Executive travel: Etihad to New York, bliss on board despite US device ban

Taking a 14-hour business flight with Etihad to New York from Abu Dhabi without a laptop is survivable thanks to the airline's impeccable service.

Above, a business studio aboard Etihad Airways with a bed that is adjustable. Courtesy Etihad Airways
Powered by automated translation

Flying 14 hours in business class crossing the Atlantic with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport was never going to be easy without access to my laptop or iPad.

The ban does not apply to mobile phones and the free Wi-Fi – compensation for the lack of devices – meant checking emails and other electronic communication was not entirely prohibited. Indeed, those in the know had equipped themselves with the largest-screen phone they could find.

Otherwise it was a blissfully uneventful flight with Etihad more than justifying its sky-high rating among the business class products of the world.

The standout feature is the US customs and passport clearance before boarding. This means all US entrance formalities are concluded before take off, for us about five minutes flat, and on arrival you are treated as domestic passengers.

There was then just a 10-minute wait for our baggage and a few minutes’ walk to a waiting taxi rank for transfer to Manhattan. The two-for-one flight offer for myself and my travel companion did not include the Etihad chauffeur. Still, at Dh12,515 per person, that was a price worth paying.

My only quibble was that Abu Dhabi airport is not nearly as exclusive as it was the last time I reviewed Etihad’s premium services six years ago. Then the premium departure lounge was like a VIP executive jet facility.

Today, it still has the fluffy carpet and bellhops to take your bags, and the smart-gate passport control is a welcome addition. But you don’t proceed directly into a dedicated lounge bathed in white leather with waiters asking what you would like cooked for you. Rather there is a long walk to a large lounge with mediocre buffet and beverages, and a much smaller lounge on the other side of US customs clearance. The bliss starts when you step on board.

I loved my cool “business studio” with its large-screen TV, and fully flatbed seat with adjustable hardness levels. If you found the bed too hard you simply adjusted it on a panel.

There is also plenty of storage so I kept my jacket with me. Only locating how to plug in the headphones required the help of the ever-obliging cabin staff.

q&a with the very best service

Peter Cooper offers more about Etihad’s flight from Abu Dhabi to New York:

What did you like about the service?

Remarkably, Etihad’s huge expansion of recent years has not diminished the professionalism and service ethic of its staff. They are fully focused on the passenger, and you never catch them gossiping. This reminded me of the very best hotel service. You also get your food on demand and never have to wait for a trolley to reach you, and no order was forgotten.

And the food?

The quality was also a cut way above average. Fillet steak in business class is not always available on many airlines – mine was small but perfectly cooked. The smoked salmon starter was very good. And the cooked breakfast was nicely done. Whenever you wanted food you just pushed the call button.

Any problems?

If I had to be picky then the E-Box video selection of films is much more limited than on rival Emirates ICE system.

Other business facilities?

Elsewhere on board there is the lobby bar with six independent seats with seat belts that is billed as useful for business meetings. With no natural light it is a tad claustrophobic compare with Emirates’ popular rear lounge but a useful facility.

Was the laptop ban an issue?

I left the laptop in my suitcase and the free Wi-Fi on the way out (which was payable on the return leg) meant I was more connected than normal. I checked my mails via iPhone and just enjoyed the flight.

business@thenational.ae

Follow The National's Business section on Twitter