Abu Dhabi is a world of uncompromised luxury that in recent years has risen to become a must-visit destination of the Middle East. Their national airline, Etihad Airways, lives up to the expectations of Middle Eastern opulence with the high-end hospitality on board their aircrafts and in their departure lounges. Flying directly from the UK to Abu Dhabi – including their route from Edinburgh that opened last year – passengers can choose from Economy, Business and First-class. Whether you’re flying to Abu Dhabi for business, a family trip or a stop over to another exotic destination, the facilities on board Etihad Airways will ensure your flight offers an unparalleled level of comfort, service and luxury.
1. First class…apartments
Etihad Airways offers the high-end comfort you’d expect from a first-class compartment but with the additional privacy of a front door. Each apartment is fitted with a spacious armchair and separate bed making it easy to switch between catching up with work or beauty sleep. Before you’re due to land freshen up in the First Class bathroom and re-do your make-up and hair in the light-up vanity unit found in your private apartment.
2. The Residence, the only three-room suite in the sky
Start your holiday while you fly and book yourself into the Residence, the only three-room suite in the sky. The luxury area offers unbeatable privacy with separate living room, bedroom and en-suite shower room. A Savoy-trained Etihad Butler is on-hand to assist with anything during the flight while the in-flight chef will ensure that your taste-buds are catered to.
3. A helping hand to keep kids entertained
Flying is an unfamiliar experience for young flyers, and is stressful for their parents. The Ethidad Experience includes a nanny service to sooth restless children who aren’t accustomed to flying and provides parents with some time to relax. The specially trained Nannies are all equipped with a goody bag of games and activities including hand-puppets, face-painting and magic tricks.
4. Space to socialise in The Lobby
Located between First and Business class, The Lobby provides an intimate meeting area similar to those found in boutique hotels. The area can seat up to six guests – the power supply and connectivity ports make it a setting for an in-flight business meeting but the wide-screen TV allows it turn into a socialising space afterwards.
5. Relax in the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
For nervous flyers especially, a bit of pre-plane pampering can help sooth any worries. Etihad’s Six Senses Spa is available in the First Class Lounge and Premium Lounge to unwind with facials and massages. There’s also a Relax and Recline Room creating a sensory ambience with comfortable leather chairs, soothing sounds and relaxing imagery on the video wall.
6. Fitness fanatics can work-out before they fly
Any gym-buddies who don’t like missing their daily work-out due to travelling can keep up their regime in the first-class lounge before their flight. The Fitness Room is fitted with Technogym equipment, yoga and weights, as well as showers to freshen up afterwards.
7. Freshen up after landing at the exclusive Arrivals Lounge
If your hotel check-in time is a few hours after you land or you need to freshen up before a business meeting, stop by the only Arrivals Lounge in the UAE (exclusive to Etihad Airways). Located after Terminals 1 and 3 of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, passengers can freshen up with a shower, smarten up at the exclusive barbers, relax in the library, satisfy any hunger in the buffet or catch up with work in the business centre.
8. Luxury Etihad Airways transport waiting in Abu Dhabi
If you’re travelling on to Dubai or Al Ain after you arrive, take the stress out of finding your way there with the Etihad Luxury Coach. This is a free service for all Etihad Airways passengers. First-class and Business Class passengers can also book a personal chauffeur to their destination, a service that is available in over 40 cities that Etihad flies to.
9. Economy class doesn’t scrimp on comfortable extras
If you’ve been shaking your head and assuming the kind of comforts found on Etihad Airways are outwith your budget, the luxury airline offers an affordable economy class that integrates their signature experience. Prices for an economy seat to Abu Dhabi start at £367 per person and includes a three-course meal, Café Service with hot beverages, 750 hours of on-demand entertainment plus the aforementioned nanny and luxury coach service.
10. Plan your dream round-the-world-trip
In the UK Etihad Airways offers direct flights to Abu Dhabi from Edinburgh, Manchester and London and connecting flights through their partners from most UK airports. Once you’re in Abu Dhabi you’ll be able to take advantage of their massive global network and create your dream round-the-world trip. Make use of their Multi-City booking service and continue your holiday in another exciting destination, from down-under in Sydney to the Far East in Vietnam. You can combine four cities into any booking and with Etihad’s expansive global network, the itineraries for a multi-country trip are endless.