Booking & Website/App Experience with Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
Booking tickets with Etihad Airways is generally straightforward, whether using their website or mobile app. The interface is user-friendly, with clear navigation and a range of fare options. Many travelers appreciate the ability to book special meals and select seats in advance. However, some users have reported issues with Etihad’s “Verified to Fly” service, which promises a smoother check-in by pre-verifying travel documents but often leaves applications stuck “in progress,” forcing passengers to queue at the airport anyway. Customer service responsiveness via email can also be slow when technical issues arise.

Check-in Process with Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
Most passengers describe the check-in process as smooth and efficient, especially when arriving at the airport early. Dedicated counters for document checks and luggage drop-off help minimize waiting times. However, reliance on digital services like “Verified to Fly” can backfire if the system fails, leading to longer queues and frustration. On the positive side, staff at the airport are generally courteous and helpful, ensuring a pleasant start to the journey.

Airport Experience for Etihad Airways

Rating: 4.5/5
Etihad’s hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport is modern, clean, and easy to navigate, making connections relatively hassle-free. Lounges, especially for premium passengers, receive high praise for comfort and amenities. Immigration and security processes are typically efficient, though some travelers have encountered unhelpful ground staff at partner airports, such as Ahmedabad, which can detract from the overall experience. For stopovers, clarity about visa requirements and hotel locations could be improved.

Punctuality of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
Etihad generally maintains excellent punctuality, with most flights departing and arriving on time. In cases of delays, ground staff are proactive in keeping passengers informed and managing missed connections efficiently, including rebooking and providing boarding passes at transit hubs. However, compensation for delays is not always proactively offered, and the process to claim it can be cumbersome.

In-flight Comfort & Cleanliness of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4.5/5
Cabins are consistently described as clean and well-maintained. Economy seats offer good legroom, adjustable headrests, and amenities like pillows, blankets, and hygiene kits. Some aircraft feature massage options and spacious toilets, adding to the comfort. The seating is generally comfortable, though experiences can vary depending on aircraft type and seat location. Cleanliness scores highly across most reviews.

In-flight Services of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4.5/5
Cabin crew are frequently commended for their professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. “Wellness Ambassadors” are available to assist with passenger well-being, and staff readily accommodate special requests. In-flight entertainment offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music, though some passengers found the selection average on certain routes. Wi-Fi and connectivity options are available, but quality and pricing can be inconsistent.

Food and Beverages of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
Meals are generally satisfying, with multiple options including vegetarian dishes available without prior request. Some travelers liken the food quality to fine dining, especially in premium cabins. Water and beverages are regularly served, and special meal requests are accommodated. However, the food is sometimes described as average, and pre-landing snack services have been reduced on shorter flights.

Baggage Handling of Etihad Airways

Rating: 3/5
Baggage policies are a notable pain point for many travelers. The strict weight limits, particularly for carry-on bags, and high excess baggage fees have led to frustration and unexpected expenses. Some passengers have also reported poor communication about baggage allowances and issues with lost or delayed luggage. Ground staff at certain airports can be unhelpful when resolving baggage-related issues.

Value for Money of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
Etihad offers competitive fares and good value for the level of service provided, especially on long-haul routes. The quality of in-flight services, comfort, and airport experience often justify the price. However, hidden fees for baggage and the occasional lack of proactive compensation for delays can detract from the overall value proposition.

Overall Experience of Etihad Airways

Rating: 4/5
The majority of travelers report a positive experience flying with Etihad Airways, citing punctual flights, attentive cabin crew, clean and comfortable cabins, and efficient airport processes. However, recurring issues with baggage policies, occasional customer service lapses, and technical glitches in digital services highlight areas for improvement.

Final Verdict of Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways stands out as a premium international carrier, offering a comfortable and sophisticated flying experience with attentive service and excellent airport facilities. While most aspects of the journey—from booking to landing—are well-executed, travelers should be mindful of strict baggage policies and occasional customer service shortcomings. For those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable flight, Etihad remains a strong choice, but it’s wise to review baggage allowances closely and arrive early for check-in, especially if relying on digital verification services. Overall, Etihad delivers good value for money and a memorable travel experience, with room for improvement in a few key areas.