With only 30 Airbus A-380s in flight, (and 230 on order) these sky-boats are still relatively rare. Touted as flying cruise ships, many airlines realized that in the economic downturn they couldn’t sustain casinos, pools and other luxurious favors, so instead they packed the Airbus with seats – lots of them. Able to hold more than 500 passengers, these planes definitely do live up to their original expectations – when you fly first class.
As opposed to a coach seat from L.A. to Sydney for $818, a first class suite costs $24,538. In Singapore Airline”s first class suites, a double bed comes standard, but they enforce a no sex policy, so it isn’t really worth it.
In the states, no airline yet has the Airbus, which has a market mostly with international flights with high traffic. American consumers prefer frequency, which is why planes that fly between states are smaller. Only five airlines offer flights on the A-380, but it lures often for its size – its 262 foot wingspan makes it by far the largest airplane ever; the Boeing 747 wingspan is just 211 feet.
Although in coach, leg room is just 31 inches, less than most Southwest flights, there is more shoulder room in the 10 abreast seating on the lower level and the 8 abreast upstairs. In a few years, however, who knows? These planes may become the standard for international travel.
