Flight Review: Etihad Airways- Abu Dhabi to Manila - Ceddy's Random

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Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Flight Review: Etihad Airways- Abu Dhabi to Manila


Airline Competition



A lot of competitive airlines nowadays are emerging in the market. And one of them is Etihad Airways.


Preparation for the Flight


I had 2 months ahead prior my vacation to decide which airline I need to book. Of course, I need to find any promotional offer. A relative of mine offered me a discount.

Which is which?

Emirates Airline, Philippine Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Cebu Pacific are available however I  decided to go with Etihad Airways as I heard a lot of positive reviews from this airline.

Decided...




Etihad Airways is a flag carrier and the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Its head office is in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, near Abu Dhabi International Airport. 


Accessibility...



Since I am residing in Abu Dhabi (City Centre) it is very easy and convenient for me to drop off my luggage and proceed to an early check-in into the City Terminal (near Abu Dhabi Mall) 24 hours before the flight.



All travel documents will be provided once your check-in is done, including your boarding pass.  
You have the option as well to do online check in to there Etihad Mobile App or direct to there website (hassle free).

Timings...




My flight was 10 AM the other day so I had still plenty of time to prepare for my flight.
The bus which is going to the Terminal 2 of Abu Dhabi International Airport is Bus A1. For more information about the bus timing, you can download the DARB Mobile App.

Upon reaching the airport, I reached out to the counter for my check in and was advised to proceed next to the security control section. 

Everything was on the smooth process, After the security check, I proceeded to the assigned gate (22).
I got the chance to see some planes while I'm on my way to the gate - Planespotting. 




Waiting time for the gate to be opened was approximately half an hour.
A service bus picks us and went straight to the tarmac where the plane is waiting.


The Etihad Boeing 777-300er





The plane was A Boeing 777 - 300er with a seating configuration of 3 x 4 x 3.
It comes with a Pearl Business for Business Class and Coral Economy for Economy Class. 

This is my second time to fly with Etihad Airways, The first one was my Kuala Lumpur Trip way back in 2015.


In-flight Amenities


In-flight amenities 





It's not good nor bad. For the IFE (Audio and Video). The headset is perfectly working. 



The E-box (the personal entertainment system) was having some issues with the touchscreen panel. There is a latency everytime you touch the screen. Even the controller is a bit confusing to use for navigational.



However, I love the movies being played on there IFE (in-flight entertainment) Hollywood to Asian movies and some latest music (western to middle eastern music) Taylor Swift's Album is available as well. Kids Entertainment such as Peppa Pig is also available.


AC Port



All seats in this aircraft have an ac power port. I tested to charge my iPhone via USB and it's perfectly working. However, It takes longer to get fully charged.


Meal



salty biscuit and cola


water and fresh towel (wet wipes)


Before, during and after take-off, they served the food. That consist of salty biscuit before the flight, Dinner is served during the flight and some snack (sandwich and juice or soda) is served before the landing. I requested for another cup of coffee with fresh milk and sugar too after lunch. Fresh towel and water are being offered as well before take off.

Lunch
sandwich and apple juice before landing

coffee after lunch

with fresh milk


They Offer European,  Asian and Middle Eastern meals. The food was perfect. They have a menu as well for your reference. Etihad offers as well with any in dietary needs, just inform them prior to the reservation 24 hours before.
I love how the flight attendant caters the passenger in a timely manner. 
They offer on a full meal and I didn't complain at all. It was a wholesome experience.


Lavatory





The Lavatory of the Aircraft is okay.
Nothing to see much, but they maintain the cleanliness and its odor free. 
The space of the lavatory is just right for you to move freely inside, hand sanitizer, the tissue is available as well.


Seats



Though I didn't pay for extra legroom. There was a sufficient space for the seat as the coral economy seat's width is 17.5 and the pitch was 31. It's just right.



Additionals




Etihad provides a blanket, neck pillow and an amenity kit as well which consist of eye mask, face tissue, ear plugs and toothbrush with toothpaste during the flight.

We experience a mild turbulence. As the Pilot advised us to fasten our seatbelt for safety reason and the cabin crew was doing the same.


Travel time from Abu Dhabi to Manila takes 9 hours and 5 mins (depends if not late) And it is non stop.







The IFE has the feature to provide the estimated time of arrival to your destination (ETA) as well as the camera viewfinder of the aircraft to see what is below the aircraft.


Cabin Crew Service


Etihad is well known for its highest class when it comes to service. No wonder they were rated by Skytrax as a Certified 5 Star Airline. Though I find the cabin crew service was not excellent but it's good. 
Another cabin crew was in a hurry to distribute the food and without smiling at all. Just a straightforward question which food do I need to eat. That's all. No other question nor a smile to her face. 

I was able to sleep for a few hours  before landing to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)


Verdict...







So far, My whole travel experience for the second time with Etihad was good.
Though I find that the Aircraft looks aged already.
Food was good.
IFE was good
Overall service includes the Cabin Crew Service was Good.

Do I recommend flying with Etihad?

It's a Yes. But make sure to check some promo offers before flying with them as the ticket rises up especially during holidays.

Thanks for reading my flight review.

Don't forget to share and subscribe for more!


--Ceddy











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