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Travel Like a Boss: Onboard Singapore Airlines new A380 out of JFK
Casting away most comforts afforded a modern traveler, Gadling Labs typically ventures out as cost-effective as possible; be it on a boat, the back of a pickup truck or the occasional Mongolian yak. But when Singapore Airlines announced they were bringing the A380 to the United States, we couldn't resist. Packing our bags for JFK we checked in on the new aircraft which started service among Singapore, New York and Frankfurt late last month. Check out our exclusive tour below.
Music Credit: "S'Wonderful" by Paul Brill
Filed under: Business, Asia, Europe, North America, Singapore, Germany, United States, Airlines, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 4)
Adam Shapiro Feb 19th 2012 9:49AM
Security!! An idiot got on board the plane. Use lethal force.
Roger Feb 19th 2012 9:55AM
I Wouldn't of let him on the plane, he looks like Woody Allen!!
Tee Feb 19th 2012 10:03AM
Definitely gives new meaning to "Mile High Club" :)
Bart Feb 19th 2012 11:55AM
My concern about these super-jumbo jets is that there will be a limited number of destinations they could serve and handling the extra large load of passengers and luggage could prove to be nightmares. I'm a huge fan of the 747 and 767 series and suspect the industry may have hit a high water mark with them. (Also the Airbus A300 series).
John F. Stottle Feb 19th 2012 12:15PM
I agree that these super duper airliners will be limited as far as destinations but I think the industry peaked with the B-777. I was fortunate to be able to fly that bird
prior to retirement.
Leonard Feb 19th 2012 10:35AM
I have to believe the cost of a "suite" is astronomic, and will never be "sold out." I also have to believe that low sales of suite tickets won't jeopardize the flight's profitability or, worse, send the airline into bankruptcy. Why? Because coach seats will sell out consistently, and the designers, I'm guessing, built the plane to be profitable as long as coach seats were full. How else could such a monster of a plane appeal to an airline?
musomesa Feb 19th 2012 3:35PM
The airlines specify the seating plans when they order. You can be sure that (insert your favorite airline) will cram in extra seats as the cost of leg room and get rid of most if not all of the suites in favor of first class seats they can sell.
Rich Feb 19th 2012 10:45AM
Rode the A380 LAX to Melbourne in "premium economy" was like a flying cattle car, on the flop flew a B 777 on New Zealand Air it was much better; airbusses are designed for skinney folk not fat a--ed Americans.
Jerry Feb 19th 2012 11:06AM
The idiot who made a mockery out of viewing the world's largest and most luxurious commercial airliner should be kicked off the internet. Singapore Airlines has to be embarassed at his presentation, Doesn't anyone review his performances before they are aired? He's a disgrace. A serious investment by Singapore Airlines deserves a serious presentation.
bill Feb 19th 2012 11:12AM
Flew in a a380 from Australia to the US and it is truly an amazing aircraft. How something so big gets in the air is amazing. Giant engines! Loved everything economy had to offer so I can only imagine first class. But lately the concern with cracks in the plastic and kevlar wings makes me wonder if the aircraft are safe as they age. It was a relatively new aircraft that still had the new plane smell and it is now grounded 2 years later. The new Boeing 777 is entirely made of plastic and kevlar so I am getting really nervous of the future of commercial flights.
Kurt Reply Feb 19th 2012 11:21AM
The only thing bigger than the bathroom in this plane is the cracks in the wings.
Fay BUtler Feb 19th 2012 2:27PM
If only I could shut my eyes and imagine myself in Europe or Hawaii without having to confront airports (especially Charles de Gaulle!) and 12--hour squeezed together discomfort of air craft. Ah, what a wonderful world that would be!
BARB Feb 19th 2012 12:20PM
WOW!! It looks like a hotel with wings!! Would've loved to have been on board while filming. Sent this to my b/f who's a pilot, he'll be AMAZED!!
Mikki Feb 19th 2012 12:53PM
Nice digs for business and 1st class. Coach still doesn't look like much leg room and small seats as usual. I'd guess the 1st class has to cost a minimum of $6 to 8 Grand, and more likely in the $12 to $20 thousand range for a bed, flat screen tv, personal service, meals, etc. I didnt see where a person could shower which would be nice after a long trip.
Mark Weber Feb 19th 2012 1:13PM
Does this European airliner have any Greek,Italian or Spanish parts in it?
Is it flown by any Greek pilots?
If so, I will literally be taking that 'slow boat to Hong Kong' .
PaulaRoz Feb 19th 2012 3:47PM
First, it is neat that the gentleman doing the video is quite slender and mid-height: not your typical air traveler, size-wise.
That said, the monitor in the coach seating area seems to be on his knees; the bathroom doesn’t really look “huge”; and our host had to squiggle a bit from vertical to horizontal to access the double suite bed: inadequate headroom.
The stairs are nice, of course, for cardio’.
Looks to me like another smoke and veils act. Think I’ll just continue to enjoy my car, the occasional train and even more occasional bus. No boarding hassle, no stress, spacious seating, environmental enjoyment, and all you can eat. An ocean liner would be a lot more fun, too. You can always Skype for business while traveling.
Pete Feb 19th 2012 2:40PM
I can already see all the new inductees to "the mile high club"
pete Feb 19th 2012 2:51PM
$12,170 round trip
larry Feb 19th 2012 3:10PM
YES! Go ahead AOL, advertise everything great that ISN'T made in America anymore!
grutzius Feb 19th 2012 3:18PM
You would think that this guy Josh would have at least dressed for this interview, he looked like an idiot while everyone around him were dressed appropriately. The Air Craft is Amazing!