Why the Qantas A380 has a ‘Harry Potter’ first class suite

There are 485 seats on the double-decker Qantas Airbus A380, with 14 of these being first class suites nestled into the front of the lower deck.

And one of those luxurious high-walled havens – suite 2F, to be specific – is known to many travellers as the ‘Harry Potter’ suite.

But this sobriquet didn’t come about from some random promotional tie-in between the Flying Kangaroo and JK Rowling’s extraordinary world of wizards.

Accio, Champagne!

Instead, the Harry Potter suite is a nickname bestowed by frequent flyers (and, we’re told, since adopted by cabin crew) due to its unique location – 2F is tucked away “under the stairs” which lead to the A380’s upper deck.

The Harry Potter suite below the stairs in Qantas ' A380 first class cabin.

Of course, this suite is slightly better appointed than the Boy Wizard’s cupboard under the stairs at 14 Privet Drive.

Harry's "cupboard under the stairs" was more economy class than first class.

For a start, the wide, contour-cushioned seat transforms into a fully-flat bed, with a large HD monitor in front and a series of handy storage shelves to one side.

Each of the A380's 14 First suites is a high-walled haven.

While all 14 of the A380’s first class suites are the same – they were created by feted designer Marc Newson for the superjumbo’s debut in 2008 – why do so many high flyers favour the Harry Potter suite at 2F for their 14-22 hour flights to Los Angeles or London?

Each of the A380's 14 First suites is a high-walled private haven.

Its location below the staircase connecting the main and upper decks gives 2F a ‘cosy’ feel.

Suite 2F is located directly below the A380's staircase.

While perhaps not the prime pick for claustrophobics, you’re cocooned by walls spanning almost the entire suite, with a privacy divider shutting you off from the aisle on the left.

Raise the privacy panel facing the left aisle and you've got a cosy cocoon for your journey.

If passengers want to stretch their legs and enjoy change of scenery, they can head up that staircase to one of the two premium lounges with cafe-style seating to enjoy ‘signature drinks’ (alas, no Butterbeer) and snacks from the menu.

One of two 'premium lounge' spaces on the Qantas A380's upper deck (but BYO Butterbeer).

These premium lounges are however restricted to Qantas first class and business class passengers – no muggles from economy allowed.