Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Etihad - J Class - What to expect?

I will be flying to the far east in October - After many prices and opitions we decided to give Etihad a try before Thai as these were the best prices out there and Etihad fly out from Dublin that really suited us and helped avoid London - Just hope they are up to scratch with the likes of Thai and SIA.

I was wondering if there was any other Flyertalkers who have actually experienced the Dublin/Abu Dhabi /BKK route in J class.

What is the food like? I am not really a fan if middle eastern food but just wondering what the food is like -

I take it the IFE is good - Good selection of movies?

In J, I see the seat is a fully flat bed - Do the FA do a turn down service like SIA + VS? Do they supply sleeper suits?
Any other information would be fantastic -Many thanks in advance :)

We did JNB-AUH-LHR recently. JNB-AUH on an older (relatively) 330-200 and AUH-LHR on a new 340-600.

JNB-AUH had a bit older seats, traditional business class -style. Fine for a daytime flight (like ours) but not so good for sleeping. IFE was just superb. Their washbag is also pretty good. In general meal was excellent but as we were on the last business class row, we didn't have any choice -- just two meals left. My middle-eastern lamb was missing the lamb but otherwise pretty good. Starters, snacks, wine and artisan icecream excellent. Service was pretty good for most part and it was a nice touch to announce what languages are spoken in the crew.

AUH-LHR was with the latest flat-bed seats. I found them just superb, much better than e.g. BA CW. Their setup waste a bit of floor space but everyone has a aisle access without jumping over other people. No turn down service or sleeper suit but Etihad's washing bag is quite reasonable. It was an overnight flight so we didn't eat much, one could pre-select the breakfast for an extra sleeping time. One of the best crew we've had for a while. IFE was excellent (the same), has USB and video-in if you want to feed your own x-rated movies or something.

Overall we enjoyed the Etihad experience and transit through Abu Dhabi was very convenient. We had a dinner at the new lounge which was a bit crowded at the time, after midnight. We have no reason not to fly with Etihad again.

The middle eastern touches (food, dresses ...) were very subtle. I would say that e.g. JAL is more japanese than Etihad is middle eastern.

Can anyone comment on the J class lounge at AUH...does it offer free spa services and how are they? What are the facilities like? I have a 10am departure and want to get there early enough to enjoy them. Also, can J pax use them on arrival as an arrivals lounge if getting off at AUH?

Can anyone comment on the J class lounge at AUH...does it offer free spa services and how are they? What are the facilities like? I have a 10am departure and want to get there early enough to enjoy them. Also, can J pax use them on arrival as an arrivals lounge if getting off at AUH?


The new lounge is nice, but as most people will observe, too small for the amount of passengers. The do offer free 15 min spa services, but you need to book early (once again due to the enormous volume of passengers). They serve a decent selection of food, no champagne, but pretty much everything else in terms of drinks. If you arrive early enough, the better chance you will have of spa services and finding a seat. By 10am the lounge is packed. 7am its pretty much empty however.

The new lounge is nice, but as most people will observe, too small for the amount of passengers. The do offer free 15 min spa services, but you need to book early (once again due to the enormous volume of passengers). They serve a decent selection of food, no champagne, but pretty much everything else in terms of drinks. If you arrive early enough, the better chance you will have of spa services and finding a seat. By 10am the lounge is packed. 7am its pretty much empty however.

Thanks! Can you reserve spa treatments in advance? Arent there plunge pools/sauna/steam, etc open to guests all the time or those require reservation too?

Can the lounge be used upon arrival as well?

bump...wondering about the spa facilities. Also, I was surprised at how "un" private the aisle seats are...you basically hang out into the aisle (blankets, seat belt). There should be a privacy divider, but it does work well for two passengers traveling together who cant book a middle section pair of seats. If traveling alone, the window seat is the most private.

Thanks! Can you reserve spa treatments in advance? Arent there plunge pools/sauna/steam, etc open to guests all the time or those require reservation too?

Can the lounge be used upon arrival as well?

Please guide me to the plunge pools and sauna! I'll be there again in four weeks... 15 min treatments are all that is offered as far as I am aware. Not sure if you can book in advance, but for 15 minutes who cares...

bump...wondering about the spa facilities. Also, I was surprised at how "un" private the aisle seats are...you basically hang out into the aisle (blankets, seat belt). There should be a privacy divider, but it does work well for two passengers traveling together who cant book a middle section pair of seats. If traveling alone, the window seat is the most private.
I agree about how open the aisle seats are. I normally don't mind if I'm on a day flight, but much prefer a window seat for an overnight flight when I'm trying to sleep. On all the EY flights that I'm been on though, thsoe window seats are in high demand!

I agree about how open the aisle seats are. I normally don't mind if I'm on a day flight, but much prefer a window seat for an overnight flight when I'm trying to sleep. On all the EY flights that I'm been on though, thsoe window seats are in high demand!

Yes, word-to-the-wise, book window seats as early as possible, they go fast!

My AirShow wasnt working on the return flight which was disappointing though when I had a window. Would have made for a more enjoyable flight.

About the spa facilities, it's a bit of a joke to even call it a spa. The treatment rooms are not like the web site shows, they are more like small phone booth-sized rooms. The folding door closes and a weak massage is offered in a chair for 15 minutes. Yes, it's relaxing, but is not worthy of being labeled a Six Senses Spa. Still, it's greatly appreciated to have it as an option.