Airline review: This business class to Europe is perfect
The flight
Etihad Airways EY451, EY31; Sydney (SYD) to Paris (CDG) via Abu Dhabi (AUH); Boeing 777-300ER (to Abu Dhabi), Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (to Paris), business class; departs 3.15pm; flight time 24 hours 30 minutes, including 2 hour, 20 minute stopover (on schedule). Operates daily.
Etihad Airways’ B777-300 business seats can turn into a flatbed.Credit: Etihad Airways
The loyalty scheme
Etihad Guest is free to join and has reciprocal arrangements with airlines including Virgin Australia. Members get free in-flight ‘Chat’ messaging.
Carbon emissions
5.5 tonnes for business class. The airline has partnered with CarbonClick for their offset program, which can be used at any time before or after your flight.
Checking in
I arrive too late to take advantage of Etihad business class passengers’ free access to Sydney Airport’s pay-to-use lounge The House, which includes dining, bar service and showers. I’m given an express pass – one of the perks of flying business class – which lets me zoom through passport and security checkpoints, with just enough time to spare for a squiz at the duty-free shops.
The seat
Business seats are in a 1-2-1 layout, and recline to a flat bed. My window seat (13H) offers direct aisle access with a pitch of 73 inches (185 centimetres) and a width of 20 inches (51 centimetres). I switch to a middle-aisle seat (12E) for the second leg. It’s a great option for couples, with an optional privacy divider. The Dreamliner seats are slightly roomier; 22 inch width (56 centimetres), with extra storage, and impressive massage and adjustable cushion firmness features. The amenity kit features Acqua Di Parma products, socks and an eye mask.
Etihad Airways’ Dreamliner lie-flat business class seats offer more room to move.
Baggage
Checked baggage up to 40 kilograms with one carry-on bag of up to 12 kilograms, plus one personal item of up to 5 kilograms.
Entertainment
There are plenty of new release movies and a smaller selection of TV series. A seat-to-seat chat application proves a novel, if slightly clunky, way to talk to my husband several rows ahead. Etihad Wi-Fi plans now include unlimited data from $US19.99 ($30).
Service
The carrier’s reputation for stellar service is evidenced by a near-mortifying amount of staff trying to assist when I have Wi-Fi troubles.
Food
Another glass of Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve? Oh, yes. The $140-a-bottle inflight champagne is a lavish prelude to Arabic mezze, followed by braised beef with jus and herbed mash. The star, however, is the pillowy breakfast omelette with the lot. Wine gets an honourable mention; a glass of Bordeaux with a steak sandwich is a heavenly match.
One more thing
We switch from a Boeing 777-300ER to one of the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in Abu Dhabi. The latter feels vastly more modern, with more in-built storage, larger screens and more tech.
Verdict
It’s a supremely cushy way to do an otherwise taxing service to Europe, with the best saved for last.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.