Whats up from the UAE, as I simply flew Etihad Airways’ fascinating Airbus A321LR top notch on the 6hr40min flight from Phnom Penh (KTI) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), as a part of my evaluate journey.
Whereas I’m at all times excited to fly a brand new product, I used to be significantly trying ahead to this flight, on condition that the A321LR is Etihad’s latest plane, and represents an fascinating new chapter for the airline, of working slim physique planes in lengthy haul markets. The airplane has a really uncommon top notch product, which could appear underwhelming on the floor, nevertheless it’s really fairly superior.
Whereas I’ll have a full journey report quickly, on this publish I’d wish to share some preliminary impressions, as a result of this was fairly the expertise.
Etihad’s A321LR top notch seat is extra like enterprise class plus
Etihad’s A321LRs are supposed to supply extensive physique consolation on a slim physique airplane. On the entrance of the airplane, you’ll discover 16 reverse herringbone seats, in a 1-1 configuration. It’s so good to see an airline set up reverse herringbone seats quite than herringbone seats on a slim physique, on condition that the latter is the usual.
Once you take a look at the under cabin you is perhaps pondering “wait a minute, the place’s the primary class?” That’s a good query!
You see, there are a pair of top notch seats, that are the 2 seats within the first row. The “again” of those seats is identical because the enterprise class seats, with there being two main variations. For one, there’s an enormous quantity of area to your ft, profiting from the additional area on the bulkhead. Subsequent, the primary class seats have doorways, whereas the enterprise class seats don’t.
Purely when it comes to laborious product, that is extra of a “enterprise class plus” product than a firstclass product, because it’s simply effectively using the additional area on the bulkhead. It’s just like JetBlue Mint on the A321LR, as the usual seats are the Mint Suites, whereas the bulkhead seats are the Mint Studios.
There’s no curtain between first and enterprise class, and for that matter, there’s no devoted bathroom. So I believe it’s secure to say that this isn’t fairly as spectacular as the primary class laborious product you’ll discover on Etihad’s Airbus A380s and Etihad’s Boeing 787s.
Etihad’s A321LR top notch tech is phenomenal
As you’d count on, since these A321LRs are all newly delivered, they’ve innovative tech. For one, Etihad has put in Viasat Wi-Fi on its A321LRs, and connectivity is free for top notch passengers. The speeds have been wonderful all through the flight.
On prime of that, there was a private leisure monitor with an enormous number of motion pictures, TV reveals, audio, and extra. There was additionally bluetooth audio, together with every kind of charging choices (AC, USB-C, wi-fi, and so on.).
Etihad’s A321LR top notch service is splendidly personalised
One space the place Etihad’s A321LR top notch excels is in the case of personalised service. There’s a flight attendant devoted solely to top notch, that means they’re taking good care of at most two passengers. On my flight, I used to be the one top notch passenger, so discuss personalised service!
Yasmina was the primary class flight attendant, and she or he was an absolute delight. Service was personalised and attentive, as you’d count on, with a 1:1 crew to passenger ratio. 😉
It’s additionally good when you have got top notch to your self, since you should utilize one seat for hanging out, and the opposite seat for sleeping.
By the best way, it truly is superb how a lot is occurring in that ahead cabin on the A321LR. There are a complete of three flight attendants in that tiny galley, together with the cabin senior, the primary class flight attendant, and the enterprise class flight attendant.
My flight was solely about half full in enterprise class (and I used to be alone in top notch), although I think about it have to be fairly some work to handle these ovens and coordinate the service with a full cabin.
Etihad’s top notch meals, drinks, and facilities, are superior
When it comes to comfortable product, Etihad’s A321LR provides the complete top notch expertise. This consists of Etihad’s leather-based amenity bag, containing ESPA facilities, pajamas, and even slippers.
There was the everyday pre-departure service with drinks of selection, Arabic espresso, dates, a heat towel, and so on.
Then after takeoff, there was a trio of snacks, together with one other drink.
Then there was the complete dine on demand expertise, with an enormous choice to select from. I had the caviar course to begin.
For the appetizer, I had the smoked salmon with wakame salad, yuzu pearls, and wasabi mayonnaise.
That was adopted by a sorbet as a palate cleanser…
For the principle course, I opted for the chilean seabass with inexperienced pea and edamame puree, roasted turnip, potatoes, and pickled shallots.
For dessert, I chosen for the saffron milk cake.
Etihad is according to its top notch catering, and this flight was no exception. The meals was nice throughout the board, when it comes to each style and presentation. There was additionally the choice to eat extra earlier than touchdown, however I needed to tempo myself, particularly since I had a connecting flight. So I simply had an iced latte, served with some sweets.
Etihad costs its A321LR top notch appropriately
When Etihad first introduced the small print of its A321LRs and revealed that it could market the primary row as top notch, I used to be skeptical. When it comes to laborious product it’s extra of a “enterprise class plus,” so how can the airline in good conscience market this as top notch, with out disappointing passengers?
However after flying the product, I’ve a unique take. The very first thing to grasp is that Etihad costs its numerous top notch merchandise in another way — A380 top notch is priced increased than 787 top notch, and that’s priced increased than A321LR top notch.
In fact airfare is everywhere, so there’s not a single, constant premium I can level to. Nevertheless, the A321LR product is significantly cheaper. Simply to present a number of examples:
- In the event you have been solely touring between Phnom Penh and Abu Dhabi, top notch begins at $1,700 one-way, whereas enterprise class begins at $1,000 one-way
- For connecting markets the place you have got the choice of both flying first or enterprise class on totally different frequencies, you’ll usually discover that A321LR top notch simply prices $250 or so greater than enterprise class
- There’s additionally the chance to bid for upgrades from enterprise class to top notch, and the minimal bids are usually fairly low
So whereas Etihad’s strategy is uncommon, I actually prefer it. Sure, you get a unusual laborious product, however you get the complete top notch comfortable product, from the meals and drinks, to the lounge entry, to one of the best service ratio within the fleet, on condition that there’s one devoted flight attendant for at most two passengers.
Clearly I’d quite fly Etihad’s A380 top notch in comparison with this, but when the premium is affordable, I’d completely suggest reserving this, and I believe Etihad did one thing actually modern (but uncommon) right here. The way in which I view it, the airline is charging a number of hundred {dollars} extra in comparison with what a “enterprise class plus” product would price, however within the course of, can be offering much more worth.
Backside line
Etihad’s A321LR top notch is not like something we’ve seen earlier than from an airline. The airline has primarily taken a “enterprise class plus” laborious product, however is advertising and marketing it as top notch.
On the floor, which may seem to be a poor option to handle expectations. Nevertheless, the pricing is usually extra cheap than Etihad’s different top notch merchandise, and the comfortable product is phenomenal. You get your entire customary top notch comfortable product, and on prime of that, there’s even a devoted flight attendant for at most two passengers.
So whereas I don’t need to say that that is my favourite top notch product on this planet, my expectations have been exceeded, as this can be a actually pretty product that I’d gladly fly once more, if the value is correct.
What’s your tackle Etihad’s A321LR top notch?
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