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Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge Review | Abu Dhabi, UAE

AB — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:26:45 +0000

With the opening of Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways has introduced a brand-new Business Class Lounge, designed to offer a premium experience for its passengers. This lounge is a major upgrade, offering spacious seating, gourmet dining, and enhanced amenities. Whether you’re relaxing before a long-haul flight or freshening up during a layover, this lounge provides a luxurious start to your journey.

Review of Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge – Details

Airline: Etihad Airways
Location: Terminal A, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Access:
- Business Class passengers flying on Etihad Airways or partner airlines
- Etihad Guest Gold & Platinum members
- Paid access available for eligible passengers
Hours: 24/7
Best For: Business travelers, premium passengers, and long-haul flyers looking for comfort before departure

Review of Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge – Highlights

Modern & Elegant Design – The lounge features contemporary Arabian-inspired interiors, with warm lighting, high ceilings, and a spacious layout that feels both luxurious and inviting.
Multiple Seating Areas – There are quiet zones for relaxation, workspaces with charging points, and social areas for networking or dining. The seating is well-padded and ergonomic, ideal for extended stays.
Premium Dining & Buffet – The lounge offers an à la carte dining menu alongside an extensive buffet. Choices include Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western dishes, as well as fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and desserts.
Signature Bar & Drinks Selection – A dedicated bar serves premium wines, spirits, and Etihad’s signature cocktails, along with barista-made coffee and a selection of teas.
Private Showers & Relaxation Spaces – Travelers can freshen up with spacious shower suites, complete with luxury toiletries and fluffy towels. There are also semi-private relaxation pods for those needing a quick rest.
Enhanced Work & Connectivity Spaces – Business travelers will appreciate the high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet workstations, and printing facilities, making it easy to stay productive before boarding.
Dedicated Kids’ Play Area – Families traveling with children will find a small but well-equipped play area, ensuring young travelers stay entertained.

Review of Zayed International Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge – Things to Note

Can Get Busy During Peak Hours – Despite the lounge’s large size, it can still feel crowded during peak flight times, especially evenings and early mornings.
A La Carte Dining Has Limited Availability – The buffet is always available, but the a la carte menu is only offered at specific hours. Arriving during off-peak times may limit your dining options.
No Private Sleeping Rooms – While the lounge has comfortable relaxation areas, there are no fully enclosed sleeping rooms or nap pods, unlike some flagship lounges in the region.
Shower Suites May Require a Wait – If you’re traveling during a busy period, you may need to wait for a shower suite, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Paid Access Pricing Varies – If you’re not flying Business Class or holding status, paid entry can be expensive, especially for longer stays. Prices may change depending on demand.

Review of Etihad Airways AUH Business Class Lounge – Tips

Arrive Early for a Better Experience – If your schedule allows, arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight to enjoy the full amenities without feeling rushed.
Try the Signature Cocktails – The bar offers a selection of Etihad’s own curated cocktails, which are a highlight of the lounge experience.
Use the Relaxation Pods for a Quick Rest – If you’re feeling jet-lagged, the semi-private pods are a great place to unwind before your flight.
Check the Buffet Before Ordering À La Carte – The buffet often has a wide selection, so it’s worth checking before committing to an à la carte meal.
Book a Shower Upon Arrival – If you plan to freshen up, reserve a shower suite as soon as you enter the lounge to avoid long waits.

Review of Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge Photos

Dessert station for lunch

Fruit selection

Live buffet stations at the lounge

Step inside the new Etihad Business Class Lounge at Zayed International Airport (AUH)! We explore the premium seating, dining options, bar service, showers, and workspaces in this modern, luxurious lounge. Is this the best Business Class lounge in the Middle East?

The post Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge Review | Abu Dhabi, UAE appeared first on The Brief Review.

Etihad Airways Economy Class Review | Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Colombo (CMB)

AB — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:21:29 +0000

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, operates multiple daily flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Colombo (CMB), catering to both business and leisure travelers. With the recent opening of Zayed International Airport, we were eager to experience Etihad’s Economy Class on this short-haul route and see how the airline compares to competitors flying to Sri Lanka.

Review of Etihad Airways Economy Class – Details

Airline: Etihad Airways
Route: Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Colombo (CMB)
Flight Time: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes
Aircraft: Typically operated by an Airbus A320 or Boeing 787
Seat Configuration: 3-3 (A320) or 3-3-3 (787) in Economy
Class: Economy
Booking Price: $$ – $$$ (Varies by season and fare type)
Best For: Budget travelers, Sri Lankan expats, and transit passengers connecting via Abu Dhabi

Review of Etihad Airways Economy Class – Highlights

New Zayed International Airport Experience – Departing from Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport was seamless and modern. The terminal is spacious, high-tech, and well-organized, making check-in, immigration, and boarding a breeze.
Decent Seat Comfort – The Economy seats offer adequate legroom (typically 31-32 inches of pitch), and headrests are adjustable. If flying on the Boeing 787, you get larger windows and a quieter cabin.
In-Flight Entertainment – The E-Box entertainment system features a good selection of movies, TV shows, and music, though A320 aircraft may have overhead screens instead of personal seatback screens. Wi-Fi is available for purchase, but speeds can be inconsistent. The ebox system means you can watch movies, streamed to your laptop, tablet or phone!
Warm Meal Service – Despite being a short flight, Etihad serves a full meal in Economy Class, usually offering chicken, fish, or a vegetarian Sri Lankan option. The flavors are decent, though portions could be larger. See pictures below.
Cabin Crew & Service – Etihad’s crew is professional and polite, ensuring a smooth flight experience. Service is efficient but not overly personalized, as expected in Economy Class.

Etihad Airways Economy Class Review – Things to Note

Older A320 Aircraft on Some Flights – Not all flights feature the newer Boeing 787. Some routes use A320s with more basic seating and entertainment.
Limited Legroom for Taller Passengers – The standard Economy seat pitch is fine for most, but those over 6 feet may find it tight. Bulkhead and exit row seats offer more space.
No Amenity Kit in Economy – Unlike long-haul flights, Etihad does not provide amenity kits for this short route. Bring your own eye mask and travel essentials if needed.
Wi-Fi Is Expensive – While Wi-Fi is available, pricing is on the higher side, and connection speeds aren’t always reliable.
Abu Dhabi Transit Can Be Long – If you’re connecting through AUH, make sure you have a long enough layover to clear security and reach your gate. The new terminal has lounge options for those with extended waits.

Review of Etihad Airways Economy Class – Tips

Check Your Aircraft Type Before Booking – If available, try to book a flight on the Boeing 787 for a more modern experience.
Request a Special Meal – If you prefer a specific dietary option, pre-booking a meal ensures you get your preferred choice.
Grab a Window Seat on the Right Side – For beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s coastline on arrival, pick a window seat on the right side of the plane.
Consider a Paid Seat Selection – Standard seats are first-come, first-served, but paying for extra legroom (exit rows or bulkhead seats) may be worth it for comfort.
Stay Hydrated – Flights between Abu Dhabi and Colombo can feel dry due to cabin air—bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.
If you have any questions, ask in the comment section below!

Review of Etihad Airways Economy Class – Photos

Emergency row seat

Inflight meal onboard Etihad

Flying Etihad Airways Economy Class from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Colombo (CMB)! Departing from the brand-new Zayed International Airport, we check out the Economy cabin, seat comfort, meal service, and in-flight entertainment. See how Etihad compares on this route and whether it’s worth flying!

The post Etihad Airways Economy Class Review | Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Colombo (CMB) appeared first on The Brief Review.