Etihad First Class on Jet Airways: JFK-AUH

My grand 3 week adventure in Asia this February startedÂ with Etihad First Class from JFK to Abu Dhabi. It was my first time trying Etihad and though I had read reviews, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. And I definitely didn’t internalize the difference between flying on Etihad metal or a Jet Airways flight (my first flight was the latter).

Flight cost: 90,000 American Airline miles + $50 taxes/fees
Flight value: $11, 975

I had actually flown First Class on a Jet Airways aircraft twice before with Turkish and Thai Airways, so when I boarded, the cabin looked familiar.

I was also a little disappointed, I loved that the suites had doors that closed and the cool ceiling lighting, but I had found the lie-flat seat rather uncomfortable for sleeping, and just like on Thai Airways, no mattress pad was provided.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. I love how airy the cabin feels, made by removing overhead storage, but that also means that my carryon had to be stored up front in the closet since my under seat storage was only large enough to store the suitcaseÂ or my laptop case.

While I settled into my seat the attendants came by with dates and arabic coffee.

And champagne of course!

They also passed out the pajamas and amenity kits. The PJs were ok, kind of a gold yellow color, but clearly not constructed for people with hips. IÂ got a large and the top swallowed me while the bottoms were a tight fit across the hips.

The amenity kit was just lame for an airline touted for luxury, it only had a face mask, socks, a toothbrush and three tiny beauty items in a Jet Airways brandedÂ plastic bag.

The bathrooms were also a little surprisingÂ given everything I’d heard about Etihad’s first class luxury and service. I know I’m spoiled, but I missed having cheap cotton washcloths instead of paper. 🙂

The food was good though! They have an in-flight chef who came by before takeoff to take my order. I couldn’t decide so I asked what he recommended and he suggested a few items, offering to put together a selection for me.

Shortly after take off they came by with nuts and the rose champagne I had chosen.

An amuse bouche of wrapped cheese (I forget what the fancy name was 🙂 )

The first course was a selection of the appetizers including paneer tikki (with pomegranate) and shami kebab.

Next was a mini selection of various entrees including tomato shorba and murgh tikka masala.

And dessert of a mango puddingÂ and fruit plate with a cup of tea.

I tried to go to sleep after dinner but despite the cabin being kept pleasantly cool and the awesome starry sky on the ceiling, I just couldn’t sleep more than an hour or two.

So I availed myself of the giant tray table which fit both my laptop and my portable monitor and managed to get some work done.

Aided by the fact the tv and movie selection was limited and only slightly hinderedÂ by theÂ fresh popped popcorn throughout the flight.

I also noticed that the attendants were pretty dilligent about keeping everyone’s suite doors closed during the flight. When I would get up to use the restroom or access my carry on I wouldn’t always close them all the way, but any passing attendant made sure to do so.

A few hours from landingÂ I was still pretty full but they were very eager for me to have the second meal, and since eating is a good way to pass the time on flights, I went for it.

Breakfast items were an option but I decided to try the tandoori chicken sandwich was good and arrived beautifully plated!

I was more stiff and tired than I would have expected when we finally arrived in Abu Dhabi and glad to get off the plane and find the nearest lounge with a shower.