HB7

Thanks for the feedback I think the improved award availability is something that would have been helpful.

I think generally if you're flying J/F anyway, status really doesn't make a difference.

Also speaking of the first class lounge at AUH - do you think there is a chance that it'll be open in the first quarter of 2016 - if it'll actually ever open??

SuiteFlight

Of those airlines/aircraft I've flown that have had a seperate bed, they've lead me to a conclusion that it's better to have a lie-flat seat alone. Seperate beds take up a lot of space, and just tend to be poor substitutes sadly. Just give me a well cushioned seat (it's odd that we had better cushioned seats on aircraft - the flying armchairs of the 70s - than we do today) that can lie flat without a restrictive footbox and leave that extra space to offer decent storage and a seat that doesn't feel hemmed in and I think you are onto a winner. The best bed on a commercial passenger jet is currently the crew rest loft I think

sabdhabi

Agreed, status does not make any difference at all flying in J or F.

I heard that they are now planning on reopening the AUH F lounge in the second quarter of 2016. I might be wrong, but won't that be around a two year closure???

TheBOSman

Sounds like the current EK F suite or the SQ Suites product?

SuiteFlight

That's most First Class seats/suites really, only a few have opted for a seat and seperate bed combo.

SuiteFlight

Agreed, especially since they really cut Etihad Guest award availability on the A380 - it went from wide open to almost non-existant (it happened overnight a couple of months ago so definately seems an intentional move, especially as availability on other aircraft remains fairly decent for the same routes). They could have made that a point of difference with Platinum, for example.

On other airlines (to varying degrees), even when travelling in J/F, I find elite status can be quite a boon for things like disruptions, resolving issues, special assistance, etc. I know with Etihad, if there is disruption, it's not something they consider (if fact, whether in Economy, Business, or First you get the same one size fits all response).

Qantas, by way of small example, take meal orders in premium cabins by status level usually on international flights lately. And their normal top tier members (and invitation status members) get special disruption services by way of big impact example.

As for guessing First lounge re-opening dates, I don't bother trying to pick one. If we've learnt anything of late, it's that it'll be open when it's open and everything else is just fanciful thinking.

HB7

Yes I guess you have a really good point there.

I guess we have become accustomed to expecting things late - although I don't see what they are building in this lounge for it be so late.

SuiteFlight

Hopes and dreams lol

HB7

Hahahahaha. LOL

NoStressHere

I see a number of comments about traveling with a companion, and wanting to share meals, movies, and conversations.

Seems amazing that the carriers have not thought about these concerns and made options available.

We are booking some RTW tickets with multiple carriers and find our options limited.

SuiteFlight

For your First Class flights where you want to be as close to your partner as possible, SQ Suites (middle pair) are your best option (outside Etihad's The Residence) I suspect.

m0hamed

Traveling with a companion these are your options on the carriers I have flown F on:


EY 77W or A346 - One of the middle pairs, however of these four seats one is always blocked for mobility pax.

QF A388 F - 1/2A or K. You will be in front or behind each other.

BA 744 F - 1A/K. Very close in Zone A.
BA 777 F - Any middle pair

EK A388 F - Any middle pair

NoStressHere

Thanks. We have the EK A380 booked U.S. to Dubai, and Dubai to Europe in First with the middle paid. Hate to give up window, but this will work.

Speaking of window... as a couple, having to climb over the other is not an issue, if available.

Thunderroad

Like SQ, many airlines' F cabins do have pairs of middle seats that make conversation easy enough. And for many airlines the F seats' footrests also serve as buddy seats (complete with seat belts) that mean you can sit across from each other while sharing a meal, drinks and conversation. (This is especially nice of you both would prefer window seats.) And of course the EY 380 F apartments have plenty of room to sit and talk to each other as well as dine together.

grannieflyer

I would humbly like to add my opinion to this post with my thoughts about Etihad F on their A380's. Not sure if one leg LHR/AUH, in early Feb and a long haul SYD/LHR return June/August qualifies me, but here goes. Do understand that I am not young, so my priorities may be very different to some younger posters, and I am retired so now have to pay for my ticket!

I find the wonderful 'private space' offered, especially if travelling alone almost priceless. The price of the F class ticket (bearing in mind that I do also use the free chauffeur transfer from LHR to my final UK destination, included in the ticket to the max): is from Australia at least $2 grand cheaper than any other F class offering.

I have always been treated with great courtesy. In flight have always had great service.

On board showers do not excite me personally, but I do appreciate that for some getting off a flight straight into a business meeting a shower before landing may be a deal breaker. Yes, the bed with its much spruked 'coco mattress' and 'poltrona frau' leather overlay could be softer, but its not that bad, last AUH/SYD segment managed to get 8 hrs quality sleep, and thats from a grannie with bone grafts and titanium screws in her back.

Could not agree more that Etihad's service on ground is often woeful, but I have genuinely 'weighed up' my options, and no other airline seems to compare price wise/on board product wise as I type.

Any other suggestions would be very gratefully received...suspect I will need to do yet another SYD/LHR return flight in the next 10 weeks or so.