Airlines + Airports Inside the Airbus A380, the Biggest Passenger Plane in the World By Talia Avakian Talia Avakian Website Talia Avakian is a lifestyle reporter with nearly a decade of experience writing digital and print content for noted national and international travel publications. She began her career in travel reporting at BBC Travel, where she covered news and features of global destinations, later working as a travel reporter at Business Insider and as a digital news reporter for Travel + Leisure. During her time at Travel + Leisure, she has covered airlines, hotels, new product launches for travelers, natural phenomena travelers can witness, new experience launches, and more. Her work has also appeared in The Independent, Time, Food & Wine, Fortune, Essence, and Departures, among others. Talia is currently a freelance lifestyle reporter in Los Angeles, where she covers content ranging from outdoor getaways, hotels, and transportation to food and experiential offerings at destinations across the globe. She has gone behind the scenes with airlines to learn about flight attendant training, scaled remote mountainsides at far-flung hotels, gone inside the inner workers of Air Force jets, shared the history of Frank Sinatra's favorite New York restaurant hideaway, documented what life is like inside the world's largest residential airpark, and more. She loves discovering unknown perks travelers can access and adventures they can take part in no matter where they go, sharing inside looks at offerings from around the world to help every traveler get the best out of each journey. * 9+ years of experience working as a travel reporter * Stories published and syndicated across over 50 national and international publications * Appeared as a travel expert on Cheddar to discuss emerging travel trends * Received a master's degree in multimedia reporting from the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on January 31, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Emirates Emirates operates more Airbus A380 aircraft, the world's largest passenger plane, than any other airline. The A380 can carry up to 853 passengers (depending on the seat configuration), with its massive double-deck layout providing Emirates with ample space for not only seats but also onboard amenities like showers and a lounge. Here's what it's like to take a flight aboard the world's largest passenger plane. 01 of 09 Two Decks Courtesy of Emirates The A380 includes two full-length decks, allowing airlines to include features like bar and lounge areas, lie-flat seats in business class, and private suites. The aircraft's cabin air gets recycled every two minutes, while advanced lighting systems provide mood and ambient features. 02 of 09 Seat Pitch Courtesy of Emirates Emirates economy seats are 18 inches wide, and have a seat pitch up to 34 inches, according to Seat Guru. That's roomy for economy. 03 of 09 Amenity Kits Courtesy of Emirates Emirates recently introduced blankets for economy passengers aboard the A380 that are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, in addition to economy amenity kits with eye masks, earplugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and socks. 04 of 09 Onboard Lounge Courtesy of Emirates The aircraft's double-decker layout allows for airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Korean Air to install onboard lounges. Emirates' onboard lounge, which is reserved for first and business class passengers, even has a bartender. 05 of 09 Business Class Courtesy of Emirates Emirates' business class on the A380 has staggered seats that can be laid flat. Seat pitch in business class is 44 inches, while the seat width ranges from 18.5 to 20.8 inches. 06 of 09 First Class Courtesy of Emirates First class includes 14 private suites, all on the upper deck on the A380. Seats recline to full-flat beds and include electronically operated sliding screen doors for privacy. 07 of 09 The Suite Life Courtesy of Emirates First class passengers will also find a vanity table with drawers, an illuminated mirror, a personal wardrobe, a personal mini-bar, and a dining table for in-flight meals. 08 of 09 Showers Courtesy of Emirates There are two shower spas in the first class cabin with walnut and marble interiors. Outside, customers will find a waterfall. 09 of 09 Quiet Courtesy of Emirates The A380 is the quietest widebody jetliner flying today. Emirates was the first airline to buy an A380, which is also operated by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways International, British Airways, Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit