On the Ground: Traveling from Pennsylvania to New York JFK is often a multi-stage journey for me, usually involving at least three different modes of transport. By the time I reach the airport I want a quick check-in and a comfortable seat to relax in the lounge. Etihad Airways delivered on both counts. I had a pleasant conversation with the attendant at check-in and experienced no wait in the priority line. While my upgrade was being processed—about 15 minutes—my bag was tagged and I was escorted directly to the lounge.
Pre-Flight: I visited The Lounge in Terminal 4, a shared facility for premium passengers from carriers such as Air India, Avianca, Egyptair, LOT Polish and others. Located before security, the lounge offered complimentary WiFi, convenient charging stations and a quiet place to catch up on email while enjoying a glass of wine. Food and snacks are prepared to order; breakfast is served from 4 a.m. to noon, and an all-day menu is available until 1:30 a.m. Because lounges located before security can make me nervous about potential delays, I left for the gate about 45 minutes before boarding. Security was quick, and although the gate area was crowded and lacked a separate first-class line, flashing my boarding pass allowed me to bypass the queue. Once on board, a crew member escorted me to my private first-class suite.
In-Flight: Walking into the cabin left me almost speechless. The first-class suites feature large leather seats, generous storage compartments, a 23-inch entertainment screen and sliding doors for privacy. Standout elements included a dedicated food and beverage manager, a stylish sleeper suit, a spacious lavatory and changing area, an in-suite closet and attentive personalized service. Dining is available on demand, so passengers can choose when to eat; the menu ranges from light snacks to full multi-course meals. Everything I ordered was well prepared and flavorful. When I was ready to sleep, the flight attendants converted my seat while I changed; I returned to find a bed made with 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, a plush comforter and soft pillows. With the suite doors closed, I slept soundly for several hours. I watched three films and remained comfortable for the full 14-hour flight.
The Experience: From check-in to arrival, my first-class journey was outstanding. Service felt genuinely VIP, with thoughtful touches and attention to detail that made the trip memorable.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food and beverages
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous in-flight staff
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress pad and comforter
- In-flight menu offering choice of three entrées
- Top-shelf wines and liquors