Etihad: Flying High

Etihad has one of the best Business Class products of the Middle Eastern carriers. Etihad Airways offers its passengers a true luxury experience with excellent service. The ground experience at its Abu Dhabi hubfeatures local highlights from its Business Class lounges.

Once through priority-lane security - available for originating passengers or those in transit - in Abu Dhabi, passengers can visit one of the airline’s Business Class lounges with a Middle Eastern and Asian-inspired menu including sushi, staffed bar for fine wines, cocktails and mocktails, showers and quiet places to relax or work. When Etihad Business Class passengers travel from other airports, they are treated to priority check-in, security and lounge facilities with airline partners.

A unique feature of Abu Dhabi’s airport, when compared to other Middle Eastern departure points, is that U.S.-bound travellers complete pre-clearance formalities while still in the United Arab Emirates. They undergo U.S. customs and immigration before takeoff. On landing in the United States, they deplane as if it were a domestic flight.

Etihad has a thriving loyalty program under Etihad Guests where the guests can earn and redeem miles for flights or simply use them for shopping. Our recent flight from Abu Dhabi to London on Etihad Airways’ business class aboard a Boeing 787-10 aircraft was luxury redefined. Our journey began with a prompt and convenient chauffeur pick-up service from Dubai to Abu Dhabi International Airport in a luxury sedan.

The dedicated check-in service for business class passengers was seamless and the extra baggage allowance was an added perk. Bag drop service and security check were a breeze.

The Etihad lounge services were a treat to the senses, with unlimited beverages and delectable treats to pamper the passenger before boarding. It was a perfect harbinger of the luxury and bespoke service that awaited me on the seven-hour journey ahead in the skies.

While we could choose from a vast and eclectic menu that was inspired by the Middle East, the wines, cocktails and mocktails offered a bevy of choice for the discerning passenger. The lounge also houses showers and quiet corners for the travel-weary to relax or work.

As a business class passenger, we was entitled to priority boarding and the boarding time was promptly and vividly announced in the lounge.

The dedicated flight attendants were very friendly, welcoming and attentive to the smallest details to help me get settled in the comfort and privacy of our suite which is branded as Business Studio. It helps to have an international crew that speaks a variety of languages along with personalised attention and dine-on-demand service which was top notch.

As I boarded, I was offered a warm towel and welcome drink, including the option for champagne and fresh juices.

The seats offer direct aisle access and plenty of privacy. Those travelling together may, however, optfor the middle seats as a divider can be lowered or raised for more privacy. Each seat comes with a large pillow and thick duvet.

The seat was comfortable, too. Combined with the bedding and soft pillow, we were able to catch up on some missed sleep.

Sturdy and wide tray tables offer plenty of space for the passenger to dine or work. They can also locked into position while dining.

There are small storage compartments that can be used to keep magazines, newspapers, books, eye glasses, mobiles, among other things. Power and USB outlets are also within easy reach of the seat.

The seat controls can be found in the side wall of your personal suite. The controls allow you to either sit up, recline or go fully flat. There are also options that allow the passenger to alter the leg rest to suit their needs.

I was spoilt for in-flight entertainment, with hundreds of international movies including releases from the Middle East, Europe and Asia, comedies, documentaries, news channels and a wide music selection available. House of Gucci was our choice! Passengers could also scan and choose their food and beverage offerings through the entertainment system.

Wi-Fi is available on board for a fee and is based on data usage. The 3-D moving map demonstrates the flight route and destinations the aircraft is passing through the journey.

All passengers receive amenity kits with luxurious Aqua di Parma toiletries. The lavatories, which feature mood lighting, also offer more products for the passenger, including face mist, eau de cologne and body lotion.

The dine-on-demand food and beverage menu is extensive. Printed menus list out what is available on the flight, including champagne, white wine, red wine and a dessert wine. You can eat what you want, when you want. While flight attendants work hard to prepare and deliver food with restaurant-style presentation.

You could also order beer, cocktails, mocktails, plus a wide range of soft drinks and juices. Tea and varieties of coffee are available to choose from.

The menu features both Western and Arabic cuisine, keeping in mind the profile of travellers from the region. We tried the delectable Arabic mezze, which is touted as the airline’s signature appetizer.

The main course options include chicken, fish and dishes for the vegetarians as well. You can choose from cakes, fresh fruit, ice creams and cheese platters for dessert, while coffee, tea and other drinks are readily available.