Airline Gives Passengers Suites, Butlers

Starting in December, Etihad Airways is planning to offer planes with full-service, three-bedroom suites in its first-class sections. The super luxury suites will offer the most well-heeled guests 125 square feet of room, two couches, a shower, kitchen, and a private butler. Although Etihad’s suites are a tempting alternative to being kicked in the back by a whiny toddler, they will cost you big time: $20,000 for the first flights from Abu Dhabi to London. That also leaves only six hours to enjoy the plush surroundings. Still, Etihad’s vice president for guest services, Aubrey Tiedt, vows that the suites will be a hit. “It’s not just some wacky idea. There is a market for this.”