Etihad A320 Business Class Review

Posted By Jon Nickel-D'Andrea on Mar 28, 2017 | 8 comments

Unlike Emirates which only flies with 777 or A380 aircraft, Etihad A320 aircraft service some of the shorter routes in the middle east and beyond. While many European carriers offer a coach class seat in their intra-Europe business class, Etihad A320 Business Class stands out by offering a fantastic hard AND soft product on these short flights.

After our stay at the Aloft hotel in Abu Dhabi (which you can read about here) and we grabbed a taxi to the airport the next morning to catch our flight. We wrote a review of the Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge here, so you can check that out and see what you’re getting yourself into ☺

Phew! We made it to the gate with 20 minutes to spare and the “last call” signs were on

Last Call!

The short 3 minute bus trip to our stand was routine and then we headed up the stairs to the A320 business class cabin.

The Seats

The seats were surprisingly large and roomy, better than most domestic first class seats you’d see in the US. Waiting at each seat was the signature Etihad pillow and blanket.

Etihad A320 Business Class

In each seat back pocket noise cancelling headphones were provided.

Headphones for use

As you can tell, the leg room was pretty awesome!

Leg Room!

Just before take off, hot towels were distributed…

Hot Towels

Along with some great champagne. The same champagne, it should be noted, that first class is served on the long haul flight (Billecart Salmon)

Great Business Class Champagne

As we started to taxi out, as is per Etihad standard, the prayer was played over the loud speakers.

Etihad Pre Flight Prayer

The views of Dubai after take off were awesome. You could see the “Palm” and the “World.” Say whatever you want about the Emirates, but these are pretty amazing.

Dubai Palm Islands

Dubai World Islands

Mmm… Food

Once we took off, menus were distributed… talk about a pretty awesome service for a four hour flight!

We both started out with the tuna, which was presented beautifully. I also decided to have some Amarula with my meal (because I love Amarula and cant turn it down, ever!)…

Tuna appetizer

Ben opted for a Campari with OJ and some warm nuts to start…

Campari, OJ, and Nuts

Ben chose the salmon for his main…

Salmon Lunch

While I decided to get the trip started out right and opted for the vegetarian option. Lentils, Tikka Paneer, Rice and Potatoes. I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor!

Vegetarian Option

After it was all said and done, they offered ice cream for dessert. Mine was the more unique of the two as it was “baklava flavored.” It was also hard as cement, so we had to wait almost 10 minutes for it to thaw a bit before eating.

We pulled out the eBox players from underneath the seat and sat back to enjoy a movie before landing,

E-Box Media Player

And for one of my favorite photos, this just goes to show that even though you may be seated in business class, it doesn’t mean you have class. How f-ing gross.

Disgusting, my god…

We snapped a few pictures of the Kathmandu outskirts before landing. Deplaning in Kathmandu was at a remote stand as it was apparently “rush hour” and we had to park at the very end of the runway. We even had to circle back onto the active runway to let other planes pass by…

A bus was waiting for us to take us to the terminal. The seats had seen better days, I think…

Kathmandu Airport Bus Seats

Thoughts?

Before taking this flight, I was honestly expecting a very Euro-style experience. Coach class seats with a divider in the middle to give you a little extra space. I suppose I should have known better being a middle east carrier. The seat was comfortable and spacious, the catering was amazing, the service was on point, and the lounge/check in/airport experience was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a simplier and more efficient travel experience. We can recommened without hesitation for anyone to give Etihad’s A320 service a shot if you’re traveling short haul out of Abu Dhabi.