Flight review: Etihad Airways business class
Bold in-flight flavours and comfortable seats make for an enjoyable flight on this international airline, while new premium lounges are a compelling drawcard.
Bold in-flight flavours and comfortable seats make for an enjoyable flight on this international airline, while new premium lounges are a compelling drawcard.
Take a seat
I’m in the left of two middle seats in the first, front-facing row of the cabin’s alternating forward-backward, 1-2-1 layout. My travel companion and I are closer together than the backward-facing row behind us. Our consoles (housing bottled water and headphones), plus another table for storage, are on the aisle side rather than the middle. This allows for cosy chatting over our welcome drinks – champagne (EPC cuvee brut) and a Cipriani Bellini – before raising the privacy screen for some downtime. The lie-flat seats feel spacious (185cm pitch; 56cm width); their latte tones, combined with atmospheric lighting via a side lamp resembling spun gold (plus reading and dining table spotlights), create a cocooning atmosphere. A limited-edition ESPA amenities kit celebrating Etihad’s 20-year anniversary includes face mist, hand lotion, sanitiser, lip balm, dental kit, sleep mask and socks. A navy Armani/Casa duvet, plus pillow and seat topper, up the comfort factor further.
Tech talk
Etihad Wi-Fly offers packages from $US9.99 ($15), depending on flight duration. For charging, there are dual USB ports to my left and a power point at floor level. Lighting and seat settings, including massage functions and cushion firmness (I can’t discern much difference), can be controlled through a touchscreen panel; there are also seat and lighting controls built into a shelf. A retractable remote control with a screen can mirror the entertainment unit – perfect for getting a flight path update.
On the menu
The extensive food and drinks selection (including mocktails) is served on chic Armani/Casa tableware. I select a South African chardonnay from Stellenbosch, which arrives accompanied by warmed nuts. The Arabic mezze includes creamy hummus, tabouli and falafel, plus a duo of bread rolls, also warm (although the butter’s cold and hard). My main of chicken kabsa is richly spiced, enlivened with sweet onions, cashews and minted yoghurt. A chocolate lava cake is deliciously fudgy rather than molten, with mango, cream and fresh mint. It’s up there with the best airline food I’ve had.
That’s entertainment
My 15-inch/38cm screen is responsive, and viewing options are plentiful, including live news. Movies span Bollywood to European, with current releases including Fly Me to the Moon. I watch Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, before guffawing through three episodes of Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
At your service
Service on this flight is bubblier and more relaxed than my previous business-class leg. The attendant is intuitive and responsive, hanging my coat upon boarding and clearing meal trays promptly so I can work.
In the bag
Etihad allows 40kg checked luggage, plus 12kg cabin baggage and 5kg personal items (size limits apply).
Make your points
Etihad partners with more than 20 airlines but will end its codeshare and frequent flyer arrangement with Virgin Australia in June. The airline announced a status-match offer last week, giving Australian residents holding elite status with eligible airlines the chance to match to Etihad Guest’s Gold tier. It is increasing services from Sydney and Melbourne next year.
On the ground
The premium (business and first class) lounges at Etihad’s new home in Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, opened in November 2023, are a sight for jet-lagged eyes. The multi-level oasis boasts dining hub, sparkling shower facilities, games and family rooms, relaxation nooks, a Roof Lounge and the Constellation Bar, a beacon of transit temptation serving a well-spiced Bloody Mary alongside an impressive buffet.
The bottom line
One-way business class fares from about $7930, based on airline website search departing three months from publication.
The verdict
Calmly assured service with a lightness of touch, bold in-flight flavours and comfortable seats with nuanced lighting make for an enjoyable flight, while Etihad’s new premium lounges are a compelling drawcard.
Nikki Wallman was a guest of Kulm Hotel St Moritz and Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Switzerland, upgraded by Etihad Airways.
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