I gave myself a very expensive Christmas present this year. I decided to fly back to the USA business class with Etihad Airways. Although Etihad Airlines upset me greatly with terrible customer service this week while I experienced a passport problem, the overall flight experience has redeemed them from being on Janeen's Never Fly Again List.
I want to share the business class experience. The ticket price is twice that of an economy ticket so this is definitely a rare treat. Here are some of the things that are included.
1. Access to the premier lounges.
In the lounges, there is a peaceful atmosphere, complimentary food and drinks, and ample comfy seating. The lounges also provide complimentary wifi and plenty of outlets to charge your electronic devices.
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Etihad business class lounge in Abu Dhabi Airport
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2. Shorter Lines
There is a shorter line for airport security, boarding the flight, and going through customs
3. Welcome refreshments and a la carte dining
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"Would you like orange juice, champaign, or water?"
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| You can choose any item on the menu at any time during the flight |
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a white tablecloth is placed over your tray table and food is served on china
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4. Spacious Seating
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| the seat has a firm pillow and a seat belt with plenty of room to accommodate people as they stretch out or lay down |
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| You can see the television screen, the foot rest, and the comfortable blanket that is provided. |
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| The seat's coolest feature is the way it folds down into a bed. You might think a bed is extravagant on a flight, but this flight was 16 hours. Economy seating in close quarters with hundreds of strangers gets really old after a few hours |
5. Other little extras
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| There seemed to be 2 or 3 flight attendants assigned to the business class of about 30 passengers. There were 2 bathrooms for our section as well. |
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| the airline provided this cute little kit with complimentary travel sized toiletries |
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| the kit also contained socks and a sleeping mask |
Would I fly business class again? Absolutely! My budget does not allow for this on a regular basis, but I would like to save up for it when I fly back to the states once per year because it is such a long flight.
