I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey, soaring through the skies in the lap of luxury aboard Etihad Airways' first-class cabin. This time, I embarked on a longer route from Washington to Abu Dhabi, after previously experiencing the sheer opulence of Etihad first class on a shorter AUH-GVA flight earlier in the year.

The Itinerary

1st April 2023

Etihad 130

Washington (IAD) - Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Duration: 12.5 hrs / 7075 miles

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

Seat: 1A First Class (F) Cabin

Full Route: YYZ-IAD-AUH-BLR-DEL

Total Cost: 140k Aeroplan Points

My adventure began in Toronto (YYZ), where I boarded AC8816, eagerly anticipating the remarkable experiences that awaited me. However, I deliberately planned for a 11-hour layover in Washington, D.C., to explore the magnificent Space Shuttle Discovery at the renowned Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

With my wanderlust sated and my spirits soaring, next up I’m headed to Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways' first-class service, known for its unparalleled luxury and exceptional attention to detail, ensured that every moment of my flight was an experience to cherish.

I got back to the airport 3 hours before my 9:15 p.m. departure to give myself enough time to check out all the lounges.

Thanks to the interline agreement between Air Canada and Etihad Airways, I was able to book my entire itinerary under a single Passenger Name Record (PNR). This meant that I didn't have to worry about collecting my bags during my long layover at Washington, DC (IAD).

The Check in process was super smooth with no waiting at all. First class passengers had a dedicated check in aisle. 

The Flight

Upon entering the First Class cabin, I immediately noticed the criss-cross 1-2-1 layout, which elevates privacy and provides extra space for each cabin. 

What truly distinguishes First Class seats are the doors integrated into each cabin, allowing passengers to create their own private space. By closing the door, I could enjoy complete seclusion, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed journey. 

The ottoman seat was wide, spacious, and well maintained. It can be converted to seat two passengers should you be traveling with a companion providing the flexibility to dine with a fellow passenger. However, for this occasion I was flying solo.

The seat also featured a narrow wardrobe for hanging garments, eliminating the need for traditional overhead bins. Additionally, there was ample storage space under the ottoman and behind the seat, perfect for stowing small luggage.

To the right of my seat, there's a convenient storage compartment, ideal for keeping my phone easily accessible. There was even a small minibar next to it, ensuring refreshments were just a reach away.

Complimentary Wi-Fi was offered for my flight with an allowance of up to 200MB. Along with the wide selection of movies and TV shows ensured there was something for everyone.

The amenity kit was quite basic, offering essential items that you’d normally find on any J or F product. The only difference was the comfortable lounge wear made by “The White Company”

The Food

As I settled into my first-class seat on Etihad Airways, I was immediately impressed with the staff’s attention to detail. The flight attendant greeted me warmly and offered a choice of pre-departure beverages. I opted for a refreshing rosé, which was accompanied by warm nuts and olives.

The flight departed promptly, one of the perks as a first-class passenger was that I could dine on demand. After reaching cruising altitude, I perused the dinner menu and placed my order.

First up was a serving of caviar with traditional garnishes, a decadent treat that set the tone for the rest of the meal. Next came the Arabic Mezze, a dish that showcased Etihad's Middle Eastern roots, a dish signature to their premium product. The flavors were bold and delicious, and I savored every bite.

The smoked salmon, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. Although it had a lot of different flavors, they didn't quite come together as well as I would have liked. 

For my main course, I opted for the chicken breast, which was cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. 

Although I was starting to feel quite full by this point, I couldn't resist the lemon cheesecake for dessert. It was a little more tart than I would have preferred, but still a satisfying end to the meal.

The flight attendant finished off the dinner service with a perfectly brewed cappuccino and a piece of chocolate.

Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable, with the flight attendants anticipating my every need.

The Lavatory

As I made my way to the washroom to change into my comfortable loungewear, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the luxurious experience that awaited me on this flight. 

As I made my way to the bathroom, I noticed that the space was not particularly spacious, reminiscent of what you would find in economy class. However, the elegant touch of luxurious Acqua Di Parma amenities added a touch of sophistication.

While I was away the flight attendant took the time to make my bed, complete with a fluffy mattress and a cozy duvet. It was the perfect invitation to unwind and enjoy the rest of the journey ahead.

Upon returning to my seat, I closed the suite doors, and decided to take a well-deserved nap, and the timing couldn't have been better. 

I awoke two hours before landing, just in time to savor a delightful breakfast. Not feeling particularly hungry, I opted for a refreshing fruit plate accompanied by a refreshing mimosa.

For those passengers concluding their journey in Abu Dhabi, they were granted access to a fast track service, ensuring a seamless and expedited arrival experience. It was a thoughtful gesture that reflected the airline's commitment to providing convenience and comfort to its passengers.

In retrospect, my overall flight experience was undeniably pleasant. The attentive and friendly crew members went above and beyond to ensure my needs were met, making me feel truly valued as a passenger. 

As I was connecting onwards, I had the privilege of enjoying the exclusive First Class lounge. Perhaps I'll share my thoughts on this exquisite haven in another review, as the experience itself deserves its own review.

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