Etihad - 2013 Biz Fares

[Guest Fatboyfat]

I know 'tis of little intrest to the majority, but the fares are now available on the website at the much lower rate, however, they do not seem to be blowing the fanfare yet! Manchester return available for ￡1745, for all times provided you leave the Friday/Saturday departures from Man alone. That is actually ￡100 less than I managed for February this year! Also seamless connections from the Scottish airports (Aberdeen & Edinburgh) are also now available at a sensible price, unlike previously (￡1994/￡2006). Another thing is all of the seats come up as available for pre-selection, which again previously used to require a phone call to pick the better options.

[jacko 8,766]

I know 'tis of little intrest to the majority, but the fares are now available on the website at the much lower rate, however, they do not seem to be blowing the fanfare yet! Manchester return available for ￡1745, for all times provided you leave the Friday/Saturday departures from Man alone. That is actually ￡100 less than I managed for February this year! Also seamless connections from the Scottish airports (Aberdeen & Edinburgh) are also now available at a sensible price, unlike previously (￡1994/￡2006). Another thing is all of the seats come up as available for pre-selection, which again previously used to require a phone call to pick the better options.

I actually just flew back to Bangkok on Etihad, Biz Class from Manchester, departing Saturday night.

The Airbus from Manchester was good, and the cabin looked like an upgraded one.

 

I was less than happy with the transfer in Abu Dhabi, had to go from Terminal 1 to three and through a zoo scrum of security. There was separate security checks for Biz Class but in the bedlam it was being used by all. The queue was way back down the connection tube.Perhaps early AM is not a good time to transit Abu Dhabi.

 

IFE on the second leg was problematic too.

[Guest Fatboyfat]

I've found Saturday/Sunday transfers in

Abu Dhabi to be problematic at times as you describe, also a propensity to park the incoming plane on the tarmac and bus passangers off, when Terminal 3 was almost empty. (This really pissed off some returning pilots/aircrew last time, so possibly not Etihad's fault).

[jacko 8,766]

I've found Saturday/Sunday transfers in

Abu Dhabi to be problematic at times as you describe, also a propensity to park the incoming plane on the tarmac and bus passangers off, when Terminal 3 was almost empty. (This really pissed off some returning pilots/aircrew last time, so possibly not Etihad's fault).

It would better serve customers if Etihad could mange to use only one terminal. ( A feat beyond BA!). To be honest at first I was pleased when arriving at T1, that there was no security check to get into the terminal, (and parked at the building jetway) but less pleased when at the lounge I was told the next flight was from another building.... the 10 minute walk I was told was optimistic too, irrespective of the crowding. I quite like Etihad, particularly the chauffeur cars supplied. But the poor ground handling would put me off and I would look at Qatar again....no limo and bussed to the building, but an excellent separate premium transfer.building. Anyone know whether Etihad have improvement plans. Edited July 9, 2012 by jacko

[CheshireTom 1,377]

I would look at Qatar again....no limo and bussed to the building, but an excellent separate premium transfer.building.

 

Isn't Qatar moving to the new airport/terminal in December? How will that affect the current Premium Terminal?

[Guest jamesfly]

I was less than satisfied with the exchange in Abu Dhabi, had to go from Terminal 1 to three and through a zoo scrum of protection. There was individual protection assessments for Biz Category but in the bedlam it was being used by all.

[Fireman Sam 336]

Isn't Qatar moving to the new airport/terminal in December? How will that affect the current Premium Terminal?

 

 

Ye, the new airport is supposed to open on 12/12/12, sure I read or heard somewhere that the time scale might slip again. The new airport is approximately 5Km to the east of the old airport mainly on reclaimed land, so the premium terminal along with the old airport will be redundant. Not sure if there are any plans for the old airport, ie cargo, private jets etc etc.

 

Looking forward to the new airport when it finally opens, long overdue.

 

 

Regards

[regensburg 1]

I have just have an email from Etihad quoting prices next year from £544, but when put in dates for may £522 so it gets cheaper

[Gus 97]

2 airports 5Km apart, how long before someone lands on the wrong one? :)

[buzzfuzz1 5]

http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/airport-information/about-abu-dhabi-airport/midfield-terminal-complex-development.aspx

 

The new terminal will be on the site of the old one.