Airbus A380: These airlines have the best economy passenger experience on the Superjumbo
October 5, 2025
While many operators have retired their Airbus A380s in favour of more efficient long-haul aircraft, a number of the world’s leading airlines still operate the type.
The spacious, double-decker provided airlines with ample opportunities to get creative with their cabins—and many did so. We’ve seen suites, luxurious onboard lounges, refreshing showers, and even lavish private apartments. But the economy cabins on these aircraft have garnered fewer headlines.
AGN examines what economy passengers can expect on board the Airbus A380s flying today.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) was the last ‘new’ operator of the type, receiving its first A380 in 2019 and its last in 2021. The airline has taken a unique approach, transforming its superjumbos into tourist attractions with ‘The Flying Honu.’ Honu is the Hawaiian word for sea turtle. Each aircraft is painted to resemble a sea turtle, with the head at the front and the body wrapped around the fuselage.
Each ‘Flying Honu’ has a unique colour livery and a name. The first, Lani, is painted in the blue of the Hawaiian sky. This A380 is currently in storage at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, following a collision with a cargo container that damaged an engine in September of this year. The second Flying Honu, Kai, is painted emerald green, like the waters of the Hawaiian ocean. The third, Ra, features an orange livery, reflecting the Hawaiian sunset.
Inside, the Flying Honu aircraft accommodates 520 passengers in four classes. The upper deck has 8 First Class, 56 Business Class, and 73 Premium Economy seats. On the main deck, there are 383 Economy Class seats.
Economy features Zimflexible seats arranged 3-4-3. Each 17.3” wide seat is equipped with a shifting footrest, an adjustable headrest, a cup holder mounted to the seat back, and a tray table. They offer a 13.3” touchscreen in-flight entertainment display (11.6” in the first row) and power through Universal AC and USB-A sockets.
Seats in rows 71 to 76 are ANA Couchii seats. Each set of three or four seats is equipped with leg rests that can be tilted up to form a flat sleeping surface. Passengers can book ANA Couchii seats for a separate fee.
Best for: Offers the most legroom on any A380. ANA Couchii seats make sleeping on board easier.
Asiana Airlines
The fate of Asiana’s six Airbus A380s is still unclear due to the airline’s merger with Korean Air. The aircraft were meant to be retired in 2026, replaced with Airbus A350s. However, as reported by Executive Traveller in July, Korean Air may choose to keep the superjumbos in its fleet and update them with its own livery.
It’s uncertain whether Korean Air would update the cabin interior in the process. However, while they fly, let’s look at what passengers in economy class can expect on board.
The Asiana Airlines Airbus A380-800 accommodates 495 passengers across three classes: 12 business suites (formerly marketed as first class), 66 business class seats, and 417 economy class seats.
The economy cabins are split across two decks. The main deck features the business suites at the front and three economy class cabins at the rear. The upper deck has two business class cabins and a fourth economy class cabin.
Asiana’s economy class features 18”-wide Safran Z300 seats arranged 3-4-3 on the main deck and a more cosy 2-4-2 on the upper deck. Seats are set at a 32” pitch, with a 3” recline. They feature a bi-fold tray table and an adjustable headrest, as well as a 9” touchscreen display for in-flight entertainment. Power is available through individual USB-A sockets, as well as a shared 110V universal AC socket located between the seats.
Best for: Wider economy seats, and ideal for couples in the upper deck economy 2-4-2.
British Airways
British Airways currently has 12 Airbus A380s, two of which are currently parked. The airline’s A380s accommodate 469 passengers in four classes, with 14 first class, 97 Club World business class, 55 World Traveller Plus premium economy and 303 World Traveller economy class seats.
The classes are mixed on both decks, with all first class, 44 business class, and all economy seats on the main deck and 53 business and all premium economy seating on the upper deck.
The airline’s World Traveller economy cabins are arranged 3-4-3 and feature 17.9” wide Recaro CL3620 seats, set at a 31” pitch, with a 5” recline. In-flight entertainment plays on 8.9” HD touchscreen displays and power is available through individual USB-A and shared universal 110V AC outlets that deliver up to 125 Watts.
British Airways’ World Traveller Plus premium economy features 18.7” wide Recaro PL3530 seats in a less crowded 2-3-2 configuration. Window seats have access to extra storage lockers. The seat separation (pitch) is a generous 38”, offering plenty of legroom.
All seats recline 8” for sleeping and feature a six-way adjustable headrest, as well as bi-folding tray tables. Aisle seats feature movable armrests, making it easier to get in and out of your seat. The in-flight entertainment plays on a 10.6” HD touchscreen display. Power is available through two USB-A ports and a universal 110V AC plug delivering up to 125 Watts.
Best for: While the main-deck economy class is suitable, the premium economy cabin on the upper deck could be worth the higher fare for longer flights.
Emirates
Emirates is the world’s largest Airbus A380 operator, with a fleet of 116 (95 of which are currently active). The airline has made its mark by offering a luxurious flying experience, which includes showers and an onboard lounge in its first class cabins. But the airline’s focus on passenger comfort is evident in all classes of service.
Emirates has eight different cabin configurations on its A380s: two four-class, five three-class, and one two-class types. The airline has gradually introduced a premium economy class on its aircraft as part of its extensive fleet refurbishment program.
Emirates’ four-class A380 variants
Most of Emirates’ four-class ultra-long range A380s accommodate 484 passengers with 14 first class, 76 business class, 56 premium economy and 338 economy class seats.
The economy and premium economy cabins are located on the main deck, with the premium economy cabin positioned towards the front. It features 19.5” wide Recaro PL3530 seats arranged 2-4-2, with a 40” pitch and 8” recline.
Each offers a six-way adjustable headrest, calf rest, footrest and a retractable bi-folding table. Passengers enjoy the extensive catalogue of the airline’s ice in-flight entertainment system on a 13.3” pivoting HD touchscreen display.
Power is available through shared universal 110V AC outlets and individual USB-A and USB-C sockets. The airline is restricting the use of power banks on board due to safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. These may not be plugged into power outlets during the flight.
Economy class features 17.9” Safran Z400 seats arranged 3-4-3, set 32” apart with a 4” recline. Each features a 4-way adjustable headrest and a retractable table. Economy seats are equipped with a pivoting 13.3″ HD touchscreen display and offer USB-A sockets for power.
The four-class ultra-long-range variant accommodates three additional passengers in economy class, but the airline fits the extra seats without compromising pitch. Economy class passengers will find no notable difference between them.
Emirates’ three-class ultra-long-range variants
Some of the airline’s three-class ultra-long-range A380s accommodate 489 passengers, with 14 first class, 76 business class, and 399 economy class seats. All economy class seats are on the main deck of these aircraft.
The economy class product is similar to the four-class A380s, offering reasonable comfort. The power options differ on these planes, with AB DF HJ seats also having a 110V universal AC socket in addition to a USB-A socket.
The alternative three-class ultra-long-range configuration accommodates two additional passengers in economy class without any noticeable changes to the passenger experience.
Emirates’ three-class mid-range variants
The airline’s three-class mid-range Airbus A380 aircraft has three variants. One accommodates 517 passengers, with 14 first-class, 76 business-class, and 427 economy-class seats.
Economy class offers the same experience as on the three-class ultra-long-range variants, featuring the same seat amenities and all seats located on the main deck.
The second mid-range variant accommodates two more passengers in economy class, without compromising passenger comfort. The third variant has one less economy class seat onboard (426).
Emirates’ two-class mid-range Airbus A380
Emirates also operates a number of two-class mid-range Airbus A380s. These accommodate 615 passengers with 58 business class seats and 557 economy class seats. On these aircraft, economy class is split across the two decks, but there is no change to passenger comfort features.
Best for: A luxurious “A380 experience” across every cabin, with a reasonably comfortable economy cabin. The airline’s premium economy class really stands out, offering ample room and luxurious trim and finishes.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has nine A380s in its fleet, seven of which are currently active. The airline took on the challenge of its neighbour, Emirates’ luxurious A380, topping it with the introduction of The Residence—a private apartment in the sky that includes three separate rooms, a lounge, a bedroom, and a private lavatory with a shower.
Etihad also introduced First Apartments and lavish Business suites. The airline’s A380s feature The Lobby—a comfortable lounge located between First and Business.
All these luxuries are located on the upper deck of the A380. The main deck is wholly dedicated to economy class. And Etihad did not leave its economy passengers wanting for A380 comfort.
The 405 passengers in economy class can enjoy customised Weber 5751 seats with a “fixed wing” camel leather-upholstered headrest (the protruding wing provides passengers with added privacy and a comfortable place to rest their heads). The spacious 18.95” wide seats also offer adjustable lumbar support and a 6” recline.
They are arranged 3-4-3 across four cabins with a varying pitch. Seats in the first seven rows at the front of the aircraft are set 32″ apart, while the rows aft are set 31″ apart. In-flight entertainment can be enjoyed on an 11.1″ touchscreen display, and power is available through Universal AC and USB-A sockets.
Best for: The generous economy seat width makes up for a standard pitch, and those headrest wings ensure seat neighbours won’t doze on your shoulder.
Korean Air
Not counting those Korean Air may inherit from Asiana, the airline has six Airbus A380s in its fleet, four of which are currently active.
Korean Air took full advantage of the A380’s additional space, introducing four social areas for passengers to enjoy during their journey. On the main deck, there is a small First Class bar, located forward of the First Class cabin, and a former duty-free retail area, now converted into a self-serve snack zone, accessible to all passengers, at the rear of the economy cabin.
The upper deck rear cabin previously featured the “Celestial” lounge bar, which has also been converted into a snack zone. A smaller lounge area is located at the front of the upper deck. Both upper deck lounges are reserved for First and Prestige (business) class passengers.
Korean Air’s Airbus A380s accommodate 407 passengers with 12 first class “Kosmo Suites” on the main deck and 94 business class “Prestige Sleeper” seats on the upper deck. The 301 economy class seats are located on the lower deck, behind the first class section.
The economy class cabin is arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration, with 18.1”-wide seats set at a generous pitch of 33”, offering a 118˚ recline. They feature a bi-folding tray table with an independent cup holder, a 10.6″ HD touchscreen display for in-flight entertainment and individual universal AC sockets for power.
Tip: Located on the aisle side of a four-seat grouping, behind a three-seat grouping, seat 47D offers ample legroom.
Best for: All-around legroom (especially in 47D) and a reasonably comfortable seat width in economy.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa operates eight Airbus A380s, offering four distinct classes of service with 8 first class suites, 78 business class seats, 52 premium economy seats and 371 economy seats. The economy cabin is divided. Most seats are located behind premium economy on the main deck, but there are 35 economy seats on the rear upper deck.
Economy class features 17.3”-wide Recaro CL3510 seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration on the main deck and a more cozy 2-4-2 on the upper deck. Seats have a 31” pitch and 6” recline. In-flight entertainment plays on a 9” HD touchscreen display and power is available through an individual USB-A socket.
The premium economy cabin features 19”-wide ZIMmagic seats (which are 23” wide at the shoulder) arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, and set 38” apart with an 8” recline. They feature a ladder-style footrest, though front-row seats have an integrated legrest and footrest. In-flight entertainment plays on an 11.7” HD touchscreen display, and there are Universal AC and USB-A sockets available for power.
Best for: Lufthansa’s premium economy offers good value and comfort for longer flights. For those who fly in economy alone or as a couple, the rear upper deck is an excellent option.
Qantas
Qantas has a fleet of 10 Airbus A380s, eight of which are currently active. The Qantas Airbus A380-800 offers four classes of service, including 14 first class suites, 70 business class seats, 60 premium economy class seats and 341 economy class seats. Economy class is located on the main deck behind first class. Premium economy is on the upper deck behind business class.
Economy class features custom David Caon-designed Recaro seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration. Seats are 17.7” wide and set 32” apart, offering a 6” recline. In-flight entertainment is displayed on a 12” pivoting HD touchscreen, and a small storage pocket is located beneath the screen for personal items. Power is available through an individual USB-A socket with a shared universal AC socket between the seats.
Premium economy features custom David Caon-designed seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Seats are 20.5” wide and set at a 38” pitch, with a 9” recline. Seats feature a bi-fold tray table that stows into the armrest, and a suspended footrest.
In-flight entertainment plays on a 13″ pivoting touchscreen HD display, with a small, secure storage pocket beneath for personal items. Two USB-A sockets are provided per seat, and a shared universal AC socket is located between the seats to supply power.
Best for: Premium economy offers more comfort on very long flights, but families will be comfortable in economy with a 32″ pitch.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways operates eight Airbus A380s. The main deck is used exclusively for economy class, with most seats located there. On the upper deck, the airline has placed eight first class suites, 48 business class seats, an onboard lounge for first and business class passengers, and a small economy class section at the rear.
The airline’s economy class offers 18”-wide Recaro CL3710 seats, with a 31” pitch and 7” recline. Most (405) are located on the main deck and configured 3-4-3; an additional 56 seats are located at the rear of the upper deck and configured 2-4-2.
In-flight entertainment plays on a 10.6″ HD touchscreen display, and power is available through individual Universal AC and USB-A sockets.
Best for: Wider economy seats might compensate for a tighter pitch. The upper deck seats are recommended for those who prefer a quieter environment during the flight.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines was the launch customer of the A380 and took full advantage of the aircraft’s architecture to offer a unique premium experience. The airline’s six first-class suites are still among the best in the sky, offering separate seating and full beds. Two pairs of suites can be combined into a double bed.
Business class is also luxurious, featuring 78 bespoke Jamco Business seats that offer ample comfort. That’s all located on the upper deck, but lower deck passengers will still find plenty of comfort.
Premium economy is located at the front of the main deck. It features 44 Safran recliner seats with integrated calf rests and footrests. These seats are 19.5” wide and set 38” apart, with an 8” recline. In-flight entertainment plays on a 13.3″ touchscreen display. Power is available through a Universal AC and two USB-A sockets.
Economy class is located behind premium economy and accommodates 343 passengers. The 18.5”-wide Recaro CL3710 seats are arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration and set at a 32” pitch with 5” recline. Each seat features a six-way adjustable headrest and a bi-fold retractable table with an independent cup holder. The in-flight entertainment display is an 11.6″ HD touchscreen. A shared universal AC socket, along with an individual USB-A socket, provides power.
Best for: A consistently excellent passenger experience.
