For the following portion of my Iceland to The Residence through Cambodia journey, it was time to fly Etihad Airways’ Airbus A321LR firstclass on the 6hr40min flight from to Phnom Penh Techo (KTI) to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
The A321LR is a brand new addition to Etihad’s fleet, and it’s the provider’s first “premium” slim physique airplane, supposed for use in medium haul markets. I used to be so enthusiastic about this flight, because it’s extremely uncommon to discover a “true” firstclass on a slim physique airplane.
To be sincere, I used to be very pleasantly stunned by the expertise. The factor to know is that whereas that is extra of a “enterprise class plus” onerous product, the expertise can also be priced accordingly. However the mushy product is outstanding, with the complete firstclass meals and drinks, plus a devoted flight attendant for simply two seats. I believe Etihad has a winner with this product, but it surely’s vital to have the proper expectations.
How I booked my Etihad firstclass ticket
I discovered a fairly priced Etihad firstclass ticket from Phnom Penh all the way in which to Paris, through Abu Dhabi. Particularly, I booked the next in firstclass for $2,701.12:
11/04 EY437 Phnom Penh to Abu Dhabi departing 7:50PM arriving 12:45AM
11/05 EY31 Abu Dhabi to Paris departing 2:30AM arriving 7:10AM
Nevertheless, I really redeemed Chase factors towards the price of this ticket, on the price of 1.5 cents every, that means I paid round 180,000 factors. The flexibility to redeem this manner is being scaled again, however present cardmembers nonetheless have a while to redeem this manner.
Some folks could also be stunned by my determination to redeem factors for “solely” 1.5 cents every, after I worth them at 1.7 cents every. I defined my logic on this put up, however lengthy story brief, this was nonetheless cheaper than outright reserving an award ticket on these flights.
One factor I additionally need to particularly name out is how Etihad’s firstclass pricing is definitely fairly rational. The airline costs completely different quantities for firstclass on the Airbus A380, Boeing 787-9, and Airbus A321LR, reflecting the variance by way of product high quality.
So the incremental pricing for firstclass over enterprise class on the A321LR is commonly minimal, and that’s why I believe worth is a consideration with this product. For instance, on lots of the six to seven hour A321LR flights, I’m discovering that pricing is possibly $300-400 greater than enterprise class (particularly when reserving the flight as half of a bigger itinerary, the place some frequencies are operated by planes with out firstclass).
Etihad firstclass lounge & boarding
I had an prolonged layover at Phnom Penh’s new Techo Airport, as I had arrived in Singapore Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX enterprise class the identical day. So previous to my night flight, I spent the afternoon within the Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First Lounge, each of which have been excellent.
Techo Airport actually is a stupendous facility, most likely the nicest airport of this dimension that I’ve seen. How fairly is that this departures space?!
My flight was departing from gate A32, with boarding scheduled for 7:15PM, 35 minutes earlier than departure. The A321LR does a reasonably fast flip at Techo Airport, and thankfully the airplane arrived on-time, and deplaning was easy.
As anticipated, boarding began at 7:15PM. These days Etihad affords escorts on the bottom for firstclass passengers. I used to be the one firstclass passengers, so the very type station supervisor referred to as to pre-board me, after which walked me onto the airplane, which was a pleasant contact.
Etihad A321LR firstclass cabin & seats
I boarded by way of the ahead left door, the place I used to be greeted by two tremendous pleasant flight attendants, and proven to my seat. Etihad’s A321LR is a captivating airplane — the ahead cabin has 16 seats, together with two firstclass seats and 14 enterprise class seats. The seats are unfold throughout eight rows, in a 1-1 configuration.
The thought is that the primary row of seats (which have further area on the bulkhead) are the primary class seats, whereas the following seven rows of seats are enterprise class. There’s no curtain between cabins, and no visible indicator of firstclass vs. enterprise class, so I think about that many enterprise class passengers don’t even understand that the primary row of seats is offered as firstclass.
All 16 first and enterprise class seats are based mostly on the STELIA Aerospace OPERA seating platform, the identical seats you’ll discover on ITA Airways’ A321neos. So seats are in a reverse herringbone configuration, which passengers will little doubt recognize, in comparison with the brand new herringbone slim physique enterprise class seats we’re seeing.
Enterprise class seats convert into 78″ totally flat beds, and have 17.3″ private leisure screens. Apparently, enterprise class seats don’t characteristic privateness doorways, in contrast to in firstclass. As I perceive it, that’s as a result of the added weight of the doorways would’ve given the airline much less flexibility by way of vary for the airplane, so that they opted to make doorways some extent of differentiation between firstclass and enterprise class.
As you’ll be able to see, the primary class seat is similar to the enterprise class seat, with the one distinction being that there’s an enormous ottoman, a privateness door, and a barely larger leisure monitor.
The 2 firstclass seats are 1A and 1F, and I assigned myself seat 1A. Nevertheless, I used to be the one firstclass passenger, so I may use 1A as my seat, and 1F as my mattress.
To have a look at the seat particulars a bit extra carefully, this can be a comfy structure, although maybe seat padding isn’t that nice. As you’ll be able to see, the seat as such is fairly skinny, after which the armrest isn’t terribly broad both.
Subsequent to the seat is an elevated panel with the seat controls, the leisure controller, and the studying mild. Kudos to Etihad for not putting the seat controls on the armrest, as so many airways do, because it’s straightforward to push these by mistake.
The seat doesn’t have a totally enclosed storage compartment. Nevertheless, there’s a slim, tall, uncovered cupboard space, large enough for a water bottle.
The tray desk folds out from beneath the aspect console, and is a single, massive floor.
The seat’s charging setup is nice, with 60W USB-A and USB-C retailers proper subsequent to the seat, plus a wi-fi charging pad on the aspect console. Then there’s additionally an AC energy outlet beneath the aspect console.
As talked about above, by way of onerous product, the primary level of differentiation with firstclass is the large ottoman area. There’s a lot extra area to the purpose that it’s onerous to make use of all of it. Although I assume it’s good that you would be able to have a buddy be part of you at your seat for a dialog, or no matter (I believe it’s most likely too tight for 2 folks to have a correct meal at one seat, given the scale of the tray desk).
It could be good if that they had constructed some enclosed storage items beneath the ottoman, as lack of storage choices on the seat aren’t perfect.
First-class leisure displays are 20″, barely larger than you’ll discover in enterprise class.
First-class seats even have privateness doorways, that are straightforward to slip open and closed. Consider this extra as a privateness defend than the rest, because the doorways don’t go very excessive. So this isn’t going to get you “true” privateness.
The one different issues price mentioning is that the cabin has particular person air nozzles above every seat (separate from the studying mild console, apparently), in addition to the bigger Airbus Airspace overhead bins.
All-in-all, Etihad’s A321LR first and enterprise class cabins are swanky and excessive tech, and it’s good to see a reverse herringbone product on a slim physique, fairly than a herringbone product. That being mentioned, this difficult product is surely “enterprise class plus” high quality. It’s much like the JetBlue Mint Studio compared to the JetBlue Mint Suite.
However I’m completely tremendous with that given what Etihad goes for — a mediocre onerous product with a wonderful mushy product at an inexpensive premium.
Etihad A321LR firstclass leisure & Wi-Fi
Etihad’s A321LR firstclass options 20″ excessive definition displays, with the provider’s nicely regarded E-BOX leisure system. I discovered the system to be straightforward to make use of, and the choice of motion pictures, TV reveals, dwell TV, video games, and music, was large.
After all my favourite a part of any inflight leisure system is the map characteristic, and I loved monitoring that for a lot of the flight to Abu Dhabi. I appreciated the extent to which it could possibly be personalized.
Etihad additionally has bluetooth audio in its A321LR firstclass, and pair units to the system is simple.
On the subject of inflight connectivity, Etihad’s A321LRs have Viasat Wi-Fi, which boasts wonderful speeds.
Ordinarily, Wi-Fi prices $9.99 for a browsing go, and $2.99 for a chatting go, each legitimate all through the flight.
Nevertheless, firstclass passengers get a voucher without spending a dime Wi-Fi, which will be accessed by way of the portal. You simply must enter your voucher code, and should you additionally log-in together with your e-mail, you’ll be able to then simply swap between units.
I discovered speeds to be excellent, so I used to be very proud of the leisure and Wi-Fi scenario onboard.
Etihad firstclass facilities
Regardless of the bizarre look of Etihad’s A321LR firstclass cabin, there was no scarcity of facilities. Already ready at my seat upon boarding have been the standard Etihad firstclass pillow and blanket. There’s further bedding when it’s time to sleep, however that’s simply supposed for getting comfy whereas lounging round.
Whereas I fairly like this bedding, I do discover it unusual how Etihad has a partnership with Armani / Casa for enterprise class facilities, however that doesn’t lengthen to firstclass.
Additionally ready on the seat upon boarding have been the menu and drink record, a voucher without spending a dime Wi-Fi, and a bottle of Evian water.
Inside moments of settling in, I used to be warmly welcomed by cabin senior Alex and the primary class flight attendant Yasmina. It’s wonderful how there’s a flight attendant devoted simply to firstclass. Yasmina instantly provided me a pre-departure drink, and I requested for some champagne. That was served on the standard tray with dates and a heat towel, and Arabic espresso was additionally quickly introduced by.
I used to be then introduced with a fairly unconventional amenity package. Etihad markets this as one of many largest amenity kits within the sky, because it’s a folio bag by Giorgio Armani, which is large enough to hold paperwork, or perhaps a 13″ laptop computer.
The amenity package had a dental package, eyeshades, earplugs, and a handful of merchandise from ESPA.
There have been additionally Giorgio Armani pajamas and slippers, that are fairly cozy.
Lastly I used to be additionally provided noise canceling headphones, that are tremendous, however nothing particular.
Speak about a pleasant choice of facilities, particularly for a flight that isn’t even that lengthy!
Etihad A321LR departure from Phnom Penh
Whenever you’re touring in a premium cabin, one draw back of slim physique planes is that everybody usually walks previous your seat, as there’s no mid-cabin door for boarding. So boarding undoubtedly feels a bit extra chaotic, and kudos to the crew for a way good of a job they did offering service in first and enterprise class with out slowing down boarding.
Luckily the flight wasn’t very full — one of many two firstclass seats was taken, six of the 14 enterprise class seats have been taken, and economic system wasn’t completely occupied both. Throughout boarding, I loved listening to Etihad’s boarding music, as all the time.
By 7:45PM boarding was full, at which level the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 6hr40min, which he anticipated would put us into Abu Dhabi nicely forward of schedule.
By 7:55PM the primary cabin door closed, at which level the cabin senior made his welcome aboard announcement, after which the security video was screened.
At 8:05PM we began our very brief taxi, and by 8:10PM we have been cleared for takeoff on runway 23. We hit a number of bumps on the climb out, and the seatbelt signal remained on for round 20 minutes. As soon as off, the crew sprung into motion.
Etihad firstclass primary meal service
Etihad affords a dine on demand service in firstclass, and I think about that’s particularly the case if you’re the one passenger. The intent on this flight is that there’s one full meal service, after which a snack service earlier than touchdown if you need it. After all you are able to do it in another way, however that’s the advice, a minimum of. Yow will discover the Etihad firstclass menu beneath.
Then you will discover the Etihad drink record beneath.
Service started with a spherical of drinks. I ordered one other glass of champagne — in spite of everything, because the bottle was opened on the bottom only for me, I might’ve felt responsible if I had let the remainder simply go to waste. 😉 For what it’s price, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame was being poured, which was pretty. It was served with some combined nuts, tomatoes and feta, and olives and sundried tomatoes.
For the primary course, I ordered the oscietra caviar, served with conventional accompaniments. To drink, I switched to the riesling from Austria, which I loved.
For the appetizer, I skipped the Arabic mezze for as soon as, and as a substitute ordered the smoked salmon with wakame salad, yuzu pearl, and wasabi mayonnaise. It was scrumptious, and really properly presneted.
After that, I used to be provided a sorbet as a palate cleanser, forward of the primary course.
For the primary course, I opted for the Chilean sea bass with inexperienced pea and edamame puree, roasted turnip, chive potatoes, pickled shallot, and cream sauce.
Lastly, I completed off the meal with the saffron milk cake, considered one of my favourite Etihad desserts.
What an absolute deal with this meal was! Yasmina couldn’t have been lovelier, and repair actually is next-level when you may have a flight attendant caring for simply you. It truly is wonderful how nicely the crew managed the ahead galley, as you may have three flight attendants working in a tiny area (the cabin senior, the primary class flight attendant, and the enterprise class flight attendant).
It’s fairly unimaginable that for a two seat cabin, they nonetheless have 5 primary course choices, although maybe some are the identical as in enterprise class. The one modification with the service right here is that there’s no “lounge and grill” idea, the place the airline helps you to primarily create your individual dish, by customizing the protein, aspect, and sauce.
Etihad A321LR firstclass bathroom
After the meal, I checked out the bathroom on the entrance of the Etihad A321LR cabin. Sadly this bathroom is fairly typical of a slim physique, so it’s fairly tight.
There’s no devoted firstclass bathroom, however as a substitute, the bathroom can also be shared with all of the enterprise class passengers. So it’s not precisely the most effective ratio, although since my flight was fairly empty, this wasn’t a problem.
The bathroom had toiletries for ESPA.
On the plus aspect, the cabin was spotlessly clear all through the flight, and it additionally felt like the mix of a primary and enterprise class lavatory meant that the crew refreshed the bathroom a bit greater than they in any other case may.
Etihad A321LR firstclass mattress
Since I used to be the one firstclass passenger, I had requested the crew if they might make my mattress within the different firstclass seat, in order that I may trip between seats, in case I couldn’t really go to sleep.
This turndown service was each bit as spectacular as in broad physique firstclass, as three pillows have been positioned on my seat, together with a wonderful mattress pad and quilt.
I really like the bookmark that Etihad locations on firstclass seats with turndown service, with a Dr. Seuss quote. “Candy goals. You recognize you’re in love when you’ll be able to’t go to sleep as a result of actuality is lastly higher than your goals.”
I ended up falling asleep round two hours after takeoff, with 4hr40min remaining to Abu Dhabi, whereas over the Bay of Bengal…
…and I awakened with round 1hr40min remaining to Abu Dhabi, whereas over the Arabian Sea. A 3 hour nap actually hit the spot, on condition that it might nonetheless be a really lengthy night time, adopted by one other full day of flying.
Etihad firstclass pre-landing snack & reward
Etihad has a dine on demand idea in firstclass, so in principle I may’ve had an entire further meal. For that matter, there was extra of a snack menu as nicely, with crab desserts and burrata obtainable.
Finally I simply had an enormous meal a number of hours earlier, and there are limits to how a lot I can eat. I used to be additionally anticipating to have one other meal within the lounge upon touchdown, plus a meal on my connecting flight. So I made a decision to avoid wasting my urge for food, and as a substitute simply had an iced latte, served with a aspect of baklava. Etihad has a few of the greatest iced espresso drinks, so I all the time recognize that that is obtainable.
One other good facet of the pre-landing service is that I used to be given a tray with a heat towel, a field of candies from Emirati chocolatier Mirzam, and the selection of a finjan (the small cups during which Arabic espresso are usually served).
Etihad has been including a whole lot of new locations these days, so the airline affords passengers a cup with the title of a metropolis that Etihad lately added, as a reminiscence of the flight. That’s a cute solution to create a collectible merchandise!
Etihad firstclass service
I can’t say sufficient good issues about service on this flight. Alex, the Portuguese cabin senior, was tremendous skilled, and invested in ensuring every passenger had an important expertise.
For instance, earlier than touchdown, he got here round to get suggestions on the brand new firstclass product on the A321LR, and to ask if there have been any methods they might enhance. It’s all the time good to see somebody so occupied with suggestions (and I obtained the sense he genuinely wished to know, fairly than simply asking to tick a field).
In the meantime Yasmina, the Spanish-Moroccan flight attendant caring for me, was additionally high notch. She was personable, and did an important job paying attention with out being overbearing. You actually can’t beat the primary class crew ratio on this airplane, eh?
One other factor price particularly emphasizing is that for each flight attendants, it was considered one of their first flights on the A321LR. So I used to be impressed by how they appeared to be actually accustomed to the cabin, as there’s usually a studying curve to service on a brand new plane. For that matter, they actually have very tight working areas on this airplane.
Etihad A321LR arrival in Abu Dhabi
Earlier than I knew it, we have been over Oman, and near beginning our strategy to the UAE.
At 11:15PM, the primary officer was on the PA to announce that we’d quickly be beginning our descent, and would land in round 35 minutes. Certain sufficient, 10 minutes after that we began our descent, and 10 minutes after that the seatbelt signal was turned on.
At 11:50PM we touched down on runway 31R, and 5 minutes after that we pulled into our arrival gate in Abu Dhabi, a full 50 minutes forward of our scheduled 12:45AM arrival time.
As I used to be connecting to Etihad’s A380 The Residence, boy was I about to be in for a deal with, as I walked off the plane!
Backside line
Etihad’s A321LR firstclass is a fairly pleasant expertise, unconventional as it’s. By way of onerous product, that is “enterprise class plus,” and never firstclass, plain and easy. That being mentioned, the mushy product is phenomenal, pretty much as good as you’ll discover on broad physique planes (and in some methods, possibly even higher, on condition that the 2 firstclass seats have a devoted flight attendant).
Clearly this doesn’t compete with the world’s greatest firstclass merchandise (together with Etihad’s A380 firstclass), however what I recognize is that this product is priced accordingly. Etihad really costs its firstclass experiences based mostly on high quality, so the A321LR firstclass product is usually less expensive than on different airways.
The airline trade has limitless buyer segmentation, and I like the place Etihad ended up with this product. Among the many airways with “enterprise class plus,” the norm is to not do a lot to raise the mushy product, however Etihad goes as upmarket as you’ll be able to with an idea like this. I’m a fan.
What’s your tackle Etihad’s A321LR firstclass?
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