ACROSS THE OCEAN- The Etihad Business Class experience from NYC to Abu Dhabi is a truly a door-to-door service, beginning with a town car pick-up at your apartment or hotel and ending with a drop-off at your destination in the Emirates. The car service is a nice touch for a hassle free trip, and sets the stage well for a luxurious journey abroad.
Upon boarding the Airbus 34o at Kennedy Airport, I knew immediately that the 13 hour flight would be at least a step above most international business class trips that I have taken. The flight attendants were largely in what I consider to be traditional flight attendant uniforms- almost a 'blast from the past.' The cabin was light and spacious, with each seat extending into a bed featuring a larger than normal TV screen on the panel in front of the seat. I would go for a window seat if you are traveling alone as they are the most private, an a non-window seat if you are traveling in a couple as many (but not all) are organized in pairs.
The amenity pack included the usual airplane socks, eye mask, toiletries and bottle of Voss water.
The entertainment offering was extensive. Movies available ranged from Mary Poppins to The Dark Knight and everything in between (over 40 Hollywood and Bollywood choices). A variety of TV series were also available, as were a number of music channels. A passenger can follow along the flight path via a number of maps (satellite and other) and via a camera located below and in front of the plane.
We took off on-time around 10:30 am, so lunch was served shortly after departure. The meal offered two choices for appetizer (a quiche or smoked trout with small potato pancakes) and around 5 for entree (salmon, chicken, lobster and crab pasta....). In addition, the menu included an anytime list ranging from popcorn, to breakfast pastries, to a warm club sandwich with chips that could be ordered as often as you please, at your leisure. The menu included an extensive wine list, and champagne. The food was of restaurant caliber- I especially enjoyed the salmon entree, and the club sandwich looked great.
As a final touch, all Business Class passengers were awarded a Customs/Passport Control Fast Track Certificate upon arrival- this allows passengers to use a separate, much shorter Passport Control line. This was truly a helpful feature as the lines are relatively long, and the service relatively slow.
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