Etihad Airways review by Jayne 2014-08-22

Economy (MEL-AUH-AMS) (AMS-AUH-MEL) Etihad were not that bad. Flew 4 long haul flights in August, most flights were full so no chance of spare seats or extra room but all in all, all flights were comfortable and OK. All were overnight flights and I did manage to get some sleep and didn't find the seats too hard or uncomfortable (I rate them better than Virgin Australia B777 seats). 3 Flights were on a B777 (3-4-3 seating) and one on a A330 (2-4-2 seating). Seats were only a little bit narrower than I am used to, but even sitting next to my husband who is quite bulky, I felt I had sufficient room. All 4 flights were on time with the exception of our last AUH-MEL flight which was 1 hour late departing due to waiting for passengers from a connecting plane. I did not find this an issue as cabin crew commenced service whilst we were waiting. Luggage arrived in-tact and on time for all 4 flights. Embarking and debarking was trouble free and speedy. We were seated toward the back and middle of the plane on our trips. If possible and travelling in a two-some, I would recommend getting two of the centre seats as opposed to seats against the window, as that way there is no worry about having a non-travel companion needing to climb over you to use the toilet etc. Cabin Crew service was great, I was very pleased with the service and attentiveness. IFE was fine too, lots of movies, only a few popular blockbusters but there was always something to watch. Food was fine, I actually really enjoyed every meal I ate (I did do special order Vegetarian though), hubby had standard menu food and most of it looked good - I must say the standard menu was very repetitive though over 4 long haul flights (same salad on 3 flights). I would fly Etihad again, the 3-4-3 seating is not as bad as I expected - the way some people have been discussing it, I actually had plenty of leg room (I'm 5'7") and the chair width is fine. Flying Europe in August I expected the plane to be full, but I did miss being on a plane not so crowded so that you can have that little extra room sometimes.