I recently flew from Washington Dulles to Hyderabad via Abu Dhabi. I redeemed 130k Aeroplan points and paid CAD 59.90 for taxes. When I redeemed, there was availability for all of the week in both first class and business class. Business class was 30k points lesser but decided to splurge considering Etihad has been discontinuing first class in many routes recently. May be this is the only time I'll be able to fly Etihad First. The same itinerary was also available through American Airlines for 70k AAdvantage points in Business class or 110k points in First class.
The Etihad First class lounge in Washington Dulles airport was closed. I was told to use the Turkish lounge. It is probably the best lounge in IAD. Gate was 5-min walk from the lounge. Boarding had single line for premium and priority passengers. I arrived after boarding started and there was quite a line.
Here are few pictures during the flight.
I was seated in 2K.
I received an Acqua Di Parma amenity kit and a set of Pajamas.
Arabic hospitality.
Warm nuts and fresh orange juice after take off. Yes, it is actually fresh squeezed in the plane? because when I asked for Mango juice, the flight attendent reminded me it is from a carton sounding as if I should not choose it.
Dine on demand is available in First class. I chose Asian Vegetarian meal but FA also suggested I can try anything else I like from the Menu. I tried the Potato Leek soup and Arabic Mezze
Lime Mousse
Chick pea curry, Spinach Lentils and Basmati Rice
Caramel Cake
FA made the full flat comfortable bed. It came with a white comforter and a mattress pad which is not available in Business class. The leg room is plenty.
I loved this blanket which is a quilt from outside but a soft velvet inside. The same one is in the business class as well (when I travelled the connecting short haul in B787).
Variety of Croissants, Vada, Sambar and Upma.
Assorted fruit platter is amazing.
I was sleeping next to the window seat and the B787 had dimmable windows. I am some one who needs pitch black room to sleep. Looking at the above image you can say I did not have 100% rest if not for how tired I was on the day of travel for packing and work.
Abu Dhabi did not have the first class lounge open. So I used the business class lounge which was huge.
Did I like the Etihad First class? Yes. Will I fly it again? May be not. It was a bit overwhelming and I am sure business class is plenty comfortable. I don't need to splurge points again.
Thank you for reading my experience.
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