Etihad Airways to launch Melbourne?

[aspro2]

The uninformed comments on this thread should not go unanswered.

Most comments are just plain silly.

It is widely acknowledged that many Middle Eastern Airlines
(Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways) are streets ahead in service (and price) of anything we have here in Australia. Qantas does not come close to EK.

To echo a few other people who've responded to your own unreasonable comments above... QR has a pretty good reputation in the air, but *not* on the ground, especially when something goes wrong, but also in the general competence of its customer service across its network. Firsthand experience of some of that, plus many many reports elsewhere. I'd fly them again, but I know what to expect. Others on this forum have experience of EK and EY.

 

[PaulZ]

That's very generous of you, TG! From what I've heard, they are at least 3rd rate.

I don't understand why everyone is so critical of Etihad...

I flew them in Feb 08 and they were absolutely fantastic.

Everything went perfectly and they easily changed my return flights even when they were paper tickets, all without a hassle or fee.

Mind you, I was travelling in First Class - but the service on the ground and in the air was fantastic.

Can anyone explain why when I pay $14,000 for a First Class Airfare on Qantas they cannot offer me a Limo transfer? Etihad gives you one whenever you get off their plane.

It cost me $8328.00 from Sydney - Abu Dhabi (First)... Abu Dhabi - Milan (Business)... London - Sydney (First)...

I couldn't even get to Dubai in Business class with Cathay pacific for that price, let alone all the way to Europe.

The seats on the plane were comfortable, the food was fantastic...

For those that do suffer poor customer service at times, perhaps that is because they have grown too quickly... However I never had any problems with them.

I would definitely fly them again.

I was just looking yesterday... I can get to NYC with Etihad for 11000 in First Class... Compared to the $24,000 available at the moment from Qantas. Certainly it is a longer flight... maybe an extra 8 hours... but so what.. it is less than half price..

And the frequent flyer program they have isn't too bad either for redemptions and status...


For those that have actually flown them... what are some of the specifics that have made you so negative on them.

 

[brissyflyer]

I haven't flown Etihad yet however from looking at their website their economy class looks quite nice and even has in seat power. From looking at the reviews on Skytrax they seem to be a mixed bag service wise in that they can be very good or very bad which I guess might be related to fast growth.

The other comment that seems to be common is that AUH is a coughpy airport to transit through but I believe they are building a new terminal which would hopefully help in that regard.

 

[PaulZ]

I haven't flown Etihad yet however from looking at their website their economy class looks quite nice and even has in seat power. From looking at the reviews on Skytrax they seem to be a mixed bag service wise in that they can be very good or very bad which I guess might be related to fast growth.

The other comment that seems to be common is that AUH is a coughpy airport to transit through but I believe they are building a new terminal which would hopefully help in that regard.

I have to agree with the state of the AUH airport... Once again I don't think it was built with the massive growth Etihad has experienced in mind.

Furthermore Abu Dhabi is certainly 'older, less modern buildings' than Dubai... but they are changing and developing.. They were a little behind the race... but they certainly have much more oil dollars than Dubai and they are starting to spend up...

Give them time.

 

[soorox]

Etihad Airways launches MEL flights today! (EY460 expected, departed yesterday fr abu dhabi) First flight out f MEL today!

EY 460 lands at 7:15pm AEST
EY 461 take-off at 23:30 AEST

Both flights FULLY BOOKED!!!

What i want to know is why BNE only 3 weekly, via SIN & MEL starts off with daily non-stop? Is it to compete with EK's 3 daily? & QR daily when they start in October?