If you count from the moment I stepped into Sky Harbor airport, my trip from Phoenix to Abu Dhabi was a total of 23 hours. Now I have traveled quite a bit – maybe even extensively by some measures. Often I have traveled alone. This is a large part of the reason that I have never been to the Middle East. I admit I was not familiar with the airline named Etihad. I cannot recall even seeing it before.
I can now say that I am familiar with Etihad, the airline of Abu Dhabi, and I am impressed. The service was unmatched. I have flown first or business class on many, many different airlines – more than I can recall. None of them even came close. The service, food, attitude and cleanliness of this airline is unmatched in my experience so far. Understated and oozing class in every way.
The only disconcerting thing for me on the entire trip was looking out and seeing NOT the double decker 4 engine monster I expected, but a simple 777. For a flight that is 15 hours and 35 minutes IN THE AIR! 2 engines. Really? I worked for the airlines in a time that no over water flight ever had 2 engines. They were thought unsafe. I know technology has come a long way since those dark ages but still… 2 engines for a flight that takes 2/3 of a full day? I admit to feeling more than a little bit of trepidation.
Before takeoff the flight attendants distributed magazines, newspapers, drinks and…. jammies! We each got a set to change into when we decided it was time to sleep. They were modest, lightweight cotton and super comfy. Did we all look like a bunch of cult members? Why yes, yes we did. Did we care? Not a bit!
The menu represented multiple cultures and diets. It was 4 pages (in English, 5 more in Arabic) with an insert listing a selection of wines and spirits. Before takeoff I enjoyed a chilled glass of mint lemonade that very clearly was not from a powdered mix. After takeoff I was brought a bowl of warm roasted nuts and a small square of exquisite Belgian dark Chocolate, and a cup of tea as I waited for my dinner selection.
Dinner was 3 courses for me. (The option existed for up to 5 courses, but I simply was not that hungry.) I started with a bowl of squash and cucumber soup. It was amazing, and came with a selection of bread with herbed olive oil for dipping. For dinner I selected a local dish that I forgot the name of. Saffron scented Basmati Rice, topped with cashew curry, roasted vegetables, potato, and fresh green beans as thin as swizzle sticks. It was wonderful and light and delicious, the spices subtle and perfectly blended. For dessert a small fresh fruit and cheese platter that rivaled any I have seen anywhere. This was accompanied by a lovely glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I am not sure even Brix or Cottage Place could have done better!
First class cabin has a “skylight” that simulates a sunny sky when you are to be awake, and a starry night sky when you are to be asleep. Business class carries the same starry night theme through the cabin. I was not on one of the planes that has “apartments” in first class (google it – I’m serious) but nevertheless each person had ample personal and private space. Everybody has their own TV, and 200+ stations with movies, news, sports, TV shows and actual live TV to choose from. In flight wifi was free and strong. I watched a movie while I ate, but otherwise did not partake. I had a book on my trusty Kindle and finished it in bits between my naps.
The seats make VERY comfy beds and the jammies were of a cool and breathable material. With the air jets on high blowing straight at me I closed my eyes and caught up on some very much needed sleep. I will now admit that I slept most of the way. At least 11 hours of the flight. Otherwise I could tell you much more about the amenities. But no, I was exhausted. I woke up after the first 9 hours of sleep and ate a wonderful East Indian breakfast and drank some tea, read a few pages of my book and passed out again. I woke up when the pilot announced our initial descent into Abu Dhabi and quickly changed out of my jammies and into real clothes in time to enjoy a fresh morning energy drink made of fresh beet, carrot, orange and ginger before landing.
If the country is anything like the airline that they sponsor, life is going to be very, very good. This is a fantastic beginning…
Katie~I am as impressed with the experience you just had on your flight as I am with your personal account of it. Along with numerous other gifts, strengths, and skills, you are a talented writer. I am looking forward to “joining you” on this incredible adventure of yours. Thanks for bringing us along with you!
I hate to fly but think even I would that!