Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a lodge or flight evaluation.
I lately loved an outstanding vacation within the Maldives, the place I stayed on the archipelago’s 4 most unique ultra-luxury resorts. You possibly can learn my opinions right here:
As we speak: Etihad Airways A380 First Class (Abu Dhabi to London)
I lately flew with Etihad Airways from Male (Maldives) to London (United Kingdom) with a stopover in Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). That was not a part of the unique plan, since I used to be scheduled to fly out of the Maldives with Beond, the brand new all-premium airline flying to and from the Maldives. Nonetheless, two weeks previous to my departure to the Maldives, I used to be knowledgeable by Beond that my flight from Male to Munich was cancelled (since Munich was downgraded from a everlasting to a seasonal vacation spot). I used to be solely supplied an (unacceptable) choice to journey to Zürich as an alternative, both two days previous to or after my initially scheduled journey date. Thankfully, I used to be in a position to e book a last-minute award flight with Etihad as an alternative (and Beond refunded the return flight).
The seven hours flight from Abu Dhabi to London was operated by Etihad Airways’ flagship aircraft, the double-decker Airbus A380. The service has six A380s in its fleet, deploying them on routes from Abu Dhabi to New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Etihad Airways pushed luxurious to a sky-high new degree and revolutionized First Class with the introduction of the ‘Condo’ idea on its A380 superjumbos in 2014. Greater than only a seat, the Condo has a big leather-based armchair and separate mattress. There’s even area to stroll round after closing the privateness doorways. The general expertise was mind-blowing (and at the least pretty much as good as in comparison with my final Etihad First Class flight, which occurred previous to the pandemic).
Etihad Airways options in my high 10 record of the world’s finest airways for flying First Class.
Have you ever ever flown with Etihad Airways? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark beneath.
- Journey: Abu Dhabi (AUH) to London (LHR)
- Airline: Etihad Airways
- Plane kind: Airbus A380
- Plane registration quantity: A6-APG (delivered to Etihad in 2016)
- On time departure: Sure (2 am)
- On time arrival: Sure (6 pm)
- Miles: 3430 (5520 km)
- Flight time: 7 hours
- Seat: 3K
- Class: First Class
On this evaluation (extra info & images beneath my YouTube clip):
- Price of my ticket
- Etihad Airways lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport
- First Class cabin
- First Class seat (+ finest & worst seats)
- Facilities
- Meals
- Leisure
- Onboard web
- Onboard bar (‘The Foyer’)
- First Class bathroom with bathe
- Service & cabin crew
- My verdict (rating)
1. COST OF MY TICKET
I paid this one-way ticket (Enterprise Class from Male Abu Dhabi and First Class from Abu Dhabi to London) with miles & money: $190 USD + 65,000 miles. The ticket was booked by way of American Airways’ frequent flyer program AAdvantage (Etihad is a companion airline of American Airways). Learn my evaluation of AAdvantage (with execs, cons, & ideas) right here.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS AIRBUS A3802. ETIHAD AIRWAYS LOUNGE AT PARIS CDG AIRPORT
First Class passengers have entry to Etihad’s unique First Class lounge, which is situated on the highest ground of the airline’s brand-new lounge complicated in Terminal A of Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport. I’ve beforehand revealed a separate evaluation of this lounge (with dozens of images), which you’ll learn right here.
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGE3. FIRST CLASS CABIN
The First Class cabin on Etihad’s Airbus A380 is situated on the aircraft’s ahead higher deck. The cabin has a genuinely residential really feel and trendy decor, with a impartial coloration palette of soothing beige tones and a few darkish wooden touches. Two fantastically crafted partitions body the aisle (which results in the ahead staircase) and maintain the sliding entrance doorways of the Residences. Lighting patterns within the ceiling tasks Arabian motifs on the partitions and ground, creating an elegant ambiance.
Etihad Airways’ A380 First Class cabin is without doubt one of the trade’s few single aisle cabins on a large physique plane. It options 9 Residences in complete. There are 5 Residences on the precise facet of the cabin (with two toilets within the entrance), whereas the left facet options solely 4 Residences. This asymmetry is defined by the truth that the lacking fifth Condo and bogs on the left facet of the cabin are changed by The Residence. The latter is the world’s most unique airline ‘seat’ and incorporates a personal front room, separate en-suite bathe room, and a bed room with a double mattress. You possibly can learn my evaluation of The Residence right here.
Click on right here for a seat map of Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380.
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS CABIN4. FIRST CLASS SEAT (+ BEST & WORST SEATS)
The A380 First Class cabin has 9 Residences in complete: 5 with a rear-facing seat (1H, 3A, 3K, 5C & 5H) and 4 with a forward-facing seat (2C, 2H, 4A & 4K). The Residences 3A, 4A, 3K and 4K have their seats situated subsequent to the window, whereas within the different Residences, the seats are situated nearer to the aisle away from the window, making it tougher to benefit from the views throughout the flight. Six of the Residences (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, and 1H & 2H) are interconnecting, with a divider that may be lowered to affix rooms, which is ideal for {couples} or buddies touring collectively.
Every Condo incorporates a snug armchair and a separate Condo-wide bench, each upholstered with effective Poltrona Frau leather-based. The snug recliner seat has a pitch of 80 inches (203 cm) and is 29.5 inches (75 cm) broad. It’s outfitted with in-seat therapeutic massage and a pneumatic cushion management system. The seat has two arm rests: one holds the bifold tray desk, whereas the opposite holds the Condo and inflight leisure system controls. On the push of a button, you possibly can change the place of the seat, elevate or decrease the window blinds, and management the sunshine settings for quite a lot of lamps situated throughout the Condo.
Subsequent to the seat is a big self-importance unit with a lit make-up mirror. Beneath this cupboard a small storage field, a minibar (stocked with Coke, Sprite and water) and a drawer for blanket stowage.
In entrance of the seat is an Condo-wide ottoman, which is multifunctional. It may be used as a footrest when watching TV, or it may be used as a further seat for “buddy eating’. The bench can be flattened out into a completely flat mattress that’s 80.5 inches (205 cm) lengthy. The flight attendants present luxurious turn-down service, and canopy the mattress with an honest mattress, cover, cotton sheets and two pillows. Passengers touring in one of many interconnecting Residences can decrease a divider to benefit from the consolation of a semi-double mattress.
What are the finest First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ A380? Click on right here for a seat map.
- Journey companions ought to choose the interconnecting Residences that may change into one area when reducing a divider (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, or 1H & 2H).
- In case you wish to look out of the window, select one of many Residences the place the seat is situated proper subsequent to the window (3A, 3K, 4A or 4K).
What are the worst First Class seats on Etihad Airways’A380?
- In case you don’t wish to be seated in a rear dealing with seat, keep away from Residences H1, 3A, 3K, 5C and 5 H.
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT: FLAT BED
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT: FLAT BED
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT: FLAT BED
ETIHAD A380 FIRST CLASS APARTMENT: FLAT BED5. AMENITIES
Throughout my First Class flight onboard Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380, I obtained the next facilities:
- A First Class amenity package, designed by Italian luxurious model Acqua Di Parma. The package was offered as a yellow pouch and contained socks, eyeshades, toothpaste, toothbrush and Acqua Di Parma skincare merchandise (e.g. lipbalm, physique lotion, and perfume).
- Excessive-quality pajamas and slippers designed by “A Good friend Of Mine,” an Emirati vogue model.
- Phitek branded noise-cancelling headphones; they have been of nice high quality as they successfully suppressed cabin noise and engine drone.
- Sleeping facilities, which includes a trendy blanket, quilted mattress, and two pillows (flip down service was supplied upon request).
FYI, since I took this flight, Etihad has modified their onboard First Class facilities:
- Company flying in First Class now get a Giorgio Armani and Etihad branded massive folio bag – one of many largest amenity kits within the sky. Collectable in 4 colors, the bag can be utilized post-flight to hold paperwork, tablets or perhaps a 13” laptop computer. The massive folio bag comes filled with goodies from ESPA.
- First Class friends are additionally gifted bespoke Giorgio Armani and Etihad loungewear and slippers, offered within the massive Giorgio Armani folio bag. The charcoal loungewear is tender to the contact, anti-wrinkle, and incorporates a Henley neckline and bespoke tonal print impressed by the fashionable Abu Dhabi skyline, in addition to matching trousers with pockets.
AMENITY KIT
AMENITY KIT
AMENITY KIT
AMENITY KIT
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGEWEAR
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGEWEAR
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGEWEAR
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGEWEAR
ETIHAD FIRST CLASS LOUNGEWEAR
BLANKET
NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES
NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES6. MEALS
Throughout this flight, a multi-course lunch was served after takeoff, though First Class passengers may additionally order different meals later within the flight. The fashionable menu card featured a particular grill part, out there to Etihad’s First Class passengers solely, with signature dishes ready to order (e.g. black cod, beef tenderloin, and rooster breast) and a spread of delicate sauces and sides.
I select the next lunch choice from the menu:
- Signature Oscietra caviar service with conventional garnishes
- Starter: candy potato & kale soup, with brazil nuts and crispy kale
- Intermezzo: grapefruit sorbet (palate cleanser)
- Essential course: lamb Boukhari, served with Boukhari rice, fried onion, raisin, and smoked cardamom yoghurt
- Dessert: heat chocolate & vimto fondant, served with Laben ice cream, date batheeth crumb, berries
Previous to touchdown, I ordered one of many dishes from the grill menu: steak frites, fillet of beef, frites, tomatoes, béarnaise.
Meals was okay and the effective bone chinaware, cutlery and crystal glassware accomplished the effective eating expertise at 40,000 ft. That mentioned, I used to be not blown away by what I used to be served, however possibly that’s as a result of I used to be a bit unfortunate with my meal selections. Whereas I really like Etihad Airways, I discover their meals repetitively to be one in every of their weaker factors and never as subtle as in comparison with the meals served by its Asian opponents (e.g. Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, Singapore Airways).
WELCOME DRINK DURING BOARDING
APERITIF
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH: CAVIAR SERVICE
LUNCH: CAVIAR SERVICE
LUNCH: CAVIAR SERVICE
LUNCH: SOUP
LUNCH: SORBET
LUNCH: MAIN COURSE
LUNCH: DESSERT
PRE-ARRIVAL DINNER
PRE-ARRIVAL DINNER
PRE-ARRIVAL DINNER
PRE-ARRIVAL DINNER7. ENTERTAINMENT
Every First Class Condo has a swiveling 24-inch (60 cm) flat-screen, which could be tilted so passengers can nonetheless watch TV when they’re mendacity of their mattress. The inflight leisure options lots of of hours of on-demand leisure, with greater than 300 TV exhibits in addition to greater than 100 films, starting from blockbusters to timeless classics and representing all corners from the world (Hollywood, Arabic, European, Indian and Asian Cinemas). Etihad Airways’ inflight leisure system additionally options reside TV channels (e.g. BBC, CNN).
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT8. ONBOARD INTERNET
All of Etihad Airways’ A380s are outfitted with WiFi, and First Class passengers get a voucher for complimentary WiFi.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
WIFI VOUCHER9. THE LOBBY
Etihad Airways has put in a lounge on the higher deck of the A380 between First and Enterprise Class, designated ‘The Foyer’. The latter is an intimate area that’s extra resemblant of a lounge in a boutique lodge than an airplane cabin, and it’s the excellent spot to loosen up or socialize with different passengers. It seats as much as six friends and is fitted with seatbelts, energy provide, connectivity ports, and a widescreen TV (so you possibly can watch a reside recreation or sporting occasion with different friends).
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)10. LAVATORY
Etihad Airways’ First Class cabin on the A380 has two toilets within the entrance. Each toilets have a beautiful design and are stocked with Acqua di Parma toiletries. One of many toilets additionally incorporates a totally outfitted bathe room. Every First Class passenger has entry to five minutes of working water within the bathe, though you possibly can activate and off the water provide as many time as you need.
LAVATORY WITH SHOWER
LAVATORY WITH SHOWER
LAVATORY WITH SHOWER
LAVATORY WITH SHOWER
LAVATORY WITH SHOWER11. SERVICE & CABIN CREW
The worldwide cabin crew on this flight was skilled and pleasant (e.g. addressing me by title and presenting themselves individually earlier than take-off). All requests have been handled promptly and cordially. On a facet observe, Etihad Airways’ cabin crew wears very fashionable uniforms by Italian designer Ettore Bilotta. The chocolate-brown, purple and orange colours mirror the model of Etihad Airways, which is headed by Australian James Hogan.
12. MY VERDICT
- Cabin design: 10/10
- Seat consolation (upright place): 9/10
- Seat consolation (mattress place): 9/10
- Seat privateness: 10/10
- Meals (high quality): 9/10
- Meals (amount): 10/10
- Inflight leisure : 9/10
- WiFi: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Facilities: 10/10
- General expertise: distinctive: 9,5/10
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