Review: Etihad Boeing 787 First Class (AUH-GVA)
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Etihad Airways 787 First Class – Booking
This First Class flight with Etihad Airways is an Aeroplan sweetspot. Travelling with Etihad Airways between the United Arab Emirates and Europe costs:
- 25,000 Aeroplan points in Economy
- 45,000 Aeroplan points in Business Class
- 65,000 Aeroplan points in First Class
See how to earn Aeroplan Points at the end of this article.
Audrey and I had already travelled on Etihad Airways:
- In the A380 First Class Apartment between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Paris (CDG)
- In 777 First Class between Paris (CDG) and Abu Dhabi (AUH)
So this was to be our first time in First Class aboard the 787.
Etihad Airways 787 First Class – Lounge
With this early flight (take-off at 8 am), we arrived at the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi at around 6.30 am. We have already done a review of this lounge here.
Service is at the table, with white tablecloths and elegant dinnerware.
Knowing that the meal on board our First Class flight would be copious, we made do with a dairy with fresh fruit and a glass of mimosa (champagne + orange juice).
All this while enjoying a beautiful sunrise and a fine view over the tarmac of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Etihad Airways 787 First Class – Cabin
After a good time in the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge, it’s time to board the Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9.
We’ll be sitting in center seats 1D-1G. Note the presence of doors on board Etihad Airways First Class.
Etihad Airways 787 First Class – Seat
Center seats are ideal if, like us, you’re travelling in pairs. They allow you to chat and enjoy your meal together.
Of course, if you’re travelling alone, choose one of the four window seats available in this Etihad Airways First Class cabin.
The seats are upholstered in beige leather, in the company’s colours, and offer plenty of personal space. For example, another passenger can sit on the ottoman for a private dinner.
In the bed position, you can close the doors of your suite and find yourself in your cocoon. Note the addition of a mattress topper, pillows and comforter. As well as pyjamas.
Etihad Airways 787 First Class – Service
Etihad Airways First Class onboard service is of a good standard (but does not match Emirates or Qatar Airways in Qsuite).
First, you can choose a welcome cocktail, which will be served with an amuse-bouche.
For starters, we recommend Caviar. This is served in a small individual pot (whereas other airlines such as Emirates or Lufthansa offer much larger portions).
Then, for the main courses, you’ll have a choice of meat or fish dishes. We’ll be choosing Middle Eastern dishes.
And cheese with rolls and various fruits.
During the flight, as I did, note that you can order tea or a cappuccino.
How to earn Aeroplan Points
For Canadians, the easiest way to earn Aeroplan Points is to sign up for one of these Aeroplan credit cards. Not only will you earn Aeroplan Points as a welcome bonus, but you will also earn Aeroplan Points on all purchases charged to your Aeroplan credit card.
The most popular Aeroplan credit cards are the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card (check the welcome offer currently available) and the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
You can also earn Aeroplan Points through the American Express Membership Rewards program. You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan Points at a 1:1 ratio. So 10,000 Membership Rewards points = 10,000 Aeroplan points. Many Membership Rewards credit cards are available in Canada.
One of the best Membership Rewards credit cards from American Express is the American Express Cobalt® Card. With this credit card, you get 5 points per dollar for grocery purchases, convenience stores and spending at restaurants and bars. Also, consider the gift card trick where you can get 5 Points per dollar for many stores like Amazon, SAQ, Ikea, Netflix, etc.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $191.88 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $250 |
Bottom line
This 7-hour flight on board this Etihad Airways First Class aircraft went by very quickly (too quickly, in fact). Travelling in First Class is always a moment you treat yourself to (or, in this case, a moment for your couple).
Given the slight fare difference between Business Class (45,000 Aeroplan points) and First Class (65,000 Aeroplan points), don’t hesitate to take the plunge: you won’t be disappointed!
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200Plus $500 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,200
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months
- Up to 85,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply 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”).
