ETIHAD, AINT BAD
Advantages inflight entertainment. Friendly staff
Disadvantages still quite new so give it a chance.
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The Author
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13/02/2006
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15/10/2005
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We have flown on a dozen different airlines now, and this has to be one of the best ones so far. We flew on Etihad Airways from London to Abu Dhabi return in Oct 2004. Knowing it was a new airline we did look online for a few reviews regarding this airline – and I am afraid it was mostly negative ! People were mainly moaning about the unfriendly staff and the awful food and comparing it to Emirates.
We decided to fly by Etihad anyway. We thought since we are going to UAE, we might as well go on one of their national airline. My husband is in the travel industry so we were quite curious bout this new airline.We booked a package holiday so did not deal with Etihad directly. The economy flights cost £160 each with a 30KG baggage limit. The outbound flight was Sunday night, and the plane was almost empty. We pretty much had a pick of the seats! So we opted for the spacious seats near the emergency exit – plenty of legroom ! (to the joy of my over-6ft husband) In fact we had the whole aisle to ourselves. I think the plane was empty as it was low peak season and probably because it is quite a new airline and they are still gaining custom.
The plane took off on time, and we were given a refreshing hot towel followed by drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available. All drinks are unlimited on Etihad – so it’s a case of squeeze in as many as you like.The captain welcomed us all on board and then there was the usual safety talk.
Being in economy class, I was expecting to have to crane my neck to see the centre screen for movies, etc.
But not on Etihad ! All seats have been fitted with small headrest screens, and a handset to control it. (obviously if you are in an aisle seat, and hence no headrest and tray in front of you, the screen pulls out from underneath your seat and the tray pulls out from your armrest) There was no less than 6 movie channels, plus news, kids and tv shows (such as Friends and Frasier), plus the 15 radio programmes of different genres.
The temperature was fine most of the time, but I do get cold quickly. So at one point I asked for a blanket, which I was given promptly, and what a nice soft warm blanket it was.
The food was great. 1 hour into the flight we were given a menu with 3 different choices on it. Me and my husband chose different dishes to each other, so between us we tried 4 dishes, and all 4 were very nice.There are 3 travel zones: The coral Zone, The Pearl zone and The Diamond Zone.
The Coral Zone is the standard economy class. The Pearl Zone is your 1st Class, complete with reclining seats and china dishes. The Diamond Zone is just pure luxury and you probably get whatever you ask forI believe this airline is getting better and better with experience. I have never flown Emirates before but I hear that its one of the best. I believe Etihad will get there too one day. It is still in its young days, but it will soon be up there with Emirates.
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Page 1 of 6
| 1 - 5 out of 28 comments
MAFARRIMOND 25/11/2007 11:32
Rush_is_Right 03/08/2006 15:06
Just compare this review with 'booking and flying with ethiad airways' by frankthetank
. frankthetank wrote on the IFE:
"i was in economy, so was expecting to have to crane my neck to see the centre sceen for movies, etc. oh no!!!! this airline has had all seats fitted with the small headrest screens, and a hanset to control it. no less than 6 movie channels, plus news, kids and t.v. shows, plus the 15 radio programmes of different genres."
randhawa wrote:
"Being in economy class, I was expecting to have to crane my neck to see the centre screen for movies, etc.
But not on Etihad ! All seats have been fitted with small headrest screens, and a handset to control it. (obviously if you are in an aisle seat, and hence no headrest and tray in front of you, the screen pulls out from underneath your seat and the tray pulls out from your armrest) There was no less than 6 movie channels, plus news, kids and tv shows (such as Friends and Frasier), plus the 15 radio programmes of different genres."
Don't bs me, they are obviously parroting the same text that was likely given out by Etihad PR and marketing office.
Dan_ep 29/05/2006 17:15
I think this airline is growing rapidly and is aiming high. Love empty flights! Cheers, Dan.
Dan_ep 29/05/2006 17:15
I think this airline is growing rapidly and is aiming high. Love empty flights! Cheers, Dan.
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| 1 - 5 out of 28 comments
Etihad Airways excel in one area...PR. Etihad is the worst airline I have ever flown with. Search "etihad complaints" on Google for a better idea. I had over 24 hour delay, missed flight connections, broken inflight entertainment system, only one proper meal, rude and inexperienced staff. They are a total shambles and one to avoid...