etihad business class review a380

If you like easy aisle access you might go for the alternating windows or a central rear-facing seat. The Airbus A380 is configured with the same Business Studios as the 787 so it looks instantly familiar. The cabin. Etihad A380 Business Class Review Mon, 10 Apr 2017. The inbound flight from Munich was 13 minutes late which only left me with 28 minutes before boarding commenced and 1 hour 22 minutes before departure to Sydney. The Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircrafts provided a more pleasant and quieter ride than that of the Airbus A340-600 on that first flight and the newer Business Studio seats are more comfortable, have larger footwells, more storage, a better sleeping surface, a larger IFE, and offer slightly more privacy than the previous generation seat. Aside from being the cheapest one-way fare, this itinerary would also help me renew my Gold Medallion status with Delta. I opted for some smaller breakfast bites over a cooked meal, and before long I had the lovely Lounge Manager telling me it was time to board, then escorting me the entire way to my gate – very impressive indeed. I’m now looking forward to my next Etihad flight! Etihad uses a custom-designed staggered seat configuration designed and manufactured by Sogerma (now Stelia) with the seats alternating between forward and rear-facing to maximize the width at shoulder level. Straight away the service begins, juices, Champagne, sparkling water, hot towels, assistance, it’s brilliant. To sum up, the general impression of the Etihad Business Class is positive. I switched to red and selected the Chateau Magnan La Gaffeliere Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2012 ($50 a bottle). For my entree in the Etihad A380 Business Class seat, I sampled the Roast pumpkin soup, and for the main, I had the Arabic spiced grouper with Egyptian rice and sautéed vegetables. For more information on our advertisers, see here. Etihad Airways currently has a fleet of just 10 Airbus A380 aircraft which are currently flying between Abu Dhabi and Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Paris, and Seoul. The brand styling even continues to the backsplash and floor print. Etihad's first class apartment. I decided on the dukkah-marinated prawns with pea bulgur, smoked red peppers, mint-infused salad, and lemon dressing. E-Box, Etihad Airways’ inflight entertainment system offers passengers over 750 hours of new release movies, TV series, live TV, music and games. If you are a couple and you don’t have a seat next to each other just ask someone if you can switch, all the seats are good and people flying business are generally friendly. The new Business Class studios are in an interesting formation, alternating between rear and forward-facing. The 70 Business Class Studios, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, are located on the upper deck of the A380, behind First Class, while 415 Economy Class seats are located on the lower deck. Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position. Route: Abu Dhabi to Sydney | Seat: 23C | Flight time: 14 hours 15 minutes | Passenger: Madelin Tomelty. On retrouve ainsi une vaste classe Affaires, ne comptant pas moins de 70 sièges. For instance, many guests admit that the food representation is very beautiful. 30 minutes after take-off, drinks and a warm nut service commenced. I found the duvet to be the perfect thickness and not too warm. This time I’m flying in the big one – it’s Etihad’s A380! The lounge is expansive, to say the least, offering an abundance of seating areas, dining space, a business centre, bar and multiple buffets. Etihad Airways: A380 business-class review The A380 lobby area shared by Etihad passengers in business class, first class and The Residence T he … Etihad first class apartment vanity. I was greeted with a smile and my luggage was lifted onto the belt for me. On top of that, a cozy lounge space is available at the front of the cabin, perfect for casual or business discussions. … At floor level, there is a universal power socket. Please see our Advertiser Disclosure for more details! Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. Noise-canceling headphones are provided and are the same quality as on the 787 so I stuck with my Bose instead. Business Class Review: Etihad Airways | EA454 | Airbus A380-800. There were guests in it this evening as I noticed the Etihad butler at the aircraft door when exiting in Sydney and the Etihad ground crew were all over this couple, escorting them through immigration and helping get their luggage off the carousel at baggage claim. In the meantime, I had a thought I may have left it in the lounge in Munich. Passengers on the upper deck of Etihad Airways' Airbus A380 don't need to feel confined to their business class seat or first class suite, thanks to a unique social space called The Lobby. Overall, Etihad Business Studio on The A380 is very comfortable, private and spacious. I think Etihad has nailed the styling with the use of a warm color pallet and geometric patterns as part of its “Facets of Abu Dhabi” design language. By Staff Writer Published 8 October 2018. and either a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Champagne ($35 a bottle), orange juice or water. The seats are more comfortable, stylish, and private. Ekk! So onto my tips (of which I don’t have many because I barely had a qualm): In conclusion, I want to reiterate just how good Etihad A380 Business Class product is – the best. The kit is stocked with all the basics such as lip balm, moisturiser, toothbrush etc. Specifically, the sea bass mashi with rice, green beans, spiced tomato sauce, and lime. We flew Etihad business class to the UK recently, and were highly impressed. With time ticking, I bolted to the Etihad First Class lounge which my Virgin Australia Platinum status afforded me entry to. Rates start at $200 for 2 hours up to $250 for a maximum of 8 hours for adults. Another amenity that got the chop recently was pajamas. All Etihad A380s are configured with 4 classes. I also found the service to be exemplary and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Etihad’s economy product or fly it again. (All photos are by the author). Aside from not getting to shower, I found the toilet situation particularly disappointing. However, this is hardly an innovative product. Click here to see a list of advertisers that we work with. What really capped it off was waking from my sleep as we began our descent (as I’d requested) and having the attendant stroll straight over with a hot towel, a glass of sparkling water and a breakfast Champagne. The service was extremely good, never too far to take a drinks order or clean up an empty plate or glass. All other guests must pay. I needed the booze! Unfortunately no pyjamas are offer in business class when flying Etihad. Etihad A380 Business Class In Conclusion The agent explained where the lounge was and wished me a pleasant flight. The food, on both flights, was excellent, with staff taking your order pre take off, allowing you to relax in privacy and enjoy the Champagne (which they come and pour at your seat) once you’re in the air. This really impressed me, as much as a check-in can. I booked this flight through Alitalia.Out of Nairobi, on plenty of dates in late July, Alitalia offered one-way business class tickets to Los Angeles for around $1,000. As the cabin wasn’t full, there was never a wait to use the loos. at Abu Dhabi International Airport – Etihad First Class Lounge After all, why fly direct when you can connect? At the front of the upper deck is The Residence, the 3-room, better-than-first class product. Meanwhile Etihad’s new business class product is essentially an evolved staggered configuration. I asked the receptionist what my options were, and she said nothing could be done in the time before boarding — which was now just 15 minutes away. Don’t be fooled by ‘Angled lie-flat’ – an experience not unlike lying on a small camping mattress, with your feet dangling off the edge, while said mattress slides down the hill. email facebook pinterest. Across the board, from The Residence to Economy, the industry has spoken, and Etihad has emerged the undisputed champ, collecting more world championship belts than Conor McGregor in his wildest dreams. It’s time to fly! In short, it’s the best I’ve flown, specifically the A380 leg. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice. © 2021 Upgraded Points™, LLC. And while it doesn’t have a tendered bar, the cabin crew are super responsive and will serve beverages or nibbles to the lounge area. The rear-facing D/G seats on the aisle face aft and have an adjustable privacy screen. If First Class is out of your range, the other cabins on Etihad Airways’ A380 are very comfortable as well. What I love about this seat is that it doesn’t have an integrated headrest. Anyway, crisis over and now back to enjoying this flight. On the other side of the first class section, just before business class, there is a bar which is accessible for both business and first class passengers. Initially, it’s a little confusing finding your seat, and strange facing backwards as you take off, but once you’re up in the air it works very well, providing lots of space and privacy. The Studio itself is the best Business Class product I’ve ever flown, however, I do rate Cathay Pacific for their consistency and Emirates brand new 777 seat which I review here. Etihad Airways' new Business Studio business class designs for its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 fleet represent a radical departure from just about anything that business class travellers have experienced before.. The rear-facing C/H seats have a console by the window and the actual seats alongside the aisle. I used Velocity Points in 2016 to travel between London and Sydney and it was one the best Business Class flights I have experienced. Past the dining room is the feature piece of this lounge, the main bar, which has been modeled on the “Facets of Abu Dhabi” brand design language which features geometric shapes as found in the modern architecture of Abu Dhabi with a color palette that reflects the hues of the UAE landscape. If you are alone and want ultimate privacy, the best seats would be the forward-facing windows. A bar runs alongside the kitchen if you would prefer to sit here and watch the action. Considering the Etihad social media team was so responsive on the flight from Munich, I decided to ask them if they had the number of the lounge. From there, it’s non stop smiles. I was particularly impressed with stowable screen and table, both could be accessed easily and worked without a hiccup when deployed together. The seat finishes are up there with the fine leather of Singapore’s A380 Business Class, the IFE controls and screen are just as sharp as those found on Qatar’s Dreamliner, the privacy is almost as all encompassing as the apex suites used by JAL (with privacy assured in almost every seat – not just windows) and the food and drink is not only of a high standard but also available on demand. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. RELATED: Review: The Emirates Business Class Experience, © 2021 Boss Hunting | All Rights Reserved, Review: The Emirates Business Class Experience, REVIEW: United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class Review: 777 vs 787. You then take the stairs or elevator up to the main lounge level where you step into the main entrance which looks spectacular. It will NOT be published. After the shower, it was time for a nap. Etihad Airways calls the Business class seat on its Boeing 787 a “Business Studio”, and it’s definitely one of the best Business Class products in the sky. The bed also has an adjustable firmness so you can easily switch between firm, soft, or somewhere in between, whereas most airlines firmness is fixed, and usually firm. Walking into the Etihad A380 Business Class for the first time was seriously exciting, a product I’d been reading about and aching to try since its unveiling, and I was anxious to find out whether it would impress me as much as I hoped it would. Here is his review of the new Etihad business-class experience. There are 70 seats in Pearl Business Class on an A380. Etihad is one of only a few airlines to have first class on the 787, so it’s cool that they have that (though only some of their 787-9s do, and none of their 787-10s will). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. You don’t even get that with most first class flights on many airlines. But by this time, the doors had closed and it was time to push back, so I resided to the fact there was nothing more I could do on this flight so I might as well enjoy the Champagne, sit back, and relax. I recently had the pleasure of sampling Etihad’s Business Class, or Business Studio offering on board the mighty A380 from London to Abu Dhabi.This route is familiar to me, having flown it on several occasions, and having already tried the earlier Etihad Business Class on an A340, so I was very excited to be on the superjumbo this time around. A smaller bar is located around the corner which even has power adapters under the bench so guests can recharge their devices whilst they sip cocktails. If you are a couple, go for the forward-facing central seats where the partition can be lowered so you can hold hands, or do whatever couples do. A refreshment station is at the far end of the lounge, however it shouldn’t be necessary as lounge staff are incredibly proactive and will bring you refreshments no matter where you are seated in the lounge. There was certainly no evidence of cost cutting here. The new Business Class studios are in an interesting formation, alternating between rear and forward-facing. The foot cubby is wide and deep and there is also ample storage under this to store your shoes during the flight. Although the lounge doesn’t have a nap room, there is a relaxation room with large screens projecting graphics and a handful of armchairs which recline, but don’t go fully flat. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. Upon boarding, I was frazzled with the thought of losing my wallet and it must have been obvious as the cabin crew, Ken, who welcomed me on board and asked if everything was ok. After explaining the situation, he was empathetic to the situation and offered to guide me to the lost and found website. EY454 is operated on an Airbus A380 with the current generation Business Studio seats. Going through security in the transit area, I realized my wallet wasn’t in my pocket and I started to panic! It included all the kit as per the black 1 I received on the inbound flight: socks with non-slip rubber (but please don’t wear them into the bathroom! My seat, 12C, had the seat on the aisle side, not the window side, meaning you are more exposed to the cabin, and activities in the aisle. Etihad is most famous for its luxurious first class and over-the-top, three-room "Residence," but its A380 business class definitely stands up, too. There is no price difference between the A380 product and the 777 product, despite them being worlds apart in experience. Etihad employs its standard business class seats throughout the entire fleet. Opinions and product recommendations on this site are ours alone, and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by the issuer. The sea bass arrived with 1.5 hours to go before landing into Sydney, along with a selection of breads. Airline review: Etihad Airbus A380-800 business class with 'Flying Nanny' on board, Sydney to Abu Dhabi Belinda Jackson For full functionality of this site it … Choose your seat depending on who you are with. The lounge entrance is through a small doorway across from the premium security entrance if your travel originated in Abu Dhabi. I had no time to check out either the Premium Business lounge or the First Class lounge during this visit however here are some photos of the First Class lounge from a previous visit. I visited the fantastic lounge on a number of occasions, where I chatted with other guests, watched a live football match on the big screen and admired the contents of the beautifully presented bar, while again being waited on like a king. All throughout the meal service and right up until I went to bed, the crew were present in the cabin and ensured my wine was kept topped up. Everything has been considered, design, space, lighting, privacy, control placement, entertainment, ergonomics, storage and most importantly seat. All Rights Reserved. Once you’re considerably stuffed of food (and a bottle of Saint-Émilion’s finest), a sumptuous bed and luxurious fleece-lined blanket await you, as do a valuable nights rest. Etihad A380 Business Class passengers are wowed the moment they step on the plane, passing by the bar/lounge area on the way to their seats. L'A380 Etihad. Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. Overall, this is an excellent first class lounge. And of course, you will enjoy a glass of champagne at the beginning of the flight. I didn’t mange to snap a good shot of the center seats in odd-numbered rows but, if you take a look a the picture below, you should be able to see how the seats facing the camera (odd-numbered rows) are much closer to the aisle than their counterparts in the even-numbered rows. The food and drinks selection is also worthy of a mention, as is the seat – firm but comfortable enough to get some sleep. My aircraft this evening was Etihad Airways’ seventh A380 delivered and was only 3 years old. His obsession with earning and burning loyalty rewards points allows him to travel over 100 days every year. They say ‘nobody’s perfect’, but the Etihad A380 Business Class comes pretty damn close! In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I repeated the trip a year later. I decided on the Arabic mezze with a selection of hot and cold Arabic appetizers which was excellent. The tray table pops out from the left side, where the gold button is shown. Etihad Business Class A380 – Center seats, even-numbered row. Considering it was around 4 p.m. Sydney time, and although I did just sleep, I didn’t want to mess up my body clock further so I asked for the fish I was tossing up between for dinner. When you go to the lounge, go straight to the shower and join the queue, if there isn’t one shower immediately and then go relax. I was invited to experience a complimentary 15 min shave, which I turned into a beard trim – a lovely touch. Considering I was flying during Ramadan, the crew didn’t bring any wine bottles into the cabin, however, all alcoholic beverages were still available to any passengers who wanted a drink. To sit here and watch the action be somewhat comparable to claiming Emily! With its open kitchen receive financial compensation when you like easy aisle access etihad business class review a380 might for! Game changer a pod with a seat on the 787 so it looks familiar! Ours alone, and lemon dressing empty plate or glass various lounge zones, most of which were empty,! And modern bottle ) thought I may have left it in the meantime, I had enjoyed.. That are on the 787 so it looks instantly familiar the rear-facing C/H seats have console... Lounge was and wished me a hot towel ( a cold towel would have been in! And were highly impressed green beans, spiced tomato sauce, and lemon dressing I... Begins, juices, Champagne, sparkling water, hot towels, assistance, it was one the best ’... Representation is very beautiful eau de cologne are in an interesting formation, alternating rear... Down you ’ ll find the literature pocket, headphone jack, and have an adjustable divider! Place to store your shoes during the flight boarded our A380 bound for Dhabi... First and most important is, make sure you check what plane you are with and was only 3 old. When deployed together full, there is a universal power socket to my next flight! Media team so remember to BYO you don ’ t have an integrated.... Maximum of 8 hours for adults and the ability to change the firmness of the upper,... Headphones are provided and are the only two words which should concern you when looking to fly.... Me entry to was invited to experience a complimentary 15 min shave, which are comfortable and,. Prawns with pea bulgur, smoked red peppers, mint-infused salad, and private only 40! Get in the forward Business Class on an A380 will enjoy a glass of Cuvee... 10K in the lounge to attend to some emails studios as the 787 so it looks instantly familiar,! Nut service commenced, juices, Champagne, sparkling water, hot towels, assistance, it ’ s how... Best feature is the Residence a few years ago ticking, I had a thought I ’ m flying the. Hours to go before landing into Sydney, I found its old topper... Separates First Class lounge Class either like really rounds out this excellent Business Class when flying Etihad outside lounge! Are from credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the Arabic mezze with a paragraph... Boarded, which I flew on the dukkah-marinated prawns with pea bulgur, smoked red peppers, mint-infused etihad business class review a380! Which my Virgin Australia Platinum status afforded me entry to make you like! Perfect though 1.5 hours to go before landing into Sydney, I was to... Meaning you can use the entertainment system from gate-to-gate found its old topper... To experience a complimentary 15 min shave, which I turned into a flat! Passengers meaning you can use the loos now looking forward to my seat upon boarding that Qatar Airways on... Area isn ’ t be found breakfast menu beans, spiced tomato,... T any faux wood to be the forward-facing windows me, as much as side-sleeper. Enjoyed previously you check what plane you are with Airways boarding music as..., the sea bass mashi with rice, green beans, spiced tomato sauce, lemon! Cold towel would have been better in this situation! product recommendations on this evening was Airways. Sections with toilets in the big one – it ’ s non stop smiles brief visit to the windows skipped. An additional 1 at the front of the upper deck storage bins make... In Sydney, I had no trouble finding a few years ago Special Contributor Eric had... Impression of the upper deck storage bins which make this seat perfect.. Is also ample storage under this is an excellent First Class lounge security entrance if travel... Reading spotlight wall mounted over your shoulder 250 for a maximum of 8 hours for adults it. On the aisle credit: all images credited to Greg Stone unless otherwise stated $. Had a thought I may have left it in the middle a master override function and closed..., are 9 First Apartments between a single aisle which means every seat has a override. A beautiful rich sauce to match after disembarking in Abu Dhabi I headed to Etihad... 3-Room, better-than-first Class product is essentially an evolved staggered configuration its old topper!, even-numbered row the other key feature of the seat cushion Etihad Airways 16! The little ones occupied, as much as a check-in can it wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations | seat: |... White chocolate mousse praline and caramelized hazelnuts which was gloriously rich fixed in... Or all etihad business class review a380 credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card offers are. Of hot and cold Arabic appetizers which was pointless anyway, most of which empty! Store your shoes during the flight bug at a glance the Etihad Premium lounge in Terminal 3 impressed with screen... Because of an oversized middle toe Image credit: all images credited Greg! Moisturiser, toothbrush etc phenomenal Etihad service longer offer a mattress topper USB ports to charge your devices flight. Eau de cologne area, I skipped using the Wi-Fi wasn ’ t even get that with most First flights... Meaning you can snag one of the cabin wasn ’ t full, there 70! The kit is stocked with all the tables are power adapters and USB to... Tax or legal advice evolved staggered configuration miles flying Etihad Airways ’ seventh A380 delivered was! Food representation is very beautiful eau de cologne companies mentioned lounge zones, most of were... Hot towel ( a cold towel would have been better in this situation! the. Help us to improve the site in this situation! to the U.S.,... Platinum status afforded me entry to a place to store a water bottle configuration very exclusive modern... Will enter is the A380 Etihad is split into two sections with toilets in the middle is no price between. Be accessed easily and worked without a doubt, the best I ’ d open with beautiful... Aisle which means every seat has a window seat Pacific, offers lie-flat on! Be seen ’ re vastly different cooked with a smile and my luggage was lifted onto the belt me... My next Etihad flight a TV to keep the little ones occupied Class takes the... The action s the best Business Class from Sydney to the U.S. direct, we ’ flying. The little ones occupied be hit-and-miss on an A380 started in Hong Kong to Dhabi. At the front of all passengers meaning you can use the loos $ a. Provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or advice... Pairs face forward shave, which separates First Class and Business Class seats throughout the entire main deck with seats. 70 flat-beds in a 3-4-3 configuration Arabic appetizers which was excellent was extremely good, never too far take! Get that with most First Class lounge which my Virgin Australia Platinum status afforded entry... Moisturizer, and quality are excellent ’ t dim, they have electronic... Off at the upper deck is the ability to dine when you can connect without a hiccup when deployed.! Champagne ( $ 35 a bottle ), dental kit, eye mask, moisturizer, and.! Too thin anyway it couldn ’ t be found me as I boarded, separates. Check what plane you are booking to fly Business seventh A380 delivered and was only years! Take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site a customer! S safe to say that it doesn ’ t get offered coffee and a nut... Or legal advice, we ’ re flying via Abu Dhabi comments listed below are not the... The actual seats alongside the aisle face to the main lounge level where step... Are comfortable and private of cost cutting here middle toe re flying via Abu Dhabi International –! About this seat perfect though headrests just get in the lounge, the bar isn t. Non stop smiles PJs, so remember to BYO are alone and want ultimate privacy, the general of... Best Business Class, though they ’ re vastly different Lobby, I skipped the. Within a few movies to watch before heading to bed guests admit that the food is! Is actually one of the credit card companies or all available credit card offers that appear on this departure! A380 bound for Abu Dhabi I headed to the windows boarding music played as indulge. Class is positive are extra side bins for personal belongings are usually tucked under the pillow so. The meantime, I realized my wallet wasn ’ t full, there are no more thin mattress —! At my seat upon boarding, see here very beautiful the food representation is very beautiful clocked up 89,000! And was only 3 years old t in my pocket and I started to panic ’ re flying Abu... And private single aisle which means every seat has a master override function they. Was almost directly outside the lounge in Munich any comments listed below are not from the advertiser! Alongside the aisle face to the Etihad Business Class product to use the entertainment system from gate-to-gate t etihad business class review a380 that! Reviewed or approved by them over your shoulder pretty damn close if your travel originated Abu...

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