Etihad Airways

Frankfurt to Abu Dhabi with Etihad. Feared the worst after reading the reviews here but was pleasantly suprised. As an AB Topbonus Gold entitled to visit the Etihad lounge in FRA, I had a good start. Nice service, friendly staff, good food, not crowded at all. On the aircraft, even economy got an amenity kit (toothbrush, slippers, blanket and travel pillow). Earphones were quite good (no cheap ones). Food was tasty and really OK for aircraft meal. Service was impeccable and friendly all the way through the flight - beverages (alcoholic / non-alcoholic) offered all the time without having me to ask. Only thing to criticise was the IFE. Quite outdated movies. Enjoyed the flight. Would fly them again.

✅ Verified Review | Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, and the service was not what it used to be. It was a night flight which left on time but the crew who was attending our section was confused and forgot any requests. There was a lot of turbulence and adequate measures were not being taken to ensure safety of passengers. Even the quality of food was not what Etihad could boast about. Overall very disappointing. Upon arrival there was on sign of any representative of Etihad for the complimentary limousine. We had to search all over the airport till we found someone running to and fro.

✅ Verified Review | Bangkok to Abu Dhabi. This must be one of the worst flights with Etihad. At one time I thought they had succeeded in getting my loyalty as I became a Gold member in a short time. However their level has deteriorated and my feelings are voiced by many others too. The flight was delayed by almost 2 hours and not a word of apology or explanation to the passengers nor any updates. In flight the crew were one of the grumpiest I have seen, especially the chief steward who definitely had forgotten to smile or speak properly leave alone being efficient. Food orders were not taken on time and my child did not even get his order fulfilled. This company had the potential to be a leader in the industry but has slipped so much below the standards of quality service that I will definitely shift my loyalty elsewhere.

✅ Verified Review | Flew Cairo to Abu Dhabi. Old, narrow bodied aircraft with uncomfortable seats. For the prices charged, Etihad should at least use decent, comfortable planes on these routes. They promote a luxury experience but this was far from it. The plane was full so economy pax had been upgraded and business was packed. Seat comfortable enough to sit in but lacked good foot and leg support and impossible to sleep in. The champagne was warm and of low quality, wines so-so and the food offering more akin to economy standard, and small portions at that. We did arrive on time and the crew were friendly enough, but Etihad business class is very disappointing on short routes. I will avoid in future.

✅ Verified Review | Abu Dhabi to Ho Chi Minh City. Poor quality business class. Staff were friendly enough but ground experience at AUH is horrible. They no longer accept E Gate cards, despite the fact that I recently paid 150 dirhams to get one. No alcohol served in the Etihad business lounge as it was Ramadan (Emirates manage to serve it in Dubai) and underwhelming food offerings. The lounge was very crowded at the morning hour. The flight departed late and despite us not arriving in HCMC until after 7pm, we were only served breakfast. How can this be?! The crew seemed embarrassed. There were only 3 of us in business class, so at least the service was reasonable. Nothing useful in the amenity bag. Rip off charge of over $20 to use WIFI (its free on Emirates). Overall the experience was disappointing and I wish I had travelled with Emirates for only a little more.

✅ Verified Review | Bangkok to Rome via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. The staff on the airplane were not friendly and were very forgetful every time I ask for a drink they would forget, the forget to give us bread with our meals and the food in general was the worst airplane food I have experienced, with little to no options to choose from. The also lost our luggage once we arrived in Rome not just 1 bag all 3 bags. The said they found our luggage and it will arrive at 6:55am at the Rome airport and then they will send it to our hotel, however when we contacted them the next morning they had no records of where or when or luggage will arrive and they did care much to tell us anything else in regard to when it will arrive. They gave us a 40 Euro per person allowance to buy clothes and bathroom necessities but if you've ever been to Rome you'd know that everything is expensive. Day 2 and luggage still not arrive so now we have to go shopping for more clothes again.

✅ Verified Review | Manchester to Singapore. The flight was taken on 5 March and my experience was good. The aircraft was clean and feels new. The experience on the Boeing 787 was enjoyable with a quieter cabin compared to most other aircraft. The unique headrest support the head and having socket points at each seat was a nice touch. The food portions were generous and there was sufficient variety. The cabin crew worked hard but I would have appreciated more drink runs throughout the flight.

✅ Verified Review | London to Colombo via Abu Dhabi in Business class. Customer service dreadful. Lounge at Heathrow very pleasant staff very friendly and helpful, food presentation was good. The seat on the A380 was good. Flight crew on the flight from London to Abu Dhabi were friendly however I felt that they needed more, Business class was full I think, 70 people. Before take-off was asked what drink I would like after take-off and want time I would like to eat. The service was very slow. Was not serviced a drink until 90 minutes after take-off and dinner was nearly 2 hours later than the time I requested. What is the point in asking if you can’t supply as requested. Arrived in Colombo but suitcase did not. Etihad had staff milling around with a list of passengers whose cases had not arrived. My name not on list, had to queue to fill in forms, after about an hour I was told my case was still in Abu Dhabi but would be flown out on the afternoon flight and would be delivered late afternoon. Was given a receipt with contact number. Case did not arrive on the Friday evening. The number given was only contactable 8am to 4.30 pm. Saturday office was closed. Tried to contact Etihad offices in Colombo Saturday morning, only open to 12.30 and closed Sunday. No one picked up the phone. The hotel were very kind and said they would try to assist. Finally got a call Saturday evening to say case had arrived at airport. This was delivered early hours of Sunday morning I sent an email complaint to Etihad through their website on the Saturday and to date 10 days later still have not received any response. Only an automated one to say someone would get back to me, sent a chaser email and still no response. On my return complained to check in staff and was passed to a supervisor who said he would ensure I got a response and was given 45 pounds. But still no response It’s clear once you have paid for your ticket they could not give a damn about customer service. I think they must have paid for the 2016 award. The Etihad experience is not one I wish to repeat.

✅ Verified Review | Sydney to Edinburgh via Abu Dhabi. My bag was lost both ways, it took one week to arrive on my holiday (a two week trip) and on return I have been tracking my luggage for two weeks with no apology, no compensation and no support whatsoever from Etihad. I left on the 1st of July and it is now the 30th - of these 30 days, I have been tracking a lost bag for 22. I paid $2750 for these flights and Etihad completely ruined my trip. The inflight customer service was also very poor. They seem to be very good at looking after first and business class but in economy you feel like a rodent. It's not all bad though if you have booked, the food is very good.

✅ Verified Review | Doha to Jakarta via Abu Dhabi. It has been several years since I last flew on Etihad Airways, I believe their luggage transfer facility in Abu Dhabi has been improved, and the free 5 star hotel in Abu Dhabi was a generous gesture. Both aircraft had shown age but seats were comfortable though the 3 o'clock arrival time in Jakarta is a little ill advised as the weather can be tricky at that time of day though it is perfect to connect with Garuda flights within Indonesia which was the case with us. The IFE on Etihad Airways does not compare with Emirates or Qatar Airways who both have a much larger collection, but this does not mean it is lacking or the selection is not up to date - I was comparing them to the best of the best. The food was a very good selection and you set the time and they will deliver the portions are generous too, all cabin staff were very attentive and introduced themselves to the passengers by name and were prompt if called. Though Etihad have their little issues and fall a little short of their major two competitors they are very competitive with their marketing scheme and innovate to cone up with new ideas. Yes they are a solid 4 Star Airline but working towards becoming a 5 Star pretty soon.