Etihad Airways

✅ Verified Review | Bangkok to Abu Dhabi. Flew Emirates in September, and this return on Etihad was simply awful. Their financial problems seem to have hit very hard and resulted in a poor flight. Staff seem very demoralised and unhappy and not afraid to show this in their lack of service. Service was more than on-demand - it was close to non-existent if you did not demand it several times and never seen such a lazy bunch of cabin staff. Food was in miniscule portions and not very good, and don't think about asking for pajamas, they told us that all the nice items had been cut by management after their problems. I will avoid Etihad in future.

✅ Verified Review | Etihad have this system that you can bid on a flight upgrade and I decided to give this a go and got upgraded to First Class on my Melbourne to Abu Dhabi flight. Cabin had only 8 seats and you had good privacy. The staff were very professional in catering to your needs. Food was very well prepared and tasted good, you could eat whenever you needed which is a given in this class of cabin. The First class seat is such a big disappointment as its only on a par with Qatar's business class seat. No mattress was offered, no proper pillow either and these seats have aged a lot, it was very uncomfortable lying down I hardly got any sleep. Again TV on demand was only average compared to Qatar and Emirates and we are talking first class here. I don't think its worth the upgrade from the business class offering but at least you are given the chance to bid which is fun.

✅ Verified Review | Sydney to Manchester via Abu Dhabi. Horrible economy class experience onboard Etihad Airways. The service was very bad, the cabin crew did not show the service standard that they should have, no menu provided. After the meal service, there are no water services. The configuration of 777W is horrible, the economy class seat was old and uncomfortable. The meals tasted alright but there is not enough food for the flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi as the flight is around 14 hours. There is no choice for the second meal service.

✅ Verified Review | Ho Chi Minh City to New York via Abu Dhabi. Stay, stay away from Etihad at all costs. I had one single trip booked from SGN to JFK, with worst experience ever in my almost 30 years of flying. I've read good stories and recommendations on Etihad, and conveniently there was a good flight from SGN to JFK with one stop at (Abu Dhabi) a very convenient time at 8:00pm, arriving around 10am at JFK. Flight got cancelled and booked for another flight 9 hours later: aircraft issue - understandable. I was offered hotel and rides back and forth upon my arrival at the airport - still understandable. I did not take this offer because I wanted to spend more time with my family. Due to this flight delay, my whole itinerary changed: SGN-AUH-IAD-JFK. There was another flight straight from AUH-JFK but regretfully missed by few min, but they weren't going to let me on that plane anyway - I paid for a one stop flight. I was boarding for flight from AUH and heard an Etihad staff yelling at a passenger in a line to move away? The passenger looked so dumbfounded. Extremely unprofessional behavior. Arrived and found out flight was cancelled from IAD to JFK. They did not offer me hotel (did offer a discounted rate), nor another method of ride to JFK that night. Had a meeting at work the next morning, how inconveniently arrived just a night before the meeting due to delays and cancellations. Therefore, I decided to take a train, but I had to wait for my luggage at an office, and the lady there, who was associated with JetBlue, got me on a free shuttle from IAD to JFK (Which I truly appreciated). Overall, my flight was extended by 12 hours, arrived 15+ hours later than expected, extra costs I spent at the airport. After this incidence, I requested for a refund of my ticket or at least get compensated for the cancelled flight that I never took and for the major changes (one stop flight -> two stops). They did offer me some compensation after 2 months, and I received 15,000 miles on Etihad. I can't even go anywhere with 15,000 miles. I argued that I deserve more, but they reviewed and concluded that was enough for me, they said. I received the miles just because I might be able to transfer these miles to another airlines that I take, if not, it's just going to rot there. I will never be taking Etihad again, and will strongly recommend against it. Just thinking about my experience with Etihad makes me so angry..

✅ Verified Review | Ho Chi Minh to Frankfurt return via Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways losing its stars and reputation. After a disappointing outbound experience I hoped for the better this time. But check-in in Frankfurt was very bad, again: Staff seemed to be demotivated, overworked and arrogant. Our request to add an extra bag within our maximum weight allowance was rejected and ground staff even started to argue with us that the information on this matter given to us by Etihad before in writing was wrong and that we were lying to them. The Etihad-lounge in Frankfurt, before one of the best lounges in the world, was shut down. Instead we have been offered Lufthansa Senator-lounge, which is a business-class lounge only. So no first class lounge access even for a fully paid first class flight and instead of a steak grilled to order or other individually cooked items only turkey sausages were our hot dinner-option in Frankfurt, since we wanted to sleep on the short night flight to Abu Dhabi. The next bad surprise was that Etihad – in order to cut costs – does not even cater on board any local newspaper or magazine from its departure-countries any more. Only English and Arabic language papers from Abu Dhabi were available – which were outdated. Staff on board was friendly and professional, and we had a good sleep on board. Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, priority delivery-service was not working and we had to wait for about 45 minutes for our luggage. Etihad also cancelled it’s free chauffeur service. The counter after arrival was closed and we have been sent by a cheap 8-seater-taxi to our hotel rather than a limousine. Check-in at Etihad’s 1st Class counter in Abu Dhabi was again a disaster: bossy staff that neither greeted us nor helped re-packing our baggage because one piece they said was overweight, even though we checked in the same piece with Etihad in FRA 2 days before with no problem. My request for helping us with some Scotch-tape to re-seal the 2 boxes we had to open for re-packing was ignored, the check-in lady did not even leave her chair to look for it, and instead we were requested to seal them for a hefty fee by an outside supplier. Because of the request of re-packing without proper packing materials some valuable crystal items arrived broken. Communication was very unfriendly, too: instead of asking my wife for her passport, the check-in agent was just waving my passport at us and asked us: ‘who flies’? The agent also checked not our seat-requests and we first did not get our assigned seats. Our flight was leaving from T1, yet no information at check-in that Etihad only has one first class lounge in T3 - where we checked in. So we walked more than 15 minutes through the hectic Abu Dhabi airport from T3 to T1 and back to T3. At least the service on board was spotless, even though you could feel the cost-cutting when it came to the food and beverage-selections. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the airport manager, who helped us through passport control. In conclusion, savings in catering and staff, resulting in overworked and arrogant check-in agents, stop of chauffeur-services and denied access to a 1st class lounge are making even 1st-class flying with Etihad a pain. The only good thing is that the staff on board still remains friendly and professional, as before. Other than that Etihad does not live up to its 5 star rating.

✅ Verified Review | Manchester to Sydney via Abu Dhabi. Extremely appalling service by the callous staff at Manchester. I am a frequent flyer and travelled all the continents. This time I was carrying my usual hand luggage and they did not allow me to carry it as its small wheels were not fitting in the frame. Whilst I stated that I have been using this in many flights none had any objection they did not budge. We are different was their response. Then to add insult to injury asked me to pay £160.0 as it was the airline fee for additional bag. As my first check in bag hardly had 16kg, I was told to transfer stuff in it and throw the hand bag away. When I tried to transfer stuff in checked in hand bad it became 24.0kg and they would not even allow for that. I have been trying to contact their UK office and spoke to them three times regarding my luggage issue. They make notes but when you ask them to refer to those they come back saying we do not trust these notes we will listen to the recorded communication and get back to you. They never come back. This airline is pathetic with callous staff. This is my last booking with them.

✅ Verified Review | Paris to Sydney via Abu Dhabi. So disappointing after expecting a good standards airline. The lounge in CDG was nice looking, but food choice very bad. Seat was okay, but Boeing 777 was dirty cabin and seats smelled, portion of the food served worse than economic class, and the experience was very discount. Staff were nice when I saw them but they have to be called for and they are not in the cabin like most airlines. Abu Dhabi airport stopover was a busy time and the lounge space very bad, we could not find 2 seats together. I read 2 weeks previously this airline was in a bad position and think that the flight standards would not change, but everything about this trip was below normal business class levels.

✅ Verified Review | Perth to Paris via Abu Dhabi. Having made the decision to go business class, we were very disappointed with the cabin service in particular. After taking our order, it took at least an hour for the meal. One meal was 3 hours (had to be rerequested) and one was 2. One coffee never arrived. The staff after finishing meal service, disappeared and there was no way to call for service apart from finding them. Neither could we find a service bell. Wifi didn't work on any leg, and we couldn't charge iPads. The seats on the plane from Perth were uncomfortable, but did fold down to a flat bed. Same movies on all 4 legs, over a month apart.

✅ Verified Review | Ho Chi Minh City to Frankfurt via Abu Dhabi.I am a Platinum member of this airline and always was surprised by its excellent equipment and 5-star-service. Not anymore. Since Etihad is in financial turmoil and cost-cutting became its No. 1 priority, lounges are closed, service turned sour and savings on dining and wining even in Etihad’s First Class are the new, disappointing standard. Because of staff-reductions, we had to wait 15 minutes at check-in at SGN-airport. Reason: staff was checking in Business-Class guests at Etihad’s First-Class counter. Formerly an absolute no-no. Boarding was chaotic, as well: no priority boarding and we had to queue with all other 200+ passengers. The welcome on board was warm, yet the standard of service is dropping down: instead the traditional collection of 3 different snacks only nuts were served and even though it was only 3 passengers in First, my wife and me could not get the requested mixed vegetables, because they ‘run out of it’ already. The amenity-kit, formerly a traditionally designed and waved pouch of high quality was replaced by a cheap plastic version and mine was used already (pouch with lip-balm, etc. missing). The interior of the aircraft, an old A340 was outworn and some of the buttons for the remote of the Personal Entertainment system and the seat were not working properly any more. Staff, however, was friendly and caring. On the stopover I also visited the Etihad 1st Class lounge in Abu Dhabi, which is excellent. But waiting times in the restaurant increased significantly and waiting more than 2 hours for a morning-shave is unacceptable. Our continuing flight to Frankfurt was on a remote gate. Yet, 35 minutes before boarding no bus for 1st and business-class passengers was available. Had to wait with all other passengers for more than 20 minutes. No seat available, thus standing. Entering the aircraft by stairs was hectic, people were squeezing each other, so we decided to board last. Pre-flight service was hectic because the bus arrived just 5 minutes before departure but at least the inflight-service was flawless. Upon arrival no arrival service and our luggage was delivered late, even though we had priority and first-class stickers on them. I always have been a fan of Etihad and enjoyed its perfect lounges, services and friendly staff. But cost-cutting effects even Etihad’s most loyal (Platinum-member) and revenue-contributing (flying 1st-class) customers to such a degree, that the great flight-experience, I am paying for, hardly exists any more. No first-class lounge-access except Abu Dhabi, long waiting lines, worn out cabin interior, bad catering, no luggage-priority, no free chauffeur-service (except Abu Dhabi, were taxis are offered instead). All in all a very disappointing experience.

✅ Verified Review | London to Phuket via Abu Dhabi. As I approached the check in area the check in staff were having a conversation. I waited for them to finish there said conversation before I handed my passport. After a few security questions I was checked in and directed to the fast check security , I did so and was greeted by the most welcoming man with a warm smile (a Heathrow staff member) who checked my boarding pass and wished me a safe flight. After browsing the duty free shops I made my way to gate 10 where the Etihad Airways lounge is located. On entertaining the lounge I met two lovely welcome hosts who asked if my luggage and suit bag would like to be stored. She then offered me the WIFI slip. The first impression of the lounge was dark and small. I passed about 6 staff who were standing there like zombies no more then a smile. I had a walk around before I sat in the ala carte section where I thought I would have a nice lunch. There were pre set menus on the table so I had a look and went for the salmon salad of which I ordered after attracting the attention of one of the staff. I asked for a glass of Chardonnay and some sparkling water and was told I had to help my self from the buffet area. I found that very strange considering I was sat in the restaurant area expecting restaurant service? The salad arrived in super quick time (with no salad only x2 baby potatoes cut into 4 pieces, green beans, 2 cherry tomatoes also cut into 4 pieces and a splash of balsamic dressing) - the salmon was very moist clearly being sat in a steamer until an order came in. After my salad-less salad I fancied a coffee so decided I leave the lounge and head to Costa Coffee as the Etihad coffee machine had seen better days. Boarding was called and like you'd expect everyone marched up to the gate in one go only to be turned away as there zones were not yet called. A warm welcome from the crew as I boarded and found my seat 16A. Business seats are incredible and should be rolled out on all Etihads long haul business class. The flight was fantastic, service standards won back from that I had in the lounge. Only downside they have taken the wash bags away and only offer these on night flights! Explained by the crew member with a nervous smile. Items like toothbrush, socks were available but you had to ask. Cutting back things in the premium cabins never goes down well with crew or the paying passengers who expect it. My connection in Abu Dhabi was very long so enjoyed a bit of quiet time and sleep in the lounge. when I finally boarded my flight to Phuket I slept most of the way. Overall opinion on my experience was a fantastic airline but need touching up on the outstations service style to be more consistent.