Etihad Airways Etihad Guest - Etihad A340-500 Business
Dear All,
I booked a LHR - AUH return not too long ago using A346 equipment on both legs. Subsequently, this seems to have switched to an A345 on the outbound sector.
As much as I am delighted to be flying for the first time on an A345, I am curious as to whether I will experience the refreshed business class? Especially given the rumours earlier in the year of the sale of the A345s (I would of thought they would not refresh them if they were planning a sale).
Also does anybody have experience with Etihad chauffeur from central London for the 21-10 departure; I am concerned about traffic on the way to LHR. Would a sensible time to leave central London by chauffeur be at 5pm?
Thanks,
P
Welcome to FT.
We flew LHR-AUH in February - originally booked in Pearl Business on a 340-600 & then changed to a 340-500 - but (fortunately :cool:) we were upgraded to Diamond First whilst in the EY lounge at LHR. The somewhat curious thing was that First had the latest suites & Business had the "old" seats (those with the blue seat fabric). So am unsure if just First is being/has been refurbished or just that this particular a/c had not been completely refurbished?
Just a few weeks later we flew AUH-BKK-AUH on a B777 and this had the "new" seats on the outbound sector but we got the "old" seats on the inbound. The "new" seats were very very nice & comfortable - the "old" seats were comfortable too but had very limited storage space around the immediate seat area for reading materials/drinks etc. etc. Both seats are very nice though & a big step up from many other Business Class offerings. Enjoy.
You will be leaving plenty of time even with traffic from London to LHR. Better to be safe though.
Thanks for the prompt response.
I find it strange how there are still differences between the J product across the fleet. Must be one of the cost cutting/spreading measures Etihad are imposing to try and become profitable (another being the removal of dedicated amenity kits!)
It has to be asked NoY, how did you manage an upgrade from Biz to First? I know they have the auction process if there are spare seats but I get the impression you had a free upgrade.
Indeed better to be safe than sorry; also allows some time to utilise the spa/massage in the lounge and indulge in some plane gazing!
Thanks for the prompt response.
I find it strange how there are still differences between the J product across the fleet. Must be one of the cost cutting/spreading measures Etihad are imposing to try and become profitable (another being the removal of dedicated amenity kits!)
It has to be asked NoY, how did you manage an upgrade from Biz to First? I know they have the auction process if there are spare seats but I get the impression you had a free upgrade.
Indeed better to be safe than sorry; also allows some time to utilise the spa/massage in the lounge and indulge in some plane gazing!
Well, fleet refurbish depends on many factors of course, so I don't see it as cost cutting really, hopefully they are being prudent. The amenity kit absence in J (not F) IS prudent. People take what they need, so minimal waste.
Yes, Mrs NoY & I both got the upgrade. Nothing said at check-in or on arrival at lounge but upon returning to the lounge from the main terminal, just before boarding, we were asked to hand over our BPs & were told that we were upgraded to First. Lovely surprise. Mrs NoY is an EY Gold card holder & were wre on paid Business tix on the same PNR. The flight was 100% full in all classes. Lovely experience.
Yes, get to the lounge early & enjoy the sit-down restaurant early & then enjoy on board food & beverage too. Never went to the spa as it was waaay to early in the day for someone to be pummelling me :p