Here's how the Airbus A380 changed the premium travel experience
By Brandon Loo, September 19 2018
It's now been a decade since Qantas picked up the keys to its first Airbus A380, and eleven years since Singapore Airlines made its inaugural superjumbo flight from Singapore to Sydney.
The sheer size of this airborne behemoth offered plenty of room for airlines to get creative, especially when it came to their highest-paying passengers.
While none fully embraced Airbus' original optimistic visions for the A380, which included first class lounges surrounded by private suites (above), most airlines flying the superjumbo found ways to raise the bar for premium travellers.
Stylish suites
The original Singapore Airlines suites were a game-changer: first class passengers now had their own 'room' with sliding doors...
... and the ability to merge two adjacent suites into a shared suite with a double bed.
Ten years on, Singapore Airlines' second-generation A380 suites are even larger and more luxurious.
Emirates followed with similarly-private cabins...
... which will also become much larger and better-appointed when the Gulf carrier brings its new Boeing 777 suites to the A380 superjumbo from 2021.
Etihad revealed a spacious Apartment as its first class offering...
... while Qantas and Qatar Airways, among others, opted for a more open suite concept.
Of course, the honour of ‘most extravagant space on a commercial airline’ is undoubtedly held by Etihad’s The Residence – an opulent three-room suite featuring a living room, a bedroom with an actual double bed, and ensuite shower.
Sky-high showers
For many business travellers, the most important feature of a good airport lounge is the presence of roomy, well-stocked shower suites.
Emirates and later Etihad took the idea one step further, installing onboard shower spas for the first class passengers.
With five minutes of hot running water allocated, taking a shower at 35,000 feet meant hitting the ground refreshed and ready for business.
Lavish inflight lounges and bars
While by no means the exclusive domain of the Airbus A380, the sheer floorspace available made it possible to create sizeable communal areas for drinking and socialising were possible.
This includes the horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar at the rear of Emirates' A380 upper deck, recently updated along the lines of a stylish saloon...
... the cosy Lobby nook between the business and first class cabins of Etihad's A380...
... and the snaking lounge of Qatar Airways' superjumbo.
Korean Air managed to fit two lounges into its A380s: the first is towards the A380's nose...
... while at the back of the upper deck you'll find the more salubrious Celestial Bar featuring Absolut vodka cocktails.
Of course, Qantas is set to revamp its 12-strong Airbus A380 fleet with two new lounges, one at either side of the 'grand staircase' between the upper deck business class and lower deck first class cabins.
Also read: Six reasons I'll use the new Qantas A380 inflight business lounges
Breezy boarding
Even with priority boarding lanes, you can end up wedged in a line if there’s just one or two doors to enter through.
However, most airlines flying the A380 let you step straight into the business class cabin on the upper deck. Emirates even offers direct boarding from the lounge to the plane in Dubai, Brisbane and Perth – an innovative concept that allows you to relax for longer and not have to run for the final call.
How has the Airbus A380 has changed your business travel experience?
Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2014
Total posts 112
While I do like the A380, zone A on the 747 still holds a special place in my travel heart.
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 104
Always!! Is a very special cabin
04 May 2018
Total posts 43
Great ways to increase revenue 'though some airlines should improve economy too? 30"pitch for 12 hours or more is not healthy!
04 May 2018
Total posts 43
Make that: 31"pitch is uncomfortable!
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 104
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
I flew on a JAL 788 from MEL-NRT return in W and the same comment applies to that cabin. 42in pitch really makes a difference over 38in standard used by others. I had a look down the back and their 2-4-2 Y seating allows for 19in width paired with what I think is 34in pitch.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 729
It kept me loyal to Emirates as I love their A380 Business class product, just as their 777's were the ones to fly with prior to their A380 acquisitions.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
07 Sep 2012
Total posts 146
+1. In fact, my wife and I have made a pact that, as we head into an early retirement in a year or two, we will NEVER fly anything lower than J long haul, and always the A380 where possible. Sorry kids, but we're going to spend the 'inheritance' on ourselves.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2014
Total posts 131
The A380 is by far the best plane in the sky and will be for a long time. I really do hope there is a turnaround one day and we see the neo fly.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Jun 2012
Total posts 58
Going from the Emirates lounge directly onto the air bridge for boarding was a big WOW factor for me.
19 Sep 2018
Total posts 2
If I remember correctly, TWA had lounges on wheels in the late 1970s and through the 80s. Not sure about the existence after that. TWA docked these mobile lounges to the aircraft allowing passengers to walk directly into the cabin. So cool!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Nov 2016
Total posts 130
I still remember my first flight on SQ 9V-SKA which was the first A380 that went into service and launch aircraft. Was a great thrill. I definitely agree on the comment on boarding the Emirates aircraft direct from the lounge. Have not had the experience of flying first class which on the Big Bird would surely be an awesome experience.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
A380 on both SQ or QF definitely influences my choice of flight with both airlines, I just love the A380. This is based travelling in business class for company travel, paid by the company. Personal travel I will still try and choose the A380 and use QFF or Krisflyer to upgrade. Even in Y it's wonderful and spacious.
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 206
The whole J experience is now magic and definitely worth paying for. From the direct lounge to aircraft boarding, the "have we taken off yet? smooth takeoff, the quiet cabin and its ability to " sit still" in the air, the on-demand meals, excellent seating, inflight bars, etc. So glad the airlines have put some effort into improving the J experience, especially with this great aircraft.
03 May 2013
Total posts 680
Worthy to note that Qantas A380 pics didn’t make the cut for this ABT’ article on the A380. Can Qantas cabin ‘designers’ be any more bland, boring and unsophisticated? Make an effort Mr Joyce. The aircraft itself is unrivalled as the best experience in the air-boarding a QF A38O in F or J is the most underwhelming A380 experience out there unfortunately.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Dec 2014
Total posts 51
Interestingly, you have John Borghetti to thank for the current hard product on the Qantas A380.
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 209
But the bed.....oh, my the Qantas A380 1st class bed is THE reason to upgrade from business.
12 Aug 2017
Total posts 75
In answer to the question 'has it made a difference to my travel!' The answer is yes!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Sep 2017
Total posts 162
Wow factor for all airlines pictured here with their A380 lounges other than QF - totally boring! Cafeteria like actually.
Qatar Airways
06 Jul 2016
Total posts 47
I love flying on the A380. Except, of course, flying backwards in a centre seat overnight on BA's sardine yin-yang layout. They binned the email about space and luxury.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Sep 2012
Total posts 236
In fairness, Emirates started the enclosed suite on their A340s which predate the A380 and they were flying these to Oz and elsewhere before 2007. The size of the A380 was the impetus for other airlines (like SQ and later Etihad) to follow with their own enclosed suites (which Etihad also have on their 777s).
The A380 is great but I dount it will take many more orders beyond Emirates. None of the US carriers are interested and if the global economy dips again they'll have problems filling them. That's why Turkish ordered the A350 and 787 as its growth aircraft. While size does matter - sometimes being big isn't always the best.
19 Sep 2018
Total posts 2
SQ had beds with sliding doors on their B747s from the 1970s and well into the late 1980s known as the Slumberettes. These were booked out more than 6 months in advance and jealously guarded by the 'owner'. The aircrafts were deployed on the Singapore London route and v.v. There was a lounge with a bar on the upper deck too. This was the true precursor to the Suites on the AB380.
04 May 2018
Total posts 43
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 209
I must say we’re pretty spoilt having so many choices when it comes to A380 operators servicing Australia. Many of my US based friends and colleagues have never flown on one, even if they’re frequent flyers. Some haven’t even seen one but most Australian travelers will have been on them many times. I’ve long since lost count.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Here's how the Airbus A380 changed the premium travel experience