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Trio of Sweet Suites with SQ, EY, EK (Part 2 - EY)

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  • Trio of Sweet Suites with SQ, EY, EK (Part 2 - EY)

    Continuing from Part 1 - Valentine Day suite to Paris with SQ, here's the next instalment.

    Part 2: Etihad First (from snow to desert)

    Flight: EY 52
    Route: GVA-AUH (Geneva to Abu Dhabi)
    Aircraft: A330-300 (AE-AFB)
    Seat: 2D
    Class: First
    Load: 8/8

    After a week plus in snowy Switzerland, it was time to make our way home and via the desert . The outbound flight with SQ was fantastic and with EY's recent fanfare with the launch of their A380s, we had rather high expectation of this sector. Unfortunately, we were not going to be in one of the Apartments, but would be taking the regular First Class sector instead.

    The journey began with a Mercedes pick-up courtesy of Etihad.



    This is one area where SQ definitely is lacking. And in Geneva, the pick up is complimentary up to a generous distance of 60km which is larger than our tiny little red dot called Singapore. If this distance is exceeded, the pick up can be arranged with a top up fee of CHF5.5 / km. The provision is not expensive in relation to the tickets so I don't see a reason why SQ does not implement it especially for First Class passengers where on SQ, the distinction of the products onboard is quite dubious. This could make for a good value-added perk.

    The drive from our hotel to the airport is only about 15 minutes and we reached the airport a good 2.5 hours ahead of schedule. Weather was not great as could be seen here.



    It's a simple functional building with bold door numbers outside.



    The check in hall is rectangular linear with EY's counters located almost to the extreme left. But first I had to turn right to 'go to France' to get my VAT forms validated. Yup, I went on a shopping spree in Paris. Haha.



    France is here?



    It's a rather complicated circuitous route and it's a one-way circulation. Once I passed this door, I couldn't turn back.

    The door leads to another check-in hall which is technically in France.

    From the check-in hall, I had to u-turn into a passage which connects to the arrival passage and then to this location somewhere along the passage where this machine stands.



    I think the French customs for arriving passengers (from france only) is just around the corner. I believe this is the exit customs from France.

    Then from here, I followed another set of passages and escalators and ended up here in the baggage reclaim area. After that, it's the Swiss entry customs area.



    And then I found myself back in Switzerland, completing a journey of 10 minutes into 'France'. It's complicated.



    Then up the escalator again and I was back in the check-in hall and made my way to EY counter.



    It didn't seem like it was going to be a busy flight.



    Posing with the big seal at the First Class sign.



    At around this time, the group of EY crew was also checking in and they saw us, and started congregating and playing with our baby seals. Wah ... So spontaneous and so easy-going. This is going to be a great flight for sure.
    Last edited by SQueeze; 21 April 2015, 12:07 PM.

  • #2
    After immigration, there is a smallish duty-free zone which reminds me a little of Linate Airport in Milan.



    We spent some time in the lounge. There seems to be only one and there is none specially for First Class pax, and I don't recall if there is any special section reserved for us either. Not exactly a first class experience here. And it was full and hard to find seats deeper into the evening.



    Buffet was rather pathetic.





    An hour before the scheduled departure, we left the lounge towards the gate.



    The C gates from where we were departing were a long travellator ride.



    Then more walk towards our gate through an empty F&B zone. GVA does not have many long-haul international flights.



    Surprisingly when we reached our gate, all the pax seem to have boarded. And we were quite early, at least half an hour before scheduled departure.



    After getting our BP validated, it was more walk towards the plane. I am sure I am not the only one who curse GVA's long passages.



    I couldn't get a good look at the plane either except for this rather unflattering shot of the bulbous head.

    Comment


    • #3
      On embarkation, we were greeted by jolly FAs who were earlier crowding around us at the check-in hall and I felt very very warmly welcomed onboard. I think it was the best mood I ever entered an airplane with. They were all already like family.

      We were quickly escorted through the business class cabin and into the first class cabin into the care of probably the best ever FA in my entire life - cheerful bubbly and very engaging Anastasia. So far the experience with EY has no less than the most stellar it can ever be.

      And then I entered my suite, sat and whoahhhh... Super impressed by the luxe feel all over. The seat is luxury leather in soothing natural tone. Its simple design is balanced by the intricate metal screen of the doors. And the pillow, omg, the pillow is to die for - I want to bring it home!



      On the ottoman, the blanket is rolled neatly and held together by a metal piece. Beautiful presentation and the texture is amazingly soft, cool on the skin, and comforting while keeping the body warm.



      Jacket was quickly taken and placed in a personal mini 'wardrobe' compartment next to the door.



      Looking around, I could see no one. Perfect for privacy.



      Looking up ....



      Looking forward and here's what one can find : a mini bar. But it's not chilled so it's kind of non-functional for me.



      I was sinking in the feeling of luxe and I felt really nice and cozy. Cabin temperature was noticeable cooler than any other flight I have been on and I felt really good. Ah, here's the reason, Aircon vent blasting directly into the seat. I like this feature. Enough of warm cabins where I cannot control ambient temperature for polar bears like me.





      Soon enough, champagne (2 choices) was offered, together with cold towel (my preference over hot), a welcome letter, and dates. Time to relax a bit and sink into the relaxing ambience.



      Comment


      • #4
        Checking out the menu ...



        It's quite hard to navigate because I am not so sure what is the portion size and how many to order .... Or what. It has everything that can complete 3 meals in these pages.









        But chef was quick to help and recommend selections, including methods of preparations.



        Amenity kit was distributed. I like the pouch although I am not sure if it fits etihad's new sleek image.



        And then cabin lighting changed in mood in preparation of take-off. Nice and relaxing.





        Also time to check out the seat controls which were on touch screens.

        Comment


        • #5
          Then it's back to orange mood for dining. It started with more champagne a few nibbles: warm nuts, fried vegetables, and olives.



          Table was set up face to face. Cool salt and pepper shakers.



          Warm breads were served first.



          Dinner started with amuse bouche from the chef which was not in the menu: feta cheese wrapped in grilled sliced zucchini.



          And then followed by warm comforting chickpea soup.



          Appetiser 1: duck breast with garden vegetable salad, crushed almonds and raspberry vinaigrette. This is quite forgettable actually.



          Appetiser 2 : Mezze, hot and cold Arabic appetisers. This was better.



          And then mains were served. Mine was signature grill - grass-fed tenderloin with endives and romanesco with bearnaise sauce which the chef recommended. I like my steaks medium and I got it slightly more than medium. Not the best steak I ever had compared to anything on the ground but comparable to SQ's usual steaks which are also on the dry side.



          The other main was the rib-eye steak and this was much much better. A lot more tender.



          We were well stuffed after the mains but we couldn't miss out on desert so we had one to share. This was a good moist saffron cake. It was a nice end to the 5-star meal.

          Comment


          • #6
            And then table was cleared and while the bed was prepared, I checked out to the toilet, also to brush my teeth and did a little grooming. Toilet was simply wow and sleek and huge too.



            Cool and sleek even for the flush



            And the best thing - I love toilet windows!



            When I was done, cozy bed was already well prepared.



            And I have to say that this is one of the best bed out there except for LH's real bed on the 744s which is still unbeatable. But everything about this bed is already better than even SQ's. The padding is soft, and the material soft and cooling to touch. Perfect way to spend the night. I am super impressed.



            Lights were off soon after and all I could see were 'stars' in the ceiling.



            This was a short flight of about 6 hours and I only had about 3 hours but these 3 hours were probably the soundest sleep ever on the plane. I have had only a few other flights (on SQ's A380 and 77WN) where I slept really comfortably. More often than not cabin temperatures are too high for me. Etihad's perfectly cold. Tuck in under those very comfortable blankets.

            Before bed, we declined breakfast service so I only got woken up in the dark 30 minutes before landing. Bottled water was distributed to replenish loss of fluids and it's branded water.



            Back to blue lighting upon landing.



            They also have cameras.

            Approaching AUH's runway in the dark.



            Landing.



            Oh noooo ... Back to Mother Earth. And time to say good bye to a most wonderful 5-star flight. Etihad, you truly deserve the 5-star status. It's in fact 6-stars in my heart.

            Comment


            • #7
              Etihad also has an arrivals lounge right after customs. It's not a big lounge, more like a living room. It has nothing of the feel of luxe of its first class in the air but it was a decent enough lounge.





              Most importantly, shower!



              And a decent small buffet of pastries and healthy juices and smoothies.





              And coffee! which was much needed after the red eye flight.



              We were here for 3 hours! Because we knew we wouldn't be able to check into the hotel that earlier anyway. Staff was not exactly friendly or first-class in service but we just ignored them after their many constant hints and reminders that we had been there a long time.

              When were were ready to go, we were directed to the limo counter. Counters like this don't shout First Class. But at least they provide the car service.



              And then we were set to head to Dubai with the white Lexus. Yes, Etihad provides complimentary limo service for all business and first class passengers anywhere in the UAE.



              So that's it for Part 2.

              to be continued to Part 3 (Emirates F).

              Verdict:

              Hardware - nothing short of perfect. I love the luxe feel and the comfort of the pillows and blankets. It's not just good-looking but very comfortable as well. Cabin temperature was the lowest I have ever been on and for a cold climate lover like me, it was perfect. (10/10)

              Food - was good though not as memorable as I expected it to be considering there is onboard chef. It's better than average but didn't beat my outbound flight on SQ or TK's J class some time back. (8.5/10)


              Crew - the lead FA was stellar and I will remember her for a very long long time as being the best FA I have encountered so far. I can sense she loves this job very much. I am not sure if EY is consistent but for this particular flight, the service is 10/10 since I cannot give 12/10. (10/10)


              Quality of Sleep - simply said, I had one of my best sleep ever despite the short flight. (10/10)

              Ground Service - limo ride is a nice perk. Lounge access in remote station like GVA is nothing to praise about. Arrival lounge is a nice perk too. To understand better, and for fair remark, I believe I have to try their F lounge at AUH. Since I didn't, I would not give a rating for this area.

              Based on just this experience only, I have to say I am super impressed by what EY offers in F. I would say that it even broke my record as my best flight ever. This is a journey I will remember for a very very long time.
              Last edited by SQueeze; 21 April 2015, 12:12 PM.

              Comment


              • #8
                For those interested in Switzerland, here are some pics I had taken. It's a beautiful country but the pain of the sudden appreciation of the CHF bit me just 2 weeks before the trip. Worth visiting once but I don't think I will be back anytime soon.











                I love cold, so I went up the mountain to spend the night. Half an hour ride on this.



                Spending a night at this desolate place. It could be a scene in a horror movie







                But in the morning ... Woke up to an impressive view of Matterhorn at Kulmhotel Gornergrat



                This is real view from my window.




                The End

                That's it for now. I hope readers have enjoyed this TR and will be inspired to consider Etihad.
                Last edited by SQueeze; 21 April 2015, 12:14 PM.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Excellent TR on Etihad! By the looks of it, pretty solid package for first class travellers compared to SQ! Will definitely try at least once in my life when i get the chance to travel on a long haul.

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                  • #10
                    What an incredible part 2!!!! Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey!!!!!

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                    • #11
                      interesting to see the seatbelt sign against the front wall near the ceiling. The lack of centre bins does make it look very much more spacious.

                      Very pretty ski photos. After I ski-ed in Interlaken in 2011, I told myself I would never go back until I was a millionaire. Now with the CHF priced like this, maybe only when I am a multi-millionaire. I'm pretty happy ski-ing in Italy and Austria now. HAHA

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                      • #12
                        Looks exceptionally nice on EY F. Thanks for the report.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Wow, looks like EY made a truly impressive F class.

                          Nice pictures of Switzerland too! I was planning on going back this year, but like others the status of the CHF has made me reconsider. It's a shame, because I've enjoyed my previous visits.

                          Thanks for the TR!

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                          • #14
                            thoroughly enjoyed the trip report!!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I can't decide what I like more, the spectacular EY F product, or the pictures of the Matterhorn. Great report, SQueeze!

                              I wonder how much actual cooking the onboard EY chef gets to do, given that most of the food is pre-cooked. Surprised that the steak was on the firmer side. On SQ they now seem to have mastered the art of serving fairly tender and juicy steaks in J.

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