I have dreamed about the day I could step foot into first class, since I began traveling. The aura of first class has always been a mystery to me and I did not quite know why people would want to spend so much money (we are talking thousands of dollars) to sit in what seemed to be a bigger version of the already insanely expensive business class seats. But yet, here I am writing my review of the world’s most stunning first class cabin, the Etihad Apartment. Would I do it again? Read below to find out!
Etihad Airways and the Middle East Airlines
Etihad Airways is the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. It is based out of Abu Dhabi and it commenced operations in 2003. An infant by any measure in the airline industry, Etihad has become one of the world’s most luxurious carriers. Much like that of its main competitors, Emirates and Qatar, Etihad has made a name for itself by “re-imagining” passengers’ in-flight experience.
With a rather small fleet of just over 100 planes (116 to be exact), Etihad falls nothing short of providing excellent service from the moment you book your flight. You can currently fly Etihad out of Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Washington D.C or Chicago. A small, but justifiable presence within the US, Etihad offers a plethora of flights to Asia, mainly connecting through the hub of Abu Dhabi.
Etihad long haul flights (think JFK – Abu Dhabi) are composed of three main classes: economy, business class and first class. Within first class you have a choice of:
- The Apartment, a one room private villa
- Residence, a three room villa composed of private bedroom and bathroom.
The Route: JFK (New York) – Abu Dhabi – Bengaluru
I was scheduled to fly Etihad business class on the signature A380, from New York to Abu Dhabi and then onward to Bengaluru.
- Total travel time: 18h 50m
Knowing that Etihad has one of the best business class services, I knew I would be in for a treat. Arriving at JFK, I proceed to the business class check-in line. I was greeted by a nice gentleman who offered to take my very over-sized bag and was asked for passport and visa.
JFK Check-In Desk
As he is checking all my documentation, he looks up and asks if I would be interested in an upgrade to one of the first class apartment seats. And just like that, I opted for the opportunity to sit in Apartment 1H for the first leg of the flight.
The Lounge at JFK
Etihad owns and operates the lounge at JFK. The lounge is right outside of the security screening prior to heading down to the boarding gate area.
The food and bar area surpass any of the United States airline lounges. A nice selection of fresh hummus and Arabic dishes are laid out for you to select from.
Entrance to lounge at JFK
Must try? Selection of hummus and fresh pita bread.
The best part of all? The view which looks over the large international A380 flights.
A nice perk? Since Etihad does not have many flights departing from JFK, lounge attendants will warn you when it is time to head to the gate.
Etihad First Class Service
A personal greeting awaits you from the moment you step off the jetway. Next, the flight attendant whisks you away to the first class cabin, at the front of the plane. You will be greeted with a glass of ice cold champagne as you are given a tour of your humble abode. While settling in and enjoy the mystical boarding music, the chef greets you with the a la carte menu. And this is all before boarding is even complete!
Seat for takeoff and landing
Rather than settle in to my seat right away, I decided to explore with the help of my fantastic attendant. What could be better than peaking into the Residence, on-board lounge or the two bathrooms?
Personal couch, for three
Lounge on-board the A380
Etihad has a dedicated lounge on-board its flight for its business and first class cabins. The intention is for passengers to use the lounge while their beds are drawn after dinner or to just get away from their seats during long haul flights. With seats and a large screen television, it is not a bad place to hang out.
First Class Cabin
Additionally, there is a shower onboard for first class passengers. Complete with five minutes of personal hot water, a full size towel, hair dryer and other bath amenities.
The Apartment On-board Etihad’s A380
Spanning two windows on an A380, the apartment is massive. Not only do you have a couch which seats three, you have your own personal chair, complete with a massage engine. The couch is also what folds down to a bed mid flight (a six foot bed to be exact.) I was in seat 1H, right across from the glorious Residence and the first seat on the upper deck of the A380.
My apartment
What about all the other goodies?
There are a tremendous amount of perks in the first class cabin. Below are just a few, of the ones I remembered to take a picture of!
Down bedding and a pillow which makes you think you are sleeping on cloud 9
An adorable quote by Dr. Seuss on your pillow
Amenity kit
Luxurious relaxing garment
27 inch private television, with a touch screen
Fuzzy blanket
In seat power and remote
More storage than a NYC apartment
Automated window shades
Massage Chair and automated controls
Champagne
Overall First Impression? This place is nicer than my apartment
Favorite goody? Amenity kit (It’s now a purse)
What About the Food?
But…..14 hours on a flight is a such long time. You are inevitably going to get hungry. And Etihad’s food service did not disappoint (and neither did the beverage service!)
Etihad offers an à la carte dining experience. Eat whenever you want, drink whenever you want, order whatever you want. The menu offered classic American dishes as well as a fantastic selection of international cuisine all prepared to order.
Having a hard time deciding? The chef has a personal selection of favorites which he recommended to me (the very picky eater).
Dinner comprised of an appetizer, palate cleanser, entree, and I skipped on dessert as it was already midnight when we had taken off.
Arabic Mezze Plate
Lemon Sorbet
Steak Frites
Breakfast was composed of a fruit platter, earl gray tea and croissant.
Fresh fruit platter
Beside flying at 40,000 feet, I must say the meal service was restaurant quality.
And the drinks…the amount and quality of champagne offered was exquisite. Before even taking off you are offered a glass. This alone is enough to make my anxious traveler worries fall away.
The Best Extra
Showering at 40,000 feet is an experience in itself. And the ability to have hot water, not just warm, I mean hot water, unreal. I will talk about this perk, forever. There is something about showering right before you have to get off a 14 hour flight and onto another 4 hour flight. The shower dial even shows the amount of time you have left, so you do not accidentally get stuck with shampoo in your hair.
Sink in shower room
Toilet in other bathroom
Amenities
Hair dryer
Shower stall
And the Verdict Is?
One hundred percent – hands down – Etihad’s Apartment was the best flying experience of my life. One hundred percent would do it again. And one hundred percent will do it again, someday.
The hype is real, this is probably the best customer service experience I have ever received while flying. And this was probably the longest I have slept continually without tossing and turning on a flight. Yes, I have taken other flights this long in business class, so that says something.
My suggestion? Try to book the Apartment at least once in your lifetime. Save all your points to book the seats, because they are worth it. Or….if you are feeling really up to it go ahead and splurge.
~Always be conscious of what you are consuming, but don’t let your allergies stop you from having amazing experiences.
A