Business Class Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi-Paris CDG
Terms and conditions of purchase
Upgrade offered by Etihad Airways.
At the airport
In Abu Dhabi's beautiful airport, Etihad offers check-in and arrival reserved for Premium Class passengers. Arrived by car at a dedicated entrance with staff available to take care of any luggage. The check-in desks were deserted at the time of check-in (around 12:00). The check-in, security and passport control formalities were completed in 15 minutes.
Once you enter the international zone, you enter a space where luxury boutiques rub shoulders with duty-free shops, restaurants and bars. There are a vast food court on the first floor offering a choice of fast food brands, cafés with a choice of international or local menus.
However, orientation within the terminal is unclear. Particularly the route to the lounge. Despite signposting throughout the terminal, it takes some time to find the lounge. It is located between gates C27 and D43 along a curved corridor. Being located between zone C and D probably confuses the signage.
The exhibition
The Etihad lounge is an institution in itself. It is spread over three floors (3, 5 and 6) and offers a relaxing atmosphere with its beige and white tones and use of wood. The ground floor is where you can leave your bulky luggage and access the liveliest part of the hotel. Here you'll find a buffet of international and local specialities, as well as several cooking areas staffed by chefs. In all, there is a choice of around ten dishes, salads and as many desserts...
However, if you're looking for more privacy, take the grand staircase to the upper floors. Finally, on the ground floor, you can also go directly to the a spa and massage area…
The 6th floor, less crowded and more intimate, is certainly the most pleasant.. Christened the Roof LoungeThis space, with its large relaxation armchairs, bar (with an incredible choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), buffet and restaurant, was inspired more by a hotel lobby than an airport lounge. Passengers also have access to the First Class lounge on the 6th floor.
The 5th floor is more devoted to relaxation and leisure activities. There is a children's area, a games room with table football, and two shower rooms. There is also a relaxation area on the same level. This is also an advantage for passengers on certain Etihad flights. Two gates give direct access to aircraft positioned at gates C27 and D43.
Boarding
Boarding is by zone, with priority passengers boarding the aircraft first. Flight attendants are on hand as soon as you step into the cabin.
The Business cabin
Theft Etihad EY33 is operated by a Boeing 787-9, which offers an unusual business class configuration. The seats are staggered, with some seats in the direction of travel and others in the opposite direction.. Seat 5D is one of the contra-flow seats. Located in the middle of the aisle, it is in a slightly darker area as seats 5C and 5H do not have windows. The configuration of the business cabin makes it possible to rationalise space. A second business cabin, separated from the first by the toilets and the service area, is nevertheless brighter.
A total of 28 seats are available. Rows 5 and 6 with a total of 8 seats (four seats per row) offer more privacy.
Seat features and accessories
The business class seats are isolated from the aisle by a shell. However, the lack of a high separation from the seat next to you in the middle row is a weak point, as it does not provide total privacy. If you're travelling alone, opt for seats with a window.
The seat converts into a fully flat bed measuring 1.85 m with direct access to the corridor. Each seat is equipped with a 38 cm LCD screen, noise-cancelling headphones, integrated power sockets, audio/Ethernet connectivity and an integrated massage. The seat can be converted into a bed with a mattress topper covering the seat, a duvet and a large pillow. You can also adjust the firmness of the seat cushions.
A toilet bag, slippers and a bottle of water are available. A cupboard next to the seat can be used to store a few accessories.
In-flight service
As soon as you take your seat, a hostess offers you a drink, including champagne.
The flight leaves Abu Dhabi twenty minutes late. Nevertheless, the total journey time will be less than 7 hours, allowing the flight to land on time in Paris. The service is particularly attentive. A steward and a stewardess - presumably the purser - introduced themselves straight away. The steward already takes the order for the aperitif drinks and indicates that he will be back for lunch.
20 minutes after take-off, the aperitif begins with an EPC Cuvée Brut champagne, very slightly sweet and delicate on the palate, accompanied by cashew nuts. The meal begins an hour and twenty minutes later.
The Business Class menu includes a starter, a salad, a choice of four main courses, cheese, two desserts as well as fruit and ice cream..
A choice of six wines (three reds, three whites) and champagne are available to accompany the flight. There is also a dessert wine and port, as well as more traditional spirits and cocktails. However, the menu gives pride of place to French wines, with three crus - a Chardonnay, a Côtes de Provence and a Bordeaux.
As the dish requested was no longer available - a chicken fogga cooked Arabic style - the steward finally offered an alternative: an oriental lamb stew from First Class! This is preceded by a starter of traditional Arab mezze. The company offers a 'signature' bread, half brioche, half traditional.
The meal is served two hours after take-off, with efficient and excellent service. Flight attendants regularly stop by to offer drinks, bread and fruit at the end of the meal. Snacks are available on request.
Toilets
Four toilet areas exclusive to business class are available at the front and in the middle of the business cabin.
In-flight entertainment
Etihad offers wifi on board its flights for a small fee, or even free if you are a member of the frequent flyer programme or depending on the class of service.
The film programme comprises 90 titles, including two or three French films. But many of the films are dubbed in French.
Hundreds of hours of TV and audio programmes complete the offer, as do video games.
Arrival
Arrival is on time at 7.20pm, with baggage delivered to Roissy 25 minutes after disembarkation.
Verdict
Etihad's business class offers a very high standard product, with friendly staff who take great care of passengers. The cabin is a little dark, due to the seat assigned, and there is no greater separation between the middle seats. But these drawbacks are more than compensated for by a tasty meal, the quality of the in-flight entertainment and, before boarding, the exceptional Abu Dhabi lounge. An excellent product, especially for passengers in transit to Africa or Asia.
