Wednesday newsletters all the time function a resort or flight evaluation.
I not too long ago loved an outstanding vacation within the Maldives, the place I stayed on the archipelago’s 4 most unique ultra-luxury resorts. You may learn my evaluations right here:
At the moment: Etihad Airways A380 First Class (Abu Dhabi to London)
I not too long ago 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. Nevertheless, 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 a substitute, both two days previous to or after my initially scheduled journey date. Fortuitously, I used to be in a position to ebook a last-minute award flight with Etihad as a substitute (and Beond refunded the return flight).
The seven hours flight from Abu Dhabi to London was operated by Etihad Airways’ flagship airplane, 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 stage and revolutionized First Class with the introduction of the ‘Condominium’ idea on its A380 superjumbos in 2014. Greater than only a seat, the Condominium has a big leather-based armchair and separate mattress. There may be even house to stroll round after closing the privateness doorways. The general expertise was mind-blowing (and at the very least nearly as good as in comparison with my final Etihad First Class flight, which occurred previous to the pandemic).
Etihad Airways options in my prime 10 listing of the world’s greatest airways for flying First Class.
Have you ever ever flown with Etihad Airways? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark under.
- Journey: Abu Dhabi (AUH) to London (LHR)
- Airline: Etihad Airways
- Plane sort: 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 data & photographs under my YouTube clip):
- Price of my ticket
- Etihad Airways lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport
- First Class cabin
- First Class seat (+ greatest & 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 accomplice airline of American Airways). Learn my evaluation of AAdvantage (with execs, cons, & suggestions) 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 flooring of the airline’s brand-new lounge advanced in Terminal A of Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport. I’ve beforehand printed a separate evaluation of this lounge (with dozens of photographs), 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 airplane’s ahead higher deck. The cabin has a genuinely residential really feel and classy decor, with a impartial shade palette of soothing beige tones and a few darkish wooden touches. Two superbly crafted partitions body the aisle (which results in the ahead staircase) and maintain the sliding entrance doorways of the Flats. Lighting patterns within the ceiling tasks Arabian motifs on the partitions and flooring, creating an elegant ambiance.
Etihad Airways’ A380 First Class cabin is among the trade’s few single aisle cabins on a large physique plane. It options 9 Flats in complete. There are 5 Flats on the proper aspect of the cabin (with two bathrooms within the entrance), whereas the left aspect options solely 4 Flats. This asymmetry is defined by the truth that the lacking fifth Condominium and bogs on the left aspect of the cabin are changed by The Residence. The latter is the world’s most unique airline ‘seat’ and encompasses a personal front room, separate en-suite bathe room, and a bed room with a double mattress. You may 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 Flats 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 Flats 3A, 4A, 3K and 4K have their seats situated subsequent to the window, whereas within the different Flats, the seats are situated nearer to the aisle away from the window, making it tougher to benefit from the views through the flight. Six of the Flats (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, and 1H & 2H) are interconnecting, with a divider that may be lowered to hitch rooms, which is ideal for {couples} or associates touring collectively.
Every Condominium encompasses a comfy armchair and a separate Condominium-wide bench, each upholstered with positive Poltrona Frau leather-based. The comfy recliner seat has a pitch of 80 inches (203 cm) and is 29.5 inches (75 cm) vast. It’s geared up 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 Condominium 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 Condominium.
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 Condominium-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, quilt, cotton sheets and two pillows. Passengers touring in one of many interconnecting Flats can decrease a divider to benefit from the consolation of a semi-double mattress.
What are the greatest First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ A380? Click on right here for a seat map.
- Journey companions ought to choose the interconnecting Flats that may change into one house when decreasing a divider (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, or 1H & 2H).
- In the event you prefer to look out of the window, select one of many Flats 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 the event you don’t prefer to be seated in a rear dealing with seat, keep away from Flats 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 acquired 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 Pal 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 contains a classy 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 giant 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 big folio bag comes full of goodies from ESPA.
- First Class visitors are additionally gifted bespoke Giorgio Armani and Etihad loungewear and slippers, offered within the giant Giorgio Armani folio bag. The charcoal loungewear is tender to the contact, anti-wrinkle, and encompasses a Henley neckline and bespoke tonal print impressed by the trendy 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 might additionally order different meals later within the flight. The trendy menu card featured a particular grill part, accessible 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)
- Most important 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 positive bone chinaware, cutlery and crystal glassware accomplished the positive eating expertise at 40,000 ft. That mentioned, I used to be not blown away by what I used to be served, however perhaps that’s as a result of I used to be a bit unfortunate with my meal decisions. Whereas I really like Etihad Airways, I discover their meals repetitively to be considered one of their weaker factors and never as refined 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 Condominium 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 a whole lot of hours of on-demand leisure, with greater than 300 TV exhibits in addition to greater than 100 motion pictures, 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 dwell 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 geared up 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 house that’s extra resemblant of a lounge in a boutique resort than an airplane cabin, and it’s the good spot to calm down or socialize with different passengers. It seats as much as six visitors and is fitted with seatbelts, energy provide, connectivity ports, and a widescreen TV (so you possibly can watch a dwell sport or sporting occasion with different visitors).
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)
THE LOBBY (ONBOARD BAR)10. LAVATORY
Etihad Airways’ First Class cabin on the A380 has two bathrooms within the entrance. Each bathrooms have a stunning design and are stocked with Acqua di Parma toiletries. One of many bathrooms additionally encompasses a totally geared up 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 aspect observe, Etihad Airways’ cabin crew wears very trendy uniforms by Italian designer Ettore Bilotta. The chocolate-brown, purple and orange colours replicate 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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