Flying with Etihad Business Class doesn't have to cost you as much as you would think...
To Business...
Flying long distances is not cheap, and for many the flight costs mean upgrading is out of the question. However, there are ways of managing to upgrade for less. One such way is through bidding. Let's have a look at Etihad Airway's bidding system...
How it works...
Etihad will offer you the chance to bid for an upgrade from economy to Business a few days before your flight. This is only possible if there are seats still available in Business.
An e-mail will provide you with instructions of how to bid, and what you can bid. I try to bid the minimum amount asked (Abu Dhabi to Frankfurt was AUD 600 minimum on top of a pre-paid economy ticket, and Frankfurt to Abu Dhabi was AUD700 minimum - I assume this changes). In order to be successful, you will have to be the one offering the best bid (this may be the minimum if you are lucky as there can be multiple seats still available).
Business Class is quite luxurious and includes a lot...
The Food...
Throughout the flight, food is on demand (without limits). I highly recommend the steak sandwich! It's amazing, and beautifully presented (as is everything else). Check out the menu and food photos from my last two trips.
The extras...
Etihad has a partnership with Aqua di Palma and offer a lovely gift bag containing some flight essentials, including toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, hand moisturiser and more...The seat includes a lot. It can recline into a bed, and the be adjusted to suit your softness preference. A blanket and pillow are there waiting, as are noise cancelling headphones, a welcome drink of your choice (and the choice is extensive), magazines and newspapers of your choice and the in-flight entertainment. Wifi is available but costs extra. You can pay with a card, or with points if you belong to the reward programme, and have enough points. You can also access some material (magazines, news, weather...) without connecting to the net. What's more is the window - it can be adjusted to blackout, or open, or in-between. You'll also have your own overhead locker.
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| You don't need to be online to be entertained |
In addition, you have access to the business lounge. Here (in Abu Dhabi if you choose to use your access here), you have access to unlimited food and drinks, wifi, computers and printers, magazines and newspapers, and even a shower! Yes, you can enjoy a free shower with use of a hairdryer, towels and soaps. There's also a spa where you get yourself a massage or spa treatment.
In Abu Dhabi, there's a separate bus waiting to take you to your place if it's parked far away. You are also welcome to board before economy.
The service...
The service is lovely and on demand. Staff are friendly, and very attentive.
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