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Airline: Etihad Airways
Flight Number: EY278
Route: AUH-MLE
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Registration: A6-BMC
Delivered: December 2018
Flight Duration: 4 Hours 10 Minutes
Distance: 1,876 Miles
Overall Impression:
In this Etihad review, we compare the seat comfort of the Business Studio and Collins Super Diamond Seats. On a recent 4-hour flight, we found that while the new Collins Super Diamond Seats offers more privacy, we preferred Etihad’s current generation Business Studio seats. They offered a less claustrophobic experience for sitting, lounging, and sleeping.
The crew on this flight provided impressive service, with the flight attendant being attentive and eager to please. Pre-departure beverages were offered, and the crew checked on us throughout the flight to ensure we had everything we needed. The catering was also top-notch, with the Salmon Tartar starter and Arabic Mezze being nicely presented, and both main dishes (casarecce pasta and sea bass) receiving high marks for taste and presentation. For dessert, the ice cream and cherry and vanilla delice were both decadently delicious.
Our main complaint was the lack of amenities on this shorter flight, with no amenity kit provided and the lavatories not being stocked with toiletries. However, we appreciated the personal protection kit that was provided with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.
What I liked:
The Seats – The Etihad Business Studio seat offers comfort and space for a relaxing flight experience. Despite being slightly less private, I found the seat to be very comfortable, allowing me to quickly settle in and relax. I was even able to take a short nap after my meal.
The Food – The catering on this Etihad flight out of Abu Dhabi was outstanding. The starters, Salmon Tartar and Arabic Mezze, were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. We give the main dishes, casarecce pasta and sea bass, a big thumbs-up for their taste and presentation. To top it off, the ice cream and cherry & vanilla delice were both a decadent and satisfying way to end the meal.
The IFE – The in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on this Etihad flight, the eBOX system, was both user-friendly and responsive. The system offered a diverse range of movies, TV shows, music, games, and more, ensuring that passengers had plenty of options to keep them occupied during the flight. In-flight WIFI was also available for purchase, which costs $29.99 for 24 hours or 350MB, with an acceptable speed for web browsing, email, and social media. Noise-canceling headphones were provided to business class passengers.
The onboard service – For a medium-haul flight, we had a great experience with the onboard service on this Etihad flight. The flight crew was top-notch, both friendly and professional. They started things off right with pre-departure drinks and hot towels, and then made sure our meals were served at the time we requested.Throughout the flight, the crew checked in on the passengers to make sure everyone was comfortable and had everything they needed.
The Cabin Temperature – Although individual air nozzles were not available on this plane, the cabin temperature was kept cool throughout the flight, creating a comfortable and conducive environment for rest and relaxation.
What I didn’t like:
Amenities – This Etihad flight did not offer amenity kits, but personal protection items including masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer were provided to all passengers, including those in economy class. Business class passengers received additional comforts such as a pillow and duvet, along with a bottle of water. However, it should be noted that a mattress pad was not available on the flight. The business class lavatories were well-maintained by the crew, but just like our last flight only included hand soap and sanitizer.
It was OK…I guess:
The Etihad Business Lounge in Abu Dhabi – The Business Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport provides a spacious and relaxed environment for passengers to wait for their flight. Although it was somewhat crowded during our visit, ample seating options were available for all guests. The lounge offers a substantial buffet selection with both hot and cold food and drink options, although it lacks the option for a la carte dining. In addition to the dining area, the lounge also includes a well-stocked staffed bar, a designated smoking room, and shower facilities for freshening up before the flight.
Bottom Line:
Overall, Etihad’s Business Class is definitely worth considering for those who are looking for a comfortable, relaxed, and enjoyable flight experience. Although the lack of in-flight amenities may be a drawback for some, the quality of the seat, food, and service more than make up for it.
TravelingFoody.com 