Etihad- It’s not worth the hype
I flew back home to Sydney from Manchester last November and thought I’d try Etihad the self-professed airline of the United Arab Emirates. Before flying I had high expectations that this flight was going to be memorable. They advertise everywhere with a persona of a luxury brand, I mean they’re financially backed by some wealthy sheikhs who have bought Manchester City… how wrong was I! OK I flew economy granted but I’ve been on a few long haul airlines before and most have met their advertising expectations. Here are some points I’ve noticed when flying Etihad:
On board Entertainment system is average
One requirement which I think is mandatory for all long haul flights that provide them is to have their on board entertainment system work. The 2nd leg Abu Dhabi to Sydney the volume failed to work and on the other legs if I wanted to watch a film or movie I was bombarded with several ads, granted we all should be used to that if we use YouTube but they tend to be relatively targeted to my demographics which is slightly less irritating. Having the same ads on repeat for about 5 minutes before I watch a 20 minute show is a bit excessive especially if it’s a product us in cattle class are hardly going to take up anytime soon (office buildings in Abu Dhabi really??).
Restrictions on consumption of alcohol
I’m no David Boon, I don’t intend to have 50 cans on a 24 hour flight anytime soon but I do like a few drinks or 5 on board to help me sleep whenever I do I get to sleep fairly soon after. Only been allowed a couple is a bit cheap given the airlines perceived “luxury” reputation.
Limitations on food
Another liberty I like on long haul flights is food. Emirates do it really well, plenty of meal times and the food fills you up. Unfortunately on Etihad meal times are far and few between as for refreshments during the flight they’re fairly slow on that as well. Even approaching the cabin crew they’ll only provide you with dry biscuits. When I flew Economy with Cathay Pacific they provided cup noodles on request. Little things like that are helpful to hungry customers.
Etihad
Abu Dhabi airport sucks
Abu Dhabi is a tale of 2 airports, when you arrive you’ll enter something that looks like a desert shelter from the outside from the inside you’re presented with a 70’s Arab retro ceiling and a very confusing circle format to find the departures terminal.
The other terminal is modern but just another generic airport format with over inflated prices on food and drink. The duty free isn’t anything to write home about either. But don’t despair, there is free wifi in the terminal which helps pass the time. My advice to those running Abu Dhabi airport, visit Singapore that’s how to do an airport!!
All in all Etihad did their job by getting me from one port to another, however if I was given an option of Etihad or Emirates I would choose the latter any day of the week!
About the author:
Shane Todd is a seasoned traveller who loves pictures and is the current owner of Travelinfographics.com. He currently lives in Manchester but is originally from Sydney but still calls Australia home
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13 comments
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The Guy
05/02/2013 at 6:18 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Unfortunately adverts on the entertainment system are not unique to Etihad. I see them frequently now on all sorts of airlines, including Singapore, Emirates and Malaysia as well as all the American ones. Airlines will sell advertising space to generate revenue.
Agness
06/02/2013 at 1:19 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Limitations on food and drinks on the flights are horrible especially when you flight lasts more than 10 hours. Who’s Davin Boon by the way
?
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The Guy
06/02/2013 at 1:31 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Limitations aren’t great, I think on a flight of any length. As for David Boon, I wonder if Shane is referring to this guy httphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Boon://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Boon
Shane Todd
12/02/2013 at 9:14 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
David Boon is a famous Australian cricketer who downed 52 cans from Sydney to London before playing England in an important cricket series. The man is regarded as a national idol in Australia!!
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Phil Holtberg
06/02/2013 at 5:27 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Really nice review here. I think limitations on food and drinks on long flights are a bit restrictive. That, and the in-flight entertainment systems better be working!
I just recently posted about my love/hate relationship of flying too!
Phil
Phil Holtberg recently posted..For The Love of Flying – Rants & Raves!
The Guy
07/02/2013 at 7:27 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Refreshments and entertainment are really two of the main things you can do whilst flying. So if they are not satisfactory you really are going to have a rubbish flight.
John
07/02/2013 at 2:59 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
For me, the most important thing on long flights is the inflight entertainment because I struggle to sleep on a place. I hate when there are issues with the screens or when they just play a certain amount of channels on a loop.
As for David Boon, he is an ex Australian cricket player who enjoys his beer.
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The Guy
07/02/2013 at 7:30 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I agree with you John, the entertainment system is essential to an enjoyable flight.
Shane Todd
12/02/2013 at 9:12 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
HI John, Yeah David Boon is an ex- Aussie Cricketer who holds the record for drinking the most cans on a flight! 52 from Sydney to London and he was going over to represent his country against England!!
Simon
07/02/2013 at 9:26 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I flew two times with Etihad. I have had good experience sofar. But I agreed with the points mentioned by Shane.
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Etihad Helper
12/02/2013 at 6:27 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi Shane,
Thank you for your post pertaining to your recent flights with us. It is always good to hear both positive and negative comments about our flights, in order for us to evaluate the service being given, and look to improve our Guest Experience where possible.
Should you wish, our Guest Affairs team would be happy to investigate further for you. Please feel free to email socialmedia@etihad.ae with your flight and contact details, and one of the team will get back to you.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Etihad Helper.
Andy
14/02/2013 at 6:13 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I never knew that about Abu Dhabi airport. Surely, it pales in comparison to Dubai, but I didn’t know that it wasn’t that nice. With respect to the alcohol restrictions, I wonder if they are due to religion, or simply to keep passengers on board from drinking too much? Thanks for sharing Shane!
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Andrea
15/02/2013 at 8:22 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks for the heads up! People always rave about Etihad
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