My Business Class Flying Experience

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.

Etihad business class lounge in Abu Dhabi Airport

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

"Would you like orange juice, champaign, or water?"

You can choose any item on the menu at any time during the flight

a white tablecloth is placed over your tray table and food is served on china

4. Spacious Seating

the seat has a firm pillow and a seat belt with plenty of room to accommodate people as they stretch out or lay down

You can see the television screen, the foot rest, and the comfortable blanket that is provided. 

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

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.  

the airline provided this cute little kit with complimentary travel sized toiletries

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.