My A380 Journey: Nine Airlines, One Iconic Aircraft

I’ve been lucky enough to fly the Airbus A380 across nine different airlines — each with its own interpretation of comfort, service, and style. The superjumbo may be the same aircraft, but every carrier makes it feel like a completely different world.

Here are the A380 airlines I’ve flown:

Emirates (UAE) – The undisputed king of the A380. Lounges, showers, a cabin layout that feels like a hotel in the sky.
Air France (AFR) – Classic French elegance with a calm, understated cabin atmosphere.
China Southern (CSN) – One of the few Asian carriers that operated the A380, offering a smooth and quiet experience.
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) – A nostalgic one: their A380s are gone, but the flights were warm and memorable.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) – The original A380 operator, and still one of the best. Suites, service, and signature consistency.
British Airways (BAW) – A reliable and comfortable A380, especially strong on long-haul routes to Asia and the US.
Lufthansa (DLH) – Efficient, clean, and surprisingly cozy, especially after their cabin refresh.
Korean Air (KAL) – Bright cabins, friendly crews, and a very spacious layout — truly underrated.
Etihad (ETD) – One word: The Residence. Even their regular cabins feel stylish and refined.

Maarten’s Note

Flying the A380 with so many different airlines has made me appreciate how flexible and extraordinary this aircraft really is. From Middle Eastern luxury to European efficiency and Asian hospitality, every A380 flight has shown me a different version of what long-haul travel can be.