Etihad Business Class Review + Our Big Seat Mistake on the 787-9

When a cyclone in Sri Lanka forced us to divert our entire trip at the last minute, we didn’t expect to find ourselves in an Etihad Business Class cabin to Abu Dhabi. We were fortunate to trade our cancelled itinerary for a 40,000-mile American Airlines redemption each from Bangkok back to Doha through Abu Dhabi.

How did it go? While the ground experience in Abu Dhabi is world-class, the older 787-9 “Business Studio” seats come with some quirks that we wish we knew in advance. Here’s what we loved about the experience and what we would do differently next time – especially when it comes to seat selection.

The Booking: A Luxe-for-Less Score

We had a wonderful experience overall despite the last-minute stress of skipping Sri Lanka and finding an alternative route back to Doha from Southeast Asia for our connection home to the US. Our hearts go out to the people of Sri Lanka, and we hope to visit your beautiful country some day in the near future.

After the cyclone changed our plans, we searched tons of options and found this flight just days before departure. Since we had to stop in Abu Dhabi, UAE – a new city and country for us – we decided to make the most of it by booking the longest layover possible.

• Cost: 40,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles per person.
• Taxes: $38 per person.
• Route: Bangkok (BKK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) on the 787-9, followed by a short hop to Doha on a smaller aircraft.

Smart Travel Tip: Etihad is famous for its Stopover Program, which offers up to two nights in a free hotel. Since our layover was over 24 hours, we would have loved to use this option, but it must be booked at least three days before the flight. Since we were pivoting last minute, we missed that window. Still, we found a smart travel option by using our Hyatt Free Night Certificate for the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, which provided us with a stunning view and a bougie experience.

Etihad Seat Review: Avoid the Exposed Middle

Since we booked last minute, the coveted “honeymoon” seats (odd-numbered middle rows) were already taken. We chose Seat: 2E and Seat: 2F, which are farther apart, but we figured (incorrectly) that we’d still be close enough together to chat.

The Layout: This aircraft uses a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. In the even rows in the middle, which we selected, the seats are positioned directly against the aisle and face away from each other.

• The Couple Experience: We were so far apart that it didn’t feel like we were traveling together. If the middle honeymoon seats are gone, my advice is to skip the middle entirely and book two window seats (one in front of the other) so you at least get a view and more privacy.
• Privacy: These even-row middle seats have no wall or console between you and the aisle. You feel every person and cart passing by, which was fine for dining but disruptive for sleep – which we desperately needed even on a day flight.

Smart Seat Selection:

• For Couples: Book the odd rows in the middle (Rows 1, 3, 5, etc.) to sit side-by-side.
• For Solos: Go for the even rows by the window. These seats are tucked away with the console protecting you from the aisle.

Ground Experience: Bangkok and Abu Dhabi

The transition from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi was seamless, thanks to the dedicated lines for premium travelers.

Bangkok (BKK): Check-in was fast with a designated fast track for Business Class. We spent our time in the Coral Lounge, which was functional and quiet, though not a destination in itself.

Abu Dhabi (AUH): The new Terminal A is spectacular. It (almost) rivals Doha in terms of luxury and efficiency.

• Private Entrance: Like Qatar’s experience in Doha, Etihad has a nearly identical dedicated check-in and security area in Abu Dhabi for Business Class that drops you right into the heart of the terminal.
• The Lounge: The new Etihad Business Lounge is massive. It features high ceilings, a great view of the apron, and endless food and beverage stations. It felt incredibly spacious even during a busy transit period.

In-Flight Dining and Service

The crew was exceptionally kind and professional, though the service felt more “standard” than our experience on Qatar Airways.

The Meal: I ordered the slow-cooked beef. Even though I’m not much of a red meat eater, it is one of my favorite things to order in the air because it stays tender. Etihad’s version did not disappoint.

• Appetizer Disappointment: In a move that felt a bit rigid, I was told I could not have two appetizers instead of a main course. Usually, the crew is more flexible on a flight of this length in a premium cabin, but it seemed they were strictly catered for one per person.
• Amenity Kit: We received a simple light-green bag with the basic essentials. It was functional, but definitely not a clutch you’d keep for later like the Qatar kits.

The Abu Dhabi Stopover: Grand Hyatt at the Corniche

We purposely booked a long layover to experience a new city and get some sleep on land. The Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi was a fantastic use of a Hyatt free night certificate.

• Location: Located on the West Corniche, the views are some of the best in the city.
• Room: It truly felt luxurious and was a perfect reset before our short morning flight to Doha and long journey home to the States.
• Service: The hotel staff went out of their way to make us feel special with our Discoverist status. It’s such a contrast to Hilton, which barely seems to acknowledge our Diamond status unless we ask about perks.

Our Honest Etihad Take

If you can choose the aircraft, try to find the newer Etihad A350-1000 for the better seat. If you find yourself on the 787-9, don’t just take any seat. If the honeymoon pairs are taken, you are better off in separate window seats to get the privacy that the middle aisle seats lack. If you’re flying solo, go for an even-numbered window seat for more privacy.

L&T Smart Travel Score: 41/50 for Etihad 787-9

Feature	L&T Smart Rating	Practical Takeaway
Booking Value	8/10	A great use of AA miles for a last-minute diversion. Direct to Doha on Qatar would’ve been preferred, but this was a great alternative.
The Seat	5/10	Old model is outdated and lacks privacy. Row 2 middle is especially exposed.
Ground Experience	10/10	Terminal A in Abu Dhabi is now a top-tier international airport.
Food Service	7/10	Beef and mezze were both good, but dining flexibility was low.
Stopover Potential	10/10	We missed the free hotel window, but our DIY stopover was still perfect.

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