Overview
A detailed review of Etihad's A380 business class from JFK to Abu Dhabi, assessing lounge experience, cabin amenities, food, comfort, service, and overall comparison with other Middle Eastern carriers.
Airport & Lounge Experience
- FastTrack security and TSA PreCheck both provided efficient screening, with TSA being easier due to no shoe removal.
- Etihad does not have a dedicated lounge at JFK; instead, business class guests use the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which is shared with SCM.
- Lounge offers QR-code food ordering, buffet, a good variety of dishes, cocktails, and modern, clean ambiance with less crowding than other lounges.
- Lounge food and amenities were generally rated higher than American Express Centurion Lounge.
Boarding & Initial Impressions
- Boarding through the upper deck provided a unique experience.
- Business class seats appeared clean and spacious at first glance, with seat controls including massage (though not very strong).
- Amenity kits now feature ESPA products, including essentials like eye mask, dental kit, and facial mist.
- Welcome drinks included champagne and mint lemonade.
Cabin & Onboard Amenities
- The A380's upper deck lounge offers a cozy space for 6-7 people but is less impressive than Emirates' bar.
- Bathrooms showed signs of aging with some minor maintenance issues.
- Pajamas provided were notably soft, and bedding included Armani Kasa blanket and pillow.
Seat & Comfort
- One seat failed to recline fully, impacting sleep comfort.
- Footwell was narrow, making it difficult to sleep comfortably even with a mattress pad.
- Charging port placement near the footwell was inconvenient.
Food & Beverage Service
- Initial appetizers included prawn salad, bread rolls, and a well-received Middle Eastern mezza.
- Main courses like braised beef cheek and branzino were flavorful and met fine dining expectations.
- Dessert featured a cheese plate, chocolate cake with passion fruit, and fresh fruit.
- A snack menu was available mid-flight; Reuben and crisps were tasty but very salty.
- Service delays included nearly 2 hours to receive all food, mixed order timing, and some unavailable menu choices mid-flight.
Service & In-flight Experience
- Crew friendliness was noted, but efficiency fluctuated with slow service and hard-to-reach staff at times.
- Some food options ran out halfway through the flight, restricting choices to the snack menu.
- Shared charger with a fellow passenger, who returned it on time.
Final Assessment & Comparison
- Food quality was a standout positive.
- Etihad A380 business class ranked third behind Emirates and Qatar for overall experience.
- Noted that the A380 fleet feels outdated compared to newer aircraft like the A350, which offers a superior experience in terms of modernity and noise.
Recommendations / Advice
- Recommend choosing newer aircraft like the A350 for a better business class experience.
- Lounge at JFK is highly recommended for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders over Amex Platinum.