Has Etihad Joined the Budget Airlines? A Disappointing Trip to India
I used to look forward to Etihad. Now, I travel for the points. For years, I looked forward to my Etihad flights on my trips to India. Despite the grueling 13 to 14-hour trek from Washington DC to Abu Dhabi, the service always felt like a cut above. However, my latest trip on the Dreamliner (EY6) felt less like a premium carrier and more like a budget airline in legacy clothing.
1. Service and Dining: A Planning Deficit
The inflight experience was defined by slow service and "passable" food. The most glaring issue was poor menu planning; I was served almost the identical chicken dish for both major meals. The chicken arrived as a large, tough piece that was nearly impossible to manage on the cramped space of an economy seat tray table.
The accompanying sides—a basic salad, a "sad" hard bread roll, and a modest dessert—felt like a significant downgrade from the days when yogurt and chocolates were standard accompaniments.
2. Hardware vs. Software
On the positive side, the Dreamliner EY6 was well-maintained and the cabin temperature was comfortable—not the freezing environment often found on other carriers. While the forward seats on EY6 felt roomier, the connection from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Hyderabad (HYD) on EY358 was notably cramped.
The digital experience, however, was a relic. The Etihad website feels as if it were crafted in the 1990s—slow loading times, frequent errors with no explanation, and an online check-in process so buggy it would only allow one person in our party to complete it.
3. The "Unfriendly" Loyalty Game
Airlines seem increasingly at war with their customers. Charging for seat reservations is now standard, but Etihad’s refusal to let customers choose a seat even during the check-in window feels particularly unfriendly.
The Saving Grace
The ground experience at Dulles (IAD) remains excellent. The check-in staff was quick and professional. Furthermore, Silver Status remains a vital asset; it provides the much-needed ability to choose seats and access the lounge in Abu Dhabi—perks that used to be standard but are now locked behind status tiers.
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