Bling it on: Etihad Airways First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi

Do you tip at lounges? Like for spa or meals?

Looks to me like the slats are deployed on that wing. I thought operating procedure dictated retracting them after landing and deploying them during taxi.

Did you tip the driver?

That last pic isn't a 777.

I am also curious if you tip the driver for the free service and if so, how much

I know you probably don't puff on a cigar once in awhile, but the cigar lounge has a great selection of Cubans. Far superior to the single brand selection at FRA FCT.

@Mike L. @Nikdro - When I am traveling abroad I tend to tip for things like meals, taxi rides, and spa visits. I know there are alot of people who don't but it make me feel comfortable knowing I gave them a little extra.

Scott

@ Mike L. -- I usually tip for spa treatments though not in the dining area.

@ romsdeals @ nikdro -- I did, I gave him $20 since he was early and friendly.

@ Aleks -- Right, the last pic is an A340-500, which I flew to New York, but the earlier picture is of a 777.

You are lucky you didn't get hauled up for taking pictures of the airside! The photography laws here are a bit cranky and quite a few tourists have been arrested for snapping what would think are innocent pictures.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts/clarity-needed-on-anti-photo-laws-judge

I am flying Ethidad F later this month..the current limo pick up time would give me about an hour in the lounge? Is it worth getting there that much earlier to visit the lounge or better off having an extra hour in Dubai? I only have 2 days as it is...

@ rtb -- Wow!

@ mike -- I'd say an hour in the lounge is plenty, especially if you only have two days in Dubai.

Lucky
do you ever get to sleep? Keep these reports coming;
I know they take a long time to write
I am looking at Expert Flyer and see R & X for awards
Should I go with that or look at the Etihad Gold account and search there?
Thanks

@ ffi -- Etihad Guest is the only place to search for availability. ExpertFlyer shows upgrade space only, as far as I know.

I had a great experience flying business class on Emirates from Ath-Dxb-Dfw. For some reason, they are getting picky about award flights on business/first access to the lounges. I asked at check in at dxb they said my ticket didn't qualify. But I tried anyways and got in. Hmm weird. No complaints here ! I like how each lounge has direct access to the gates. Boarding was a cinch.

@ Alex -- Were you redeeming Alaska miles? If so, it's a well known issue whereby award tickets show up as staff tickets, unfortunately.

Wish AA would let you earn atlas 25% of the Advantage miles you fly...plus 10% bonus redemption miles...:) 😀