Air Travel

Your own living room in the air and a personal butler: This is everything you get with the world’s most expensive plane ticket

Though the vast majority of budgets don’t permit this level of luxury, a looksie is always free.

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Update: Apr 13th, 2025 12:46 EDT

Though a first-class ticket is a luxury most cannot afford, taking a look behind the curtain is free.

Etihad Airways has been a leader in the aviation sector for the glamorous and expensive flying experience it offers customers who purchase a Residence ticket.

These luxury tickets are only available on flight routes between London, Paris, Abu Dhabi, and New York on an Airbus 380 because of the additional space in the first-class cabin. Prices depend on the length of the trip selected, as well as seasonal and other market conditions. But customers looking for this sort of experience, should expected to spend thousands of dollars, even if the flight is only a couple of hours. For example, the flight between Paris and Abu Dhabi is less than 7 hours.

The perks begin upon arrival at the airport

For Residence flyers, the experience begins when one arrives at the airport, with Etihad providing “a personalised welcome at the airport and an attaché to ensure a seamless airport experience,” according to the airline’s promotional webpage. Before takeoff, customers will be able to visit a private lounge and, like their experience aboard, be ushered into their own private suite.

Luxury at 30,000 feet

Before takeoff, Residence ticket holders will be shown their “multi-room suite in the skies,” where up to 2 guests can enjoy their “own private bedroom, an ensuite shower room and a separate living area," says the airline. Go Banking Rate reported that those in Residence are assigned their own personal butler, all of whom are trained at the prestigious Savoy Butler Academy in London.

Once onboard, passengers will be introduced to their flight team, who will take care of them for the journey. The welcome also includes a travel folio designed in collaboration with Georgio Armani that contains a set of products to make their journey more comfortable.

Want to take a shower at 30,000 feet? That’s not a problem while trying with a Residence ticket, which includes a private bathroom with a shower.

The airline boasts an extensive menu, with chefs prepared to make whatever you want, when you want it.

As far as entertainment goes, the Residence cabin will be stocked with an “e-box” to help stay connected and entertained during the flight. Additionally, flyers can forget the small screens for moving viewing that are typical when flying, as they are switched out for flat screens.

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