FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 16948 times:
As salam aleykum, dear readers,
there are a couple of decisions to do when I´am alone on travel. Sometimes faster, sometimes not, but mostly I find a suitable option to go.
A completely other situation while travelling with a group of different individuals.
When and where to go?. Where to stay?. Where to eat?. Which way?. A lot of discussion up and down till there is a compromise ok with all the participants.
This experience is no exception, but to my surprise faster than earlier examples, we settled for Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways.
Needless to say that this is a new departure airport and much more needless to say that there is also a new plane type which helps me to go.
The fare per leg, per person, managed by Exp.de is 210.00 Euro´s, ok so far.
Well, the not that long ago happened partial airberlin takeover by Etihad counts for sure around the positive things within this trip.
Why?.
Etihad guest honors AB Top Bonus and as a AB gold status I´am ready for the Etihad lounges.
Simply perfect!.
Everything is set and with an definitely unusual departure time today we are ready to go.
Saturday, 07.04.2012
.
.
.
.
Service EY8 operated by Etihad Airways
Scheduled: 22.25 // 06.45
Now it´s 5.30 pm and we are racing down the motorway for the usual parking spot, Tourcare, with FRA departures. Arrival as expected.
Parking is quickly done and soon thereafter we are on the shuttle for the airport, terminal 2 today.
I´ve expected a good load, it´s easter Saturday and the weather in Germany is far from nice these days.
Seats are selected by phone with a nice female agent, there is no online tool by Etihad, something to improve soon.
Check-in is done online, but no boarding papers printed.
Much to my surprise no line at the check-in counters, in fact more agents than pax around.
A middle aged male works our desk.
"Hey, three bags to check, seats are selected, but what about the load on this service?".
"Let me check you´re documents first",
was the somewhat grumbling response.
"Ok, you´ve entered you´re passport details in advance, good".
"Is the AB Top Bonus number in the system?".
Now it seems that´s something new to him.
He talked with the supervisor and returned in a much nicer style.
"Yes, it is and you are also good to go for the lounge".
"Is it possible to change seats around the last row and block the seats beside?".
"There is no need to do so, I will show you the seatmap".
Now I´am much more surprised, the overall load is 40 %
and the whole rear cabin is close to open.
That sounds like a good start for this nightly service down to the Emirates.
No time to wait at passport check and also security.
Seems not the real busy day here in FRA, sure ok for us.
I´am good for one guest to the lounge, companion one decides to go on the shopping spread, companion two want to hit the lounge with me now
Some talking and rechecking by the young lounge warden, another one who´s not really familiar with the AB/EY relationship.
This is cleared soon and we are welcomed by a goodlooking middle aged woman. She´s the lounge host and shows us around, really, that´s the way here with EY.
You can take something from the cold buffet
Or better hot
Well presented
And also designed
Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
Not that much time for us, so we decided for the buffet
Checked the offers
Comfy chairs here
And well no one around beside a western mother/ daughter couple and a young russian style business man
Ok, enough lounging.
Is there really an A332 waiting at the gate E9?
It seems so
I like these Etihad tail logo
This looks definitely like the A332
A warm welcome to a new plane type for the log.
The first leg ever on the A332, not to talk about a new registration this way.
A6-EYF is in service with Etihad since 27.02.2006. 18 planes on type are in the fleet actually
The last row for me
It´s not my favourite design, but these seats looking like comfy with the brown-green fabric style, clean so far
Frequent traveller checking the offers
Two for me here
The captain is a nice guy from Switzerland. A detailed welcome from the office during boarding
in german first. He´s once again on the speakers later on during descent also in a nice style.
10.10 pm, short ahead to schedule, 5 hours, 55 minutes only tonight for AUH.
"Etihad" is running from the 4000 meters runway 18 with cloudy sky and 8 degrees here. No, I don´t miss these weather conditions.
A view for the safety card
Inflight mag Etihad style
Cabin view
Inseat screens working
My entertainment
Cabin crew working around our seats are a middle aged, good looking, but somewhat cold middle eastern woman, another young and nice, maybe from Australia, woman and also a very nice young and cheery, good looking Pakistani girl.
Free drinks are served several times during the flight.
There is also something special at every seat
Unpacked
Legroom is quite acceptable here
The menu card
With the late night flight there is a breadroll and a hot snack on offer
Companion two decides not to miss a single minute movietime during the nightflight, but for me, aircraft sleeping mode on now!.
The route is MUC-VIE-BUD-TSR-OTP-Diyarbakir-Mosul- Bagdad-Kuwait-Doha at a maximum of 41000 feet.
Wake up above Iraq
Bagdad down there
Soon followed by hot towels.
Mood lighting for breakfast
Now we will see what´s on offer here, vegi of course
Well, you know, that´s not my usual breakfast style
The sweet option
Cabin view close to approach into AUH
Moon or sun?
Clouds also here
The coastline
City sights
And desert sights
Sand dunes
Touchdown at the 4100 meters runway 31L, 4.40 am in Germany, 6.40 am local, short ahead to schedule. Some high clouds only here and warm welcomed 24 degrees.
Is this really AUH or maybe Berlin?
Yes, this is Etihad country
Tower, Emirates style
Disembarking by a finger gate
Bye now to A6-EYF
View from the gate
We´re lucky again, no time to wait at immigration, as long as you don´t follow like a flock of sheep the leader sheep for queuing where all the others decide to queue.
A couple of non staffed desks in between, but also three desks open at the far left corner.
A young male officer stamped our passports without any further questions. Welcome to the UAE.
Baggage is also quick, no hassles, above the road for the rental car desks.
Do you need a car in Abu Dhabi?.
Sure and enjoy the adventure of driving with your slow rental car between all that Porsches and AMG- Mercedes, taking you over from every side and corner.
AutoEurope provided me with the cheapest car at all.
50.00 Euro´s total, I don´t need extra insurance than basic, this is covered by the LH Senator Biz card.
Well, what do you expect with that fare?.
Some minutes to wait at the Dollar counter till a middle aged asian female agent handed me over the key for an oldfashioned, dusty and scratched white Mitsubishi. Well, the positive thing here is definitely that one or two scratches more are not strikingly!.
What about an amateurish mistake now?.
Our hotel, the Park Rotana is located close to Khalifa Park, quickly checked by google maps. Who needs a printout or to write down the hotels address?.
We are there not that long thereafter, but someone steals the hotel.
After a quick check with my book, I see that there are some 5000 places here with a Khalifa style name. Khalifa City, park, hospital, garden and so on.
Companion two finally spots a Rotana flag, we stopped there and the really nice asian concierge guy equiped us with a city map and all the Rotana locations printed. The start of really nice Rotana service here in Abu Dhabi.
That helps and soon thereafter we are at the hotel.
Parked the car secretly between an Porsche and an Maserati, now that fit´s!.
The hotel
The garden
I´ve managed an upgrade for the Club Rotana executive lounge level.
A supernice welcome and a young asian female guided us immediatelly to level nine, where the separate club facilities are located.
Even at this early time in the morning, it´s around 10.00 am by now, the suite is ready for us and we are also invited for a late breakfast.
Now that´s a really good start here.
Suite view
Another perspective
Comfy chair and sofa
The bathroom
View from the elevator area.
Not that I´ve even noticed that we are located practically beside the runway of Al Bateen executive airport
Let´s go for a city view now.
Flamingos also here
Now that looks like strange
Dhaus for fishing
Or another more secret business
Skyline view
Construction sites all around
Beach view
The Emirates Palace hotel
The runway on view with an Hercules to go
Power
Lift off
Well, there is something interesting to visit here, at least for companion two. This place is located at Yas Island.
Not for me and also not for my other travel companion.
The lounge girl is somewhat surprised, when we asked if it´s possible that companion two, age 13, going to visit the Ferrari show without company.
Mainly with the background that he can use all the offers.
So it seems and me as the shuttle driver doing the job now.
Welcome to Ferrari World
The cool guy on the way for some entertainment
Not that much other customers around mainly due to the fact that the park is usually closed on Mondays but remained open today with the easter weekend
Indoor, feels like Italy
Impressive architecture
The fastest rollercoaster around the whole world
Sure a special one
Nothing but desert around
Fata Morgana or true world
The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
Much more impressive for me
What about having something to eat in the afternoon?.
Go for the club lounge
There are free snacks offered the whole day
Looks nice, isn´t it?
Or an hour by the pool
Well, in the afternoon it´s time for some ladylike entertainment.
Marina Mall, the largest here in Abu Dhabi
The chance for an nightly skyline shot
And also the mosque by night
Something to eat for dinner?.
What about to try the hotels "Ginger" restaurant?
Well, I´am the picky eater, you know, but this was superb perfect, also service wise, a middle aged Philipina woman served our table day by day and she was really nice
The sweet corner
The mosque will not leave my head.
It is one of the very few places where also non moslem people can go inside for a visit.
I´ve managed to secure a guided tour prior to the midday prayer.
A very nice Emirati woman showed us around.
It´s free or better at the expense of Sheik Zayeed.
Hey, is there an air-raid or what´s going on here, when you wait at the entrance and loud plane engine noise is coming over.
A Hercules on very low finals for Al Bateen executive airport
My travel companion one Emirati style
Indoor with one of the four minarets
That´s large, extremely large
One of the other minarets
We are only allowed to walk at a small corner
Ready to go for the main mosque hall
This is huge, so huge
The prayer clock
Murano glass made in Italy
Indoor with the large carpet
The technics behind are made in Germany
One of the golden corners
Ready for the prayer
Pictures please
Outdoor view
Service EY7 operated by Etihad Airways
Scheduled: 08.55 // 13.40
Well, our remaining time in Abu Dhabi is running short and soon we are back at the airport.
Returned the car, they checked it thoroughly, but finally gave up with all that scratches.
The AB gold status allows us also to check-in at the Etihad Premium counters.
It´s a terminal wing with an separate entrance and it feels more like a big store than an check-in area.
Last row seatings are fixed in advance, but I´am once again surprised. This is the Wednesday early morning service and this flight is full to the limits, according to the nice agent.
Some minutes only at passport check and security and we are in the gate area.
Hey, there is something wrong, Manchester and Palms don´t really fit together
What about a visit to the Al Reem Lounge
Not as stylish as FRA and much better used
But also nice food offers
The cold dishes
Different bread rolls
And what about FRA?
Here it is from gate 05, located in the old terminal part
I like these Defender parked here, a relict from the good old times
These place is overcrowded today and needs definitely an extension
Ok mostly covered by shops
Architectural detail
There is also an separate security check at the gate and this is nothing what I need again with the small waiting room and the fully loaded plane.
EY and AB close together
I´am looking forward to a new registration
No, that´s not uo-to-date airport design
Ready to go now
View from the gate
This is A6-EYM, leg no. 2 on type and a new registration.
Lucky me with A6-EYF parked at the gate beside.
In the air with Etihad since 03.05.2007
The captain sounds like from the States, a nice and detailed welcome from upfront after boarding is completed, he´s once again short to hear prior to descent.
AB One World logojet
09.00 am, short after schedule, how I miss these 28 sunny degrees here.
6 hours, 10 minutes now to go for "Etihad" from runway 31L for FRA.
Status honours, the very nice cabin chief, an middle aged asian woman, approached my seat and welcomed me personally. She told me that the two FA´s working around our seats are taking personal care about me and my companions.
These are two middle aged females, one italian, one greek, beside another very good looking young greek girl, Diana.
They asked us for several times, if we want something to drink or eat or else.
Snacks and drinks as far as we like it, superb service here for us.
Bye-bye AUH airport
The safety card
Confirmed!
Above the wetlands
The persian gulf ahead
Routing is close to the iranian coastline, turning sharp left for Dammam-Kuwait-Bagdad-Kirkuk-Mosul-Elazig-Samsun-Constanta-OTP-BUD-VIE at a maximum of 40000 feet.
Leaving the coastline
Well, lets check the offers
Or the menue card
My companion on the movie run
My seat, different fabric, much more my style against the inbound planes interior
Legroom is good here
The fully loaded cabin
How I like these logo on the winglet
Vegie once again
Potato and spinach, sure ok for me
One of the standard offers
What aout a drink this way
My entertainment, you know
Beside all that
Clear sky above Romania
Vegie sandwich, no, that looks like not really welcoming
Thanx to companion two, some snowy peaks down there
The standard snack
Welcome back to german reality now. Touchdown at 25L, 1.30 pm, ten minutes ahead to schedule, 11 degrees and rain.
As far as I like apron disembarking, not with these weather conditions and difference.
At least that´s a nice perspective for the tail view
FRA at it´s best. Heavies parked on the apron
Under the wing, tail wing, you know
Bye now to A6-EYM
Surprise, not that long to wait at immigration with a good number of desks staffed and also not that long for the bags.
And soon thereafter picked up by the shuttle and on the motorway.
Hey, take care, this is Germany, so you need to remove
that Emirati style driving immediatelly from you´re mind!.
Conclusions?. Sure!:
Etihad FRA - AUH: A comfy nightshift.
Etihad AUH- FRA: Impressed by EY. Nice staff and superb personal service.
A shorty night now only for me and three legs on schedule tomorrow.
A very close encounter with the Czech Job Air Saab 340 and a horrible experience on AF, surrounded by the longest Regional Jet ever.
Up here in a couple of days, in sha'allah!.
Shukran,
FLIEGER67 or "Markus Klaus Felger", like Facebook knows me.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 16684 times:
Hi Markus,
good to see that your EY report is already online! It seems you had an enjoyable time in Abu Dhabi. I went there in 2005, I guess much has changed in these few years.
I flew FRA-AUH-FRA on brand new A6-EYD (similar flight times) and was really impressed by the airline. However, catering quantity and quality have decreased, it seems. But it's nice to see that you get amenity kits.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): The first leg ever on the A332, not to talk about a new registration this way.
Quokkas From Australia, joined Jan 2012, 1355 posts, RR: 9 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 16630 times:
Wa 'alaykum salaam, Markus.
Nice to see your trip on EY posted. It seems they offer a very good service and your tier status with AB giving access to the lounge is a bonus. Tastefully furnished without being over the top.
I like the fact that the registration of aircraft is displayed on the FIDS in FRA. That must help to keep your log-book records up-to-date.
The loads were certainly very different: 40% outbound but near 100% inbound. But despite the heavier loading on the return journey it is nice to note the personal attention from the purser in recognition of your status.
Nice little amenity kit, including ear-plugs. I can't say that I am impressed with the meals: I hope that they tasted better than they looked. The portions appear OK for the journey length, though.
Good to see that you were able to spot a special livery: Manchester City - one for the football fans.
Thanks also for the splendid photos of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. A truly impressive building.
Shukran jaziilan, Markus. Ila-liqaa'
Roy
“Not to laugh, not to cry, not to hate, but understand.” Spinoza
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 655 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 16071 times:
Hey Markus,
Nice report, seems like EY has a decent product on these flights!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
Impressive lounge. Is that just for the one EY flight, or do they share it with other airlines?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Soon followed by hot towels.
Mood lighting for breakfast
So just a midnight snack after departure and a hot breakfast before landing? Seems okay for a 6 hour flight.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): The AB gold status allows us also to check-in at the Etihad Premium counters.
It´s a terminal wing with an separate entrance and it feels more like a big store than an check-in area.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 15871 times:
Hey, nice to see some comments.
@PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4):
good to see that your EY report is already online! It seems you had an enjoyable time in Abu Dhabi. I went there in 2005, I guess much has changed in these few years.
Thank you.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4):
I flew FRA-AUH-FRA on brand new A6-EYD (similar flight times) and was really impressed by the airline. However, catering quantity and quality have decreased, it seems. But it's nice to see that you get amenity kits.
Good point here, seems the standard biz around the airlines these days.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4):
I like the previous design much better. Tastes are different!
As long as there is something for everone it´s ok!.
@Roy:
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 5):
Nice to see your trip on EY posted. It seems they offer a very good service and your tier status with AB giving access to the lounge is a bonus. Tastefully furnished without being over the top.
Thank you.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 5):
I like the fact that the registration of aircraft is displayed on the FIDS in FRA. That must help to keep your log-book records up-to-date.
Sure a good feature here.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 5):
The loads were certainly very different: 40% outbound but near 100% inbound. But despite the heavier loading on the return journey it is nice to note the personal attention from the purser in recognition of your status.
Nice little amenity kit, including ear-plugs. I can't say that I am impressed with the meals: I hope that they tasted better than they looked. The portions appear OK for the journey length, though.
Nothing out of the ordinary here meal wise.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 5):
Good to see that you were able to spot a special livery: Manchester City - one for the football fans.
Exactly.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 5):
Thanks also for the splendid photos of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. A truly impressive building.
I was really impressed, you know.
@Robert:
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 6):
Nice report, seems like EY has a decent product on these flights!
Thank you.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 6):
Impressive lounge. Is that just for the one EY flight, or do they share it with other airlines?
Not at all, only for the two EY services day by day.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 6):
So just a midnight snack after departure and a hot breakfast before landing? Seems okay for a 6 hour flight.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 8, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 15226 times:
Hi Markus !
Very nice report with very nice pictures !
Meals on Etihad looks to have become much smaller since I flew six years ago; I had two full meals on AUH-BKK, a 6h flight.
Very nice pictures from the beautiful mosque in Abu Dhabi! Details and decorations are stunning!
I have a similar picture of the nose of an EY aircraft at AUH but a 77W instead. It's in my report on EY and also on my Trip Reports page on my website.
Nice to see the two "United" together at FRA at the end. (Eithad is Arabic for United)
Good to see you flying more long haul!
Looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
- I can't believe this is your first A330-200 flight!
I last flew EY in 2007, a mixed experience due to the crews, but one thing is for sure, the catering has decreased dramatically, sign of the times I guess.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 14809 times:
Hey and good to see more comments.
@Lars:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):
Very nice report with very nice pictures !
Thank you.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):
Meals on Etihad looks to have become much smaller since I flew six years ago; I had two full meals on AUH-BKK, a 6h flight.
It seems that´s the actual way in airline biz.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):
Very nice pictures from the beautiful mosque in Abu Dhabi! Details and decorations are stunning!
Thank you.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):
I have a similar picture of the nose of an EY aircraft at AUH but a 77W instead. It's in my report on EY and also on my Trip Reports page on my website.
Hey, good to know.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8):
Nice to see the two "United" together at FRA at the end. (Eithad is Arabic for United)
Nice read and pix, thanks for sharing, looks like you had a good trip.
Thank you.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9):
- I can't believe this is your first A330-200 flight!
Me, too, but it´s true!.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 9):
I last flew EY in 2007, a mixed experience due to the crews, but one thing is for sure, the catering has decreased dramatically, sign of the times I guess.
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 14199 times:
Hi Markus,
Great report & lovely pictures. It sounds like you had a couple of nice flights with Etihad. AUH looks fantastic, I love the pictures of the mosque. I would love to visit that region but airfares to the from NZ to the gulf are pretty expensive.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Seats are selected by phone with a nice female agent, there is no online tool by Etihad, something to improve soon.
This is one of my pet peeves, I'm very surprised that a airline as sophisticated as EY doesn't offer this tool
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): There is also something special at every seat
Great to see that they still offer a decent amenity kit in Y.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 13983 times:
Hi Markus
Nice to see some more longhaul from you.
Is longhaul the new way to go?
Anyway, EY seems to have a very nice product.
Always a fan of the seatcoloring.
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 13918 times:
Very detailed and lots of pictures, absolutely enjoy this trip report.
EY seems to be one of the nicest airlines out there. I think just a bit more of this and that will make them truly 5 stars.
I can say that food can be improved and also legroom seem tight....seems
Love the new updated interior and choice of color used plus new slimmer IFE controller.
The older interior color looks dull and uninteresting. And the older IFE controller is just too fat to my taste.
They are on my next airlines on the list, miles towards my Asiana diamond account
Thank you for sharing your trip to the middle east.
net-hkt
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 13718 times:
Hello Markus,
Nice to see Etihad from another person's perspective. Lovely pictures in Abu Dhabi and it looks like Etihad treated you as a "guest" and not just a passenger. That mosque is gorgeous is it not.
Very Pakistani in it's sound, but yes an Arabic greeting!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Seats are selected by phone with a nice female agent, there is no online tool by Etihad, something to improve soon.
This is not true. Etihad does allow you to select your seats online, when booking. It's just all the window seats that are blocked out. You can also select seats when checking in online. Not sure why you had problems,
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): It´s not my favourite design, but these seats looking like comfy with the brown-green fabric style, clean so far
I love these earth tone colours, in fact a lot better than the brown striped one on all their latest fleet. You can find these earth tone colours on their A320 fleets. Also very soothing, almost like the colour of sand itself.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): There is also something special at every seat
Nice to see they have upgraded that amenity kit colour from an all black. The contents though are still the same. They have actually designed it to match the welcome Etihad screens.
It is there, 5th from the top. Also the Flight number is a dead giveaway. Unless you were just teasing.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): These place is overcrowded today and needs definitely an extension
What were you doing departing from that old terminal shaped like the inside of an apple. The new Terminal is so good with those large windows to look out from.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): My seat, different fabric, much more my style against the inbound planes interior
Like I mentioned earlier, the newer colours on their long haul fleets.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): How I like these logo on the winglet
Nothing quite like the winglets, especially with nice logos on them.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24875 posts, RR: 60 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 13597 times:
Hey Markus ,
Great to see a EY report by you I have not seen one for a long time. I have to say I actually prefer the cabin design of the outward flight but we all have different likes and dislikes so its all good
Lovely photos of the city and looks like a great time you had. Nice to get into the EY lounge also . Quite decent.
Thanks for the report.
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 13398 times:
Hey Markus,
Excellent report once again and a good choice to fly Etihad to the UAE. Ever since this carrier is servicing BRU, I'm intrigued by it. I wonder how the loads are, but I guess it all works to satisfaction at BRU. Now in FRA, the load seemed rather poor with an estimated 40%. Is there much competition to AUH from FRA?
That mosque looks jaw droppingly beautiful. Good you paid it a visit.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Etihad guest honors AB Top Bonus and as a AB gold status
Strange comination: EY and AB but good it works for you this way.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): and with an definitely unusual departure time today
You can say that again!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): and returned in a much nicer style.
How come these gate agents suddenly change their tone when you're a frequent flyer or someone with more flying status then the normal Y traveller. They should be friendly to whichever customer, I feel.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): That sounds like a good start for this nightly service down to the Emirates.
With that light load not the best start imaginable...
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
Time permitting then. So a kind of restaurant style then?
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 42 Reply 19, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 13211 times:
Hi Markus,
That was very fast .
No jokes aside good to read on your Easter trip to the sandy part of the world. Nice pictures from Abu Dhabi and Etihad looked mostly okay, although the service doesn't look as good or substantial as I'd expected from one of the Big Three Bling Bling carriers. I guess economical realities matter even to the Gulf carriers after all.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): When and where to go?. Where to stay?. Where to eat?. Which way?. A lot of discussion up and down till there is a compromise ok with all the participants.
Ahh, this is exactly the reason why I prefer traveling on my own. I'm not big on doing compromises or doing things I don't prefer to do. Traveling solo you can do whatever you want and feel like doing.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Etihad guest honors AB Top Bonus and as a AB gold status I´am ready for the Etihad lounges.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Is the AB Top Bonus number in the system?".
Now it seems that´s something new to him.
He talked with the supervisor and returned in a much nicer style.
Sounds like my experience at the Air Berlin check in at FCO shortly after they started their partnership with AY - had some major convincing work to do after the girl called somewhere and was assured that yes, she should enter my AY number into the system.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): I´ve expected a good load, it´s easter Saturday and the weather in Germany is far from nice these days.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Now I´am much more surprised, the overall load is 40 %
and the whole rear cabin is close to open.
I think you were too late, probably most of the crowds already left earlier, on Thursday and Good Friday.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): I´am good for one guest to the lounge, companion one decides to go on the shopping spread, companion two want to hit the lounge with me now
Ahh, so you gave her your credit card in exchange for a lounge permit? Not sure if you won this time, though!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
Quite impressive looking lounge. The Gulf carriers certainly spare no expense in their lounges - does anyone else besides Etihad and AB use this lounge at all? After all EY has only a few daily flights to FRA and they have this impressive lounge operation just for those. Must cost quite a pretty penny.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): The first leg ever on the A332, not to talk about a new registration this way.
Congrats, although I find it very hard to believe!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): It´s not my favourite design, but these seats looking like comfy with the brown-green fabric style, clean so far
Hmm, most of the Gulf carriers seem to favor these kind of subtle mixed color fabrics. Maybe they look a bit like the sand there or something.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Cabin crew working around our seats are a middle aged, good looking, but somewhat cold middle eastern woman, another young and nice, maybe from Australia, woman and also a very nice young and cheery, good looking Pakistani girl.
Markus, your wife is just a few seats away, remember that!
Hey, very nice to have an amenity kit for such a short flight in economy. And with the low load you can stock up on those from the empty seats!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): With the late night flight there is a breadroll and a hot snack on offer
Interesting to see also Etihad joining the Monty's crowd. They must be offering really sweet deals for airlines.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Companion two decides not to miss a single minute movietime during the nightflight, but for me, aircraft sleeping mode on now!.
I wonder where the youngsters get all their energy from! But I guess he did regret it a bit the next day.
Err and that doesn't look good either - instant diabetes anyone?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): 50.00 Euro´s total, I don´t need extra insurance than basic, this is covered by the LH Senator Biz card.
Even abroad? A very cheap price though.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Some minutes to wait at the Dollar counter till a middle aged asian female agent handed me over the key for an oldfashioned, dusty and scratched white Mitsubishi.
Maybe for once you shouldn't be so German and splurge a little bit - driving around in a Porsche or a big ass SUV, how about that?
...and spotlessly clean, I bet you could eat from those tiles. Very impressive, wonder how many thousands of cleaners and other maintenance staff they have on their (meagre) payroll.
717Flyer From Finland, joined Jun 2011, 303 posts, RR: 10 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 13198 times:
Salam wa aleikum, Markus,
Another really nice report from your side featuring a less-reported Gulf carrier as well as some other pieces of Arabic architecture, that's enough to keep me interested!
Looking for flights to Dubai some months ago I found quite a number of nice and decently priced connections with Etihad Airways, however they all involved flying to AUH and taking the bus from there to DXB (they sold it as a flight!) so in the end I went with an AF/KL combo instead. But good to see what EY is like
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): there are a couple of decisions to do when I´am alone on travel. Sometimes faster, sometimes not, but mostly I find a suitable option to go.
Sounds like quite a familiar feeling. Good you managed to come up with an itinerary everyone was happy with.
Markus, I think you should see a doctor - when was the last time I saw such a direct routing from you're hand? Joking aside good you managed to score the A332 and log EY as well.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): The fare per leg, per person, managed by Exp.de is 210.00 Euro´s, ok so far.
Still that sounds like quite a steep fare to me!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): "Let me check you´re documents first",
Hmm, that's not a very impressive first encounter with Etihad!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): This is cleared soon and we are welcomed by a goodlooking middle aged woman.
I guess you could get used to this?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
Has he not learned to take his hat off when being indoors?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): With the late night flight there is a breadroll and a hot snack on offer
It looks like EY is a carrier offering quite a decent product but judging your pictures the meals were quite a letdown, at least when it comes to presentation. That breadroll looks like it has been chopped of in both ends, not exactly something I'd like to eat.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13):
Great report & lovely pictures. It sounds like you had a couple of nice flights with Etihad. AUH looks fantastic, I love the pictures of the mosque. I would love to visit that region but airfares to the from NZ to the gulf are pretty expensive.
Thank you.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13): This is one of my pet peeves, I'm very surprised that a airline as sophisticated as EY doesn't offer this tool
Count me in this way.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13):
Great to see that they still offer a decent amenity kit in Y.
Exactly my opinion.
@Marc:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 14):
Nice to see some more longhaul from you.
Is longhaul the new way to go?
Anyway, EY seems to have a very nice product.
Always a fan of the seatcoloring.
Thank you and back to Europe for the next time.
@nethkt:
Quoting nethkt (Reply 15): Very detailed and lots of pictures, absolutely enjoy this trip report.
Thank you.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 15):
EY seems to be one of the nicest airlines out there. I think just a bit more of this and that will make them truly 5 stars.
I can say that food can be improved and also legroom seem tight....seems
Good to know and also my opinion with the food.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 15): Love the new updated interior and choice of color used plus new slimmer IFE controller.
The older interior color looks dull and uninteresting. And the older IFE controller is just too fat to my taste.
Exactly my point here.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 15):
They are on my next airlines on the list, miles towards my Asiana diamond account
Thank you for sharing your trip to the middle east.
Interesting to know with Asiana.
@flightsimboy:
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
Nice to see Etihad from another person's perspective. Lovely pictures in Abu Dhabi and it looks like Etihad treated you as a "guest" and not just a passenger. That mosque is gorgeous is it not.
Thank you.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
Very Pakistani in it's sound, but yes an Arabic greeting!
It feels Arabic to me.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
This is not true. Etihad does allow you to select your seats online, when booking. It's just all the window seats that are blocked out. You can also select seats when checking in online. Not sure why you had problems,
Ok with direct Etihad bookings but there is no manage-my-booking tool with third party reservations.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
I love these earth tone colours, in fact a lot better than the brown striped one on all their latest fleet. You can find these earth tone colours on their A320 fleets. Also very soothing, almost like the colour of sand itself.
Really good to know.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
Nice to see they have upgraded that amenity kit colour from an all black. The contents though are still the same. They have actually designed it to match the welcome Etihad screens.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
It is there, 5th from the top. Also the Flight number is a dead giveaway. Unless you were just teasing.
Just for the records here.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
What were you doing departing from that old terminal shaped like the inside of an apple. The new Terminal is so good with those large windows to look out from.
Count me in, I wasn´t amused here with the old terminal.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
Like I mentioned earlier, the newer colours on their long haul fleets.
Good to know.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 16):
Nothing quite like the winglets, especially with nice logos on them.
Just curious, why do all your sentences start on a new line?
Also my point with the sandwich and nothing especially designed with the sentences.
@Phil:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 17):
Great to see a EY report by you I have not seen one for a long time. I have to say I actually prefer the cabin design of the outward flight but we all have different likes and dislikes so its all good
Lovely photos of the city and looks like a great time you had. Nice to get into the EY lounge also . Quite decent.
Thank you. As far as there is soemthing for everyone it´s ok to me.
@Nils:
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18):
Excellent report once again and a good choice to fly Etihad to the UAE. Ever since this carrier is servicing BRU, I'm intrigued by it. I wonder how the loads are, but I guess it all works to satisfaction at BRU. Now in FRA, the load seemed rather poor with an estimated 40%. Is there much competition to AUH from FRA?
That mosque looks jaw droppingly beautiful. Good you paid it a visit.
Thank you. EY is running twice and LH once per day ex FRA.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18):
Strange comination: EY and AB but good it works for you this way.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18): How come these gate agents suddenly change their tone when you're a frequent flyer or someone with more flying status then the normal Y traveller. They should be friendly to whichever customer, I feel.
Count me in this way.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18):
With that light load not the best start imaginable...
So it was.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18):
Time permitting then. So a kind of restaurant style then?
Exactly.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 18):
Aha, Junior FLIEGER67 joining in the fun!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
No jokes aside good to read on your Easter trip to the sandy part of the world. Nice pictures from Abu Dhabi and Etihad looked mostly okay, although the service doesn't look as good or substantial as I'd expected from one of the Big Three Bling Bling carriers. I guess economical realities matter even to the Gulf carriers after all.
Also my opinion here with service and economy these days.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Ahh, this is exactly the reason why I prefer traveling on my own. I'm not big on doing compromises or doing things I don't prefer to do. Traveling solo you can do whatever you want and feel like doing.
Count me in, usually.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Sounds like my experience at the Air Berlin check in at FCO shortly after they started their partnership with AY - had some major convincing work to do after the girl called somewhere and was assured that yes, she should enter my AY number into the system.
Interesting to know, that seems the norm these days with the new partnerships.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19): I think you were too late, probably most of the crowds already left earlier, on Thursday and Good Friday.
So it seems.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Ahh, so you gave her your credit card in exchange for a lounge permit? Not sure if you won this time, though!
Check the prices and buy in Abu Dhabi!.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Quite impressive looking lounge. The Gulf carriers certainly spare no expense in their lounges - does anyone else besides Etihad and AB use this lounge at all? After all EY has only a few daily flights to FRA and they have this impressive lounge operation just for those. Must cost quite a pretty penny.
So it is, two flights only and no one else allowed to enter.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Congrats, although I find it very hard to believe!
Myself, too!.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Hmm, most of the Gulf carriers seem to favor these kind of subtle mixed color fabrics. Maybe they look a bit like the sand there or something.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Markus, your wife is just a few seats away, remember that!
Sure, I do!.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Hey, very nice to have an amenity kit for such a short flight in economy. And with the low load you can stock up on those from the empty seats!
Good point here.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Interesting to see also Etihad joining the Monty's crowd. They must be offering really sweet deals for airlines.
It feels like these stuff is everywhere these days.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19): I wonder where the youngsters get all their energy from! But I guess he did regret it a bit the next day.
Just a little bit only!.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Nice, although I don't really agree with the violet color.
My first view after the return from dreamland.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
What on earth is that? Looks quite disgusting IMHO.
Also not my style, you know.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Err and that doesn't look good either - instant diabetes anyone?
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Maybe for once you shouldn't be so German and splurge a little bit - driving around in a Porsche or a big ass SUV, how about that?
Good point again, but the southern german cost cutting identity win´s!.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Well it is the Gulf, after all. Boomtown in the true meaning of the word!
Ever and ever again.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Hmm, not exactly my kind of place. But good for your son I guess.
Definitely not for me, but for him.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
Wow, another megalomaniacal building. But very beautiful, I have to give you that.
Really impressive, you know.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 19):
...and spotlessly clean, I bet you could eat from those tiles. Very impressive, wonder how many thousands of cleaners and other maintenance staff they have on their (meagre) payroll.
Another really nice report from your side featuring a less-reported Gulf carrier as well as some other pieces of Arabic architecture, that's enough to keep me interested!
Thank you.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Looking for flights to Dubai some months ago I found quite a number of nice and decently priced connections with Etihad Airways, however they all involved flying to AUH and taking the bus from there to DXB (they sold it as a flight!) so in the end I went with an AF/KL combo instead. But good to see what EY is like
Interesting to know and follow.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Sounds like quite a familiar feeling. Good you managed to come up with an itinerary everyone was happy with.
Hard work, you know.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Markus, I think you should see a doctor - when was the last time I saw such a direct routing from you're hand? Joking aside good you managed to score the A332 and log EY as well.
Family rules here.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Still that sounds like quite a steep fare to me!
Not that cheap during the easter vacation time. LH was a bit higher here.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Hmm, that's not a very impressive first encounter with Etihad!
Definitely not.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
I guess you could get used to this?
Sure.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
A lounge restaurant? Very impressive!
I was also impressed here.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Has he not learned to take his hat off when being indoors?
Not even when you sleep with the hat!.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
It looks like EY is a carrier offering quite a decent product but judging your pictures the meals were quite a letdown, at least when it comes to presentation. That breadroll looks like it has been chopped of in both ends, not exactly something I'd like to eat.
Me, too here.
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Hah, I saw that 'Visit Abu Dhabi' in GVA last summer - only that I had already visited Abu Dhabi half a year earlier (not by plane though).
Quoting 717Flyer (Reply 20):
Hah, you really are getting used to the Emirati lifestyle, aren't you?
Sure I´am!.
@Gabriel:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 21): Nice report Markus! Looks like you had some nice flights eith EY - sham the return flght was so full - you were lucky the outbound was empty!
Thank you.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 21):
I had a really good afternoon tea in there - very posh!
I should go there also sometimes.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 21):
I'm glad you liked it - I thought it was great. Shame you didn't visit the Sheiks Car musuem - I thought that was pretty cool.
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 23, posted (1 year 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 12388 times:
Hi Markus,
good to see another report from you, something different this time with only two legs and even the same route on the return flight. But great to take your family for a short Easter escape to the Gulf region, especially given the temperatures we had here in spring.
Looks like you had a great time in Abu Dhabi. It seems to be still a bit more down-to-earth than Dubai. That mosque sure looks impressive.
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 12096 times:
Hi Markus,
excellent! Also nice to see "Travelling Companion One" and "Travelling Companion Two" making a cameo appearance
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): "Is the AB Top Bonus number in the system?".
Now it seems that´s something new to him.
He talked with the supervisor and returned in a much nicer style.
Surely staff should be nice to all passengers, not just those with status? Like Jonas' recent experience. It might even encourage more flights, even if in the back of the plane.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Or you can take a seat and the cook prepares what you want
I recognise that photo
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): A warm welcome to a new plane type for the log.
Nice, my one and only trip to AUH (report somewhere on this forum!) was also my first ever A330 log, though on AF that time.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): With the late night flight there is a breadroll and a hot snack on offer
The sandwich doesn't look good to be honest. At least the pasty is hidden in the box!
25 akhmad: Assalam mu’alaikum Markus, Ever since you told me about your upgrade during your stay in Abu Dhabi and showing me and other fellows a sneak preview
26 FLIEGER67: Hey, nice to see more comments. @M.: Thank you. Exactly my impression with Abu Dhabi. I´ve don´t noticed it also during booking. The mood lighting w
27 adamspotter: Hi Markus, As always excellent report! An enjoyable read. Etihad lounge at FRA sure looks good! Very nice pictures of the mosque, sure looks nice and
28 RvXKaz: Hi Markus! Lovely TR of your trip to Abu Dhabi! Very intriguing insight as we are bombarded far too much by the reviews of neighbouring DXB and we for
29 FLIEGER67: Hey, nice to follow more comments. @Brendan: Thank you. Exactly my opinion after the wake up call!. Definitely. Definitely, too and more stories are o
30 AirAfreak: Hello and Guten Tag Markus!!! I love reading your trip reports. They have a nice flow about them, so thank you for your contributions to the forum. I
31 LXM83: Hello FLIEGER67 Definitely something different from you again! A colleague at my office just was in AUH and your pictures complement his stories. Wow,
32 FLIEGER67: Hey and nice to see more comments. @AirAfreak: Thank you, really good to know. Polynesia for me, please and thanx once more. Still on the production l
33 tobbry: Hi Markus! Great report. I think this is the first report I read about EY and it made more curious about that airline. Thanks for this one! T
35 deltamartin: Hello Markus! As usual a great report, a really enjoyable read. A beautiful bird! I was there in early 2011, sure is an impressive place. Martin
36 FLIEGER67: Hey, Martin, Thank you. Also my opinion, you know. Hey, good to know. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
37 infodesk: Hi Markus, Great to read about this exotic trip and see your photos of Abu Dhabi. A nice gesture with the room upgrade and those shots of the mosque r
38 FLIEGER67: Hoi, H., Thank you. Ah, it´s not only me, good to know. Exactly my opinion with the service on the flights and sure the EY lounge was really good. So
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