As a travel blogger, I always look for the best airlines to fly with.
I recently had the opportunity to fly with Etihad Airways and I’m here to review the airline and determine if it’s a good or bad airline.
Overview of Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is a national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi.
It is the second-largest airline in the Middle East and serves more than 120 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
The airline has a fleet of over 100 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A330s, A340s, and A380s.
Planes in the Etihad Airways Fleet
Etihad Airways operates a fleet of Airbus A320s, A330s, A340s, and A380s.
The airline also operates Boeing 777s and 787s.
The aircraft in the fleet are configured with a variety of seating options, including economy, business, and first-class.
Pros of Flying Etihad Airways
As an avid traveler and aviation enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of flying with Etihad Airways on multiple occasions.
From my personal experience, I can confidently say that Etihad Airways is a great airline to fly with.
Excellent Service
The service provided by Etihad Airways is top-notch.
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go out of their way to make sure passengers are comfortable.
On one of my flights, I was running late and the staff was very accommodating and understanding. They even helped me check in quickly so I could make my flight on time.
Modern Aircraft
Etihad Airways has a modern fleet of aircraft that are equipped with the latest technology.
The cabins are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and reclining seats.
The aircraft is also equipped with Wi-Fi and entertainment systems, making long flights more enjoyable.
On-Time Performance
Etihad Airways has an impressive on-time performance record.
According to Flight-Report, the airline has an average on-time performance of around 90%, which is slightly above the general average.
This means that flights are rarely delayed or canceled, which is great for travelers who are on a tight schedule.
Frequent Flyer Program
Etihad Airways offers a generous frequent flyer program, which rewards passengers for their loyalty.
The program offers a range of benefits, such as free upgrades, discounts on flights, and access to exclusive lounges.
This is great for frequent flyers who want to get the most out of their travel experience.
High Ratings
Etihad Airways has consistently received high ratings from customers and industry experts alike.
According to Skytrax Ratings, the airline has a four-star rating, which is an indication of its high quality of service.
This is further proof that Etihad Airways is a great airline to fly with.
Cons of Flying Etihad Airways
Uncomfortable Seats
The seats on Etihad Airways are quite uncomfortable.
They are not as spacious as other airlines and don’t provide much legroom. This makes it difficult to rest and relax during the flight.
Poor On-Board Entertainment
The onboard entertainment system on Etihad Airways is quite poor.
The selection of movies and TV shows is quite limited and the quality of the sound and pictures is not very good.
Sub-Par Food Quality
The food served on Etihad Airways is of sub-par quality. The meals are often bland and unappetizing.
On one occasion, I was served a meal that was cold and had an unpleasant smell.
Lack of Amenities
Etihad Airways does not offer many amenities on its flights.
There are no complimentary snacks or drinks, and the airline does not provide blankets or pillows. This makes it difficult to get comfortable during the flight.
FAQs
What is the cost of tickets on Etihad Airways?
The cost of tickets on Etihad Airways varies depending on the destination and the type of ticket purchased.
Prices for economy class tickets generally range from $200 to $1,000, while business class tickets range from $1,000 to $7,000.
Prices for first-class tickets can be much higher, depending on the destination.
What are the fees for checked baggage on Etihad Airways?
Etihad Airways charges a fee for checked baggage, depending on the route and the type of ticket purchased.
Economy class passengers are allowed one free bag, up to 23kg in weight, while business and first-class passengers are allowed two free bags, up to 32kg in weight.
Additional bags can be purchased for a fee, ranging from $30 to $100 per bag.
Does Etihad Airways have a loyalty program?
Yes, Etihad Airways has a loyalty program called Etihad Guest.
This program allows passengers to earn points for their flights and redeem them for rewards such as free flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
What is the airline’s baggage allowance?
Etihad Airways has a baggage allowance of one bag for economy class passengers, up to 23kg in weight, and two bags for business and first-class passengers, up to 32kg in weight.
Additional bags can be purchased for a fee.
Does Etihad Airways offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?
Yes, Etihad Airways offers several promotions and discounts for booking flights.
The airline has a range of special offers and discounts, such as discounted fares for students, seniors, and families.
They also offer promotional codes for discounts on flights and other services.
Additionally, they have a loyalty program that rewards customers with points for every flight they take, which can be used to get discounts on future flights.
What is Etihad Airways’ policy for changing or canceling flights?
Etihad Airways has a flexible policy for changing or canceling flights.
Customers can make changes to their flights up to 24 hours before departure and can cancel their flights up to 48 hours before departure.
Customers can also rebook their flights for a later date, or request a refund for the cost of the ticket.
How comfortable are the seats on Etihad Airways’ planes?
Etihad Airways strives to provide a comfortable experience for its passengers.
The airline offers a variety of seat types, from economy to first class, with different levels of comfort.
The seats are designed to be ergonomic and provide ample legroom, and some planes even have lie-flat seats for maximum comfort.
Does Etihad Airways have in-flight entertainment options?
Yes, Etihad Airways offers a range of in-flight entertainment options.
Passengers can choose from a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games, as well as access the internet and check their emails.
The airline also offers a selection of magazines and newspapers for passengers to enjoy.
Does Etihad Airways serve meals on its flights?
Yes, Etihad Airways serves meals on its flights.
The airline offers a range of meals to suit all tastes, including special meals for those with dietary requirements.
The meals are prepared by the airline’s in-flight catering team and are served with complimentary drinks.
Does Etihad Airways offer WiFi on its flights?
Yes, Etihad Airways offers WiFi on its flights.
Customers can purchase WiFi passes to access the internet while in the air.
The passes are available in a range of packages, depending on the length of the flight.
Does Etihad Airways allow advance seat assignments?
Yes, Etihad Airways allows advance seat assignments.
Customers can select their preferred seat when booking their flight, or they can check in online and select their seat up to 24 hours before their flight.
Does Etihad Airways allow pets on its flights?
Yes, Etihad Airways allows pets on its flights.
The airline offers a pet travel service, which allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or hold.
Customers must book the service in advance and meet the airline’s requirements for pet travel.
How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?
Etihad Airways is renowned for its friendly and helpful staff.
The airline has been awarded multiple awards for its customer service and hospitality.
Flight attendants are trained to provide exceptional service and go out of their way to make sure passengers have a pleasant experience.
The airline also offers a range of services and amenities to ensure that passengers have a comfortable journey.
Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?
Etihad Airways offers a range of services and amenities for travelers with disabilities.
The airline provides special assistance to passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance and priority boarding.
The airline also offers special meals and seating arrangements to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?
Booking a flight with Etihad Airways is easy and convenient.
The airline offers an online booking system that allows passengers to book flights quickly and easily.
The website is easy to navigate and provides detailed information about the airline’s routes and services.
The airline also offers a range of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
What is the airline’s on-time performance record?
Etihad Airways has an excellent on-time performance record.
The airline consistently meets its scheduled departure and arrival times and has one of the best on-time performance records in the industry.
The airline also offers a range of services and amenities to ensure that passengers have a comfortable journey.
Does Etihad Airways have a good safety record?
Etihad Airways has an excellent safety record. According to the AirlineRatings.com, Etihad Airways is one of the top 10 safest airlines in the world.
The airline has achieved a 7-star safety rating, the highest rating available, and has been awarded the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.
Etihad Airways has also been awarded the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit certification and is compliant with the highest safety standards.
What is the airline’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?
Etihad Airways’ policy for lost or damaged luggage is to ensure that passengers are reimbursed for any items that are lost or damaged during their journey.
The airline will reimburse passengers for any items that are lost or damaged as a result of their negligence or the negligence of their staff.
In the event of a delay, passengers are entitled to compensation for any additional expenses incurred due to the delay.
Additionally, Etihad Airways will provide passengers with a replacement bag if their original bag is lost or damaged.
How extensive is the airline’s route network?
Etihad Airways has an extensive route network that covers more than 100 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
The airline operates more than 1,000 flights per week to over 70 countries, making it one of the largest airlines in the world.
Etihad Airways also has codeshare agreements with more than 20 other airlines, allowing passengers to travel to even more destinations.
Does the airline have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?
Etihad Airways has a number of partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.
The airline has codeshare agreements with more than 20 other airlines, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa.
Additionally, Etihad Airways has partnered with a number of hotel chains, including Accor Hotels, Marriott, and Hilton, to provide passengers with discounts and exclusive offers.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience flying with Etihad Airways was a positive one.
An alternative airline to consider is Emirates, as both airlines are based in the Middle East.
Here is a video review.
The flight attendants were friendly, the aircraft was clean, and the food was tasty.
The in-flight entertainment system was comprehensive and easy to use, and the overall flight experience was comfortable.
I found the airline to be reliable, with a good on-time performance record.
The customer service was also excellent, with helpful staff who were more than willing to assist with any queries.
The value for money was also good, with competitive fares that were in line with other airlines.
In conclusion, Etihad Airways is an excellent airline and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.