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My apartment in the sky: A review of Etihads First Class Apartment on the A380, Abu Dhabi to New York

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TPG Rating

87 100

Pros

Comfortable onboard product with plenty of space and a true bed, solid on-demand dining, excellent lounge experience, soft and well-fitting pajamas, a shower on board and friendly service

Cons

Lackluster ground experience, except for the lounge; intrusive noise -- could clearly hear toilet flushes from my seat and multiple loud announcements in the cabin while passengers were trying to sleep

14/20 Ground Experience
19/20 Cabin + Seat
14/15 Amenities + IFE
22/25 Food + Beverage
18/20 Service

I cut my frequent-flyer teeth flying economy, but Ive experienced some excellent long-haul business- and first-class products including Qatar QSuites, the winner of the 2019 TPG Award for best business class, andCathay Pacifics famed first class, among others. And after flying Etihads Apartments on the A380 from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK), I can confirm that their reputation as one of the best first-class products in the world is well deserved. Make sure to stay tuned to TPG next month for a comprehensive, four-class review of Etihads A380, including another review of an Apartment, in the opposite direction, form New York to the United Arab Emirates. For now, heres my experience in one of the worlds most sought-after first-class products.

In This Post

Booking

When TPG asked me to review the Etihad First Class Apartment from Abu Dhabi to New York for the 2019 TPG Awards, I immediately set up award alerts using ExpertFlyer. The alerts triggered for one date initially, Nov. 18, so I snagged an award seat using 115,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles. As an American Airlines Executive Platinum elite, Id be able to cancel and redeposit my miles for free if I found a date that worked better for me. I put the $73.70 of taxes and fees on the Chase Sapphire Reserve so Id be covered by the cards travel protections.

Related:The workaround to booking Etihad awards not available through AAs website

Alerts from ExpertFlyer ( which is owned by TPGs parent company, Red Ventures) flagged only three other dates between when I booked on September 4 and my departure on November 18, and none of these dates worked. Seat availability for two of the three dates appeared just a few days before the flight, so I ended up taking the flight I originally booked.

Because I didnt necessarily expect to take this flight and couldnt choose a seat online through American or Etihad, I didnt take the time to call Etihad to reserve a seat when I booked. I forgot until check-in, at which point Etihad allowed me to select the only remaining seat: 1H.

Ground Experience

TPG Rating

14/20
A6-APB

Tail

11:07

Departure

13h 50m

Duration

Etihad maintains a separate first-class check-in area in Abu Dhabi, but its not especially well-marked once youre inside. Thanks to my husband JTs experience flying the same product last year, I knew to go all the way left past the business-class check-in area to the first-class area. There was one agent in this area as well as two luggage handlers.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I sat down at the agents desk and was greeted with a simple, Where are you flying? The agent said the bare minimum throughout check-in, so I didnt exactly feel welcomed. But at least I was on my way quickly.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I was able to use a nearby E-gate for United Arab Emirates immigration, which dropped me into a security line shared with business-class passengers. Within seven minutes of starting my check-in process, I was at the entrance to the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge & Spa. I was greeted by an agent and encouraged to take the elevator to the second floor.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The lounge itself is a maze of rooms. If you want a massage, you should go to the Six Senses Spa as soon as you arrive. As a first-class passenger, I was entitled to a complimentary 15-minute treatment.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

After booking my spa appointment, I peeked into the childrens room.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Then I walked through the dining room to the bar.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I briefly considered sitting in the relaxation room, but the light patterns were a bit much for the early hour.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I ended up sitting in an empty seating area. The black side tables near most seats have a UAE or universal-style outlet under the tabletop, as well as two USB outlets.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A lounge attendant quickly appeared with a cold towel. I ordered a cafe latte, which he served with a small cookie.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I returned to the spa for my 7:20 a.m. appointment and was immediately guided by a therapist to a room with a massage table. My 15-minute foot massage by a friendly therapist was excellent.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)
My massage room after my massage.

After the massage, I inquired about a shower. All of the spa showers were occupied, so I was led to the womens shower room in the gym. Yes, you read that right. The lounge has its own gym.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The gym shower has a shower wand and an overhead rainfall shower, but lacks amenities.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Specifically, on the day I visited, there was no hair dryer, shower cap, dental kit, cotton buds or any other amenities (except for lotion) that youd expect to see in a first-class shower room.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

After taking my shower, I went to the dining area. Upon taking my seat, a server appeared with a cold towel and a menu.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

When the server returned, I ordered peppermint tea and pancakes. The server said they didnt have peppermint tea and suggested green tea with mint leaves, which was served in a small tea pot. My pancakes were served about 10 minutes later freshly made, fluffy and topped with fresh berries.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

After breakfast, I hopped on the Wi-Fi in the lounge to start writing my review. Connecting simply required agreement with the terms and conditions, and the speed was quick with 252 Mbps download and 52 Mbps upload. The Wi-Fi disconnected as I walked around the lounge, but I didnt need to agree to the terms and conditions again to reconnect.

When I checked in and again when I entered the lounge, I was informed that I should plan to reach the U.S. preclearance area by 9 a.m, so I left the lounge at 8:50 a.m.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The U.S. preclearance area is a seven-minute walk from the lounge. There is a priority line for boarding-pass check before security, but all of the passengers seemed to use this line. After that check, all passengers used the same security lines. I was asked to remove my shoes, plus liquids, laptop and cell phone from my bag (and prove that the latter two both turned on.)

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Once through security, I entered the U.S. preclearance immigration facility. Within 24 hours of my departure, my Global Entry renewal application had been conditionally approved, so I asked to do my Global Entry interview on arrival while leaving Abu Dhabi. We ended up talking extensively about credit cards during my 20-minute interview, and I was approved at the end of it.

I stopped by the U.S. Premium Lounge after immigration and found it to be very crowded. I recommend spending most of your time at the First Class lounge and only stopping by the Premium Lounge if you clear immigration and have time to spare before boarding.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There were light snacks available and a well-stocked bar with surprisingly few chairs.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The gate area was busy when I arrived shortly before boarding was scheduled to begin. There was a premium-passenger seating area for first class, business class and Etihad elites at the gate, but it didnt feel very premium as there were no open seats nor any power outlets at the seats.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Boarding was scheduled for 9:25 a.m. but preboarding didnt start until 9:50 a.m. Premium Boarding for first class, business class, Platinum and Gold Etihad Guest elites didnt start until 9:52 a.m.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

When I reached the upper deck aircraft door, the agent who was greeting passengers handed my boarding pass to another flight attendant, who introduced herself and guided me to my seat. She asked what Id like to drink, and said shed be back later in the boarding process to show me all the features of my Apartment.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

We were stilll missing three passengers when the scheduled departure time of 10:25 a.m. arrived. Waiting for them, we didnt push back until 10:47 a.m.

Cabin and Seat

TPG Rating

19/20
1-1

Configuration

30

Width

79in

Bed Length

23in X 19in

Tray

2

Lavs

Etihads first-class cabin is outfitted with nine Apartments in a 1-1 configuration and one Residence. Each Apartment is enclosed, although the walls between Apartments dont reach all the way to the ceiling. Partitions between each Apartment are 54 inches tall and the walls between each Apartment and the aisle are 62 inches tall.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Apartment 1H felt private for most of the flight because of its location at the front of the cabin near the staircase (which wasnt used before, during or after the flight).

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Each Apartment contains a 30-inch-wide seat. There are no obstructions when sitting, and I found it very comfortable for both relaxing and working.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There is also a 79-inch-long bench across from the seat in each Apartment. The bench has two seatbelts, so it can be used by two guests during flight. The leather on the seat and bench was imprinted with the name of Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The bench can be converted into a 26.5-inch x 79-inch bed.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

When made into a bed, theres a seat belt arranged above the covers that extends and retracts as you move.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The seat controls are on the right-hand side of the seat. There are seven buttons that can be used to adjust the seat to preset positions.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

You can lift the cover on the armrest and touch the screen to control massage function, cushion firmness and adjustments to the back and bottom seat cushions. Next to this touchscreen is a 5-inch x 2.5-inch x 6-inch storage well that can hold small items.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

On the other side of the chair, is a cabinet with a light-up vanity inside.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Below this cabinet is a refrigerated minibar stocked with Coke, Sprite and water.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Next to the minibar is a pull-out compartment with a blanket.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Above the pull-out compartment but below the vanity is a slide-out tray with a drink holder.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

And, next to the seat is a vertical compartment that can hold eyeglasses and other small items.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

On the side of the Apartment with the bench, theres a headphone compartment at one end and a literature holder on the other end.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There are four storage areas under the bench. One is designed for shoes; another for such items as a purse or small laptop bag.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

One of the other areas will hold a carry-on bag, and the fourth storage area contains bedding. There are no overhead bins in the first-class cabin.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Near the door to the Apartment is a thin closet thats about six inches wide. Theres a hanger, a mesh bag and a paper gift bag in the closet.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Theres no dedicated space for your laptop, but I simply put mine on the bench or seat when I wasnt using it.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A bifold tray table expanding to 2319 inches extends from the left armrest, although mine was difficult to deploy. You can slide the table forward or backward. If you are traveling with someone, that person can sit on the bench to join you for meals at this table.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There are two sliding doors that close for privacy.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There are two lavatories at the front of the cabin.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The lavatory closest to 1H is equipped with a shower, which occupies enough space to make it a rather tight squeeze, especially when dressing after a shower.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Throughout the flight, I could clearly hear the toilet flush, and the area near my seat was noticeably louder once passengers began to shower near the end of the flight.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)
The two lavatories were located directly behind my seat.

The lavatory farthest from my seat felt more spacious because it only has a toilet.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Both lavatories were stocked with hand wash, rinse-free hand cleanser, hand cream and facial spray plus cloth and paper towels.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Amenities and IFE

TPG Rating

14/15
24in

Screen

293

Movies

260

TV Shows

Yes

Live TV

Yes

Tailcam

0.10.43

Wifi

Shortly after I boarded, I was provided with an amenity kit which contained body lotion, lip balm, cologne, toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks and an eye mask. The eye mask was effective at blocking light, and was also comfortable because of the soft fabric lining on the inside.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A pair of soft and well-fitting pajamas were delivered to my seat during boarding. They are definitely keepers. A pair of foam-soled slippers was also provided.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A throw blanket was on the bench when I boarded. It was comfortable for lounging, but the cabin never became cold enough to truly need it.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A 24-inch TV screen is located across from the seat.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

You can connect your laptop to the screen using HDMI, but the touchscreen system is stocked with ample entertainment. I found the interface modern and easy to use.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There were 293 movies, including many recent releases, and 260 television series, 69 of which had multiple episodes. There were also games, magazines, albums and radio stations.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Theres a flight map that you can let loop or you can customize to your liking.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Three camera-view options are provided: tail, forward and down. But only the tail camera was working on this flight. The other two camera views simply returned black screens.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

You can order drinks from your seat using the inflight entertainment (IFE) screens Food & Beverage menu.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

There are seven live TV channels that focus on world news with a side of sports.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Theres an IFE remote next to the seat above two USB outlets and the HDMI outlet, as well as one on the wall next to the bed once the bed is made.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The remotes can be removed from their cradles, and control the primary screen but can also play separate content.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

In addition to the two USB outlets, a universal power outlet is located under the vanity. This easy-to-reach outlet provided enough power to quick-charge my phone and has a twist-to-lock function so the plug doesnt fall out.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Noise cancelling PHITEK headphones came in a case. They cupped my ears more than my Bose headphones and provided solid noise-cancelling and quality sound.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Upon request, a flight attendant made up my bed with double mattress pads, a comforter, a blanket and two pillows. (Additional pillows were available.)

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Theres Panasonic Wi-Fi on board, which was activated shortly after takeoff. Wi-Fi is data-based, with a 50-megabyte plan costing $5.95; a 150-megabyte plan costing $15.95, and a 300-megabyte plan costing $29.95.

There are also other ways to connect to the Wi-Fi.

A 90-megabyte Wi-Fi voucher was delivered to my seat during boarding, so I limited my data usage and was able to get by without purchasing another package.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

The Wi-Fi was slow but consistent throughout the flight, testing at 0.43 Mbps download and 0.1 Mbps upload. I didnt notice any dead zones during the flight, and was happy that it allowed pausing your connection to conserve data.

Theres no streaming entertainment available over the Wi-Fi network, although there is an eLibrary.

Near the end of the flight, I took a shower. A flight attendant notified me when the shower was ready, and provided instructions. In short, you get five or six minutes of water. But you can turn the water on and off using a button.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in the shower.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

With limited water, I didnt want to risk poorly rinsed hair. So, I used the shower cap.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

But if you wash your hair, theres a hair dryer available.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Theres also an onboard lounge shared with business class. I wandered through the galley behind first class to the lounge about mid-flight, and found a group occupying all six seats. The flight attendant who showed me the lounge area, said this is common during daytime flights, noting that first-class passengers usually remain in their Apartments instead.

(Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)
(Photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy)

Food and Beverage

TPG Rating

22/25
2

Meals

Charles Heidsieck Brut and Rose, 2006

Champagne

Yes

Dine on Demand

Shortly after I boarded, a glass of 2006 Charles Heidsieck Brut Champagne, dates and a warm towel arrived at my seat.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A few minutes later, Chef Alex came by to introduce himself and provide a food menu and a drink menu.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Later in the boarding process, he came by to explain that the dine-on-demand format allows for any meal to be served at any time. At this time, he asked for my meal orders for the rest of the flight, and set up a shower time for me. I decided to have my departure meal about two hours after take off, my shower about two hours before landing and my arrival meal after my shower.

Shortly after take-off, a glass of 2006 Charles Heidsieck Brut Ros was served with cashews, olives and sauteed vegetables.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Russian Oscietra caviar was on the first-class menu, so I asked to start my departure meal with this service. Etihad served this delicacy with a mother-of-pearl spoon and all the traditional accompaniments. I asked for a drink pairing recommendation and the chef recommended the Hyde de Villaine chardonnay.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I was served a 20-gram serving of Gourmet House Oscietra, which retails for about $45. This was only my third time trying caviar, so Im far from an expert. But I can say that the blinis were spongy and fresh, and the caviar itself less salty than what I tried in Cathay Pacific First

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

After my caviar, I was served passion fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate before my main course.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

For my main course, I ordered the chicken breast signature grill with seasonal vegetables and foyet sauce. The grilled vegetables were well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. The chicken breast was served on top of lentils, and the chef poured the sauce over the chicken breast immediately after serving it. The chicken was tender and moist, and was served with the skin on.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

I ordered the warm date pudding for dessert, and my initial impression was that it was too sweet for an American palate. The breading, though, was gooey without being soggy.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

About two hours before landing, Chef Alex stopped by to see if I would be willing to eat breakfast and then shower which I later found was because of a delay in other passengers showers. I agreed, so the flight attendants brought out the turmeric smoothie and a plate with a croissant and a chocolate pastry.

The smoothie was thick and decadent; the flakey pastries were messy to eat. I ordered a cafe latte, which was better than I usually get on the ground.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

Id ordered the only hot breakfast option, which was a choice of scrambled eggs or an omelet. I opted for scrambled, and my eggs did appear freshly scrambled. They were served with potato rosti, mixed mushroom, lamb sausage and tomato relish. The grilled mushrooms were spicy and firm, but the potatoes didnt reheat well.

(Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)

A separate beverage menu listed all of the drink options:

  • Champagne: Charles Heidsieck Brut 2006 and Charles Heidsieck Ros 2006
  • White wine: Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay 2014, Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Les Caillottes Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chteau La Nerthe Grenache Blanc 2015, Gavi Del Comune Di Gavi Enrico Serafino Cortese 2016
  • Red wine: Petit-Figeac Bordeaux Blend 2012, Kalleske Shiraz Greenock Single Vineyard 2017, Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2017 and Clos De Los Siete Malbec Blend 2015
  • Dessert wine: Chteau Doisy-Vdrines Smillon Blend 1999
  • Fortified: Grahams 20 Year Old Tawny Port
  • Aperitifs: Martini Bianco and Campari
  • Cocktails: Mojito, Americano cocktail and Brass Monkey
  • Mocktails: Iced tea, Pommeade and Orange Fizz
  • Beer: Stella Artois, Peroni, Corona and Leffe Blond
  • Spirits: Royal Salute 21YO, Glenlivet Master Distillers Reserve Single Malt Whisky, Jack Daniels Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey, Grey Goose Vodka, Russian Standard Platinum Vodka, Hendricks Gin and Bacardi Superior Rum
  • Digestif: Remy Martin Cellar Master 28
  • Liqueurs: Amarula Cream and Grand Marnier
  • Water: Al Ain Sparkling and Al Ain Still
  • Juices: Orange, lemon and mint, carrot, apple, mango and tomato
  • Soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light, Sprite, Fever Tree Tonic Water, Fever Tree Ginger Ale, Fever Tree Soda Water
  • Coffee: Espresso, macchiato, latte, cappuccino, American filter, decaffeinated filter
  • Tea: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Sulaimani, Jasmine Green, Sencha Green, Moroccan Mint and Camomile

I generally enjoyed my meals, and wish Id been hungry enough to try more dishes. It was strange to only have eggs offered as a warm option for breakfast, although you could technically order any dish for your arrival meal. Even after asking, I didnt really understand the difference between the la carte main courses and the lounge and grill sections of the menu; this is one area where Etihad could improve the food and beverage experience.

Service

TPG Rating

18/20
Yes

Extra Pillows

Yes

Turndown Service

The service on board was generally great. A flight attendant showed me to my seat and served me a predeparture drink of my choice. Multiple flight attendants introduced themselves, and I was given a thorough tour of my Apartment before departure. I had to decline many offers to refill my champagne glass before takeoff, which may explain why drink refills werent provided throughout the rest of the flight.

From the start, service was relatively friendly and informal. My favorite member of the crew was Chef Alex, who always delivered food and drink with a smile. And, because the flight attendants encouraged passengers to use the call button or IFE-ordering system for drinks, I found the service time to be extremely quick when I ordered drinks or pressed the call button.

One minor complaint is that there were a few loud announcements in the middle of the flight that unnecessarily woke sleeping passengers. My only other service issue is that I didnt seem to have a primary flight attendant. Instead I was assisted by multiple flight attendants and the chef.This resulted in some miscommunication and didnt provide the sense of consistency Ive gotten in premium cabins on other flights.

Overall impression

The First Class Apartments on Etihads A380 is an exceptionally strong first-class hard product. Id go as far as saying its the gold standard in terms of hard product because of the dedicated bed, spacious enclosed suite, comfortable lounge chair and onboard shower. These features arent all found on most other first-class products, and truly set Etihads Apartments apart.

However, Etihad falls short in other areas. For example, the ground experience except for the lounge didnt feel premium, the onboard dining selections were not extensive (especially for breakfast) and prominent toilet-flush noise from my otherwise excellent Apartment was a bummer. But, flying Etihads First Class Apartment was still a spectacular experience for me and an incredible use of American Airlines miles.

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Except where noted, all photos are by the author.


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