First Class Showdown: Emirates vs Singapore vs Etihad - Which A380 Suite Is Worth Your Money?

The Three-Way Battle

Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad all operate A380s with world-class first class products. But which one deserves your money (or miles)? We break down every detail.

If you’re planning an ultra-luxury flight and can’t decide between the big three Middle Eastern/Asian carriers, you’re not alone. These three airlines have been competing for “world’s best first class” for over a decade.

Here’s the definitive comparison.

The Quick Comparison

Feature	Emirates A380	Singapore Suites	Etihad Apartment
Suite Size	~35 sq ft	50 sq ft	39 sq ft
Shower Onboard	Yes (2 shared)	No	Yes (shared)
Double Bed Option	No	Yes	No*
Onboard Bar/Lounge	Yes	No	Yes
Chauffeur Service	Yes (complimentary)	Limited	Yes (complimentary)
US Routes	Multiple cities	None (A380)	JFK, ORD
Award Availability	Good	Limited	Moderate

*Etihad Residence has double bed but is a separate $25K+ product

Emirates A380 First Class

Best For: The Complete Experience

Pros:

Onboard shower spa (the viral feature)
Onboard lounge/bar for socializing
Complimentary chauffeur to/from airport
Extensive US route network
Best award availability through Alaska Miles

Cons:

Suites lack floor-to-ceiling doors (less privacy)
Smaller suite size than competitors
Product is from 2008 (refreshed, but aging)

Bottom Line: Emirates wins on amenities and accessibility. The shower, lounge, chauffeur, and network make it the most complete package.

Singapore Airlines Suites

Best For: Space & Service

Pros:

Largest first class suites (50 sq ft each)
Only true double bed option in the sky
Separate bed and seat (not convertible)
Legendary Singapore service
“Book the Cook” meal pre-selection

Cons:

No onboard shower
No onboard bar/lounge
No A380 routes to the US
Limited award availability

Bottom Line: Singapore wins on space and service. Best for couples wanting a double bed or anyone prioritizing suite size over amenities.

Etihad First Class Apartment

Best For: Privacy & Exclusivity

Pros:

Fully enclosed suite with closing door
Onboard shower
Onboard lounge
Premium chauffeur service
Direct US routes (JFK, ORD)

Cons:

Limited A380 fleet (only 10 aircraft)
Route network smaller than Emirates
Higher prices, less award availability

Bottom Line: Etihad wins on privacy with fully enclosed apartments. Smaller network but US routes available.

Price Comparison

Sample Route	Emirates	Singapore	Etihad
To London (cash)	$8-15K	$8-15K	$8-15K
To London (points)	100K Alaska	120K KrisFlyer	104K AAdvantage

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Emirates If:

You want the shower experience
You value the onboard bar/lounge
You’re flying from the US
You’re booking with points (best availability)

Choose Singapore If:

You’re traveling as a couple (double bed)
Space is your top priority
You value exceptional service above all
You’re already routing through Singapore

Choose Etihad If:

Complete privacy matters most
You want both shower AND enclosed suite
You’re flying JFK/ORD to Abu Dhabi
You want fewer passengers (smaller cabin)

My Personal Ranking

Emirates A380 – Best overall for amenities and accessibility
Singapore Suites – Best for couples and space seekers
Etihad Apartment – Best for privacy and exclusivity

All three are exceptional. You genuinely can’t go wrong. The “best” choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

First Class Showdown: Emirates vs Singapore vs Etihad – Which A380 Suite Is Worth Your Money?

The Three-Way Battle

The Quick Comparison