You’ve come across these people – maybe you’re even one of them. They’ll settle into a seat near you ahead of a long journey and within moments are dozing blissfully, while you wrestle in frustration with a sudoku puzzle you can’t finish because … you’re just too tired.
I deeply envy these instant-sleep individuals. A few years back I endured a seven-hour Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow night flight hemmed into the window seat in economy by two well-built individuals who began snoring the moment they snapped on their seatbelts.
So the chance to try the same journey again, only this time in Etihad's much-trumpeted A380 business class, made an interesting assignment. For one thing there's no chance of feeling claustrophobic on board. Each seating compartment has plenty of space to stretch out in and, for those who are inclined, desk space to work on a laptop along with a storage area to the side. Wi-Fi is available at $17.95 for four hours, $21.95 for 24 hours.
Cinema entertainment options included the Jennifer Aniston-directed Cake and a bulked-up Bradley Cooper in the tense war thriller American Sniper. There are also vintage options like Die Hard and Top Gun, along with favourite TV serials like Game of Thrones and Broadchurch.
__________
Business class on Etihad’s A380 - a world of difference
A big difference between flying business class on Etihad's A380 compared to other aircraft in its fleet (and on some other carriers such as Emirates), is that the cabin is segregated on the upper level from the hubbub and melee of economy below. It feels like you are on a different aircraft and it is a quieter and more serene travel experience, which is especially important on the overnight flight to Heathrow.
A relatively new operator of the superjumbo, Etihad has revamped all its premium cabins into what it believes is a new era of luxury travel on the most high tech commercial aircraft ever made.
As a result, the “business studio” on the A380 gives a sense of great personal space, with plenty of storage space and large TV screen. The seat width is 22 inches and the pitch is 80.5 inches, according to website seatplan.com, while Etihad’s A340 offers a width of 20 inches and a pitch of 88 inches by comparison. Etihad’s Boeing 777 offers 19 inches and 73 inches respectively. Emirates offers a seat width of 18.5 inches and seat pitch of up to 88 inches on its A380, depending on the configuration.
You can also expect the service on Etihad’s A380 to be more personalised. The F&B manager was attentive throughout and was happy to make menu recommendations – not something you would normally come across.
__________
Towards the rear of the business class area is The Lobby, a tasteful six-seater area bathed in fret lighting where business types can gather to discuss the day’s events over a high-end mineral water or two. But not so much, I suspect, on the overnight flight.
So to the sleeping arrangements. At the touch of a button the seat reclines until the front part connects with the footrest, forming a single bed that’s a little narrow but definitely comfortable. I gave it a go – and woke up somewhere over Belgrade, about halfway through the journey.
The bed test was passed, but my tip would be to take pyjamas. You just can’t get as comfortable in street clothes.
Etihad business class flights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow currently start at Dh18,895. The airline also operates the A380 to Sydney, and later in the year to New York.
q&a pre-flight pampering
How about boarding?
Pre-boarding more like it. Although you can expect to be whisked through quickly once the process begins, it's worth arriving early to get settled and take advantage of the Premium Lounge. You're issued with a Wi-Fi login and can take full advantage of the buffet which on my visit included a full Arab mezze spread plus Nile perch in lemon sauce. With CNN beaming in on the TV monitors and a wealth of international print titles available – in old-fashioned print form – you won't be missing much.
What if I’d rather relax?
Then book in for a quick complimentary massage, which in my case given the overnight haul was the under-eye treatment, also incorporating the temples and back of head. You don’t know how well-rested you’ll be come morning but you might as well give yourself the best possible chance.
What about the return flight?
Pretty much the same thing in reverse. At the Heathrow lounge breakfast buffet was on offer, plus the massage treatments. But this time flying through the day once on board you can dip into the Dine Anytime menu, which enables passengers to select what and when they want to eat. On the F&B manager’s recommendation I tried two starters, the mozzarella with balsamic reduction and rocket leaves, plus an interesting Thai-style yellow pepper and lemon grass soup. For the main my choice of grilled sea bass was tender and fleshy. Among the mains there were also Arabic chicken biryani, lamb chop and ravioli choices.
Any complaints?
Only that flight delays seem to be the norm these days for all airlines. And given the summer rush to London it’s unlikely to improve any time soon.
mbarnard@thenational.ae
* The writer was a guest of Etihad Airways.
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
