Airline Review: We Put The Spotlight On Etihad Airways ✈️

Etihad has been flying passengers around the world since 2003 and now provides more than 1,000 flights per week to 120-plus destinations. With an aircraft fleet in excess of 120 planes and close to 200 more to be added in the future, Etihad clearly has plans to cement its position as the UAE's second-largest airline and perhaps even surpass the current leader, Emirates.

With the addition of the Airbus A380, Etihad initiated a new level of luxury while flying. The Residence is the first of its kind; a three-room apartment that includes a bedroom, en suite and lounge/dining area.

The world is excited to see what this innovative carrier can come up with next.

Cabin Classes

Economy

Etihad Airways' Economy Class boasts a range of benefits that make it one of the world's most prestigious airlines. Guests flying in Economy Class can expect spacious and ergonomic seats with a pitch up to 84 centimetres, three choices of high quality meals, complimentary bar service and in-seat power ability to charge personal electronic devices.

Business

Voted the world's best Business Class, the new Etihad Airways' Business Class is taking business to a whole new level. Guests are treated to a 'privacy shell' with a six-foot-long flat bed, complete with in-built massage function, plus an on-demand a la carte menu of 5-star food and wine choices.

Prior to flying, Business Class guests are granted a chauffeur service and lounge access, while in-seat power and USB connectivity on board means you can work or be entertained on your own schedule.

First

Upping the ante in extravagance and privacy, the world's most luxurious flying experience debuts on Etihad Airways with the offering of The Residence and a new first-class cabin, First Apartments. The Residence is available exclusively on the airline’s new A380, which is due to fly between Sydney and Abu Dhabi and beyond, including daily flights to London Heathrow.

First Apartment

Upholstered with fine Italian leather by Poltrona Frau, the First Apartment features a living space large enough to walk around with an over-sized armchair, ottoman, wardrobe, 24-inch TV, vanity cabinet, chilled drinks cabinet and room for two people to dine together. If travelling with a companion, wall dividers can be lowered to join rooms. This is undefined luxury in the sky exclusive to the Etihad Airways A380 experience.

First Suite

Enjoy a complementary Etihad Chauffeur in over 30 cities before stepping into your First Suite with stylish Poltrona Frau leather seats, exquisite fabric and finishes, and ambient lighting encased behind a closed door inside your own private suite. Each First Suite includes a personal wardrobe, chilled drinks cabinet and enough space to entertain a travelling companion. In-flight chefs will take your a la carte order and couple with the finest wines in the sky.

The Residence

Luxury and privacy are taken to the next level with three suites making up the The Residence. The living room includes a double-seat sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, a chilled drinks cabinet and 32-inch flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom includes personal bathrobes, exclusive amenities and a private shower. Finally, the bedroom includes a double bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and choice of pillows.

Entertainment Options

Economy Class

Economy Class in-flight entertainment comes standard with a 10.4-inch touch-screen that allows you to be in full control of your viewing. On-demand entertainment courtesy of the E-BOX system delivers the latest movies, TV shows, music and games right to your seat. Economy guests can also charge their personal electronic devices including laptops or phones using the power sockets behind each headrest.

Business Class

Guests travelling in Business Class with Etihad Airways are treated to 15-inch LCD TVs and noise-cancelling headsets to enhance the in-flight entertainment experience. Over 675 hours of hit television shows, classic movies and the latest music from around the world is loaded into the on-demand E-BOX system for your convenience, which can also be accessed using your personal devices.

First Class

In-flight entertainment for First Class guests includes a 23-inch widescreen for personal viewing using theE-BOX system, plus noise cancelling headphones and connectivity to power your personal electronic devices. First Class guests also receive mobile phone and Wi-Fi access on selected routes and aircraft.

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Etihad Airways' Baggage Allowance

Carry-on

Guests travelling in Economy Class on Etihad Airways may take one carry-on bag weighing up to seven kilograms, while Business and First Class passengers are allowed two bags with a combined weight of 12 kilograms.

If you're taking Duty Free shopping on board the aircraft, don't open the secure tamper-evident bag until you reach your final destination.

Checked

Economy Class guests are allowed 30 kilograms of checked luggage which can be dispersed across several bags, so long as no item's dimensions exceed 45cm x 72cm x 90cm.

Business Class passengers may take 40 kilograms of checked baggage and First Class travellers receive a baggage allowance of 50 kilograms. Each item of luggage must not exceed the aforementioned measurements.

Etihad Guest members receive increased checked luggage allowance dependent on their class of travel. For example, Etihad Guest Silver members travelling in Economy are allowed 40 kilograms of checked baggage, 50 kilograms when travelling in Business and 60 kilograms in First.

Checked baggage allowances for US, Canada and Brazil

Guests travelling with Etihad Airways to or from the United States, Canada or Brazil have different checked baggage specifications.

Economy Class guests travelling to the US or Canada may take two 23-kilogram bags, while Business and First Class travellers may take two checked bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each. Business and First guests travelling to the US or Canada also receive an increased carry-on allowance of two bags with a combined weight of 12 kilograms.

Economy Class passengers travelling to or from Brazil may take two checked bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each, while Business and First Class guests are allowed three checked bags up to 32 kilograms each. Carry-on limits are increased for Business and First passengers as well, with the ability to take two bags adding up to 12 kilograms in the cabin.

Excess baggage fees can be steep, so try to weigh your luggage at home or the hotel before you leave for the airport.

Bulky items

Certain items such as sporting gear, musical instruments and film equipment can be taken as checked baggage provided they don't exceed the weight and size dimensions set by Etihad Airways. If the items are over the checked weight limit, they will be charged as excess baggage.

Bulky items that are accepted as checked baggage include snow skiing equipment, wind surfer kites, bicycles, golf clubs and saddles. Canoes, kayaks and vaulting poles are able to be taken as cargo and will need to be arranged separately to checked baggage.

You can purchase an extra seat in the cabin if you have a larger musical instrument you would like to carry with you.

Infant baggage

Adults travelling with infants in any cabin class are able to take one extra handbag up to five kilograms and one collapsible stroller or carry-cot as carry-on baggage in the cabin (provided there is space) or as checked baggage. Etihad Airways have a 'Flying Nanny' service on all long-haul flights: a dedicated childcare assistance program available both on board and on the ground.

Before you fly, check with the airline to reserve an infant bassinet. Bassinets are made to suit infants up to 10 kilograms or 10 months old.

Restricted or dangerous goods

There are several items that are strictly prohibited from being taken as either carry-on or checked baggage. These items include explosives, imitation explosive devices, aerosol spray paint, paint thinner, alcoholic beverages exceeding 70% by volume and any fireworks, flares or pyrotechnics (including party poppers and sparklers).

Certain objects are unable to be taken in the aircraft cabin but are allowed as checked baggage. This includes baseball/cricket bats, skateboards, tools with pointed or sharp edges, ice skates and fishing rods. For a full list of restricted items, please refer to the Etihad Airways website or contact your travel consultant.

Buy small padlocks to lock the zips on your checked baggage for extra security.

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