Etihad business class sets the highest service standards
Posted on 28 June 2010 with no comments from readers
Abu Dhabi’s flagship Etihad Airways is winning new clients with its very high service standards, more in tune with a five-star hotel than the casual service found on many airlines these days.
For business class passengers this is also highly competive when the bonus of the longer chauffeur transfers is taken into account. Not all airlines include a chauffeur service to and from the airport. And those that do generally stick to a limit of 50 miles.
Chauffeur deal
Not so Etihad in the UK. Business class passengers have a 100 mile range, and first class 150 miles. This is very convenient for business trips. You are taken care of from door-to-door, and getting home is as easy as possible.
ArabianMoney liked this deal, although it was the fine standard of personal service through-out Etihad that impressed us most. From the check-in to the cabin everything was pure efficiency and style.
There is also a very attractive lounge at Heathrow Airport, modeled on the Abu Dhabi version (see this article). So you have somewhere to chill out if the shops do not call for your attention.
On board the new seating for business class passengers is worthy of particular comment. It cleverly segments the cabin to give guests more room and privacy, and the seats have a massage button for automated relaxation. The E-Box is an entertainment treasure trove with movies, TV, CDs, games and more.
A la carte dining
The business class dining service is also on demand as in the first class (see this article). This is therefore a la carte dining, not the traditional food platter found on most airlines. The choice of wine is also very good.
You can have as much or as little to eat as you wish, without having items thrust under your nose. And the whole service functions efficiently with no request or order overlooked.
A final bonus for the traveller, apart from a chauffer home, is the small size of Abu Dhabi airport. The walk to immigration and customs is short, and with your fast track pass you are out within a few minutes. Even the baggage came up first for premium customers as it should.
