Review of Etihad Airways' Business Class on an Airbus A380 during a flight from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Sydney (SYD)
Embark on a luxurious flight experience as we take you through a review of Etihad Airways' Business Class service on the A380, travelling from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Sydney Airport (SYD).
The Business Class seat offers a plethora of amenities, including an ottoman that can be used as a footrest, adjustable privacy screens, Poltrona Frau leather headrests, storage compartments, universal power sockets, and touchscreens for seat control. A water bottle can be conveniently stored in the seat, and the tray table pops out from the left side of the seat.
The flight duration is 14 hours, and during this time, cabin crew members like Ken, offer a hot towel and a selection of beverages, such as Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Champagne, orange juice, or water. The Business Class cabin features the same Business Studios as the 787, and the A380 upper deck storage bins make the seat even more comfortable.
The seat can be converted into a fully flat 80.5-inch bed, and the bed has adjustable firmness so passengers can easily switch between firm, soft, or somewhere in between. The foot cubby is wide and deep, with ample storage under it to store shoes during the flight. The windows have dual-layered electronic adjustment shades, and a feature light with a reading spotlight is also provided.
An Acqua Di Parma yellow amenity kit was at the seat upon boarding, including socks, dental kit, eye mask, moisturizer, and eau de cologne. The Etihad A380 also features a "Lobby" lounge where cabin crew can serve beverages or nibbles. A TV screen and an interactive flight plan map are also available.
The lounge offers a dining area, bars with power adapters, a la carte dining options, and a relaxation room with reclining armchairs. The forward-facing A and K seats are the best picks, as they sit alongside the windows with the console by the aisle, providing more privacy. The middle seats are offset from the window seats, improving privacy.
The flight was booked in Business Class with 70 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration (seat number 10K for this review). The typical retail cost for a one-way ticket from Munich to Sydney is approximately AU$5,700 per person, and taxes and fees paid were $491 (AU$716.78) per person.
The Etihad First Class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport was visited during this trip. Guests can access a spa or gym for an additional fee, but non-Platinum guests must pay for spa treatments. Unfortunately, without Virgin Australia Platinum status, cash payment to enter the First Class lounge is not an option. Instead, you can book at least Business Class and purchase lounge access, or book First Class directly to gain access to the lounge.
The flight (EY454) is operated by Etihad Airways on an Airbus A380 (A6-APG). The flight route has 3 lavatories located between the 2 cabins and an additional 1 at the rear, providing a guest to toilet ratio of approximately 23:1. Etihad Platinum Guests or those travelling in The Residence or First Class can get a complimentary spa treatment in the Six Senses Spa.
In summary, Etihad Airways' Business Class on the A380 offers a comfortable and luxurious flying experience. Although access to the First Class lounge may require booking Business Class and purchasing lounge access or flying First Class, the amenities and service provided throughout the flight more than make up for it.
- The Business Class seat on Etihad Airways' A380 offers a range of entertainment options, including touchscreens for seat control and a TV screen for movies, music, and news.
- Besides the amenities, the Business Class cabin also provides an element of relaxation, such as a "Lobby" lounge where cabin crew serve beverages or nibbles, and even a dining area and bars with power adapters in the lounge.
- On this luxurious flight, passengers can indulge in various types of food, from a la carte dining options to beverages like Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut Champagne, offered by the attentive cabin crew.
- The Business Class service on Etihad Airways' A380 not only caters to entertainment and food but also offers lifestyle amenities, such as universal power sockets for device charging, ample storage compartments, and an Acqua Di Parma yellow amenity kit with essentials like socks, dental kit, eye mask, moisturizer, and eau de cologne.
- The Business Class travel experience with Etihad Airways on the A380 extends beyond the flight, as guests can visit the Etihad First Class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport, featuring a spa, gym, dining area, and relaxation room for a fee or through specific membership status or flight bookings.