The 1-2-1 herringbone cabin features Qatar’s acclaimed Qsuite, with extremely wide seats (22 inches to be exact; compare the width of Emirates’ business seats, which are 18.5 to 20 inches wide). It is reflected. Etihad Airways’ previous business class, which still operates on some routes, had the drawback of some seats facing backwards (for those who don’t want to sit backwards on long flights). deterrence). However, the now outdated cabin has a small advantage: massage chair functionality.
Giorgio’s seats on the 9+ hour route were packed with ESPA products (we loved the refreshing facial spray that soothed the skin), Armani/CASA bedding, plush Etihad pajamas and slippers, and cushioned headphones. Comes with an Armani amenity kit. I decided to pair my wireless headphones. Combined with wirelessly charging my phone while eating dinner, it gave me a satisfying high-tech feel. I didn’t see any wires that would cause crowding during the meal. I purchased his super fast Viasat inflight Wi-Fi so I could get some work done before bed. For those who don’t require full internet access, a basic in-flight messaging service is available free of charge.
In-flight meal
In addition to our dine-in anytime concept that makes our business class cabin feel like a full-service restaurant, we offer an extensive menu that includes three-course dinners, breakfast options, snacks and drinks. Grazing options range from warm nuts to samosas to steak sandwiches. On the drinks side, there’s a wide selection of whiskeys and fine wines from around the world, as well as mocktails and fresh juices.
After sampling fresh juices upon boarding, we were immediately taken to the three-course meal service. Whenever you’re thinking about food, order it all at once (the flight attendant advised us that it takes about 20 minutes from order to service). I chose the Arabian mezze platter (grape leaves, hummus, olives, tabbouleh, all with extra salad and bread) and the beef fillet with roasted vegetables and potato gratin. I was so full that I canceled before dessert arrived. The flexible dinner service was a welcome alternative to the usually rushed counters I’m used to.
airport experience
Etihad Airways’ recently expanded routes to New York, Chicago and Washington DC, which launched last fall, also come with the added benefit of adding new business and first class lounges around the world. Thanks to my business status, I visited the shared first and business class lounge at Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport on my way home. And again, it was filled with fresh food, a selection of international wines, and a three-story lounge. It features showers, massage chairs, a games room for children and a rooftop lounge where you can watch planes take off.
Home to Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi Lounge is open 24 hours a day. It was relatively empty outside the buffet area when we visited between midnight and 2am, just before a 3am flight. I enjoyed late night Indian food so much that I was able to skip the dinner service and go home instead. A huge shower and powder area are also nice additions for those with long layovers. There are also plenty of booths to plug in and get some work done, so you don’t have to fight for a power outlet in a cramped lounge, as is often the case here in the States. There are no Etihad lounges in Boston, but there are options on Etihad routes to London (Heathrow), New York (Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK), and Washington DC (Dulles).
Take out
Etihad’s Boston route launched alongside the new fleet in April this year, but the airline is also expanding to three U.S. hubs (Chicago, Washington DC, New York City) and Toronto, with a connection to Abu Dhabi. There are now four total gateways in North America. hub. There are four weekly flights between Boston and Washington DC. The New York route operates 11 times a week. The Chicago route operates 7 times a week.
This service-first business product is a big hit with savvy travelers who look beyond the big airlines. And if you can’t swing it for business, some of the benefits also extend to the airline’s new economy seats. The Dreamliner’s redesigned economy cabin has 5 inches of extra legroom (31 inches of seat pitch) and the same high-tech entertainment system. Economy Extra Legroom products for Business Class and those looking for more space.