Worth the Money? London to Abu Dhabi in Business Class with the Etihad A380

[@dark_pilgrim]

Love your videos, Mark! You are so modest and sincere unlike some of your fellow KZbin travel colleagues 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks very much mate. Really appreciate the kind words. 😊👍

[@stovesellers]

Flying Etihad's BC to Singapore from Paris in Feb. Hoping that the experience is as good as yours as all legs are on the newly resumed A380.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Another enjoyable video, Mark. I have yet to fly Etihad but this airline is regularly praised for its standards. The former CEO, now with newcomer Riyadh Air, wanted to downsize Etihad and never wanted to reactivate its A380s. When he quit, the new boss changed things, reactivating a few A380s and then going for expansion. Yes the biz class fare to Delhi was a very good deal.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Alex. Yes all-in-all a decent experience though their 777 biz product (well the one I flew in anyway) looked a little outdated. I was pretty-pleased with the price too. 👍

[@paulfallowfield1615]

Hi Mark, enjoying following your adventures. Your easy going conversational manner makes these videos a joy to watch.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That's great to hear Paul and thanks for your support mate. Appreciated.

[@peteredwards338]

Shepherds pie - lamb.Cottage pie - beef 😊

[@michaelwant8501]

Except in America, apparently, shepherd's pie is beef! Maybe it's made from shepherds?!

[@peteredwards338]

@@michaelwant8501 Contrary ?

[@PeterPete37]

Minced lamb is not commonly available in the US, so beef shepherds pie is all you get

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Very nice! That was a bargain! Didn’t realise there were purple palaces/premier inns outside the UK. Happy you didn’t include video of the neverending walkway to T4 btw 😂 That’s some workout with luggage!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Not a bad price was it 👍 there’s a few Etihad deals kicking about atm, many ex-EU tbh but worth a look. I know there’s a Premier Inn near DXB and at least one in Doha too.

[@TravelSoGood]

Good review. Looks like a good product. A little tip for filming when the cabin is dark - turn on the TV and find a screen with a lot of white. It's like one massive light source!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers guys and thanks for watching. I’ll try and remember that tip! 👍😊

[@gdwnet]

I took Etihad to Australia some years back, great staff even on the planes. No A380 though as it was still too new then but a lovely flight on a 777 from heathrow to Abu Dhabi then off to sydney on an A340.

[@johnpyke3210]

Australia to UK, cabin crew in Business Class were a delight.

[@robblake8999]

Another wonderful review as always! Thank you Mark for your down-to-earth style reviews. As a fellow midlander, I can really relate to your style and expectations. Hope you keep enjoying what you do - follow your heart!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Rob, lovely comment, thank you 😊

[@TravelSignal]

Nice video mate. Premier Inn to Premier Inn 😂 AUH certainly looks much improved since my only visit in 2010. Business looks nice, certainly a step up from the back that I'm used to! Cheers!

[@geoffreylindsay3447]

Very good video on the plane

[@crawford1083]

Its never too early for champagne...

[@Vanmanyo]

Always wanted to try out the A380! Great review Mark; definitely still one of the best out there!

[@crawford1083]

Great vid Mark. And well done for pronouncing Abu Dhabi properly. Personally I hate ABU DABBY instead of ABU DARBY. Being a bit OCD,

[@Diana-andre2018]

Really enjoyed the video this evening Mark, and in my opinion, the price was excellent for what you got. I’ve only flown business class a couple of times, but only in Europe on short haul trips, so no comparison really. You looked like you enjoyed it which is the main thing. Enjoy the rest of your onward journey 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Diana. It worked out at less than £400 per sector which, when I think about it like that, is excellent value yes 😊

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video as always!! Great review too!! Hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend!! Take care

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Peter! Yep I’m good, hope you are too.

[@lincolncityful1]

Great watch thanks Mark and a nice treat.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate and thanks for the comment 😊👍

[@kevinpennick3604]

Noticed chivas regal was on offer. Can highly recommend...

[@debosewter8442]

Lovely video. Evidently 'pot plant' means something different in the UK than in does here in the states...😅

[@hellfiregrowler]

😂😂 "Pot Plant" in the UK just means a plant in a pot not a dope plant

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, yeh I guess it does! 😂

[@enricomonti156]

This is a proper business class product Mark. And it proves that at times it is more worth booking business class for a longer haul rather than a short haul, especially for food. And overall its a good price per mile if comparing the total mileage Anyway, speaking on flying, my best wishes of good luck and sympathy to those who have flown today under this IT outage madness

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, I looked at it as

[@captainkaos7696]

The rif raff lol, great video Mark as always

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Just a bit of fun, thanks mate 😊👍

[@tomrayner7884]

Flew back from Singapore to LHR with Etihad in biz earlier this year. Both my girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully will experience it again in the future. Great video as always 👍🏼

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Tom, I did it direct in biz with BA last year (which was nice) but transiting through AUH is no big deal and the lounge and airport experience is pretty decent overall.

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Mark

[@FLYEAL]

Great video as always. Typically things I’ve never experienced. In this case, I’ve flown Etihad A-380s several times in business between 2013- early 2017 (and this particular aircraft I think in 2016). It all seems largely the same. I don’t think you could order drinks on the screen then, but I could be wrong. The bar/lounge in their configuration is a bit weird and slightly uncomfortable. In the period I flew, they provided a complimentary private car to the Jumeriah. Apparently now it’s a shuttle only. I have also flown Qatar, Emirates and Oman in business from the region. All in a period ending in 2017. Although only once thru LHR. Mostly longer flights Abu Dhabi to SYD. Including the inaugural. My experience was somewhat similar in terms of service: Professional, but a bit cold in the air relative to the lounges on all 3 airlines. A bit. I don’t recall Qatar being better or worse frankly. ME airlines when I flew tended to be this way culturally or from training. Never an issue. Possibly more ‘arms length’, a few less smiles maybe. But, consistently professional as opposed to Delta, AF etc…who can be great and friendly and warm or the opposite. If you want the absolute best service consistently it is ANA or Singapore Airlines.

[@baseballfan99]

The price was excellent compared with the cost of transatlantic flights which have gone up a lot over the last few years and the fact you cannot fly there with the Middle Eastern airlines who as you mentioned tend to be the best. I guess the price maybe a lot higher on a direct flight where you have the benefit of sleeping longer but unless you are travelling to work upon arrival it’s probably not worth the premium. I would certainly be tempted to book at that price if I was on that route.

[@guth21776]

Doesn't seem that expensive these days for all that comfort. For added excitement put a joint in your hand luggage as you enter the security in Abu Dhabi.

[@AlsTrainspottingHD]

Thank you again Mark for another flight review Etihad have only had their A380s since 2023 I have always wanted to travel on a plane like the A380 it looks massive from inside.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It is, that whole upper cabin is a massive biz area, plus first and ofc the residence suite at the front.

[@joshuajeffrey1843]

Keep up the good work mate

[@liverpoolk648]

Hi Mark...Liverpool Kev here again...Loved your video...Been a long time for me since any long haul travel so much enjoyed....That's a given...I even enjoy your horrid coach out of Birmingham videos haha....However....I pointed out to my girlfriend that her new dress was a match for the Etihad seat cushion...I am now in the 'Doghouse'...Your fault haha...Take care Mark...you know I love your 'easy going' Presentation style...Take care as ever....Liverpool Kev

[@keving331]

Interesting your passing comment about the Etihad lounge in Abu Dhabi. The new lounge seems to offer very little during off-peak times, but more food offerings emerge at busy late-evening / night times. If you flew back to LHR on the same Etihad A380 that I did a few weeks ago, then that was departure around mid-day and the First and Biz lounges were both very quiet.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was midday Kevin and yes, quiet again. I had an overnight layover there but found the lounge not great and the relaxation rooms too much of a queue and not guaranteed with the first come first served rule. Booked myself into the airport hotel pretty-much opposite instead and that was quite good tbf.

[@robertalan3214]

Hi Mark, great review thanks, surprised to see you heading back to India bud after the last time 🤣, I have been on Emirates A380's a few times Dubai and Singapore, beautiful aircrafts, looking forward to your next post my friend, stay safe out there 👍👏

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. I wasn’t in India long, just a couple of nights calling by on my way to/from Thailand.

[@andrewcairns7719]

I’ve flown on the A380 a couple of times now, lovely aircraft 👍🏻

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Same here. I may be doing it a 3rd time by the end of the year too. Watch this space!

[@norm4242]

Nice to see a trip going further afield 👍 the A380 took what seemed an age to take off, but understandable given the size 😅

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I’ve had that before with the Qatar one. It does take a long while to get off the ground!

[@philpedlow]

I watched that on the eve of my Ryanair flight from Knock to East Midlands 😆 which is a bit like Premier League meets Vauxhall Conference 😁 but never mind all that, loved the whole thing Mark, well done again. I've only ever been in club class with BA and that was many moons ago but that looks a whole lot better these days. 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Phil, hope you had a good flight from EMA mate!

[@calebmumby5803]

a great flight mark not seen you on the kings of the skies but yea nice one oh hope this flight was made before the ite breakdown occurred it's everywhere!!!!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was back in May Caleb. I’ve done the Qatar one too (vid about a year ago). Cheers mate 😊👍

[@johnmullin1188]

😮 wow what a lovely trip mark you are very lucky my friend to do what you do ✅ absolutely wonderful 📹 look after Jo she is a wonderful lady God bless you both stay safe my friend's John 😊😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John! Well I have a ‘normal’ job too atm so it’s a bit difficult trying to fit it all in tbh. 😊

[@ukdavepianoman]

Very nice review and glad you enjoyed it. I've flown Etihad Business many times...it's a great product, seats are comfortable, stylish decor, food often excellent. Many years ago the FAs were superb...sadly, more recently, while polite they are much less engaging. The bar area is a bit of a damp squib (Emirates is much more inviting and social). I have a lot of fond memories of the T4 lounge. It's never too early to drink some champagne when travelling! £1500 return trip to Delhi is really a very good price...a bargain really.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Dave. I haven’t tried Emirates yet so maybe they’re better than Qatar and Etihad? They’re certainly more expensive! The only gripe for me was the age of the biz class on their 777 DEL - AUH leg. Really outdated but I can’t really complain too much for the price can I!

[@ukdavepianoman]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Difficult to say...I'd say Emirates A380 is the best experience, especially the bar area. The Emirates 777s (I think) have a 2-2-2 config which is not good. Also Emirates still do chauffeur service. Yes, Emirates seem to be much more pricey than Etihad and Qatar.

[@ziepie-m4x]

Great news Etihad is going get the rest of there A380’s back!🎉🎉

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ll be interested to see which routes 👍

[@chombersSOpA]

Looked like a very pleasant first leg...

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes both the LHR - AUH and AUH -LHR legs were the best imo.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Mark lovely video 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers James for the comment 😊👍

[@kevinmcanulty2593]

Shropshire boy done good!!! Great video. Get back to Transport For Wales that will bring you down with a bump!!!!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve paid my dues on TfW Kevin 😂 (don’t have much choice living here do we)!

[@falafel4618]

Nice video as ever Mark. No doubt that Ethiad are a very good airline but, slightly controversial, their allegedly somewhat dodgy relationship with Man City sticks in my craw! Looking forward to your exploits in India. Have fun!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes that’s the only thing that put me off, having to look at pictures of Manchester City everywhere! I flew in to Bangkok after Delhi so I may put a video or two up on my experiences over there. Watch this space!

[@Timstravels01]

It looked fab but that's curious about the onboard crew.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Tim, they were fine overall I guess. Just not as friendly as the ground staff (in my experience overall).

[@Michael-wr1yy]

That is a remarkable price, we'll done

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes the more I think about it -

[@cabovermike]

Abu Dhabi doo, another top of the line flight,. enjoy, I to like the flight map, I find all the other channels/films/ music a bit overwhelming to be honest, the posh nosh in the lounge and in flight also not really my cup of tea,. I’m more of a meal deal in the boots shop in T2 (Boots only had an outlet by the departure gate last time I flew in late 2022) previously there was one in the departures main area before, but alas it seems they have closed this one,. Unless things have changed,.?,. Being a once a year flyer cattle class is good for me, one way ticket to thailand next around the £500 mark, or £800 round trip,. How did you travel down to Lhr ? bus/train? Look forward to the return video, cheers,.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Mike, I’m just not great in long-haul economy these days tbh though I do have a BA trip booked to Toronto soon so I’ll have to prepare myself for that! Enjoy Bangkok, I did. Back now and yep just train for me to and from LHR.

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

A decent business class flight, the only minus was having to watch Manchester United on the TV.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I totally agree. Mind you they did lose so every cloud! 😂

[@johncrwarner]

LOL - the advert for me at the end was one for Qatar LOL

[@TherymasterWidnes]

Etihad staff where fine with me.

[@seancoleman8528]

Nice experience, one I can't imagine being able to afford but looks forward to seeing you in india

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Sean. I’m back now mate tbh, this was filmed a few weeks ago. I was in Bangkok for a while and I think I’ve just about recovered!!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Sean. I’m back now mate tbh, this was filmed a few weeks ago. I was in Bangkok for a while and I think I’ve just about recovered!!

[@duncanleith9172]

"Airport security" and "light touch" doesn't seem a very reassuring combination!

[@kevinellis8869]

Bit different to a UK coach trip, looking forward to seeing the rest of your travels while you're away.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It was a bit Kevin. This was done in May and guess what, I’m back on the coach again this weekend! Cheers mate.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Never been on them and Kuwait,Oman,Gulf,Bahrain Air and Emirates are my Arabian Peninsula airlines.Yemenia would be quite a coup!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haven’t been on any of them Kevin tbh but never say never!

[@pontecarlo4354]

Great video as usual. I must say I prefer Emirates as I like Dubai airport. I will give Etiad a try though if circumstances permit but I think the air stewardesses need to go to charm school. You got a good price and I bet you will never want to fly economy again?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I don’t want to fly economy long haul again but unfortunately I have to stick to budgets and all that so I do have at least one more booked! I’d like to try Emirates biz but they’re a bit out of my price range atm.

[@jinqster4384]

Not to shabby,National Express could learn a thing or two 😂

[@sandiandgregh]

That was certainly a treat, and a decent price as well. We had a laugh about the "too early for champagne". Don't you know time doesn't exist in airport lounges with "complimentary" services? ;)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I will remember those words now so I hope you can both take full responsibility for my actions on future trips!😂

[@sandiandgregh]

Oh the responsibility. If our travel paths ever cross the first round (complimentary or not) is on us.

[@Paulmcknockiter81]

Love how you say Abu derby or Darby lol

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I had to look it up on Google/KZbin to pre-empt the pedants 😂

[@silvanski]

A bit different than an overnight bus from Glasgow to London

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Certainly was!

[@andymckay446]

Is there not a direct flight to Delhi, it can't be much more further ?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes Andy, plenty of direct flights with BA etc but this one was a really good price in comparison.

[@strongbow310]

What do you mean by riff raff?

[@strongbow310]

Do you mean people that cant afford business class?

[@davidrumbelow]

I am a retired tour guide and travel agent so I don't benefit from this. Have you tried Turkish airlines business. They give you a free tour of Istanbul if your layover is 6 hours from time to time. Also look out for their free two night stay overs in Istanbul on a stop over. We stayed in a 5 star central city hotel as we were traveling from Capetown Dublin. If you fly coach they put you up in a 3 star hotel. Oh try not to travel during Ramadan. These free hotel stays are not always available. You have to watch out for these specials usually during low traveling times.

[@shanewaterman4125]

Trainers...?? In ... BUSINESS CLASS..? Tut tut Mark!!! 😂 Impressive lounge at Heathrow. When I had my airport transfers business, a lot of clients who flew to or via the middle east swore by Etihad. Pity about the 'demeanour' of the cabin crew - they'd probably been stitched up on a layover allowance at Heathrow!!! 😂😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Trainers!? Jack Wolfskin those I’ll have you know - very expensive (got them in a sale)😂. Seriously they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I’m no expert on these middle-east carriers but I slightly preferred Qatar in biz. But I’ve yet to experience Emirates. I’d like to but looking at them for biz prices, it’ll be a while yet!

[@shanewaterman4125]

@@LetsMakeaTrip ooooh get you and your Jack Wolfskins! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 An airport customer some time back used to have to fly one leg of a monthly business 'tour' around Africa and Asia between Abuja and Qatar, on Qatar... in first class. It was an absolute bargain and he described it as one of air travel's best kept secrets. The personal cabin was amazing! The middle east airlines have quite a few 'hidden' experiences like that. As always though, something if you've got the time and money.....or someone else's paying!

[@stevemcgowen]

Not part of the world I would ever have any interest in visiting, so it’s tough to say if it was a good deal, as it could be free and not a flight I would take.

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

Travel broadens and opens the mind.

[@stevemcgowen]

@@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe Did I say I don't travel?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Fair comment. On this occasion I was travelling on to Thailand and I would really recommend Bangkok if you’ve never been. Delhi (well India as a whole) tends to be a cheaper way of getting towards the south east Asia destinations atm and for me, I can stomach a 4-5 hour flight onwards in economy no problem 👍

[@sharjeelkhan7437]

Not a fan of etihad . They have always failed to impress me.

[@simonboulton4490]

Will never travel with Etihad Airways as they are a crap and like a charter flight and the meals are revolting service is poor and ended up on Qantas for the return as I made a huge complaint after the flight.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Was this in biz Simon?

[@AnnSmith-u9c]

Ha Qantas, sounds like a downgrade! You had to fly them as punishment because you complained hahaha

[@rosslewis4893]

Don’t like your comment about the riff raff can’t all afford to fly business

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s tongue in cheek Ross tbh I didn’t think anyone would take it seriously!

[@martinanderson7869]

He might mean persons quaffing 17 pints of lager at 5am in the morning then crawling on to a flight to Spain singing loudly etc etc etc....