Once again, I scheduled an airline award redeem without having a genuine trip planned. The possibility of flying Etihad First-Class Apartments for 65,000 miles (booked on Air Canada’s website) was too excellent to pass up. Amazingly, many customers took advantage of this offer in 2023, and many of their travels were canceled due to miscommunication between Air Canada and Etihad Airways. Fortunately, my trip was not canceled, and it was my first large flight of 2024.
This journey began in London and ended in Abu Dhabi, so I invited my daughter Lindsey, who lives in London, to accompany me. We considered flying from Abu Dhabi to the Seychelles, but the additional 5 hours each ways, combined with transfer delays, did not appeal to either of us. We eventually decided to just stay in Abu Dhabi, which has beautiful hotels, fantastic weather, and lots to see and do. But first, let’s talk about the excitement of flying with Etihad Apartments.
Lounge Access at LHR
I knew we had Etihad Lounge access from a prior trip to Abu Dhabi, and I recalled the excellent sticky toffee pudding (one of my favorite UK desserts). I was more than a little excited to get it again! Unfortunately, the menu had changed, and sticky toffee pudding was no longer on offer. However, we shared a burger, fries, and an apple tart.
We were also allowed to fast track through security at London Heathrow Airport, which made the process much faster.
Etihad First-Class Apartments for 65K Miles
There is nothing quite like turning left on an airliner (which indicates that you are heading toward business or first-class seats). The Etihad attendants greeted us cheerfully and led us to our rooms, whose doors reminded me of Singapore rooms.
There is a large, comfortable chair where you can sit, with a giant television screen across from it. Under it is a long bench that folds out to form a nice bed, which the attendant prepares for you when you’re ready to sleep.
Near the shutting doors was a little closet where I could store my jacket. There was also a vanity room with mirrors, which is where I discovered my amenity kit. Several little drawers opened in the suite for storage, one of which included soft drinks and water.
Meal Service in Etihad First-Class Apartments
Meal service started with the traditional warm washcloth and some dates. This was followed by warm nuts, dry peas, and olives. Dining is on-demand, and there are numerous options for food and beverages!
I had eaten caviar for the first time on Singapore Suites and thought it was fine (if a little tasteless), so I had it again for my first meal, along with a mocktail and a Diet Coke. I followed up with a fantastic lobster salad.
My main meal was filet mignon and mashed potatoes. They were good, but not outstanding. They asked how I wanted my meat cooked, and I requested medium, but it was clear that they were all well-done. For dessert, I finally received my favorite sticky toffee pudding.
Amenities in Etihad First-Class Apartments
In addition to luxury items, the amenity bag includes pajamas. These were quite soft but rather large. I did not end up taking them home.
In first class, there are two rather large bathrooms, one of which features a shower that is slightly smaller than the Emirates “shower in the sky”. Because our flight was just seven hours long, I decided to forego a shower in favor of extra sleep. I ended up sleeping three to four hours. When I awoke, I asked them to send me hot chocolate and pastries instead of a full meal because I had eaten so much at supper.
Comparison Etihad Apartments vs. Singapore Suites
How did it compare to the Singapore Suites? Quite favorable. The rooms are narrower but still spacious, contained, and simply beautiful. Despite the overdone steak, the meal is equally delicious, and the waitstaff is really kind and helpful. The differential in redemption prices is where things become interesting: 143K miles for Singapore Suites versus 65K miles for Etihad Apartments. Granted, I got a terrific deal, but that’s what makes reward redemptions exciting: chasing the offer and going somewhere you didn’t expect to go!
New Terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport
Well, things have changed since my previous flight into Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways now has its own Terminal A, which is quite spectacular! The old terminal was unimpressive, so it was a pleasant surprise to see this new, lovely terminal. In fact, there was a separate location for checking in to Etihad first and business class. There are also two gorgeous new airport lounges, one for first class and one for business class, both with spas (which have yet to open, and no one seems to know what services will be available or for whom).
The lounges are gorgeous, and you can depart right from them to your plane. I must say, the Etihad understands how to do luxury,
Bottom line
Flying in Etihad Apartments for less than I would pay for other business class seats was something I had to do! I didn’t sure where I’d be vacationing when I booked it, but flying Etihad Apartments for 65K miles was worth chasing the bargain and then deciding on a place! It was a flight I would want to take again in the future!