Etihad Business Class: A Comprehensive Overview

Etihad Airways' Business Class sets a new standard in luxury travel, offering lie-flat seats, fine dining, and premium services that rival first class—at a fraction of the cost. Read on to explore the exclusive benefits, seat features, in-flight experiences, and why this could be your best business class choice in 2025!

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has established itself as a leading airline in global aviation. The airline’s premium travel offering, Etihad Business Class, provides passengers with an enhanced flying experience, combining comfort, convenience, and luxury.

Etihad’s new Business Studios, a redesigned lie-flat seat from the UAE’s second-largest airline. This new high-tech and luxurious cabin was introduced in April and is currently available on select Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft operate flights from Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and Boston to Abu Dhabi, which is only a 90-minute drive from Dubai.

The Business Studios cabin offers a highly refined experience. Passengers can enjoy white-tablecloth “dine anytime” service, where meals are served on real dinnerware. The high-tech seats feature wireless charging, adjustable ambient lighting, and luxury amenity kits from Giorgio Armani and ESPA. The level of comfort and service is so premium that some passengers might even mistake it for first class.

This article explores the features of Etihad Business Class, covering seating, in-flight services, dining, airport lounges, and additional benefits.

Overview of Etihad Business Class

Etihad Airways operates a modern fleet that includes the Airbus A350, A380, and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, each offering distinct features in the Etihad Business Class cabin. The airline has consistently refined its services to meet the expectations of business and premium travellers, ensuring a balance of privacy, space, and personalised services.

The Business Class cabin is designed to provide a relaxing environment for passengers, whether they are travelling for work or leisure. From priority check-in and boarding to fully flat beds, Etihad Airways ensures a seamless and comfortable journey.

Etihad ensures a smooth airport experience with priority check-in, security screening, and boarding for Business Class passengers.

• Chauffeur Service: In some cities, Etihad offers a complimentary chauffeur service for Business Class passengers, providing door-to-door convenience.
• Baggage Allowance: Business Class passengers enjoy a generous baggage allowance, with checked luggage typically allowed up to 40 kg or two pieces of 32 kg each, depending on the route.

The Etihad Airways Business Class experience in the air

Seats and cabin design

Etihad’s business class cabins are designed with elegance and comfort in mind. On the A350 aircraft, the 44 business class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. The seats are inspired by the desert landscape, featuring cream, sand, and gold hues, complemented by faux marble finishes and wood-grain accents. Each seat is equipped with a sliding door for added privacy, creating a personal pod-like space.

The seats are 20 inches wide and recline into fully-flat beds, providing a comfortable sleeping experience. Passengers also benefit from ample storage space, including compartments above the seat, under the side table, and under the armrest. In-seat amenities include a full power outlet, a USB-C port, and an 18.5-inch entertainment screen with noise-cancelling headphones. Additional touches, such as a signature lamp, wireless charging pad, and stylish tile-patterned pillows, enhance the overall experience.

On the 787 aircraft, the 28 business class seats also offer a fully-flat bed and a privacy shell, though the design is slightly more subdued compared to the A350. The seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, with some facing backwards. Passengers can enjoy a 15-inch entertainment screen, a universal power outlet, and a USB port.

Amenities and entertainment

Etihad Airways provides an extensive in-flight entertainment system, E-BOX, which includes a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games.

• Screen and Controls: Passengers have access to high-definition touchscreens, noise-cancelling headphones, and wireless connectivity to their personal devices.
• Wi-Fi and Connectivity: Etihad offers onboard Wi-Fi services, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey. While Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost, Business Class passengers often receive complimentary data packages.

Dining and beverages

Etihad Airways provides an elevated dining experience for Etihad Business Class passengers, with an à la carte menu that offers a variety of international dishes. Passengers can enjoy meals designed by award-winning chefs, served on fine tableware.

• Meal Selection: The airline offers multiple meal options, including traditional Emirati cuisine, vegetarian dishes, and a selection of international flavours. Ingredients are sourced to ensure freshness and quality.
• Dine Anytime Concept: Etihad allows Business Class passengers to dine at their convenience, rather than at set meal times. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for long-haul travellers adjusting to different time zones.
• Beverage Selection: Etihad Business Class offers a curated selection of fine wines, premium spirits, fresh juices, and soft drinks. Tea and coffee are also available, along with Arabic coffee and dates as part of the airline’s cultural hospitality.

Etihad Airways Business Class vs First Class

The main differences between business class and first class on Etihad Airways are privacy and space. While both cabins offer lie-flat seats, first class provides more comfort and exclusivity. First class seats include an ottoman, extra storage, and privacy walls that transform them into a private suite.

The quality of meals and drinks is the same in both classes, but first class offers a more customisable menu. Passengers in first class also receive more personalised service and small extra treats throughout the flight. In addition, first class travellers have access to the exclusive first class lounge and priority check-in, making the overall experience more seamless and luxurious.

However, this extra privacy and luxury come at a high cost. A first class ticket typically costs around $8,000 for a round trip, while business class fares are usually around $5,000. However, it is possible to find discounted business class tickets for under $2,500 through certain flight deals.

Loyalty and additional benefits

Passengers flying Etihad Business Class can earn miles through the Etihad Guest loyalty programme. Miles can be redeemed for upgrades, additional baggage, or future flights.

• Upgrade Options: Passengers can bid for an upgrade to First Class or use miles to secure an upgrade before departure.
• Business Class Special Offers: Etihad occasionally provides promotional fares for Business Class travel, making it more accessible to frequent flyers and leisure travellers.

Conclusion

Etihad Airways business class offers a refined and luxurious travel experience, combining comfort, privacy, and personalised service. From the exclusive lounge access and chauffeur service to the fully-flat beds and gourmet dining, every aspect of the journey is designed to exceed expectations. Whether you’re flying to the United States or exploring other global destinations, Etihad’s business class ensures a memorable and enjoyable journey. For those seeking a premium travel experience without the first class price tag, Etihad Airways business class is an excellent choice.