While waiting in the lounge, I checked the Etihad Airways website to see if I could check my seat and download my boarding pass. I managed to retrieve my booking, where I saw the dreaded middle seat: 8B. If I wanted to change it to the exit row seat, it would cost me 13.6 OMR (around £28). There was a restriction, though: no travelling with a falcon. That was a deal-breaker, if I can’t bring my falcon, I’m not paying extra for that seat!
Etihad Airways offers various discounts in Abu Dhabi, including at hotels, spas, restaurants, and for different experiences, which is a nice touch for travellers looking to explore the city.
As I walked towards my gate I saw the history of the MCT airport
Some store on the way
Boarding was almost identical to my previous flight from Muscat. After the boarding passes were scanned, passengers were directed to a designated waiting area. Boarding began with business class passengers and frequent flyers. Then they announced boarding by rows, starting with 20–30, followed by 10–30… and then, nada. Nothing more.
Waiting area
Our bird was arriving from AUH
Once again, I waited until the end to board. I wanted to minimise my time in the middle seat.
Stickers on the plane
When I reached my seat, my 8C neighbour looked clearly annoyed that he had to pause his furious typing on the laptop and stand up to let me in. He continued angrily typing even as we taxied to the runway, and the cabin crew seemed to turn a blind eye. He didn’t stop even during takeoff.
As for the safety demonstration, there was no information on what to do if you happen to be travelling with a falcon. Disappointing, really.
Safety instructions
Mext page
No monitor, bring your own device
After takeoff, the crew handed out small paper snack bags to everyone. While we were rummaging through them, the first officer welcomed us onboard, told us the usual weather ifno and announced we’d be landing in 30 minutes.
He was wrong. We landed in just 22 minutes. As we taxied to the stand, passengers started getting up, my neighbour was probably the first one, and opening overhead lockers while the seatbelt sign was still on. The crew said nothing.
AUH
Waiting and waiting.....
As a returning visitor, I was able to use the eGate, which made passport control quick and easy. Though sadly, it meant no new stamp in my passport. I reached the baggage belt well before the first bags began to arrive, and of course, mine came out nearly last. Classic Sod’s law.