Hello from Abu Dhabi! My dad and I are off on a quick round the world trip (he doesn’t know where we’re going), and we kicked that off by flying Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 first class from Washington to Abu Dhabi. I recently flew Etihad’s Airbus A350-1000 business class, and was incredibly impressed.
Continue reading: Etihad’s Boeing 787 First Class: A Solid Flight, But…
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Regarding just the seat, it looks like so many other first class seats . . . and, dare I say . . . perhaps less spacious than those on AA and BA.
Ha, we just did this flight a few weeks ago and I ended up sleeping 8 hours. The bed was so comfortable.
Way more spacious than AA and BA
And BA F is nothing more than mediocre J in every other aspect.
Hi Lucky,
Etihad only operates one B777 with first class (A6-ETS) which mostly flies between Abu Dhabi and Paris only. It will be replaced by the A350-1000 later this year.
I recently flew (two weeks ago) business class on IAD-AUH and it does not the new Armani/CASA bedding or plating. MY AUH-ORD a week before on the A350 did.
Therefore I think EY still has to roll the Armani/CASA products on the 787. My connecting intra Gulf flights had the new plates but not the new pillows. I guess its still a mixed bag for now.
@ SR103 -- Interesting, I was told that it was rolled out throughout the system as of late April, but maybe that wasn't the case?
@ Saeed -- Didn't realize it was just one 777. Updated the post to reflect that, thanks!
I flew this exact same route in these exact same seats and I suspect the flight attendant might be maybe the same (she was from Romania too). It was my first time in Etihad F, and I thought it was supremely comfortable. I love the cabin style (far more than Emirates), seats and bed were extremely comfortable, food was delicious and service was upscale yet friendly.
We flew back FRA to JFK in the new Singapore Suites so of course compared to that, it's very subdued, but I still absolutely loved it and would happily fly that again.
We also did have some interesting fellow travelers, including an extremely annoying "influencer" whose friends who were sitting in J kept coming and going before take off with their camera and filming (wish the crew had put a stop to that and I was very worried that it would continue during the flight but thankfully they didn't come back until landing).
I also flew this route a few months ago and it was above average but service was not perfect as in your case. That said, being able to get 2 F seats on a route such as this for a reasonable mileage cost is a good deal. I did notice a lot of people got last minute upgrades to F on my flight (seems like some people got free op ups etc) so don't get your hopes up if the flight looks empty.
Back in 2016, a group of us (6 Flyertalker's) were able to get 6 F rewards on the IAD-AUH (6 out of 8). Recognize the seats. Most memorable for me was the IAD lounge (no longer) and the personal refrigerator at the seat (although others have it too). Good table service in the lounge. Great service on the flight. We paired up to dine, very large tray table - and large comfortable foot rest to sit for 2 to dine. With partition down - like a table for 4. (must better for 2 to dine, then QF A380 F seat).
Also at the time - Eithad provided limo service - even for F reward passengers. Picked up at home to IAD, then we had 3 in AUH we had 3 Audi's cars drive us to Dubai. The limo would drive you anywhere in UAE.
Very memorable flight.
Cool. I like the Etihad B787-9 First Class. Great way to fly home on my Round the World trips. Next up March, 2024 DCA EWR SFO CHC SYD DOH (QR First) AUH IAD
What a sad-looking mezze plate! Unless that was meant to be an hors d’œuvre instead of a starter, it’s shockingly disappointing for F both in quantity and presentation!
I’d almost opt for the mezze in Emirates J over this…
It's look much better than the 14USD wine served in LH First class that I do last month from Tokyo, most white and red around 14 to 20USD value on Wine searcher, only one exception the Italian Barolo.
I discover that for a full F in 747-8, LH only cather 3 meals of each choice. So the most appealing
food is quickly no more available for the other passengers...
LH First class, no more thank you.
But Etihad look appealing, if I need to compare...
Somewhat harsh. I think BA First is the best Business Class in the sky, better than Q Suites.
@ Ben Schlappig -- I mean it was the last day of April when I flew, so maybe I was on one of the last flights with the non Armani/CASA products.
It was available on JFK and ORD flights before May and since May it is available on all flights.
I flew their '1st class', last Oct from Abu Dhabi, to Dulles Washington.
Having flown 1st class suite Emirates 380 a month before, Brisbane to Dubai, which was amazing, Etihad was far below their standard.
I also had to pay a taxi, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi ( because I booked through an agent),instead of a Mercedes limo in Brisbane ( No charge).
The 'bathroom ', was dark& gloomy, instead of Emirates gold& light!!
The price was about the same, but ,the lack of quality, made it, an expensive bad joke!
I will never fly etihad, anything ,again !!
I flew iad-auh return in F as loved it. The cabin is so much nicer than EK, the service outstanding. However yes I think the meals were better on EK. But reward tickets are a deal on Etihad so can wait for my next flight in a few months.