Mini Trip Report: Etihad First Apartment SYD-AUH

[esseeeayeenn]

On Friday 14 August 2015 I was lucky enough to fly from SYD-AUH in a First Apartment on one of Etihad's 3 A380s.
After a delay iin boarding, my first view of the first class cabin was stunning. it really took my breath away.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

My Apartment was 1H - at the front, opposite the entrance to the Residence.
The Residence was unoccupied for this flight, but unfortunately Etihad policy forbids allowing other passengers to peek inside, let alone take photos.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

First view of the seat - though of course it was without my stuff at that stage.

 

[trixydoza]

Excellent. I'll be flying this in a couple of weeks, so very much looking forward to hearing about it.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Of course the Apartment is more than just a seat. The full-length ottoman opposite makes a nice lounge and folds down to create the bed.

Unfortunately the storage space under the seat has been designed slightly too narrow to close the door on a standard cabin bag.
There are no overhead lockers, enhancing the spacious feel of the cabin.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The Food and Beverage Specialist met me as I embarked and guided me to my Apartment. He quickly returned with a welcome tray with warm towel, dates, and my requested water and champagne - Bollinger.

.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Soon after take off the First Flight Attendant brought more champagne and some canapés - olives, delightfully warm nuts and some dried candied vegetables.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The standard of presentation was exemplary. The nikko china was beautiful and each and every item was carefully placed in exactly the right place on immaculate white linen on the ample dining table.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The in flight chef took my order before take off.
The amuse bouche he brought was seafood. I declined because I am allergic. I did not ask for anything instead but an alternative was quickly prepared and brought. It was delicious.
After an excellent entrée of a spicy arabic tomato soup, for main course I had a beef tenderloin with pink pepper sauce, with sides of broccolini and potatoes.
I ordered the beef rare but the chef promised to make it as rare as possible given that it was par-cooked prior to uplift.
It was inded rare and melted in my mouth.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

After dinner I had the first of two showers I enjoyed on this flight.
The second was before breakfast in the morning.
It was hard to capture good photos of the shower but I did my best.

 

[robd]

The pictures aren't loading Posts 6 to 10.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Shower again - excuse my arm.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The rest of the bathroom containing the shower.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The pictures aren't loading Posts 6 to 10.

Maybe they are too large?
Please let me know if this continues to be a problem and I will try to fix it.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I returned from the shower to find my bed made up for me.
Although I wasn't quite ready to sleep. Which is where the independence of the seat and the bed is a real bonus!

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I did a quick check of my after-shower presentation in the vanity cupboard in the Apartment.
The toiletries from the amenity kit had been unpacked and displayed in the cabinet before boarding.
But I quickly repacked them and stowed the kit in my hand luggage, so the cupboard was bare by the time I took a photo.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Before sleep I headed down to the "Lobby" which is how Etihad refers to the bar/lounge area between first and business on the A380.
Apologies for the poor focus.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

As soon as I and a guest from Business sat down and started to chat, Flight attendants brought us drinks and snacks.
the arm rests fold down to reveal head phone sockets (for the large screen TV on the rear bulkhead) USB and universal power sockets.
There were also seat belts in case of turbulence.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Maybe they are too large?
Please let me know if this continues to be a problem and I will try to fix it.

Still not loading. But great report.

 

[blackcat20]

The newer photos are great but some of the middle ones aren't visible.