Flying Every Class on the World’s Most Expensive Airline
There is a seat on an airplane called the A380 Residence that literally comes with a living room, a private bathroom, a private bedroom, and a personal flight attendant. It only exists on one airplane in the entire world. I have no business flying in that seat. However, I owed my friend Isaac a favor. His brother David lives across the world in Singapore, and they hadn’t seen each other in 10 years. Isaac asked me to deliver David a letter and his favorite cereal from the US, all the way to Singapore.
The only way this insane journey of flying every class on the most expensive airline could happen was with a sponsor. Thanks to Shopify, I packed my bags, made my way to the airport, and began one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of my life.
From JFK to Abu Dhabi in Basic Class
On my way to my seat, I passed through business class and Basic+. The legroom looked unreal. Eventually, I made it to my first seat of the video: basic economy. The first flight was from JFK to Abu Dhabi, nearly 13 hours long. I spent most of the time measuring legroom, staring out the window, and waiting for food.
Lunch arrived about an hour into the flight. Chicken and rice, vegetables, cheesecake, and a Sprite. Shockingly, it was the best airplane meal I’d ever had. Even silverware was included, which felt like first-class treatment in basic. The bathroom tour confirmed it was basic but functional. Later, a cappuccino and Oreos arrived, and suddenly this “basic” experience felt anything but basic.
Sunrise, Breakfast, and Incredible Service
As the sun rose over the ocean, breakfast followed. Chicken and rice again, but honestly, it was great. I interviewed the flight attendants, who shared their love for people and passion for service. Their kindness made the flight unforgettable.
We landed in Abu Dhabi, and my cereal safely passed customs. With a 10-hour layover before my next flight, I checked into a hotel inside the airport and got some rest.
Basic+ to Singapore
The next leg was Abu Dhabi to Singapore in Basic+. The upgrade was obvious. More legroom, more comfort, and a seat that felt dangerously close to first class. Dinner was chicken and rice again, paired with Coca-Cola and dessert. I couldn’t stop thinking about whether the cereal was still safe in my bag.
The service continued to be outstanding, and after landing in Singapore, customs cleared the cereal without issue. Mission one was successful.
Delivering the Cereal in Singapore
I finally met David and delivered the cereal from his brother. Cracklin’ Oat Bran. It wasn’t just cereal. It was nostalgia. We shared a bowl together, read Isaac’s letter, and relived childhood memories. David then asked me for a favor in return: deliver a Singaporean snack and a letter back to Isaac in the US. Mission part two had begun.
Exploring Singapore and Heading Back
David showed me around Singapore, a place I had dreamed of visiting since school. After a short adventure, I headed back to the airport, this time flying business class.
Business Class Experience
Business class came with a private lounge, lay-flat seats, slippers, pillows, blankets, and an amenity kit filled with skincare. I tried to stay awake to enjoy everything but ended up sleeping for four hours. The seat was easily the most comfortable I had ever experienced.
The food, service, and bathroom were all major upgrades. Before landing in Abu Dhabi, I freshened up and prepared for the next surprise.
Unexpected Private Suite in Abu Dhabi
After landing, security escorted me off the plane and into a private suite. Inside was a dining table, couch, full bathroom with a shower, pastries, fruit, and a personal waiter. It felt unreal.
After enjoying a late-night meal, I was escorted to my final flight. This time, I wasn’t just flying first class.
The A380 Residence Experience
I boarded the flight and entered the A380 Residence. This wasn’t a seat. It was an apartment in the sky. A living room with two seats and a TV, a fully stocked refrigerator, noise-canceling headphones, and personal controls.
Behind the living space was a private bedroom with a full-size bed. To the side, a private bathroom with a shower. Pajamas, slippers, skincare products, and on-demand dining completed the experience. I ate steak, worked on my laptop, and slept like I was in a luxury hotel.
Working at 35,000 Feet with Shopify
While flying in the Residence, I worked on my business using Shopify. From AI-generated product descriptions to background removal and subscriptions, everything was handled effortlessly. Shopify made it possible to work from anywhere, even in the troposphere.
Breakfast, Landing, and Final Delivery
Breakfast arrived on demand with smoothies, fruit, pastries, and coffee. As we approached the US, I completed my in-air morning routine and prepared for landing. Customs once again crossed my mind, but everything went smoothly.
Finally, I delivered the Singaporean snack and letter to Isaac. He read his brother’s message, filled with encouragement, memories, and love. The mission was complete.
The Journey Comes Full Circle
A few weeks later, I found myself in Target, imagining Joyride candy on store shelves. From basic economy to the most luxurious seat in the sky, this was a once-in-a-lifetime journey driven by kindness, connection, and a box of cereal.