On the Ground: I arrived at the Etihad counter with just enough time to check in, though not a great deal to spare. The business-class line moved quickly, but the agent handling my reservation paused midway through the process. When I asked, he explained that the supervisor had temporarily frozen the flight and that we would have to wait a few minutes. With no way to speed things along, I mirrored the agent’s calm approach. Within a short time the system was back online and I was able to continue through security. (27/30)
Pre-flight: Short on time, I skipped the lounge and went directly to the gate area. When boarding was announced, passengers filed through without a distinct queue for first- or Pearl- (business) class travelers. The boarding flow felt a bit disorganized compared with what I had hoped for before takeoff. (26/30)
In-Flight: Once on board, service improved noticeably. The Airbus A340-500’s refreshed galley caught my eye, and my window seat looked more like a compact suite than a typical airplane chair.
My Pearl Class seat converted into a fully flat 180-degree bed. The cabin featured alternating seat arrangements that provided near-total privacy for many passengers, creating a restful environment for overnight sleep. Aisle seats offered slightly less seclusion but remained comfortable. In-flight entertainment included a 15-inch screen with a catalogue of over 74 movies and additional programming, which made meal time and quieter moments more enjoyable.
From the extensive dinner selection I chose a citrus-rubbed lamb loin with an Arabic espresso fig jus, lime yogurt and curried biryani. The lamb was tender and well seasoned. The highlight of the meal was a second appetizer: a trio of small Arabic mezze portions that showcased regional flavors. Snacks were available on request throughout the flight, and breakfast featured a varied menu of juices, smoothies, cereals and a main course of a fluffy omelet with Roma tomato, cheddar and Spanish onion. (39/40)
The Experience: Ground delays aside, the onboard product outshone the earlier hiccups. The cabin’s atmosphere supported both sleep and productive work, and the overall service was friendly and attentive. On occasion the crew seemed relatively new to this particular aircraft and to some of the service routines, but that did not significantly detract from the journey.
Total Score: (92/100)