Have only ever flown with Etihad using travel agent bookings so far.
As a result, never been able to select seats online.
Initially, i thought this was really poor and i guess does say a lot about their I.T systems.
BUT - every time, i've just called the local call centre, got straight through to a very helpful operative immediately and selected seats and meals in no time.
Just done it again for flights in Jan 16.....
In honesty, it's probably as quick as faffing around on a webpage!