At AUH, even the control tower is stylish

Etihad lounge at Frankfurt Airport

Pearl Business Class
5 July 2012

Carrier: Etihad Airways

Flight Number: EY 8 departing FRA @ 22:25

Duration: 6:20

Class: Pearl Business Class

Configuration: Airbus A330-200, 1-2-1

Check-in experience:
The attentive service enjoyed during a stay at the wonderful Falkenstein Grand Kempinski was continued at the airport, where the same level of service was accorded by Etihad's friendly staff at the Check-in counter at FRA.  Smiles and good humour always make a great start to the air travel experience.

Lounge:
Etihad maintains its own, private lounge at Frankfurt Airport, from where the airline offers double daily nonstop service to Abu Dhabi.

On-time performance:  The flight left on time and arrived on time.

Seat/Cabin conditions:
Etihad's Pearl Business Class cabin has a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, therefore all seats have direct access to the aisle.  Very comfortable both in the upright and reclined positions, the seat sets the stage for an enjoyable flight complemented by Etihad eBox entertainment system and various lights in just the right places for reading.  On an overnight flight such as this one, the flat bed is a great help in minimising jetlag.

Food And Beverage:
Being an overnight flight, EY8 offered late-night dining soon after departure from Frankfurt and breakfast a few hours later before arrival in Abu Dhabi.  Well known in the industry and among passengers for its outstanding food service, this flight upheld the airline's reputation, with such appealing dishes as smoked duck breast with hazelnut dressing and semolina pudding with saffron lemon syrup figuring among the dishes offered.  An express breakfast card allows passengers to make their selections for breakfast in advance to permit a bit more sleep before arrival.

Service:
The professionalism and friendliness of the cabin crew served to make this flight very agreeable.

Entertainment:
The eBox system offers first-run films, classic movies, televisions programs, and helpful information about the ever-growing list of destinations served by Etihad Airways.  The headphones are noticeably comfortable and efficient in blocking out background sounds.

Arrival:
The flight arrived in Abu Dhabi on time.  After a transfer from the tarmac to the terminal in a Business Class-only bus, Pearl Business Class passengers benefit from fast-track Immigration procedures, and bags were delivered to the Baggage Claim area without delay.

Overview:
For Asia-Pacific travellers accustomed to ultralong flight times, a flight time of just over six hours taking people from one continent to another is an apt reminder of Abu Dhabi's convenient geographic location for travellers across the globe.

etihad.com