Travel In Style With Etihad Airways

Hi! Today, I want share my experience on how to travel in style with Etihad Airways. We don’t often travel by business class, but we did during our recent trip from Manila to Geneva. It was because the price of Etihad Airways business class was significantly lower in comparison to other airlines. I can say without at doubt that Etihad Airways is one of the best airlines from the middle east. Etihad Airways offers excellent service from takeoff to touchdown.

Experience at all the airports

The check-in process was very smooth. No lines, we just arrived at the counter and got our luggage checked in and proceeded further with our boarding passes. Every passenger travelling in Etihad business class get free access to visit their business class lounges at all the airports. Here they serve all kinds of cocktails, mocktails, fruit juices, snacks and quiet places to work or relax. We had some orange juice with some cakes and muffins. I never leave the chance to satisfy my sweet tooth. The security check at Abu Dhabi airport was fast and hassle free which I loved. The people working were very nice and polite.

The best part traveling business class is the free access to the huge lounge at Abu Dhabi airport. Of course you have to show them your boarding pass to enter. The place is huge with the buffet of middle eastern and Asian cuisines that included vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian, and fab selection of desserts. It also has a great internet place if you don’t have your own laptop, clean showers.

A unique feature about Abu Dhabi airport is that United States bound travelers undergo their US immigration and customs before boarding the flight. On landing in US, they deplane as if they were on a domestic flight. How cool is that. I have not experienced it but maybe some day.

Seating in airplane

As we travel a lot and just passing through the business class seating area has always been appealing to me. The soft cushiony seats with ample leg space and so much more. Well, this time I got the chance to explore and experience it myself. We got to travel in 777 aircraft from Philippines to Abu Dhabi and Boeing 787 aircraft from Abu Dhabi to Geneva. I believe both the aircrafts are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, which gives all passengers easy access to the aisle.

However, there are two different types of seats, slanted in different directions. One that is slanted towards the aisle and the other that is slanted toward the window. I’d suggest you opt for the latter as the one that are tilted towards the aisle feels more exposed. I was on the one that was facing the aisle. But I will keep that in mind the next time. If you are travelling with your spouse opt for the seats in the center. The adjoining seats makes travel an enjoyable experience together.

The seats recline into various positions and can go into fully flat bed mode, using the electronic controls. It has a large side table that is great for working, dining and storing things. Each seat comes with a large pillow and plush blanket. There is one more interesting thing about this aircraft. Since this aircraft is a Dreamliner, the dimmable super-sized window is another unique feature that adds to the experience. I loved it.

Entertainment on board

Travel in style with Etihad airways also includes inflight entertainment. With hundreds international movies that includes wide selection of Asian, Middle Eastern and Hollywood movies alike. If you are a fan of watching comedies, documentaries, listening to music etc. you got it on board. The large touch screen and the extendable remote control options make things easy. The best part is the noise cancelling headphones, which you plug into the side of your seat and enter the world of entertainment.

Food & Beverages

Etihad offers personalized dine-on-demand service for business class passengers. It means you can eat whatever and whenever you want. However, I also want to mention that you must be prepared to wait for 20 minutes after you order your meal. Being a vegetarian we always select special meals when booking flights. We did the same with Etihad. But dining in Etihad business class was like 5 course meal with five star experience. They start with assorted nuts (which were so fresh and crisp) and drinks of your preference. Drinks include a wide selection of cocktails and a wide assortment of soft drinks and juices. I don’t consume alcoholic beverages, so may not be able to describe the details.

The food is served restaurant style with tray tables covered with nice table cloth. There is a wide selection for main course on the menu. We had ordered special vegetarian meal, which included salad, a bowl of fruits, warm bread and the main dish was fried vegetables with rice. It was delicious. They also asked for my preference in drinks and I got my favorite orange juice.

After every dish the table was cleared and the next item was served. Final and the most interesting was dessert. There were many options like cake, fresh fruits, ice creams and the popular middle eastern sweet baklava.

Amenities & Services

One of the best part about travelling in Etihad Airways is the kits they provide on board. These kits include the Acqua di Parma sample fragrance, hand cream etc. Even the lavatories are clean and stocked with lotions, cologne etc. The crew on board were very helpful, friendly, efficient and attentive. They paid attention to the smallest details. This overall experience says this is how to travel in style with Etihad Airways.