In this post, I review my experience on Etihad’s Business Class flight from Toronto (YYZ Pearson Airport) to Abu Dhabi (AUH). This was the second of my three flights (four if you count the seaplane) from Montreal to the stunning Atolls of the Maldives.

AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

Etihad Business Class passengers departing from Toronto Pearson Airport receive complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounges. Simply present your boarding pass at the Lounge entrance for access. Our flight tonight was departing from Terminal 3 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. After a light dinner at the Plaza Premium Lounge (see my review here), it was soon time to board and we headed to the gate located just downstairs from the lounge. Note that the lounge does not have flight announcements so make sure you regularly check the screens for flight updates. As we arrived at the gate, we heard our names being called at the counter. This was because all tourists and visitors to the Maldives must have proof of accommodation or hotel booking and this needs to be verified by the airline before boarding. The gate agent did a quick check of our hotel reservation and as usual, I checked my luggage location using the Find My App to make sure it’s loaded on the plane and I noticed that our luggage was still at Terminal 1. (I always leave an Airtag in my suitcase so I can track its location from my phone. Airtags only work with iPhones but you can also use a Samsung SmartTag or a Tile. They are also useful to locate your luggage in case the airline loses them). When I asked the agent, she said "the airline will make the transfer". I showed her the map and that my luggage was still on the other side of the airport and she repeated "the airline will make the transfer" so I had no choice but to board and hope that my luggage would make it.

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SEATS

The flight tonight was on Etihad’s Boeing 787-10 which has a vastly improved business class compared to Etihad’s dated Boeing 777. The cabin was spotless and absolutely gorgeous with shades of beige/brown and gold accents. The seats are arranged 4 per row with the centre seats in pairs and the window seals solo. All seats have direct aisle access.

As soon as we boarded, I asked the flight attendant if we could have some champagne to celebrate our trip but they mentioned no champagne or alcohol before takeoff! Apparently there is a strict Canadian liquor law that prevents them from opening/serving liquor while we were still on the ground. That was the first time I ever heard of something like that but I wasn’t too surprised, we do have some very restrictive laws sometimes in Canada. I was served champagne on my next flight in Abu Dhabi so perhaps they have more lenient laws there. That flight was departing after midnight as well, something which does not happen here in Montreal due to the laws around excess noise pollution.

The seats were cream coloured with huge personal TVs. When traveling as a couple, the best seats are those in the centre as they are set right next to each other. Be sure to check the layout on Seatguru when reserving your seats because the centre seats alternate between being next to each other and being next to the aisles with more space in between. The window seats are not all identical, some were right up against the window with space between the aisle and felt much more private. These were true window seats. The alternating ones that faced backwards were right on the edge of the aisle with everyone walking past you and were farther away from the windows. Regardless, the window seats offered more privacy and were perfect for solo travellers. The seats featured built-in massage functions & multiple adjustments options controlled by a touch screen located on the side table. Back support was also adjustable and the seats were firm but comfortable.

AMMENITIES

Waiting for me at my seat was a leatherette amenity kit that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm, hand cream, socks and a snoot. There was a covid kit that consisted of alcohol sanitizer and wipes on my side table as well.

Noise cancelling headphones wrapped in plastic were also included at my seat although I didn’t try them on because I always use my Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones. These do an AMAZING job of cutting out the majority of the engine rumble and cabin noise! In general, I do find that sitting ahead of the engines at the front of the plane already cuts down on the cabin noise significantly that I could have a conversation while whispering. Noise Cancelling headphones are the icing on the cake and this is a good option if you want to travel light.

FOOD & DINNER SERVICE

I enjoyed a glass of champagne and some warm nuts while the flight attendants handed out the dinner menu (images below). The food on the menu could be ordered at any time during the flight. For the appetizer, I had the Arabic mezze platter followed by the beef tenderloin as the main course along with plenty of champagne and Bellini refills. Both plates were delicious and served hot. I chose the chocolate lava cake and wine for dessert. The lava cake was overcooked so it was not liquid on the inside but it was still delicious. I had some time before dinner to browse the infotainment system and it contained a huge selection of movies and TV shows. I watched some BBC wildlife documentaries followed by Men in Black and managed to fall asleep for a few hours.

BREAKFAST

I woke up with a few hours still to go before landing and it was a good time to freshen up and prepare for breakfast. I ordered the herb omelette with baked potatoes and a freshly made cappuccino. Both were served hot. There was an eccentric shiny flat metal board on my platter that looked like a small cutting board but I still have no idea what it was for. Soon after breakfast, it was time to prepare for landing.

I had an amazing time during this flight and I think it was the best business class that I’ve ever experienced. The food and drinks were excellent. The service warm and friendly and the seat was plush and comfortable. Etihad did a great job with the decor and I felt that it really stood out from the usual drab white and grey cabins of other airlines. It felt like walking into a luxurious lounge rather than a plane cabin and the entire flight to Abu Dhabi went smoothly.

Now off to the Etihad Business Class lounge for a shower while I wait for my next flight to the Maldives!

This post was originally published on August 10, 2023 and has been updated since.

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