Etihad Airbus A380 First Class London to Abu Dhabi (+ videoclip)
Feb 12, 2016, 7:40 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Heart of Europe
Programs: SPG Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Executive, LH Frequent Flyer
Posts: 240
Etihad Airbus A380 First Class London to Abu Dhabi (+ videoclip)
On January 29th 2016, I flew First Class on Etihad Airways from London’s Heathrow Airport (UK) to Male International Airport (Maldives) via a stopover in Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The flight from London to Abu Dhabi was operated by Etihad Airways’ flagship plane, the double-decker Airbus A380. So far, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has only five A380s in its fleet, deploying them on routes from Abu Dhabi to New York, London, and Sydney (Melbourne will be added soon). As you can imagine, the experience was mind-blowing, and I will try to describe the journey as detailed as possible so that you get an idea of what it feels like to travel onboard Etihad’s Airbus A380 in First Class.
I made a Youtube clip with my impressions during the flight. I hope you like it. I also took a lot of photos, and I will post some of them below.
The flight itself was delayed by 4 hours, making it an overnight, red-eye flight instead of a day flight. I was probably the only passenger (together with my travel companion) who was very happy with the delay, since I had a scheduled layover of more than 8 hours at Abu Dhabi for my connecting flight to the Maldives, and the delay resulted in a considerably reduced waiting time at the airport. In addition, Etihad dealt very well with the delay, as I was contacted by email, by text message, and twice by phone to give me updates about the flight.
- Trip: LHR-AUH
- Airline: Etihad Airways
- Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
- Flight Number: EY20
- Date: January 29, 2016
- On time departure: no (6 pm instead of 2 pm)
- On time arrival: no (4.30 am instead of 1.30 am)
- Miles: 3432
- Flight time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- First Class Apartment: 3A
- Price of ticket: 280 USD + 40.000 AAdvantage miles
1. ETIHAD LOUNGE AT LONDON HEATHROW
Etihad Airways has its own lounge at Heathrow International Airport. The lounge is located in terminal 4, in front of gate number 10 (from where its Airbus A380s depart), and one level below the Skyteam lounge. It is accessible to both First and Business Class passengers, who share all the facilities. Upon arrival at the lounge’s reception desk, I was escorted by one of Etihad’s travel agents into the lounge, who showed me around and explained the lounge’s features (and they did the same for all other passengers, which makes you feel very welcome).
The lounge is adequately sized and features the same decor as Etihad’s flagship lounge in Abu Dhabi. The lounge is divided into 3 main areas: one seating area with plenty of comfortable chairs, a trendy restaurant with bar, and a room where the buffet is displayed and which features some more comfortable lounge chairs. There’s also a small business center, a Six Senses spa (which offers complimentary, 15 minute spa treatment), a kids club, and a prayer room. Although the lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are not great since there is an additional corridor between the lounge’s windows and the outside windows (making the lounge quite dark).
After having a look around and taking some photos, I settled down for lunch. There was an excellent buffet, with several cold options to choose from (e.g. sandwiches, wraps, salads, humus) in addition to some hot dishes. However, I decided to go for the a la carte menu and had a terrific meal: Hirayli cod loin, with pineapple & chili salsa and basmati rice.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 2:05PM, but as explained above and due to late arrival of the incoming aircraft, the departure was delayed until 6 pm. When it was time to board, it was only a 2 minute walk to the gate.
2. FIRST CLASS CABIN
When I boarded the plane, I was immediately escorted by one of the flight attendants to the First Class cabin which is located on the forward upper deck of the A380.
The single aisle First Class cabin on Etihad’s A380 looks amazingly stylish in predominant smoothing beige tones with some dark wood touches. The lighting patterns in the ceiling projects Arabian mosaic-like figures on the walls and floor, adding to the overall relaxing atmosphere.
Etihad Airways’ A380 First Class cabin is the industry’s first ever single aisle cabin on a wide body aircraft, and it features nine First Apartments in total. There are 5 First Apartments on the right side of the cabin (with 2 lavatories in the front, one of them with a shower), while the left side only features 4 First Apartments. This asymmetry is explained by the fact that the missing 5th First Apartment and lavatories on the left side of the cabin are replaced by the Residence.
3. THE FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
The First Class cabin has 9 First Apartments in total: 5 with a rear facing seat (1H, 3A, 3K, 5C & 5H) and 4 with a forward facing seat (2C, 2H, 4A & 4K). The Apartments 3A, 4A, 3K and 4K have their seats located next to the window, while in the other Apartments, the seats are located close to the aisle away from the window, making it more difficult to enjoy the views during take-off and landing. Six of the First Apartments (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, and 1H & 2H) are interconnecting, with a divider between the Apartments that can be lowered, which is perfect for when you’re travelling with a companion.
Each First Apartment has the same amount of space and an identical layout. It features a wide armchair and a separate ottoman. At first, I was puzzled as to where to store my carry-on luggage, since the Apartment does not have overhead bins nor clearly visible storage areas. It turned out your carry-on luggage needs to be stored in the space below the ottoman.
The seat, which is equipped with in-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system, has two arm rests: one holds the tray table, while the other holds the seat position, Apartment lighting, and inflight entertainment system controls. Next to the seat, there’s a minibar, stocked with soft drinks, as well as a cabinet which holds the noise-cancelling headsets.
In front of the seat, you find the Apartment-wide ottoman, which is multifunctional. You can use it as a footrest when watching TV, or it can be used as an additional chair when you want to dine with two within your Apartment. The ottoman can also be opened up to become a separate 80.5 inches (205 cm) long fully flat bed. When you are in need of some sleep, the flight attendants will pass by for turn-down service: the ottoman will be transformed into a bed, and the flight attendant will cover it with a decent mattress, duvet, cotton sheets and two pillows. If you are traveling in one of the interconnecting Apartments, then you can lower the divider and enjoy the comfort of a double bed.
In each Apartment, there’s also a vanity unit which features a variety of toiletries, a lit make-up mirror, and the amenity kit.
What are the best First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380?
- If you are traveling with a partner, then choose 2 adjoining Apartments that can become one space when lowering the divider in between them: 3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, or 1H & 2H.
- If you like to look out of the window, then choose one of the Apartments where the seat is located right next to the window: 3A, 3K, 4A or 4K.
What are the worst First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380?
- If you don’t like to be seated in a rear facing seat then avoid Apartments H1, 3A, 3K, 5C and 5 H.
4. AMENITIES
Etihad’s First Class amenity kit is located in the vanity unit when you board the plane. The bag itself is empty as all the toiletries are placed in small cabinets alongside the lit make-up mirror. Here, you will find Bergamote toiletries, a toothbrush, eyeshades, earplugs, and socks. In addition, First Class passengers also get a black pajama and slippers, and a welcome letter from the cabin manager.
5. MEALS
Shortly after takeoff, th cabin crew served me a seven-course menu (everything tastetd delicious):
- Amuse bouche: Middle Eastern style chicken salad.
- Chickpea Soup, with Arabic spiced ratatouille.
- Starter: marinated prawns, with Quinoa and wake salad, and red pepper sauce.
- Grapefruit sorbet.
- Entree: US rib-eye steak, with steamed green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlic and herb butter.
- Pre-dessert mini-choclate mousse.
- Dessert trio of berry and cinnamon frangipani, apricot cheesecake, with passion fruit meringue, chocolate mousse.
Before landing in Abu Dhabi (at 4.30 am local time), I also ordered some fresh fruits and cereals.
6. MY VERDICT
- Seat: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Inflight entertainment : 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Cabin: 10/10
- Overall experience: exceptional: 9,6/10
I made a Youtube clip with my impressions during the flight. I hope you like it. I also took a lot of photos, and I will post some of them below.
The flight itself was delayed by 4 hours, making it an overnight, red-eye flight instead of a day flight. I was probably the only passenger (together with my travel companion) who was very happy with the delay, since I had a scheduled layover of more than 8 hours at Abu Dhabi for my connecting flight to the Maldives, and the delay resulted in a considerably reduced waiting time at the airport. In addition, Etihad dealt very well with the delay, as I was contacted by email, by text message, and twice by phone to give me updates about the flight.
- Trip: LHR-AUH
- Airline: Etihad Airways
- Aircraft type: Airbus A380-800
- Flight Number: EY20
- Date: January 29, 2016
- On time departure: no (6 pm instead of 2 pm)
- On time arrival: no (4.30 am instead of 1.30 am)
- Miles: 3432
- Flight time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- First Class Apartment: 3A
- Price of ticket: 280 USD + 40.000 AAdvantage miles
1. ETIHAD LOUNGE AT LONDON HEATHROW
Etihad Airways has its own lounge at Heathrow International Airport. The lounge is located in terminal 4, in front of gate number 10 (from where its Airbus A380s depart), and one level below the Skyteam lounge. It is accessible to both First and Business Class passengers, who share all the facilities. Upon arrival at the lounge’s reception desk, I was escorted by one of Etihad’s travel agents into the lounge, who showed me around and explained the lounge’s features (and they did the same for all other passengers, which makes you feel very welcome).
The lounge is adequately sized and features the same decor as Etihad’s flagship lounge in Abu Dhabi. The lounge is divided into 3 main areas: one seating area with plenty of comfortable chairs, a trendy restaurant with bar, and a room where the buffet is displayed and which features some more comfortable lounge chairs. There’s also a small business center, a Six Senses spa (which offers complimentary, 15 minute spa treatment), a kids club, and a prayer room. Although the lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, the views are not great since there is an additional corridor between the lounge’s windows and the outside windows (making the lounge quite dark).
After having a look around and taking some photos, I settled down for lunch. There was an excellent buffet, with several cold options to choose from (e.g. sandwiches, wraps, salads, humus) in addition to some hot dishes. However, I decided to go for the a la carte menu and had a terrific meal: Hirayli cod loin, with pineapple & chili salsa and basmati rice.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 2:05PM, but as explained above and due to late arrival of the incoming aircraft, the departure was delayed until 6 pm. When it was time to board, it was only a 2 minute walk to the gate.
2. FIRST CLASS CABIN
When I boarded the plane, I was immediately escorted by one of the flight attendants to the First Class cabin which is located on the forward upper deck of the A380.
The single aisle First Class cabin on Etihad’s A380 looks amazingly stylish in predominant smoothing beige tones with some dark wood touches. The lighting patterns in the ceiling projects Arabian mosaic-like figures on the walls and floor, adding to the overall relaxing atmosphere.
Etihad Airways’ A380 First Class cabin is the industry’s first ever single aisle cabin on a wide body aircraft, and it features nine First Apartments in total. There are 5 First Apartments on the right side of the cabin (with 2 lavatories in the front, one of them with a shower), while the left side only features 4 First Apartments. This asymmetry is explained by the fact that the missing 5th First Apartment and lavatories on the left side of the cabin are replaced by the Residence.
3. THE FIRST CLASS APARTMENT
The First Class cabin has 9 First Apartments in total: 5 with a rear facing seat (1H, 3A, 3K, 5C & 5H) and 4 with a forward facing seat (2C, 2H, 4A & 4K). The Apartments 3A, 4A, 3K and 4K have their seats located next to the window, while in the other Apartments, the seats are located close to the aisle away from the window, making it more difficult to enjoy the views during take-off and landing. Six of the First Apartments (3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, and 1H & 2H) are interconnecting, with a divider between the Apartments that can be lowered, which is perfect for when you’re travelling with a companion.
Each First Apartment has the same amount of space and an identical layout. It features a wide armchair and a separate ottoman. At first, I was puzzled as to where to store my carry-on luggage, since the Apartment does not have overhead bins nor clearly visible storage areas. It turned out your carry-on luggage needs to be stored in the space below the ottoman.
The seat, which is equipped with in-seat massage and a pneumatic cushion control system, has two arm rests: one holds the tray table, while the other holds the seat position, Apartment lighting, and inflight entertainment system controls. Next to the seat, there’s a minibar, stocked with soft drinks, as well as a cabinet which holds the noise-cancelling headsets.
In front of the seat, you find the Apartment-wide ottoman, which is multifunctional. You can use it as a footrest when watching TV, or it can be used as an additional chair when you want to dine with two within your Apartment. The ottoman can also be opened up to become a separate 80.5 inches (205 cm) long fully flat bed. When you are in need of some sleep, the flight attendants will pass by for turn-down service: the ottoman will be transformed into a bed, and the flight attendant will cover it with a decent mattress, duvet, cotton sheets and two pillows. If you are traveling in one of the interconnecting Apartments, then you can lower the divider and enjoy the comfort of a double bed.
In each Apartment, there’s also a vanity unit which features a variety of toiletries, a lit make-up mirror, and the amenity kit.
What are the best First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380?
- If you are traveling with a partner, then choose 2 adjoining Apartments that can become one space when lowering the divider in between them: 3A & 4A, 3K & 4K, or 1H & 2H.
- If you like to look out of the window, then choose one of the Apartments where the seat is located right next to the window: 3A, 3K, 4A or 4K.
What are the worst First Class seats on Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380?
- If you don’t like to be seated in a rear facing seat then avoid Apartments H1, 3A, 3K, 5C and 5 H.
4. AMENITIES
Etihad’s First Class amenity kit is located in the vanity unit when you board the plane. The bag itself is empty as all the toiletries are placed in small cabinets alongside the lit make-up mirror. Here, you will find Bergamote toiletries, a toothbrush, eyeshades, earplugs, and socks. In addition, First Class passengers also get a black pajama and slippers, and a welcome letter from the cabin manager.
5. MEALS
Shortly after takeoff, th cabin crew served me a seven-course menu (everything tastetd delicious):
- Amuse bouche: Middle Eastern style chicken salad.
- Chickpea Soup, with Arabic spiced ratatouille.
- Starter: marinated prawns, with Quinoa and wake salad, and red pepper sauce.
- Grapefruit sorbet.
- Entree: US rib-eye steak, with steamed green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlic and herb butter.
- Pre-dessert mini-choclate mousse.
- Dessert trio of berry and cinnamon frangipani, apricot cheesecake, with passion fruit meringue, chocolate mousse.
Before landing in Abu Dhabi (at 4.30 am local time), I also ordered some fresh fruits and cereals.
6. MY VERDICT
- Seat: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Inflight entertainment : 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Cabin: 10/10
- Overall experience: exceptional: 9,6/10
Feb 12, 2016, 6:53 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 502
Interesting, in all the trip reports on the apartments, I have never seen (nor heard) of those dividing walls dropping... that's very interesting to me for some reason. Thanks for sharing, nicely done.
*Just watched the video, that business class was emptyyyyyyy... dang.
*Just watched the video, that business class was emptyyyyyyy... dang.
Last edited by popoemt; Feb 12, 2016 at 7:03 pm
Feb 13, 2016, 5:56 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: London and Dubai
Programs: EK Platinum, QR Gold, Etihad Silver
Posts: 19
Great TR! The photos sure do justice to the product! I've flown EY J multiple times, I'm flying F next week to AUH!
Can't wait to try F, I've seen and heard many good things!
Can't wait to try F, I've seen and heard many good things!
