Etihad Airways lives up to its billing

[alberttky 0]

In the realm of business travel, at least in Singapore, there seems to be just two options. One airline - and everybody else. It was with such a mindset that one embarked on an Etihad Airways flight to Paris - would it be a culture shock, not having meaty satay to look forward to, or waking in the middle of a flight without a comforting cup of instant noodles on standby?

 

Having a United Nations of flight attendants putting you at ease from the moment you step into the cabin is a step in the right direction. Maybe it has something to do with strapping blond hunks serving you like they're really enjoying what they do.

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Initially, there is a bit of eyebrow-raising when you notice the seats don't look much wider than an economy class version - but it's a misleading perception because the seat slides out to join the footrest in front so you have a nice flat bed that's surprisingly comfortable even for the naturally fidgety. The only drawback is that if you end up in the middle section of the plane, you might be in full view of the window seat passenger. But in certain cabins, the herring bone configuration literally conceals you when you're in a window seat. It's brilliant.

 

Another plus is that you can have your full meal any time you want, regardless of their food service times. There's no structured trolley service - in fact Etihad does away with trolleys per se, serving passengers individually. Even if you want the full three course meal when your fellow passengers have conked off for the night, it's absolutely possible. The food choices are mainly Western with some interesting Arabian options and the occasional Asian choice. And the quality passes muster too, by airline food standards.

 

You could, of course, go the extra mile and fly first class, in which the experience is a lot more elaborate. The 'suite' seats are just that, with generous sized TV screens and sliding doors that you can close for complete privacy. You have your own chef onboard who offers uppercrust service and copious amounts of food - again whenever you want.

 

But even they have no control over how long your steak is cooked. There is a grill section on the menu but you'll notice they don't ask if you want your lamb rack rare, medium or well done. It comes dried out. It's not their fault. It's the same on all airlines, where grilled anything is the worst thing to order. But one never learns. Still, the meat does come nicely dressed up with all the accompaniments. It's probably safer to choose the other main courses, preferably something braised.

 

Service, though, is faultless as the attendants wait on you hand and foot, offering to prepare a changing room for you to hop into their comfy pyjamas and you only have to stand aside while they make your bed for you, complete with a change of pillowcase.

 

Sure, the two hour or so stopover in Abu Dhabi can be a pain if you hate breaking up a journey, but the airline knows that. That's why their lounges are comfortably fitted out with even a spa where you can get complimentary massages although they have to be booked in advance.

 

It's not hard to understand how Etihad won Best First Class and Best First Class Onboard Catering in the world in Skytrax's World Airline Awards 2011, or World's Leading Airline at the 2009 and 2010 World Travel Awards. They try really hard and both hardware and software work. You really have to give it to them. If time wasn't a factor - then again the product could well be worth the extra time - one would fly with them again with no hesitation.

 

Etihad Airways offers flights to 72 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. The writer was a guest of Etihad Airways.

 

http://www.relax.com.sg/relax/features/804004/Etihad_Airways_lives_up_to_its_billing.html

Edited November 1, 2011 by alberttky

[H C Chai 4]

Hmm... interesting. Never tried them myself, but I've read quite a few reviews online and most have bad reviews in Y, particularly the cabin crew.

 

Their ex-UK fare is always very good, in fact they just started a 3-day sale today, LON-KUL return for £429 all in (roughly RM2,100)

[KK Lee 5]

Hmm... interesting. Never tried them myself, but I've read quite a few reviews online and most have bad reviews in Y, particularly the cabin crew.

 

Their ex-UK fare is always very good, in fact they just started a 3-day sale today, LON-KUL return for £429 all in (roughly RM2,100)

 

Experienced EY last September, they offered amenity kits in Y class for redeye sector, sizeable food portion and multinational crews.

 

[H C Chai 4]

I guess your experience has been quite positive... what do you think about the multi-national crew? Out of all Middle Eastern carriers, I have only flown EK.... their crew are really a mixed bag!