Review: Etihad Airways B787 Business Class

Etihad Airways is one of the newest partners of the Aeroplan program. That means you can use your Aeroplan points to fly on any Etihad flight, for example between North America and Abu Dhabi, or as I did here between Abu Dhabi and Europe.

In late 2018, I had the chance to try Etihad Airways First Class on board the B777 and the A380 (two completely different experiences between the two aircraft), and to see the lounges at Paris Charles De Gaulle as well as Abu Dhabi (including the private suite reserved for passengers flying in the Etihad Residence).

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - etihad airways first class apartment a380 56

Things look very different today following COVID-19: the A380s have been retired indefinitely from the Etihad Airways fleet, and only a handful of aircraft still operate flights with a First Class cabin.

For this 7-hour flight between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt (which let me catch a Lufthansa connection to Nice), I chose to try Etihad Airways Business Class, known as Business Studio.

Booking with Aeroplan

A 7-hour flight between Abu Dhabi and Europe (Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, etc.) costs:

25,000 Aeroplan points in Economy Class
45,000 Aeroplan points in Business Class
65,000 Aeroplan points in First Class

Plus roughly $80 in taxes (including the Aeroplan partner booking fee).

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - aeroplan etihad airways business fr

And the cash price for that same flight? $3,125. I would obviously never have paid that price, but it gives you an idea of the value you can pull out of Aeroplan points in a case like this one.

Here I get a value of: ($3,125 (cost of the flight) – $81 (taxes paid)) / 45,000 points = 6.8 cents per point. That is more than triple my valuation of the Aeroplan point at 2 cents per point.

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - etihad airways cout classe affaires

45,000 Aeroplan points are very easy to collect thanks to the welcome bonuses on Aeroplan credit cards and your everyday spending on those cards. Some, like the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card, are even free for the first year!

You can also transfer 45,000 American Express Membership Rewards points into 45,000 Aeroplan points from many Membership Rewards cards, such as the American Express Cobalt^® Card.

Here are the best current offers:

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 85,000 points	Apply NowCompare
TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 45,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offer Up to 15,000 points	Apply NowCompare
American Express Platinum Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Etihad Airways – Business Lounge in Abu Dhabi

Arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport at dawn to catch this flight to Frankfurt, I head straight to the Etihad Airways Business Lounge.

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - Etihad Business Class

It is still quiet at this hour, and social distancing measures are in full effect.

Helping yourself at the buffet, for instance, is out of the question: you have to place your order with the staff. Since I was going to have a proper lunch on board, I only asked for a glass (or two) of champagne!

Etihad Airways – Business Studio

Finally, after 2 glasses of champagne and a mimosa, here I am at my boarding gate. Not many people on this flight to Frankfurt. In fact, I would be the only passenger in Business Class on this flight (which has no First Class cabin). On top of having the entire Business cabin to myself, I am driven to the aircraft on a fully private bus.

Social distancing measures are being respected, that much is certain!

At certain times of year, taking an early morning flight in the middle of the desert is always an incredible experience, with that mist wrapping the whole airport. Here I am at the foot of the Boeing 787-10 that will carry me to Europe.

On board, I am spoiled for choice when it comes to my seat. Two extra passengers eventually joined me, no doubt upgraded at the last minute.

The cabin layout on this aircraft gives every passenger direct aisle access. Half the seats, however, face backwards. I only recommend choosing those seats if you have a long overnight flight (it is easier to sleep lying flat that way, because the aircraft always flies with the nose higher than the tail).

For this daytime flight, I prefer a window seat facing forward. In any case, with only 3 passengers on board, I set up my office two rows behind, my bed one row behind, and my dining chair would be this one (you will notice this seat is missing a window, a lapse in judgment brought on by lack of sleep, no doubt):

For passengers travelling as a couple, I obviously recommend the seats in the middle of the cabin (be careful to pick the pair that sits side by side):

The other middle-seat configuration puts the two seats farther apart and more exposed to the aisle (in other words, the “worst” seats in this business class).

And for those travelling with a baby, I have been there, know that a bassinet can be installed between these two business class seats, between both parents (or between you and another passenger who will be very happy to lend a hand if you are travelling alone).

At the seat, you get a USB port, a power outlet, the electric seat controls, the television remote and a few storage spaces. The table is large and it is easy to set up a laptop on it.

Shortly before takeoff, sanitary kits are handed out to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Then come the business class amenity kits, along with a pillow and a duvet.

Finally, the menu of the day is brought around so orders can be taken before takeoff.

Another glass of champagne, Mr. Voisine?

I do like to keep the French wine industry busy 🙂

Now we take off, with a lovely view over a still misty Abu Dhabi.

Not long after takeoff, lunch is served.

After that excellent meal, it is time for me to get some work done using the Wi-Fi. Etihad Airways offers an excellent paid Wi-Fi network.

Holders of the HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^®, however, get free unlimited access to Boingo Wi-Fi networks, and Etihad Airways is a Boingo partner (as are Lufthansa, Swiss, Singapore Airlines, etc.).

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - Etihad Wifi Plans

Review: Etihad Airways B787 | Business Class | AUH-FRA - Etihad Wifi Boingo

The HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^® is the card I use most abroad, because there are no conversion fees on foreign currency transactions (a 2.5% saving on every purchase). It also comes with a $100 annual travel credit.

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuation: $350Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

After two hours of work, I decide to take a nap to counter the effects of a 4 a.m. wake-up call and one mimosa orange juice too many.

Legroom is reasonable without being huge. At 1.80 m , it is enough for me. But a taller person might find the space tight.

After a two-hour nap, a quick stop in the lavatory to freshen up.

A little before landing, a snack is served (an excellent steak sandwich), along with a glass of champagne (and a double espresso).

I take in the beautiful views over Europe on this sunny day.

We land on time at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany, greeted by a sad sight: the entire Lufthansa A380 fleet grounded because of COVID-19.

Conclusion

Etihad Airways may not offer the best business class in the world, but this product is solid. Being able to get a 7-hour flight in these conditions for only 45,000 Aeroplan points is a genuine bargain, and one I encourage you to try at least once!

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American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuation: $255Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.; Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer: Up to 15,000 points

Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer we value at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

15,000 Aeroplan points
15,000 Avios points
15,000 Flying Blue Miles
18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

If hotel points are what you are after, our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our complete map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels by category show what those points can actually buy.

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, home food delivery and convenience stores. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

To see how it compares with the rest of the line-up, read our round-up of the best credit cards from American Express in Canada.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores: Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt^® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category	Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.)	5
Home food delivery	5
Restaurants and bars	5
Convenience stores	5
Streaming services	3
Service station	2
Transport	2
Travel	1
Other	1

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.