ETIHAD First ???

I have to fly to BKK in October and have prov booked Thai first but now that ETIHAD have started direct flights from Dublin to Abu and then to BKK - It would save going through London but what is Abu like ? Stop over Dublin leg is only 11/2 hrs and 13/4 hrs on way back - not to mention a saving of nearly 1000 euros per person - But does anybody know what the new 1st service is like - Its seems to get very mixed reports - saying that - 1000 euros goes a long way to cover hotel expenses etc.

Any help please

[honey lamb]

Unless anyone says anything to the contrary about Etihad, why don't you go with them and give us the benefit or your experience?

Honey , I really want to try Thai but looking at the possibility of leaving out Londn really appeals to me but not if Abu is worse. Beter the devil you know that the one you dont if you know what I mean.I suppose the savings really come into it as well,

Keith

I've heard very good things about Etihad and would really like to try out F with them myself; I'd say go for it:D

45.

We are off to AUH in September, will let you know what the airport is like,a mate of mine worked on it's construction says it looks like a giant mushroom.

Do it! I have heard nothing but excellent reports about EY and their service.

They have just taken delivery of brand new 346's which are equipped with a first class to rival EK/SQ. Like Jet in India they have firmly set their sights on becoming the airline of this decade (like EK was in the 90's and SQ before that).

Ex DUB I would imagine you will be on a 330- unless you are very very unlucky, and get thier one 330 which is(/was) on lease from Volare and so therefore doesnt have the regular cabin, you will have an excellent experience. (by non regular cabin- I believe it was in a 2 class layout with no PTV's in Y- it may now have left the fleet now the 346's/77W's are arriving).

And their 77W's are apparently lovely inside as well!

I have been advised that its an Airbus A330 on the Dublin to Abu Dhabi route and Boeing 777 on the Abu Dhabi to Bangkok route. On the Airbus do you have PTVs and a fully flat bed?

The things I do for you guys - Ok I have changed from Thai and will head off on EY. TR will follows as soon as I return.

Keith

Originally posted by porsche911
I have been advised that its an Airbus A330 on the Dublin to Abu Dhabi route and Boeing 777 on the Abu Dhabi to Bangkok route. On the Airbus do you have PTVs and a fully flat bed?

Yes they do!

This is what you will get DUB-AUH:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1225925/M/

And this to BKK:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1040255/M/

Those pics are Pearl zone (biz) - this is diamond zone (F)

F/Diamond is available on Etihad's 777s and only on selected 330s.

45.

Originally posted by VS045
Those pics are Pearl zone (biz) - this is diamond zone (F)

F/Diamond is available on Etihad's 777s but only on selected 330s.

45.

My mistake [:I]......but do the 777s have the same First cabin as the 345's- I thought not as the 345s are for their ultra LH routes.

I thought not as the 345s are for their ultra LH routes.

The second picture you posted looks like First class to me.

My mistake too; F/Diamond is not available on the 777s so the second pic is the top class on a 777 but is still only Pearl/biz not F.

However, the new F seats are not installed on any a/c other than the A345 yet (as Will said) but the new biz seats are available on the two-zone 330s and 777s.

So this is how it looks like your flights will end up:
DUB-AUH: either A330 two-zone w/ new biz/Pearl flat-beds
or three-zone 330 in F with older style reclining seats
AUH-BKK: The 777 should have the new biz seats but no F.

45.

My mistake too; F/Diamond is not available on the 777s so the second pic is the top class on a 777 but is still only Pearl/biz not F.

Thats looks a very good J seat in that case,and they fly to aus,now where to go at xmas[:w]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My mistake too; F/Diamond is not available on the 777s so the second pic is the top class on a 777 but is still only Pearl/biz not F.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thats looks a very good J seat in that case,and they fly to aus,now where to go at xmas

Yes, Etihad's latest product definitely rivals the best and I'm itching to fly with the carrier:D

45.

Originally posted by VS045


Yes, Etihad's latest product definitely rivals the best and I'm itching to fly with the carrier:D

45.

Agree- trying to work out a reason why I need to fly with them!

Does anybody know where I can read some flight reviews for Etihad Diamond- I have searched and so far cannot fins anything at all.

does anybody know where I can read some flight reviews for Etihad Diamond

Just been looking myself and found nothing,there are a few pictures of the diamond cabin on airliners.net

Etihad is high on my list so you'll be doing me a big favour too;)

Ok Ok its booked - The things I do for V-Flyer

I also believe the chairs in F swivel round to face each other if you are traveling with a partner and wish to dine together. Looked at flying with them myself to get to Auckland in August, the look a great airline if you get the right planes, sadly routing/layover and Emirates F on the A345 lured me away[}:)]

Does anybody know where I can read some flight reviews for Etihad Diamond- I have searched and so far cannot fins anything at all.

I guess you'll have to be the first[8D]

45.

I called their call centre and they advised that I will have the up to date F on my leg from Dub / Abu but on the leg to BKK there is no F but their latest J class.Bit annoying as when I booked I was advised it would be F all the way , ah well I suppose I will survive.

Keith

Originally posted by Gelding
I also believe the chairs in F swivel round to face each other if you are traveling with a partner and wish to dine together. Looked at flying with them myself to get to Auckland in August, the look a great airline if you get the right planes, sadly routing/layover and Emirates F on the A345 lured me away[}:)]

Are they into AKL now?!? I was under the impression they hadn't yet been given the green light of Australia or NZ.

Originally posted by porsche911
The things I do for V-Flyer

We are all very grateful! [oo]!!! I am sure the top of the range J class seat will still knock the socks of the *cough* UCS *cough*!! Bet you will have a truly first class service.

Sorry guys but the trip has been now put off till Jan 08 - I have however changed to still go with them and will report on how we get on after that.