Etihad Airways Etihad Guest - Is Etihad worth few hundred dollars more compard to Air India

Flying an adult and 2 kids from JFK to HYD.
AI is $3500 for 3 and Etihad is $4100 including US domestic connection via JFK
Etihad will save us from changing a flight in BOM.
Which one is better?
Will AI 126/127 BOEING 777-300ER JET have seat back personal entertainment systems?
We are not members of either of the FF programs but see a potential to use the miles for Indian domestic travel for our family members? We wold get about 17K miles for each person.
While FF progrm would be easier to redeem if all we are going to have is only 17K miles per person. Etihad says family pool. AI says pool with spouse.
Thanks

I noticed your post on the Airlines of India forum, too. This question could have been asked there as well.

As for the price issue - personally I don't think $200/ticket is worth it for EY over AI in Y, but EY does avoid the unpleasant middle of the night connection in BOM. I think it comes down to how much you personally value avoiding BOM.

While I am not an expert in either of the FF programs, I can say that there is a lot of value in avoiding a late night connection at BOM, especially with two kids (managed by one adult).

Connections are never fun, except in some airports (e.g. SIN, HKG). But as Mr. Bean has added, a connection in middle of the night with children is going to be a nightmare.

I personally would prefer Etihad seeing as it is nonstop and not too much more expensive. However, the difference may be significant after multiplying it per family member.

Thanks all. I went ahead and booked Etihad.
Now I need to see how to maximize their flying experience with them. I will read up ths forum and Etihad's web site.