This is not a paid post.
Etihad Airways, the
national airline of the United Arab Emirates, may have only been established in
2003 but it has gained a reputation as being one of the world’s top airlines.
Check-in at Heathrow
was smooth. The team were incredibly friendly. Not only did I get a porter to lift
my bag on to the scales – which being petite, I always find a strain – I
picked up a couple of tips for visiting Abu Dhabi, my destination and the home of
Etihad.
From the minute you
board the A380 you get a flavour of warm Arabian hospitality. Attention to
detail and the service is extremely good. A lovely stewardess from Glasgow even
took my coat and hung it up for me so that I did not have to screw it up into a
ball and put it in the overhead locker.
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| A380 |
The range of
languages spoken on board is impressive from Romanian to Chinese. From speaking
to the crew, I found that many had worked for the airline for a long time and
were really enthusiastic about their jobs and proud to work for
Etihad.
Etihad’s three-room
private luxury suite, The Residence, which accommodates one couple or a single
person, comes with its own butler and chef. It may have been what hit the
headlines when it was launched last year but fly in the first class apartments
and business class studios, on the A380, and you are promised an extraordinary
experience as they are reputed to be among the best on offer.
Its Premium Lounge
at Abu Dhabi offers an amazing range of services and facilities including
shower rooms and a children’s play area with a trained nanny.
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| Warm Arabian hospitality |
If you fancy a
drink, there is a great bar with a knowledgeable bartender as well as
an array of delicious hot and cold food including some tempting Arabian sweets.
Coffee lovers can indulge at the espresso bar.
You can treat
yourself at a day spa or nail salon and if your hair is a mess, a hairdresser
is there to ensure you look your best for the flight. If you need to work,
there is a well-equipped business area. I really enjoyed whiling away the time here
before my flight back to London, Heathrow.
If you are not
heading for the top deck, which is reserved for first class and business
passengers, you will not be disappointed downstairs in economy. It is rather
stylish and spotlessly clean.
Seats were extremely
comfortable and had good back support so I did not feel stiff when I got off
the plane. Even with two bags on the floor, there was still room for me to
stretch my legs out.
A “Sleep Tight” kit,
which contains a pair of socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs, is
provided on longer journeys. There is also a “Do not disturb/Wake me up to eat”
eye-mask. Even the loos were much better than on your average flight.
The on-demand
entertainment had an extremely good range of films, TV shows and live TV
channels as well as audio and games to keep you occupied. You could also
improve your geography of the region by following the map of the flight path.
There was so much to keep me occupied that I never tried to go to sleep during
the almost seven-hour flight.
Also appreciated
were the headsets. They were easy to use, far more comfortable than some I have
had in business class with other airlines. You can also purchase mobile and
internet services. USB and power points can be found at every seat.
A complimentary bar
service is available which included a choice of red or white wine. Menus were
given out before take-off so you had plenty of time to decide which of the
three options you preferred. I had chicken both on the way out and return
flight which was tasty. A snack was served on both journeys prior to landing.
Soft drinks, were available throughout the journey.
The time went by so
quickly on both of my flights. Etihad, certainly, has got my seal of approval.
By Daralyn Danns
For best fares and
more details about destinations and Etihad etihad.com
