Flight: EY26
Seat: 1A
Load: 1/1
The gate was very near the lounge, and in no time we made our way. Boarding had not been called as it seems the aircraft was still finishing being prepared. We walked right in, and I was introduced to the butler by the gate.
My butler was originally from Jordan, more on the young side and was enthusiastic about service. During the flight, I mentioned I had visited Amman when I was a teenager and talked about how much things had probably changed, as my last visit there was 26 years ago. We also talked about the food scene in Jordan, and it seems he is as into food as me! Good match. But I digress ...
We walked through the front of the First cabin, where the doors to The Residence were then opened. I was asked if I needed a refresh on the cabin and facilities, but I declined as I still remembered the drill from my first trip with the product two years ago.
Etihad cut costs across the board, but I didn’t feel any impact at all on this product. Quite the contrary. The attention to detail was uncanny. For instance, they had my preferences on file from two years ago, and also knew I am left-handed. The butler also confirmed all my preferences and let me know my special requests for food and beverage were properly loaded.
The cabin is just gorgeous and ultra comfortable. The seats in the leaving room do not decline much, but that's not a problem. They are super comfortable and have plenty of adjustments, including air firmness which really makes a difference. At the minibar, without my asking beforehand, my preferred water choice was loaded.
As other passengers started to board, I moved into the bedroom to get changed. I love the Etihad PJs. They are light and comfortable. The Residence uses the same as First, with the exception of an additional robe of sorts, which I actually didn't use.
One thing that I particularly enjoy about this product is that you have your private toilet with a shower. And despite being the only one using it, every time I washed my hands or used the facility, it was refreshed.
LHR-AUH is kind of a short flight, so my plan was to eat right after take-off, then get some sleep and wake-up for a shower just before landing.
I started with a glass of Laurent Perrier Alexandra Rosé, accompanied by my request of vegetable crisps (those were my catering requests!). I like the okra crisps, what can I say! And the Alexandra became a favorite since I tasted it on a JL flight a few years ago.
Caviar came next, and I stuck with the champagne. I am not a connoisseur, but it seemed different form the caviar served by other airlines. The roe was bigger and more golden in color vs. the traditional smaller and black roe. I liked it a lot and was offered a second serving, which I took.
Next came the Arabic mezze, which was nice. My favorite was actually the tabbouleh salad, seasoned very well and with loads of parsley, as I like.
A sorbet to cleanse the palate followed, and I just tasted it.
Main course was a delicious black cod on a bed of quinoa. It was the chef's recommendation and I am happy I took it. It was very well executed. I paired it with some Chablis, which was very good.
Off to bed, real bed. It does make a difference and nothing beats the bedroom with a proper mattress. I slept so profoundly that when the butler came to wake me up for the shower, I was startled and kind of “jumped”.
I took the shower, to which I was given 10 minutes, twice the normal for the shared shower in the cabin. It was refreshing and the amenities are very good.
It was now daytime and the sunlight made its way through the cabin, meaning the flight was over. Following the goodbyes and a few photos with the butler, we landed.
I was escorted to the front door and my PA and porter took me straight to the limo for my day-stay at the Emirates Palace.
