclusive use and a bedroom with a double bed.

How to book Etihad's The Residence

Today The Residence is sold only as an additional option to the regular First Class ticket. The cost varies depending on the destination and duration of the flight.

I pointed to one of the new routes where Etihad has decided to bring back its A380s namely Singapore. Just as of ierei, Feb. 1, the EY giant has returned to connect the two cities, and since between the destinations served by Etihad with A380s Was one of the most interesting in terms of flight duration and ticket price I decided to spend the highest amount of money I have ever spent on a single airline ticket.

How much does it cost to book The Residence with points

Obviously the answer is yes, but only with Etihad loyalty program points. Using Etihad Guest Miles is the only way to book The Residence on the A380, other partner programs do not have access to this class of ticket. the price is really high:

• Between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow: 1 person: 300,000, 2 people: 500,000 Etihad Guest Miles
• Between Abu Dhabi and New York JFK; 1 person: 550,000, 2 people: 900,000 Etihad Guest Miles

What programs to use to book a ticket in The Apartment

There are three programs that give access to Etihad's award seat inventory and they are the Air Canada, American Airlines and Jetblue cards.

Unfortunately, none of these three are partners with American Express in Italy although Aeroplan is a card I often rely on for my reservations, but in this case I had no option but to pay cash for the ticket.

In conclusion

With this ticket I can say I am coming full circle, not only will I be flying Etihad's A380, but I will have completed the hunt for the world's best First Class cabins (still on the market). Of course, I can't wait to publish it in the apposite playlist on my YT channel.

• A380