ETIHAD'S Incredible Apartments! A380 First Class Trip Report【Abu Dhabi to London】
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
- Watch this business class trip report on Etihad Airways First Class Apartments on board their A380 from Abu Dhabi to London. In this comprehensive trip report and review, we are going to take a look at every aspect of this incredible journey to London.
🎥 In This Video:
-Etihad's A380 History
-Etihad First Class Lounge Tour
-Abu Dhabi Terminal 3
-Boarding & Flight Stats
-FULL First Class Apartment Tour
-Cabin Layout (And BEST Seats to Choose)
-Full Meal Experiences & Menus
-All Amenities & Comforts
-On Board Shower
-Take off & Landing Shots
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💸 Fare Paid
Fare Paid: $2451.21 USD (BKK-AUH-LHR)
Class: BKK-AUH: Business; AUH-LHR: First
Inclusions: Seats, Meals, 50kg Baggage, 2+1 Carry On, Lounge Access
🎙️ My Ad Policy
-Every scored review I produce (of a flight, hotel or anything else) will be based on an entirely self-funded experience which I paid for via published rates/fares.
-I will never endorse a product, company or site that I do not actively use. If and when I endorse a product, it will be clearly disclosed and will be relevant to the channel from a brand I likely couldn't live without.
-For sponsorship inquiries, please refer to the email address published on the About tab of my channel.
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🎶 Background Music in This Video
➟ “Scat Life” by Breakfast for Dinner
➟ “Come Through” by Ben Fox
➟ “World Below” by Plucked
➟ “Holding onto Hope” by Holding onto Hope
➟ “Nomad” by Awake
➟ “Chalkis” by Emmanuel Jacob
All music tracks featured in this video are licensed under an Artlist Unlimited License.
↪ Video Chapters ↩
0:00 Abu Dhabi Airport & Flight Info
00:56 Welcome to the Channel
01:45 Etihad First Class Lounge Tour
03:37 First Class Lounge Breakfast Service
04:24 Heading to My Gate
05:05 Our Beautiful Champagne Whale
06:00 Boarding Begins, Flight Stats
06:50 Gorgeous Jet Bridge View
07:16 First Impressions On Board
07:38 My Apartment 4A
07:56 Cabin Layout (& Seats to Avoid)
09:04 Full Apartment Tour & Features
10:25 Welcome Champagne
10:47 The Tour Continues
13:11 Arabic Coffee & Goodies
13:49 Push Back, Safety Video & Taxi
15:30 Spool up, Take off & Airport Stats
17:13 After Take off Service
17:49 On Board Lounge
18:13 In Flight Amenities & Comfort Items
20:23 Preparing for Meal Service & Full Menu
21:03 Caviar Service Begins
21:39 Light Meal Service
22:07 Bathroom #1 Tour
22:38 Relaxing & Sleeping in the Apartment
23:05 Fantastic Linens & Comforts
24:49 In Flight Entertainment
25:25 Bathroom #2 & Shower on Board
26:12 Meal Service Continues
27:38 The Descent Begins
28:29 Beautiful Approach, Landing & Airport Stats
30:26 Taxi to Gate & Final Thoughts
32:09 The Flip Flop Score
This is NOT a promotional video. I pay for all of my flights and hotels (and I always tell you how much!) so I can be as honest and impartial as possible. I do not receive any special treatment that wouldn’t otherwise be publicly accessible, in fact, the hotels and airlines have no idea about my visit and that's the way I like it!
Thumbnail Component Credit: flickr.com/photos/40563877@N0...
#etihad #firstclass #tripreport
A great video to end 2023 with, I had such a great time traveling with you on YT this year and I hope to catch more of you in 2024.
Appreciate that!
Beautiful review! I always wondered how comfortable the actual seat would be, since to me it looks more like a straight bench with very limited depth for people with longer legs, the kind you would find in a train or metro. Loved to see all the details the apartment has to offer and the soft product looks great too! Thank you for the great video, enjoyed imagining how nice it would have been to be flying in such great luxury!
Was incredibly comfortable. I always thought it looked quite shallow in depth as well, but I think this is a trick playing with our eyes simply becuase the seat is so wide! haha. Thanks as always for watching 🙏
Another cracking review, that shower looks a real treat, the meals and the drinks too.
Coming back to a cold cocktail after a hot shower is next level.
Appreciate that!
Thank you. Amazing review as always. Hope the new year brings you many more amazing experiences!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Always happy to see your new videos!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
One of your best videos so enticing. A great pleasure to watch. Many thanks.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Everything on this flight looked amazing!! Thank you as always for your honest opinions 😊
Thanks for watching 🩴
Outstanding video as usual. Well done.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
A great vlog. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Fantastic video and Eithad first and residence is where they shine the best. A pleasure and thanks for taking your time and narrating. The service looks fantastic and it put me in a great mood after a long work day. Thank you.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻 Time to rest!
Really enjoyed your videos, looking forward to more great videos in 2024! Happy new year 🎉!!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
One of the much nicer airlines reviewers I’ve seen. Thank you for this, am flying in the residence in a few weeks LHRAUH. This was a great help specially for the return flight First class seat selections.
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
Best reviews in the game. Thank you
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Morena Kevin!!! Really enjoyed watching your review of this!!! Etihad is such a great Airline, and the Service is incredible!!! I look forward to the day they come to New Zealand!!! Thanks Kevin 🙂
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
One of your finest! You clearly enjoyed that one!
I did! Thanks for watching 🩴
Hey Kevin(Flip flop traveller)video is just amazing and your views are just geniune ❤❤❤... Wishing you a very happy new year 2024
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
So Good To See Some Few Etihad A380 Back In The Sky.Great Trip Report
Thanks for watching 🩴
Your videos are very interesting and you speak very clearly so there's no problem to understand you.
Appreciate that!
Excellent travelogue....keep it up.
Appreciate that!
Sweatpants on planes. Hell yeah! No matter which class. Esp. on long distance flights.
#sweatsshortsflipflopsunite 😂
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
Great video, as always. And, wear whatever you like.
Oh, I do haha. Thanks as always for your support 🙏
Just amazing!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Wow, spectacular!
Thanks for watching 🩴
This has got to be best review of any First Class Trip Report that I have seen. Especially the part with which seats to choose. Thank you👌Not even The luxury Travel Expert comes close...👈
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
That looked wonderful. I am sooo envious. Last time I flew 1st class was in the 1950s
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Wow 🤩 Living the luxe life 🎉. Great idea splitting up your in flight meal service, I can imagine how stuffed you’d be after all that delicious food.
Great video as always and I’m looking forward to seeing your AC-LHR in business class,as I’m using them for my flight to Madrid next year, possibly on BC 😅
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
This is the exact same journey I did back in October but in business class. I fondly remember Tania, the lady who was looking after me, she was terrific.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Just one word: WOW
Other accepted comments: WOW WOW WOW
😉 Thanks for watching 🩴
I really do like your description very much: Etihad is indeed better then SQ first!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Fabulous review, Kevin. The only thing I think I would change to the service would be a dedicated FA rather than several. You can create a great rapport with just one flight attendant. Other than that, a super service. Thank you❤😊
Agree and I suppose I didn't say this specifially, but the array of FAs was limited to pre departure. After take off I had the same 1 or 2 consistently. Thanks for watching 🩴
”I’m kidding” - yet, you sounded serious as hell! This was funny. 😁
😉
Great video Kevin! It’s been a whilst since I’ve left a comment, but your Etihad first class video deserves it, and agree 100% that Etihad First absolutely destroys Singapore Airlines first class product. Elegance, class and timeless after 10 years just like you said. Great content and keep it up!! Best regards, Mr Peacoq
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thank you Kevin. You made me a bog smile with that choco ball haha. I hope it will not bring diabetes to you. Truly. It look yummy to me as well.
Finally hoping you to have a wonderful year in 2024. Happy New Year to you and your family. 🎉🎉🎉
Same to you!
I could only imagine the amount of side eyes I’d get if I was the one wearing what you wore onboard. An advance happy new year to you, looking forward to more trips and hotel stays next year! 🍻
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
You made LOL.... about the TV 🤣👏
A violent thing that is haha
Looks like a solid first class but I think SQ suites are much better! As they offer more space with a seperate bed and comfier seat also SQ have a much better soft product offering.
Agree to disagree 😉 Thanks for watching 🩴
I love your reviews especially including more information that i just found out after watching this videos. Keep it up. And a question i will impose is that if etihad have a book the cook for the meal service like sq, will they be the best first class airline in the world?
No, I don't think so. I love the hard product but the entire experience needs refinement to be 'the best'.
I've always thought Etihad was the most stylish for Business and First. A380 First is a product I've yet to experience (done A380 business many times and First in the 777s). It was very sad when Eithad dropped the A380s during Covid (understandable I guess) but it's great they have started to re-introduce them. Really interesting and informative review.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Liked your detailed review a lot! One question, when was this video recorded? Cause I read somewhere that Etihad has a new First Class lounge now and this one in your video is no longer there.
August 2023
Love your video! What camera (and gimbal is you use one) do you use?
I don't use gimbals for trip reports, only iPhone 15PM and 14PM. Thanks for watching 🩴
They provide pajamas on first class and many business class flights. That should be reason enough to say flip-flops are fair game.
Thanks for the video! Etihad Apartments are definitely a product I'd go out of my way for!
(and slippers too...) so yes, I 100% agree with your logic. Thanks for watching 🩴
I love your borderline pedantic attention to detail 🥹😂
lol thank you!
Love your vids bud, the BA planes are in T5
I know 😉 Thanks for watching 🩴
Would be awesome to see you fly Etihad in the Residence to NY. Subbed to see more 👀👀
I agree haha. Thanks for subscribing! 📺
❤❤ wow yummy yummy great food love it very nice lounge
Thanks for watching 🩴
I am excited for my upcoming round trip F (JKF-AUH) in Sep. I was just hesitant about upgrading to residence on the way back. They called me and offered $3900. But still so expensive. If only it’s in $2k price range and I will probably take this once of a lifetime opportunities.
If I'm honest, I would save your money. If it is a true once in a life time thing, go for it- but in 99% of cases these days I would say it's not worth it for one specific reason. It is no longer the "Residence Experience" with your butler and all that stuff. Now, it is simply a larger "seat" within the first class cabin. If you're traveling with someone, maybe it could be cool to upgrade one of the tickets (for $2k, not $4k...) and you could share/swap time in the full size bed. But otherwise, for me it's a pass.
@@tfft Thank you so much for the honest suggestions. I think you are right. I think it's best to save my money to fund another trip. And thank you so much for creating so many great contents. I really enjoyed watching your videos.
Hello, I just found your channel today and enjoyed watching it - to the end. Typically a Trek Trendy viewer, I don't remember you discussing cost. I was just wondering and am sorry if it is there, and I missed it. Finally, I'm just wondering how you pay for these flights. I bring it up because you point out you pay for all fights (to be independent, right?). Does your channel bring in enough to cover the costs (how long did this take), or does your employer pay for business class, and you upgrade (miles or money)? Again, I enjoyed my first "The Flip Flop Traveller and look forward to your next following video. OH! How quiet is the A380?
The price I paid is in the description- that info is in the description for all of my videos. My CZcams channel is a business and all of the travel that I do is specifically for it. While I'm not going to go into specifics, I'll say that like any other business, a certain amount of time and money is necessary to begin, but I wouldn't be doing this full time if it wasn't working out haha.
TT has some fantastic experiences that he's documented, but I don't think there are any travel channels on CZcams that would be able to consistently shell out $5k-$10k+++ per weekly video. I'd be very curious to know about the relationships he's developed in the industry along the way lol. Thanks for watching 🩴
HNY and cheers from Majuro! …what brand of Flip Flop u wear?
Havaianas, of course! #notsponsored (but open 😂)
A beautiful experience perfectly articulated - I have flown this 4 years ago and it still looks well maintained and sparkling- but then again sweat pants are soft I guess 😂
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Regarding the death by chocolate, self destructing ball, maybe they meant a slow means of self-destruction for those who eat it. 🤔. Great video! Happy New Year!
Perhaps :)
Regarding your pjs disappointment, I had a similar experience some years ago. I bought a tube of toothpaste which had written on the box ‘we do not make for anyone else’, you can imagine my disappointment when I visited a friend who had exactly the same toothpaste as me!
So much for exclusivity 🙁
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Another brilliant report - thank you. I totally agree about 5 of the suites not being good. Tbh I've never liked facing backwards so only row 4 appeals - luckily 4K was available when I last flew Etihad. Likely to be an unpopular opinion but I don't think the sofa/bench is a great use of space - flights between LHR - AUH are so short, the need for a bed is rare, regardless of the time of flight. Perhaps this will come more into play when flights to/from DC start later this year. The only other negative is the relatively average quality of the Champagne and wine selection, especially when compared to Singapore, ANA and Emirates. Apart from that, I think it's a fantastic product, supported by high quality service.
Emirates yes, ANA mostly, but I've always found SQ's wine selection (besides Krug) to be pretty value oriented- especially in J. Thanks for watching 🩴
So I probably need to get my A1C down to 3.0 or less before getting on that flight lol
Hope it works out!
A380!
Thanks for watching 🩴
I have noticed over my time of flying over the last dozen years or so that comfort (especially on long-haul flights) seems to have become the important factor, when flying so this has led to casualisation of clothes on flights, and as a result sweatpants (or tracksuit pants as they are called in my part of the world) are set to dominate fashion in the skies...lol...👍🤪
Thankful for that!
The AC amenity kit is slightly different in having squared corners in a more rectangular shape. Flew this cabin just before COVID shut the world down, AUH-ICN.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Which is the song that's playing in the decent part of the video? Such a beautiful piece. Edit to say I've found it. Its the instrumental version of Nomad by Hans Johnson
Track titles are in the description on all videos from the past year or so.
Yes I read them. It was the title of the alb not the artist though. Didn't realise that for a good hour whilst looking 🤭
Can you try Cathay first class?
Perhaps in the future. Thanks for watching 🩴
Dare I say it, but is the Apartment more appealing than SQ Suites? Would love to try it one day. I had the steak on my First flight and was blown away but how tender and delicious it was. Thank for your review as always :)
100% agree! Thanks for watching 🩴
I would be eager to see you flying Cathays 777 First. Something awaiting?
Not in the next year (unless they give me a free upgrade lol)
Awesome awesome experience this must have beem.. and btw, I guess if you want a truly personalized pajama service, you got to fly private :)
Or just buy an embroidered pair and then fly a low cost carrier haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
If I may ask? What do You do for living, that You travel so much?
This is what I do full time lol
Why was it so dirty on the ledge near the power ports! Surprising
Just a bit of dust. Wouldn’t call that dirty.
@@tfft For 2500 dollars I would expect it to be spotless. Looks like lint/dandruff
This product is sooo much better than emirates a380 FC 😮
I'd agree with you there.
How I wish I could experience your life for just one day.
It must be so great to treated with such treatment. Looks incredible!. I need to keeping buying that lottery tickets...😅😅😅
Thanks for watching 🩴
FRA-DXB on Emirates 1st perhaps?
❎
Is the flight PRG-DXB in Emirates 1st class?
❎
Seats should state 3K and 4K, 3H and 4H do not exist ... made me panic thinking I chose the wrong seat. Great video!
Fair enough... crossed my t's but forgot to dot an i. Thanks for the shout.
Where did you credit the flight?
Air Canada
I tell you what, that lounge is the first that I've seen on YT that has a children's play area! Clearly Etihad recognise that it shouldn't just be the adults that should get to enjoy the First Class experience.
Other airlines take note!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Agressive TV?!? What does he mean by tha-ooohhhhhh.....
😅
I flew first apartment from cdg to auh in March 2020. The hard product somehow disappointed me a bit. The service, food and cabin crew, however, were outstanding. Just me alone in F and 2 passengers in C cabin.
I'm curious which F hard product you prefer?
@@tfft the residence by Etihad, obviously.
Well, just kidding. For me, the first class apartment is the most well-rounded in the world. It is a combination of all X-factors in A380 from other airlines in the world: the doors, the double bed (quasi) from old SQ; the shower, the lounge (lobby) from EK; the duty free show case and gallery from KE. The bar was even raised higher thanks to On board Chief and F&B manager (until 2021).
The most important trouble I had while travelling with EY was sleeping. The bed is narrow, I could feel the gap in the middle of the bed and I droped my blanket few times on the side without wall.
Still, I prefer wider bed than 70cm of EY's first.
How did 3 people get upgraded on spot?
🤷🏼♂️... as boarding passes were scanned.
Very detailed and excellent review, it’s just a pity that the flight isn’t longer so the enjoyment can be enhanced. Maybe I’m old school but I feel a minimum dress code is required flying in a premium cabin. Bring your comfort clothes and change on board. Furthermore I wouldn’t want to have my bare feet on show!
Agreed. I would happily take another 8 hours in 4A haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
can you take the pajamas home?
Sure! Thanks for watching 🩴
Can you please fly emirates? You have flone every airline in existence other than my favorite airline.
Follow my community feed in the coming weeks 😉
"..the most aggressive television I've ever seen in the air."🤣
Glad someone finally got that 😅
Your comment on SQ's wasted space is very obviously proven. EY have 9 seats + the residence in the same space as SQ have 6. As much as I love SQ, I think I'd agree on every point. The EY product is just so damned good. I believe these are the only two single aisle first class A380 products out there.
Agreed! Thanks for watching 🩴
Do you think DUB-LHR buisness then LHR-AUH First with Etihad for 62,500 AA plus $78 is a good redemption?
Compared to the cash price, yes it is. AA is typically the best value points wise when booking some of the Middle East carriers, just be careful with phantom seats- a huge problem Air Canada had with Etihad.
This always happens to first time travelers on the FC Apartments: „look here, shiny“ halo effect.
Perhaps, there’s a reason lol.
Underwhelmed by the food tbh. Not much to seperate from business. They need lobster, proper steak, and some nice desert shop level deserts
Thanks for sharing ✈️
$2451.21 for all of that? I wish you had explained in more detail how this was possible.
Was a standard everyday fare at the time.
If I was Fred Flintstone I'd yell "Abu Dhabi Yabba Dabba Doo!" as strolling thru the terminal after downing a few Etihad First Class Lounge scotches.
However, I'm not so cool your jets, keyboard warriors.
The warriors seem to still be sleeping lol.
@@tfft Don't worry, the trolls will be migrating to their moms' basements soon so I expect a QWERTYload of abuse. One of the pitfalls of being a Thought Leader, I suppose.
BTW great and thorough review of this fine product, Kevin! 🩴🏆
Seat graphics and takeoff views are great but commentary, apt, amenities graphics need improvement. Other creators capture that in a more engaging and elegant way. Though you capture hotels almost perfectly. 😅
I've never seen amenities graphics on any channel... where do you see them?
By amenities graphics I mean the angles it is filmed.
Capturing seat and amenities - - I love how Marcel Brinkpeter captures it, cinematographic and captures your attention along with Background Music.
Although he's a semi-professional I love the way how Onemoreweektogo captures seat and amenities. Just enough of everything.
Commentary - - Consistency is what I'm talking. Nonstop Dan - - Crisp and personable narration, Josh Cahlil - - Dramatic, Noel Philips - - Grumpiness. You shine in judging how good or bad a product is and I have already said the details are copius and accurate. Most people watch flight review videos out of curiosity, comparing to their most flown airline, Circumstances doesn't suit to fly the particular reviewed airline. Bottomline entertainment value. Because of where you shine if flight doesn't go well it is engaging but in an almost perfect flight your videos aren't that engaging. A tinge of excitement in narration wouldn't hurt. I beleive you do sarcasm good without offending and probably your style, missing for the large part compared to other videos.
I hope you take it in a positive light. Every reviewer have different style and every viewer have different taste. Feel free to take what you like and ignore the rest.
I'm always happy to take feedback... I have a feedback survey active right now actually. I'm curious if there's a specific video on one of those channels that you think shows off the amenities the best- preferably one that posts a bit more often than MC or OMWTG (give me a month to work on a single video, I promise it would be better too haha). Websites will be blocked if you write it here, so could just give the video title and channel- or could put it in an answer on my current survey. bit.ly/tfft_cs2
Thanks!
WRONG AUH AIRPORT OPENED IN 1979 NOT 1982
WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!
"Construction started by 1979 and the airport was inaugurated on January 2, 1982."
@@tfft bateen airport stopped being international Airport and new airport in the drive after maqta Bridge towards Dubai opened in 1979. I CAN SEE AND HEAR YOU VERY WELL... 👂
I have always loved Etihad - business and first - yet the ground staff at Melbourne and in AD are some of the rudest people I have come across. The staff on the planes have always been brilliant just those failed stewards that stay on the ground - awful!
Thanks for sharing ✈️
etihad airlines, more like chocolaet airlines (no hate)
🤔
What is that supposed to mean?