Review: Etihad First Class A380 Abu Dhabi To New York

Thanks for sharing Lucky, looking forward to trying this myself in June

Thanks for your review... I'm flying this BOM-AUH-JFK but not for some months. Looking forward to it!

Well written, great fun to read. Thanks!

When I flew it internet was complimentary in FC... there's a card with a first class code that was easy to miss. I can't remember where it was located.

Awesome review! Cant wait to fly this route in October with a friend.

Can I assume a 24 hour flight pass would also be valid for a connecting flight? I'm flying SIN-AUH-LHR in F and would consider an internet pass if that'd be the case.

Thanks for the reminder. I just called them for a seat assignment and got 4A for my flight.

Lucky, do you remember if it was dark or bright outside when you woke up near Finland? Just wondering if it is dark outside for maybe a better chance to see the aurora borealis

@Lucky, I see EY still needs some work on menu variation. I flew AUH-SYD last month and that was the same exact menu! Really surprised that on a different route on a different month they would still keep it the same. I wonder if all the AUH A380 the menus are the same. Anyways, I think this menu was on the disappointing side overall but I will say the afternoon tea on mine had a lot more variation and had 2 towers of snacks instead of your one plate. What I like about EK F is their menus change monthly.

Is this the "Welcome to America" video they played:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWQzvhE5enw

I had chef Alejandro on my SYD-AUH flight as well!

@Dave, I guess you missed the part where Ben said that he lost the menu, so he posted the AUH-SYD one instead.

Great report!

@ Apu -- Haha, fairly limited number of A380 crews, so guess it's not a huge surprise. Still funny!

@ Dave -- Indeed, this was indeed the menu from Abu Dhabi to Sydney. That being said, wouldn't be surprised if they're very similar in general, as I doubt there are many people flying from Abu Dhabi to both New York and Sydney in a given month.

@ Brian G. -- Hah, I think it was similar, but a more updated version. Could be mistaken, though.

@ Ben -- It was still dark over Finland, given that it's still winter. Good luck! 🙂

@ David W -- Indeed, it can be valid for multiple flights.

@ Tyler -- It was in this case as well, but just for two hours. Figured it was worth paying a reasonable amount to have wifi the whole flight.

I agree with Lucky: that tail camera is the best kind of IFE.

Great post!

I just did LAX-AUH on their 777 which I thought was fabulous. Could use more IFE choices, and the seat wasn't as wide as CX F, but still fantastic.

Can you say a little more about the recline? Is it only as much as a domestic F 738 seat? In that case, I will probably prefer the hard product on the 777. Especially if routing through JFK is needed for A380.

Also is the bed harder than their 777 F seat?

Excellent detailed post as always. Great pics. Thanks

If you deplane directly into the terminal to catch a connecting flight, what is the minimum connecting time?

Mr S, did you pay for the ticket or a freebie from the EY?

@Ben, was the residence occupied?.

@ Jason -- It was indeed occupied by a couple.

@ Mark O Reilly -- I redeemed miles for the ticket.

Great report! Lots of great pictures and descriptions, it all looks so wonderful. And that's the nicest hot towel I have ever seen. 🙂 Can hardly wait for my trip.

@ Beachfan -- I'd say the bed is roughly the same as on the 777 in terms of comfort. As far as recline goes, the seat itself has domestic first class recline at best. Probably a bit less, even.

@ Nolan -- It varies based on which airline you're connecting to, but it's shorter than if you had to use immigration.

Hi Ben, great post as always. Was recently on this flight and the crew was quite "meh". Certainly not on the level of CX F service wise.

Little things like i wasn't offered a quick tour of my seat to go over features etc, no palate cleanser between starter and main, and no ever mentioned the free wifi for 2 hours. Is the 2 hour free wifi free for all f pax? Or did they only offer on your flight because of inaugural date for route?

Thanks and great post as always!!

@Lucky, great review. My wife and I will be on AUH-JFK segment next week on our way back from MLE. I was really excited about the flight, but after reading your review, I can't wait! Kind of interesting, I am looking forward to the flight as much as the vacation in MLE 🙂

Ben, did you not use th complementary chauffeur service at JFK?

Great trip report, as usual. Question: are those real tiles in the lavatory? Or just a wallpaper made to look like tiles?

Oh, just realized that you wrote one about EY A380 seat map. Last time, I flew in 1H (LHR to AUH), but this time I reserved 4K (AUH to LHR). Personally I was quite OK/satisfied with 1H seat cos' it was the closest one to shower room so very convenient to me (I remember, that day I was the only female F passenger and the only person who showered.. lol)

@Lucky, quick question: I will fly soon from East Asia to Doha, and I have two options (Biz class): QR 777-300 vs. QR 787-8. I flew multiple times with QR 77W but never with QR 787-8. Any opinion on the latter one?

When we flew EY F on the 787 recently free WiFi passes for the whole flight were tucked into the headphone cases. Was pleasantly surprised to see them there. Travelers with fancier headphones probably never see them.

The Discover America TV spot (FB: Visit the US) is created by the oldest ad agency in the world, J. Walter Thompson, New York. I worked on this account, mostly the digital creatives. I was at the shoot by Manhattan Bridge and met Rosanne Cash, the songwriter/singer of the spot, who also autographed her CD for me. She's the daughter of Johnny Cash. Discover America is an initial by Obama to promote US tourism to other countries, especially Germany, Canada, UK, Japan, Korea and Brazil. If you fly airberlin, you'd see co-branded print ads and bus wraps by AB and Discover America.

Full length music video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWUA1CXIku8

Obama "initiative" -- can't spell. And yes, the Muslim girl and gay couple are intentional to show diversity and richness in the melting pot--something Trump doesn't appreciate if he wins. So let's please make sure he doesn't win so this tourism promotion can continue with budget from the government. We do need tourist money.

"For the starter I had the mezze, which was one of the better presentations I’ve seen of it. Before Etihad rebranded they had a gorgeous mezze setup, though for whatever reason they made it significantly less impressive."

Isn't that...contradictory? It was one of the better presentations, but its less impressive than that they had before?

One thing you should point out: the seats like yours, where the seat isn't next to the window, does have a slight advantage in the when they set up the bed, your pillow/head is next to the window. In the version with the seats next to the window, the set-up leaves your head next to the aisle door...

Are you able to access the lounge upon arrival? I have a long lay over coming up and was wondering if I could access based on having pre clearance in Abu Dhabi. Any info would be appreciated, thanks and as always a fantastic review!

How does one convince an AAgent that a preclearance flight is "domestic" for calculating minimum connecting time? They absolutely would not ticket a 1:20 connection from EY to AA at LAX. The woman had apparently never heard of preclearance and repeatedly lectured me in a condescending tone: "Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles are in different countries, sir. You must go through immigration anytime you enter a different country" !!!

Great review, Lucky - thanks.

The blanket looks very similar to one I've got that I bought at IKEA a couple of years ago, not sure if they still sell them or not.

@Charlie -- The AA rep is correct since the airlines have filed for a minimum connect time of 2:00. I agree with you that it's too much, so you might want to contact AA Customer Relations to see if their route planning or alliance group can file a shorter minimum connect time for it.

I always love your trip reports! I'd love to see you make a list of the 3 most comfortable beds in the sky (or 5 or 7 or 10).

Cathay Pacific's first class was the best sleep I have ever had on a plane, but I haven't flown any where near as much as you or as many products. On a long haul flight I am less interested in the shower or the bar (they can be noisy!) or if they have caviar what I most care about is: is the bed /seat comfortable enough to get some good sleep. Which comes down two things: the bed and the temperature of the cabin.

Love to hear your thoughts and as always thanks for all you do love your blog read it every day.

EY has a Special A380 Crew who only flies on this plane. I was quite surprised as one flight attendant told it to me, as QR also has a specially trained crew (Around 700), but they also Fly other aircrafts.

Ben, I've flown this 6 times now and love it, but completely agree that there are improvements to be made in the areas you highlight. They also recently changed their steak sandwich and for the worse.

On their 787 they offer free 24 hours of wifi to F passengers, so on SIN>LHR I could use free wifi the entire way as it continued to work on the A380. With the blanket they also will just let you take them. We find their lounge very cold so always ask the crew if we can take a blanket with us and they always say yes.

Hey Lucky, what do you think about their olives pre-departure? I think they are not tasty at all and very bitter. I love olives, but I cannot eat them.
I've flown them twice in F (not apartment though), but I think the food is the same.
From my experience, the Etihad food is not really great, only the desserts are always very nice.

So the seat was backwards, you didn't even have a window near the seat, even the bed had only one window instead of three, the bed was small and less comfortable than other F beds, and the seat didn't even recline as much as domestic Y+.

But the hard product is great because there's only one hallway?

Great report, Ben. Wondering if the apartments---ignoring the luxury aspect for a moment---would be a good and practical way for a couple to travel? Seems like each has to be in a separate apartment isolated from the other.

Hi Lucky,

I just got to say thanks man for pointing out the EY 3 seats availability a few weeks back! Either way, if we are ever on the same flight I will be happy to buy you a drink! 😛

I was able to book 3 F (O class) apartments for the same a380 flight early August AUH-JFK using my AA miles. I called the AA European Call center (via the NL number) and was able to hold them and then a few days later put them on request fine (Jan 2).

Then it took almost 2 weeks to finally ticket!! A bit of nail biting from my perspective.

I had called back twice and both times got the "don't worry it will take a while longer" response. I was able to find the 3 seats by looking for the Etihad Guest seats being open on the Etihad website.

Either way got my "Ticketed" emails today and was able to pick the seats on Etihad today also. So I think we are good to go!

Fingers crossed we don't get bumped but happy I could get the family together on one flight. Thanks again!

I wish the decor and lighting in the bathrooms wasn't so dark. I kept looking for a light switch ;-). It's like using the facilities by candlelight.

Lucky, what are your feelings on EY F on the A380 when traveling with a partner? My girlfriend and I are looking to travel paid J from LHR-AKL get a lead of miles to put towards our honeymoon. My head says Etihad with it's family account and good credit card is the way to go but my heart says Emirates, the bar and Dom P might be a more fun experience.

I realise this is the very definition of a first world problem

@AKTCHI Certain pairs of seats can have the divider lowered, which is fine for a couple traveling together . You can also dine together

Great trip report! You think Etihad will open up first saver awards to AUH from JFK anytime soon?

Thanks for great review.

No caviar? The food doesnt look as tasty, Turkish economy has better considering its first class Etihad. Considering all, its look sound like value for your money

Mr S, Thanks for the reply, well since points is another currency in one or another, then your report has credibility. EY famous for giving any blogger freebies, anyone can get on the 'band wagon' just set a website as long as the author prases and kiss EY (you know where) then a F ticket return is waiting for you, don't even have to fly on any airline just writing away and slam the alliance airlines.

Great review, as always. I'm really looking forward to being on this flight in a few weeks. I've read similar comments regarding the lack of recline and the firmness of the bed. There's not much I imagine they can do about the seat recline but it seems the bed hardness would be an easy fix with better bedding. A quick question regarding seats. I know that 3A/4A or 3K/4K are considered the best choices for couples. Do you think one pair is preferable to the other?

travel4b, maybe you can figure out which side offers better views for you and consider whether or not you want to be on the sunny side of the aircraft. That's what I did to nail down my choice.

That pile of nuts you got given in the lobby looks huge. They must have thought you love nuts. Agree on the bed it's not very comfy. I'm opposite to a previous poster. I found the food good except the desserts. The trio of desserts was very poor both times I tried it. I didn't even bother trying the shower looked far too cramped. Service was great.

Lucky, I've been having trouble booking Etihad first with aadvantage miles. I'm searching for GuestFirst availability on Etihad's website, and I can find two seats available in GuestFirst on EY101 (for example) on a particular date, but when I call AA, they claim there are no seats available. Have you recently had issues with Guest seat availability not being reflected with American?

@Will - It would be worth giving a ring to the Australian AA call centre line (+61-2-91011948 outside Australia) via Skype. It appears that for the last few months US based AA agents have been unable to see Etihad award space but just about every global call centre outside of the US can see them e.g. Australia, Singapore, Europe, etc. Give that a shot and see how it goes?

Theres also a thread on the AskLucky page about it linked here >> https://asklucky.onemileatatime.com/threads/consolidated-questions-on-booking-etihad-first-and-business-with-aa-miles.4409/

Thanks Scott. Very helpful!

Flew the product and enjoyed everything but the food. In general, airline food gets a 7/10 at max so I always avoid eating on aircrafts - but the food on their flagship product was extremely disappointing in my opinion which I had due to the long journey. Oh, I also had the salmon biryani and regardless of what they call it, that is not a biryani.

Were you able to use the chauffeur service at JFK arrival on this route? I know it says under 24 hour connections are ineligible but is that applicable when the next flight is non EY?

I did EY 102/103 in the last couple weeks then on to Delhi. Fantastic experience!

I tried but failed when I requested Chauffer service from Midtown hotel to JFK as I was on an AA connection from the previous day. They could easily see that I had AA connections on both ends. The service was great on the other end though. Driver met me at the appointed time and place at Delhi airport and called my residential location for exact directions. I had told them a hotel that was nearby when I placed the reservation (The folks at the Etihad Lounge at JFK did that for me before I boarded). On my departure from Delhi I had not requested a car as I wasn't sure about the time it was only an $8 taxi ride anyway. And yet the Etihad both called and texted me that he was waiting at that hotel to bring me back to airport though I didn't get the message until I was in a taxi.

Both ways the Residence was vacant, the other 9 Apts full. Therefore what I assumed was the Butler (bald French/British men both ways) provided very professional, helpful and conversational service.

Seat 4A to AUH was great as has been reported. 3A on the JFK flight was just as good. Perhaps because it was a late night flight I never even realized I was flying backwards until final approach to JFK. The A380 is so smooth and quiet on takeoff, climb, descent and landing that it's hard to even tell you're facing the rear.

I found the food and service (dine on demand) to be at or beyond what I've had in F on LH,Thai,ANA, Asiana, and CX, (and CA, UA, AA...) though the alcohol is not the top shelf stuff.

The shower was great for me at 5'9''. I thought the bed was the best yet, firm is my preference, topping CX F. Maybe not quite LH 747 comfy, but much more private with the doors closed. And LH TATLs aren't long enough for a full sleep anyway.

I hope that I can be impressed with Emirates F next month but Etihad has set a pretty high standard! Please tell me the Hennessey Paradis is still flowing!

The Rosanne Cash/Land of Dreams is a great piece of work, one of the very best campaigns ever ( Malaysia Truly Asia and one for Australia are good as well).
Unfortunately the great campaign is a bit undone by first impressions: an hour or longer waiting to get through immigration after a long flight is not the best welcome.
Lucky is a man of very good taste with the notable exception of his preference in coffee. The ubiquitous cappuccino...a dreadful milky concoction for children.

Can you try to be on the inaugural A380 route of Etihad from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. You might also get to experience the new terminal T2 at Mumbai...

Can you try the inaugural A380 flight of Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai. You might also get a chance to see and review the new terminal T2 at Mumbai...

Hi Lucky - I have an upcoming flight on Etihad's A380 from AUH-JFK in the business studio. It seems that the flight is pretty full at the moment and when I called in to select my seat, the only seats available were 18K (window seat, but near the lavatories) or one of a number of rear facing aisle seats. Which would you choose?

Just stumbled upon your site. Nice review. I will be taking my fourtt Sydney/London rtn trip in first on the A380, and as someone who flies first class Sydney/London a couple of time a year this product has taken all the pain out of the flight. The minor drawbacks you mention are spot on though. I think the loung area on Etihad personifies them when compared to the more glitzy brother in Dubai. More undersated and classy. Overall just exceptional hard product.

Alright then its time to move to Qatar Qsuite inside of the terrible EY business studio. This is a baaaad idea by EY.