Short hair Francis

Having ate Breakfast at the Grand Hyatt already, decided to take it light and just had a drink in the lounge.

Not the best view of the Airport


*7th flight, 17519 Miles flown since Apr 28
Qatar Airways 124
Doha to Abu Dhabi
Scheduled - 8:15am – 10:15am, 1 hr flight
Actual Departure – 8:07am
Delayed Arrival – 10:19am
First Class, Seat 2D
Food – Breakfast
Equipment – Airbus 320-200 (12J/132Y 2 Class Config)





Boarding started at 7:35am, 35 Minutes prior due to the plane at a Tarmac positions Who am I kidding, all positions are tarmac and the new airport would be greatly appreciated: D

The Brigade of Premium Service Buses awaiting




The Good thing going for us today was, all 8 Passenger in First boarded the bus quickly so we were on time. The bad thing, our plane was parked directly across the Runway from the Premium Terminal, and with no tunnels between the 2 sides, it meant a huge drive around Runway 15 to get to our plane.
The Drive took 15 Minutes and upon boarding, apparently 1st bus for the Economy Class have already boarded.

Qatar Airways Airbus 320-200

*Was stopped on the apron for taking photos, but since I took it upon the door opening, I couldn’t be stopped

Qatar Airways Airbus 320-200 First Class Cabin



Qatar Airways Airbus 320-200 First Class Seat


I had chosen 2D, and I lucked out again with no passengers beside me


Here is a peek back to the Economy Class Cabin


Pre-Departure Beverage, can’t even remember what it was


Cold Towel Prior to flight


And the last bus showed up at 8:00am, bring the last of the Economy passengers. Door were closed 8:07am and an on-time roll off at 8:11am.

A quick 40 Minutes flight to Abu Dhabi


Bye Bye Doha





Part 6 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

After a 5 Plane wait above, our QR 320 was ready to roll off on Runway 33


The New Hamad International Airport (Under Construction ATM)








The FAs went into action 8 Minutes, yes 8 Minutes after take-off with the Breakfast Tray Service for a 40 Minute flight, impressive


QR 124 Breakfast

To Revive
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Carrot and Mixed Berry Smoothie

To Commence
Selection of Fresh Fruits

To Follow
Arabic Breakfast Plate
Vegetable Omelette stuffed with Labneh

Balila
Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Breakfast Bakery Buffet
Croissants and Arabic Bread

Relax & Rewind
Cappuccino, Espresso, Café Latte, Macchiato, American, Decaffeinated

Ceylon, Ceylon Spice Chai, Chamomile, Decaffeinated, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Jasmine, Mint, Oolong, Rooibos, Sencha Green






Iced Coffee to end the Service


And a quick flight it was, after the 1st cup of Coffee, we started our descent into Abu Dhabi

The Bridge to Nowhere?





And at 10:14am, we landed into Abu Dhabi and shortly parked into the gate 5 Minutes later

Tomorrow, tomorrow




Part 6 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

After getting my Etihad boarding pass for tomorrow at the lounge, clearing UAE immigration and the taxi ride, it was just around 11:30am when I arrive at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi









After a quick check-in, I was given an upgrade to the Sea View King on the 6th Floor


The Hotel really doesn’t spare the Bling

The Back view of the Resort


Sea View King Room











Part 6 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

I will admit this, I’m not the type of Flyertalker or kettle that usually spends their entire time at a Sea & Sun Resort, but for this place and just for 1 day, I’ll make an exception

The Rest that is the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi









With my late booking of the ex-CMB ticket, I decided to hand off the Etihad Limo Service request to the Concierge which took them numerous amounts of calls to complete.

More Income Required, Beach Side Bungalows


A quick reminder you are not that far away from the City



A nice gap of space between the Beach and the Hotel


There was a grounds crew who managed the chairs and the umbrella, as well as water service

The Beach









Part 6 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

And after 3 Hours of catching up some reading and getting some extra tanning done, I decided to visit the other parts of the Resort

They also had a Nice Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam Room hidden away




And with a lack of Lunch, I decided to have a piece of cake at the Library prior to the Dinner Buffet




And after that, a nice seat on my Balcony for the Wonderful Cloudless Sunset





Geez, where is a girl when you want one, Very Tempted to take a Night Skinny Dip



Finally, My Favorite Photo of today’s, Forever in Paradise



Next Part
Part 7 – Not Quite as Bling, Etihad Airways First Class AUH – JFK

dat4life

Great stuff as usual, ShF. ^

I've heard from coworkers/friends about issues they've had with Qatar, so I'm curious to hear about the beef you have with them. Looking forward to the rest.

greg99

Amazing stuff. Can't wait for more.

Greg

SFO777

More great pics Francis. The QR FCL in DOH looks very nice. So happy that they are now part of OW. And the Hyatt Abu Dhabi looks amazing.

Short hair Francis

Thanks very much, glad to hear it's good, dat4life
As to Qatar, I don't wish to disclose anything publicly at this time

Thanks again greg99, I'll put Etihad First up shortly, that section should be quite good as well.


Thanks SFO777, enjoy SQ F and Moscow, and if you see Snowden, take a pic ^
QR is an interesting animal but again, i'll wait and see.
Told you the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is worthy of a Mrs. SFO777 destination

Short hair Francis

Part 7 – Not Quite as Bling, Etihad Airways First Class AUH – JFK


First of all, I would like to apologize for now to the next few sections; the photo didn’t turn out super great due to dust in the lens.


I know of all of the products you can choose with Old ex-CMB F tickets
Why did I choose Etihad of all People?
1) Because this was the easiest flight to fit in the previous 2 “23 hr 59 Mins” connections at Doha and yesterday at Abu Dhabi
2) With the joining of Qatar Airways into Oneworld soon, I might as well take advantage of the present AA/EY partnership while it is still existing
3) I booked 3 days prior to departure, they were no F inventory on flights by MH/BA for example


May 20, 2013 – Monday
EY 101/AA 6006 AUH – JFK 10:00am – 4:30pm (346/F)


Another early wake-up, this time 6:00am, haven’t completely adjusted to time change yet.

Can I come again in the near future


A 7:30am planned departure from the Park Hyatt to the Airport including the some time for Breakfast at The Café

The Café



With the huge work by the PH Abu Dhabi concierge yesterday, they were able to secure the services of the Etihad First Class Limo from the Hyatt to the Airport, I was horrified to hear it took them a span of 4 hours and over 10 different phone calls.
One of the only times I usually let other people take care of my problems and glad I did this time.
Lucikly at 7:30, the Etihad car service arrived on time to pick me up, only sent an Audi though


30 Minutes later, the driver dropped me off at the curb of the Premium Departures
Bell Boys were waiting to help with passengers with large bags. As I only had my usual worn out carry-on, I declined the service.

Etihad Airways Premium Departures



Etihad First Class Check-In


I decided to take a peek of the Economy and Business/First Class check-in, as I wanted a duplicate BP to add to my collection, wait took around 3 mins in First Class for an agent, who said we’re in a recession, not in the UAE

As the Premium Security/Immigration lines were packed and backed up badly, I took a stroll to the Economy side and luckily clear Security and exit immigration in 8 Minutes.

Now 8:15, I have just around 45 Minutes to 1 Hour at the Lounge prior to heading to the gate.

Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways Terminal 3 First/Business Class Lounge













Part 7 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

The First Class lounge overall was small, limited seating space but they do have everything you want there in a lounge, comfy seating, a bar, restaurant, private TV booths, showers and massage service.

I head over to the Six Senses Spa who already ran out of 15 Minutes treatment but did manage to squeeze me for a 10 Minutes shoulder massage.
Better than nothing, but they really should get some real estate and do it a la TG Style.



After the quick massage, I went back to the Restaurant to check-out the Bar and Restaurant. I declined eating since I already had breakfast at the Park Hyatt









Moments later after finding a good seat, not the easiest in that lounge, the Massage Lady came over to me with Chai Tea and Hot Rocks for the shoulder.


Naughty me, I just ordered Ice Cream at 8:40am, guess Hot Rocks and Ice Cream is a good morning fix


The Etihad-Air Berlin Partnership



And at 9am, I bid farewell to the First Class lounge and made my way to Gate 33.

Gate 33 along with a couple nearby gates was separated for the US departure that required an extra security checks.
A Premium lane for First/Business Class passenger was provided for the extra check

*8th flight, 24386 Miles flown since Apr 28
Etihad Airways 101
Sold as American Airlines 6006
Abu Dhabi to New York Kennedy
Scheduled - 10:00am – 4:30pm, 14 hr 30 mins flight
Delayed Departure – 10:12am, Aircraft Fueling Delay
On-Time Arrival – 4:13pm
First Class, Seat 2A>3A
Food – Lunch, Snack, Dinner
Equipment – Airbus 340-600



After all the checks, I arrived at the gate with no obvious signs for boarding, so I went over to the gate agent to inquire when was boarding time
Seeing I was a F class pax, I was welcomed to board right away.

Etihad Airways Airbus 340-600



Only 1 jetbridge for gate 33, luckily it was connected to the 2nd door so boarding wouldn’t be going through the First Class Cabin

A crew quickly pointed to my seat upon entering the plane and now the fun set of photo barrage begins.

Etihad Airways Airbus 340-600 Diamond First Class Cabin




Part 7 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

Etihad Airways Airbus 340-600 First Class Seat
















Part 7 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

Now You Can’t See Me




The Double Suites in the Middle, for the Mr. and Mrs. SFO777 of the world




Seat Control Panel


Magazine Rack at the Back of the Seat


Beverage and Snack Cabinet

*With no ventilation inside, the items inside warmed up progressively in the 14 1/2 hr flight

Personal Closet


Extra Reading Light and Air Nozzle


What is my initial reaction to the cabin, it was similar to the Beige and Gold colors at the Park Hyatt, Bling but not crazy overboard bling.
Most of the items you want are available in this seat.
I overall only found a couple items/things with the seat I didn’t like that much
They put the closed-door suite, similar to the 9W ones, same in the 1-2-1 config.
I love the seat overall, but I found the seat narrow-ish, maybe it’s because EY puts the seats on the 346s while 9W are on the 77Ws.
Secondly, I couldn’t put all of my carry-on’s in the suite, the FAs were happy to store it in the general closet. But with the empty cabin, I just stored it in the seat across the aisle.
Other than those 2 issues, I enjoyed this flight.

In the meanwhile, I decided to take a stroll onboard

Etihad Airways Airbus 340-600 Front Business Class Cabin




Now this is a lavatory, one Club-Like First Class Washroom



And finally with my crazy amount of photos, I finally returned to the seat and the FAs started the service
The load today was 3/12 and the couple was seating in 2E/F, so I moved to 3A to give myself some extra privacy.

Amenity Kit and Pajamas



Part 7 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

Entertainment Controls

*Sadly the power outlet didn’t work in 3A during the entire flight

Headset were provided

*I stuck with my Bose ones however

Pre-Departure Beverage #1


Pre-Departure Beverage #2,


While the PDB were being served, the Captain explained the necessary delay of taking extra fuel; we’re now taking 160000 Liters of Jet Fuel for the flight, 13 Hours 45 Minute flght time was expected today.

And door was closed about 12 minutes passed scheduled departure, for the long flight ahead to New York.

In the Meanwhile, one of the crew came around to serve Arabic Coffee and Figs prior to Departure



Well no one is going to keep these forever, the Gas Guzzler Airbus 340-500


And 10:40am, after another takeoff by a EY 77W, it was our turn off 31L



Very Hazy Abu Dhabi today during take-off





You can see Saadiyat Island and the Park Hyatt from above



Service started around 15 Minutes after departure
The Alternate Mood Lighting



Etihad Airways Entertainment System, E-Box

*Weirdly none of the offer movies were of interest today to me

6800+ Miles to Go to New York


Hor’s D’Oeuvres were quickly served with a drink service



Part 7 Continues Below

Short hair Francis

Order was then taken, Etihad’s menu like other F product provided On-Demand Dining service.
For example, EY offers a La Carte Lunch, Lunch from the Grille, Taste of Arabia, and Kitchen Anytime Section. So in this case, various options allow a lot of mix and match to create the meal set for your suitable dining experience you wish to have.
The Menu probably explains this better than I can


EY 101 Dining Menu
A La Carte Lunch

Appetisers
Trio of Gravad John Dory
Served with chive marinated palm hearts and mesclun salad

Traditional Arabic Mezze
A selection of Middle Eastern Hot and Cold Appetisers

Spinach and Green Lentil Soup
Mixed Vegetables and labneh

Roasted Tomato Soup
Sauteed Pepper garnish

Mains

Caramelised Barbecue Beef Rib Eye
Roasted peppers and buttered cornbread timbale

Arabic Spice and Yoghurt marinated chicken breast
Aromatic rice with dried lemon and roasted vegetable sauce

Vegetable Lasagne
Grilled Aubergines and Provencale Sauce

Chef’s “Special of the Day”
Combining their professional skills and freshly sourced ingredients
Let your in-flight chef create something uniquely tempting just for you
Ask your chef about their “Special of the Day”

Lunch from The Grille
Just choose your preferred meat or fish from our choice below and your favourite side dishes and sauce. Then Sit back and relax while your personal Chef prepares your meal exactly how you would like it

Meats
Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin
Rib-Eye Steak
Mixed Grill
Corn-Fed Chicken
Fillet of Barramundi

Sides
Mixed Garden Vegetables
Grilled Aubergine, Courgette and Pumpkins
Roasted Baby Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Oven-Baked Fries
Steamed White Rice

Sauce
Veal Jus
Bearnaise Sauce
Lemongrass Cream Sauce
Café de Paris Butter

Taste of Arabia
Traditional Arabic Mezze
A selection of Middle Eastern Hot and Cold Appetisers

Spinach and Green Lentil Soup
Mixed Vegetables and labneh

Arabic Spice and yoghurt marinated chicken breast
Aromatic rice with dried lemon and roasted vegetable sauce

Warm Honeynut Cake
Served with pomegranate syrup

Sulaimani Tea

Desserts and Digestifs

Cheese
Selection of International Cheese

Desserts
Fresh Fruits with passion Fruit Coulis

Providore Natural Ice Cream – Selection of Flavours

Quattro of Desserts
Mango Mascarpone Cheesecake, molten chocolate cake, green apple and lychee shot, ice cream

Chocolate and Caramel Cheesecake
Raspberry sauce and meringue drops

Warm Honey-Cut Cake served with pomegranate syrup

Dessert Wine
Gramp’s Botrytis Semillon 2008
New South Wales, Australia

Digestifs and Liqueurs
Taylor’s Select Reserve Port
A. De Fussigny XO Cognac
Cointreau
Kahlua
Baileys

Table Set-Up



Personalized Arabic Bread Basket


*Loved that bread that had Tomato filling in the middle

Appetizer Set

*The FA had a bit of a hard time understanding why I wanted 2 Appetizers, hehe

Appetizer #1, Trio of Gravad John Dory
Served with chive marinated palm hearts and mesclun salad

*They might not serve caviar but it was one tasty fish

Appetizer #2, Traditional Arabic Mezze
A selection of Middle Eastern Hot and Cold Appetisers


Extra Run of the Bread Basket


Soup, Spinach and Green Lentil Soup with Mixed Vegetables and Labneh


Was given Lemon Sorbet prior to the Main Course, the FA said it’s “to cleanse my tastebud”, sure I guess


Main Course, Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin with Mixed Garden Vegetables and Oven-baked Fries

*I decided to go with the Grill and went for the rarest meat I could which isn’t easy on a plane. From what the FA explain, it comes frozen onto the flight but it is already semi-cooked, then is cooked via George Foreman-esque grill on the plane.
So naturally the rarest you can go, is medium rare. The Cut was good though

Dessert, Chocolate and Caramel Cheesecake with Raspberry sauce and meringue drops, along with Providore Natural Ice Cream

The Cheesecake and the Ice Cream were separate order put together as 1 dish, they had a couple flavors on the flight.

Green Tea and Pralines


Hot Towel to end the Service


Overall the service took 2 hrs 10 Minutes, not bad, but not crazy good either, and the bedding was soon done.

Across the Caucasus Mountain now


Starting to darken for the flight ahead



Part 7 Continues Below