Sky High Social Spots: Where to Find Bars on Planes

The Airbus A380, a massive aircraft, has brought back the trend of onboard bars. This feature was once common but had faded away as airlines focused on fitting more seats. Now, several airlines are using these bars to make flying more enjoyable for their first and business class passengers. Emirates stands out with its impressive fleet of 116 A380s. On these planes, passengers can find a bar and lounge area on the upper deck, complete with a wide selection of drinks and snacks. First-class passengers even have access to a shower and spa area. Emirates' A380s come in three different cabin layouts, but most are being updated to include a premium economy section. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, also offers an onboard bar on its six A380s. The bar, known as The Lobby, is located between first and business class and can seat up to six people. Etihad uses its A380s on some of its most prestigious routes, like London, New York, and Paris. Korean Air has a different approach with its seven A380s. The bar on the upper deck is now a self-service area, offering a place to relax and socialize. This is a step down from the innovative cocktails it used to serve. The airline's A380s are configured to carry up to 407 passengers in three classes. Qantas, an airline based in Australia, has ten A380s. The bar on these planes is designed to look like a speakeasy, complete with comfortable seating and a way to call the crew for drinks and snacks. Qantas uses its A380s on long-haul routes to places like London, Los Angeles, and Johannesburg. Qatar Airways, known for its luxury, offers an onboard bar on its eight A380s. The bar area is designed to feel like a high-end ground bar, with premium lighting and comfy seats. Qatar Airways uses its A380s on select routes to stand out from other airlines. Virgin Atlantic is unique because it offers an onboard bar on all of its aircraft, not just the A380. The bar areas vary by plane, with some featuring a lounge space and others a smaller seating area. This approach allows more passengers to enjoy the onboard bar experience. The Airbus A380 has given airlines the space to add luxurious touches like onboard bars. These bars offer a place for passengers to relax, socialize, and enjoy drinks and snacks during their flight. As airlines look to the future, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues with new aircraft like the Boeing 777X.