I flew back from Europe with Etihad in First Class as part of a one-way redemption using Velocity Points, initially departing from Geneva, with a stop in Abu Dhabi for 12 hours, and then connecting onward to Sydney.
I’ve already covered the Abu Dhabi to Sydney leg in Etihad A380 First Class Apartments, however, before that I enjoyed Etihad’s First Class service in one of their Airbus A330s from Geneva to Abu Dhabi.
For this particular redemption, I used 203,000 Velocity Points plus $875 AUD in taxes and fees – a high-cost redemption, for sure but one I was really excited to try out.
Etihad Airways’ A330 Fleet & Routes
Etihad operates six Airbus A330-300 aircraft in a three-class configuration with 8 Diamond First, 32 Pearl Business and 191 Coral Economy Class seats.
As of April 2017, it services medium- to long-haul routes of 3-9 hours, including:
- Casablanca
- Frankfurt
- Geneva
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Islamabad
- Kuala Lumpur
- Milan
- Munich
You’ll find the same Diamond First Class product on routes serviced by Airbus A340 and Boeing 777-300ER and -200LR aircraft.
The Airbus A330-300 is gradually being replaced by Boeing 787 and Airbus A340 aircraft.
While Eithad don’t fly direct to New Zealand (yet), these reviews may still prove helpful should you ever wish to position yourself on a flight from Australia.
The Cabin and First Class seats
First things first: the Diamond First offering on the A330, A340 and 777 differs from the superior First Apartments found on A380 flights, which offers an onboard shower and bar.
However, it’s still a really appealing cabin, and offers eight closed suites in a 1-2-1 configuration:
The privacy screen between the centre seats can be raised or lower depending on if you are travelling with a companion:
There’s a 30-inch wide seat which can be fully enclosed with sliding doors for total privacy, with an abundance of beige and cream leather all around.
You can hang any clothing you like in the close in next to the suite door, and it’s large enough for your shoes too.
Etihad’s A330s have some great mood lighting, helping me settle in for a short red-eye of about six hours to Abu Dhabi from Geneva.
Immediately after dinner I asked for my seat to be made into a bed.
At which point I shut my doors and enjoyed a solid few hours of rest.
Controls for your seat and suite lighting are on a large touchscreen found next to your seat.
Seat Choice & Seatmap
If you are travelling with a companion, you’ll probably want to take the centre seats, which are 1D and 1G, or 2D and 2G.
If you are travelling solo, one of the window seats (1A, 1K, 2A or 2K) will afford you better views of outside.
In terms of noise, you’ve got a decision to make: if you’re seated in row 1, you’ll experience more foot traffic to and from the galley and the two bathrooms in front; if you’re seated in row 2, you’re cushioned from noise from the Business Class galley by two rows of Business Class being located directly behind you but do note that there are two baby bassinets behind 2D and 2G, which could or could not be being used.
You could always change your seat assignment at check-in, in the lounge or at the gate with regards to the information the agents have about other passengers (subject to availability, of course).
Inflight Entertainment
Etihad’s Diamond First Class offers a 23-inch personal television screen with Etihad’s excellent selection of movies and TV.
Your remote is found in a small storage nook under your armrest – also useful for stowing all pocket gear.
There is complimentary wifi for First Class passengers on (some) wifi-equipped Airbus 330-300 aircraft.
Service – Food & Drink
Here’s the menu on offer for my flight from Geneva:
And the wine list:
I took a glass of champagne on boarding, along with some Arabic dates, although I declined the coffee given my plan to get as much rest as possible.
I was also served some welcome snacks.
As soon we were up in the air, we got down to business with dinner.
I opted for a the lamb biryani, which was pretty tasty but nothing too extraordinary.
Inflight Amenities and Bathroom
At your seat, you should find a comfortable blanket, and pyjamas are offered on all of Etihad’s First Class flights.
I’m a fan of the black pyjamas provided by Christian Lacroix:
There are two lavatories located at the front of the First Class cabin, with the right-hand-side one closer to the cabin slightly larger than the one further up on the left-hand side:
Toiletries are provided by Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza:
Etihad Premium Lounge Access
In Sydney, Melbourne, New York JFK, London Heathrow and Paris CDG, you’ll gain access to the Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge.
In Abu Dhabi, Terminal 3 hosts both a First Class Lounge & Spa and an Arrivals Lounge.
Our Other Reviews
Summing up – Why choose this flight?
I chose Etihad from Geneva to Sydney thanks to their relationship with Velocity. Velocity points are not too hard to earn in Australia and, despite the high taxes and fees, I was keen to travel with Etihad again thanks to great experiences in Business Class in the past.
Etihad’s Diamond First Class seat and service were really solid. The crew on my flight were especially attentive, kind and pleasant to interact with. I felt sad to leave, to be honest, possibly more so than on my next flight to Sydney from Abu Dhabi.
The bed was exceptionally comfortable and spacious, and the doors creating ultimate privacy with the Diamond Suite allow for even better rest with more privacy.
I wouldn’t hesitate to flight Etihad again thanks to my recent experiences with them, especially if using Etihad Guest miles or Velocity points.
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Keith Mason
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