Wide Open Etihad First Apartment Benefit Space from New York Using Credit Card Points
Etihad Airways plans to return its Airbus A380 aircraft to its New York JFK-Abu Dhabi route from April 22nd. The company also serves London Heathrow Airport to Abu Dhabi. One of the most spectacular first class in the sky. In my opinion, hard products Third best after the new Emirates First Class and Singapore Suites.
They call it the First Apartment. It’s a tremendous size and is actually a room, with separate seating and bed. The cabin has a shower.
- The award space on these Airbus A380 flights is wide open for two passengers on many flights
- However, it is currently only available to members using Etihad Guest points, not partner miles (such as American AAdvantage or Air Canada Aeroplan).
- However, Etihad Airways miles are very accessible. Points from American Express, Citibank and Capital One will be transferred to Etihad Airways.
The problem is that Etihad Airways charges high prices for Saver benefits. Prices per passenger are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi – London 140,006 miles + $342
- New York JFK – Abu Dhabi is 220,009 miles + $543
Note that both the New York and London routes use both Airbus A380s and Boeing 787s, and first class on the 787 is very different from that offered on the A380.
If I were looking at three seats from New York JFK to Abu Dhabi, I would be tempted, even at a total of 660,000 miles each way. Using his AAdvantage miles in the US, we flew from London to Abu Dhabi and from Abu Dhabi to London with First Apartments and it was much cheaper and a great experience. I also got to experience Etihad Airways’ new first class lounge in Abu Dhabi. I’ve flown this product over a dozen times and loved it every time.
(HT: one mile at a time)