Starting off, I had a connecting flight from BNE>MEL in J, not overly happy with the result, but hey, it was still nice.
From there, the switchover at Melbourne was a little iffy. The Etihad counter didn't open til after 6:30pm for a flight at 10:30pm, so I headed back to the Velocity lounge for a few hours, then went back to check in.
Check in was simple and quick. My bags had been tagged at Brisbane, all the way through to London (in hindsight, this sucks, as I left my jumper in my check in luggage and Melbourne was a little chilly - likewise, in Abu Dhabi, it's hot and I need a shower). The priority check in counters were split for Business and First passengers, but like standard VA flights, they let me checkin at either or based on no one in the First class line.
Etihad staff gave me a lounge pass for Air New Zealand's Koru Club. I proceeded to the lounge, but found it was actually closed. Around an hour afterwards, it opened (around 7:45-8pm). Their lounge is something else. In comparison to our lounges, this was really really awesome. Pool tables, serve yourself food/drinks etc (also, nicer food), and nicer all round environment. Despite the annoyance of the lounge not opening until later, it was still a great experience.
Next, on to the flight, I was able to use the Business/First boarding lane which again was quick and simple and the staff were helpful. Boarding the plane, an FA showed me to my seat and asked if I'd like a drink or anything. Very professional.
This was the main point I guess of my flight - it was all VERY professional. The slightest hiccup and someone was there straight away to help out. Great customer service.
I was on an Airbus A340-500, and the seats on these planes are the full lay back style. I stand at 180cm, and whilst my head and feet JUST fit in this space, it was still quite roomy, and I didn't feel cramped at all. I'm a pretty slim/athletic build, so experiences may vary.
I had an issue with my IFE, was able to watch a movie at the start of the flight, but for some reason, the entire IFE system died on my seat a short time after I finished the movie. Numerous resets of the system and no luck. Bummer.
I managed to sleep a good 5 hours or so, awakened by an economy baby or two - as a father of two myself, I couldn't exactly complain.
Due to my IFE issue, I had the flight manager come and check up on me a few times in the final 2 or 3 hours of the flight to see if she could do anything, and was very apologetic. At AUH, I was greeted when leaving the plane by an Etihad staff member, who escorted me in to the Etihad first class lounge, and was handed a formal written apology from Etihad with 20000 miles attached.
The lounge here itself, well... You'll have to check it out for yourself. It's really something. Very quiet, but great features and hospitality
I really can't wait to board my flight to London to continue the experience. I cannot recommend flying with Etihad enough after only one leg of my journey. Value for money is exceptional, considering other airlines are charging twice the amount for similar flights (BNE>LHR).
From there, the switchover at Melbourne was a little iffy. The Etihad counter didn't open til after 6:30pm for a flight at 10:30pm, so I headed back to the Velocity lounge for a few hours, then went back to check in.
Check in was simple and quick. My bags had been tagged at Brisbane, all the way through to London (in hindsight, this sucks, as I left my jumper in my check in luggage and Melbourne was a little chilly - likewise, in Abu Dhabi, it's hot and I need a shower). The priority check in counters were split for Business and First passengers, but like standard VA flights, they let me checkin at either or based on no one in the First class line.
Etihad staff gave me a lounge pass for Air New Zealand's Koru Club. I proceeded to the lounge, but found it was actually closed. Around an hour afterwards, it opened (around 7:45-8pm). Their lounge is something else. In comparison to our lounges, this was really really awesome. Pool tables, serve yourself food/drinks etc (also, nicer food), and nicer all round environment. Despite the annoyance of the lounge not opening until later, it was still a great experience.
Next, on to the flight, I was able to use the Business/First boarding lane which again was quick and simple and the staff were helpful. Boarding the plane, an FA showed me to my seat and asked if I'd like a drink or anything. Very professional.
This was the main point I guess of my flight - it was all VERY professional. The slightest hiccup and someone was there straight away to help out. Great customer service.
I was on an Airbus A340-500, and the seats on these planes are the full lay back style. I stand at 180cm, and whilst my head and feet JUST fit in this space, it was still quite roomy, and I didn't feel cramped at all. I'm a pretty slim/athletic build, so experiences may vary.
I had an issue with my IFE, was able to watch a movie at the start of the flight, but for some reason, the entire IFE system died on my seat a short time after I finished the movie. Numerous resets of the system and no luck. Bummer.
I managed to sleep a good 5 hours or so, awakened by an economy baby or two - as a father of two myself, I couldn't exactly complain.
Due to my IFE issue, I had the flight manager come and check up on me a few times in the final 2 or 3 hours of the flight to see if she could do anything, and was very apologetic. At AUH, I was greeted when leaving the plane by an Etihad staff member, who escorted me in to the Etihad first class lounge, and was handed a formal written apology from Etihad with 20000 miles attached.
The lounge here itself, well... You'll have to check it out for yourself. It's really something. Very quiet, but great features and hospitality
I really can't wait to board my flight to London to continue the experience. I cannot recommend flying with Etihad enough after only one leg of my journey. Value for money is exceptional, considering other airlines are charging twice the amount for similar flights (BNE>LHR).
