Etihad or Singapore business to Germany?

[bbuchan8]

Hey guys,

Need to book a work trip from Melbourne to Munich, and tossing up between flying Etihad or Singapore. I'm a Velocity member hence why sticking with these partner airlines.

I don't usually fly business, so just looking for some advice. Price is not really a factor, only a few hundred between them.

The only caveat is that the Singapore booking has one leg of premium economy on the return journey from SIN > MEL, whereas Etihad booking is business the whole way. But from what I've heard, business on Etihad's 777's is not great and is pretty outdated. The return leg in PE on Singapore is also a day flight, so likely won't be sleeping anyway.

Etihad
MEL > AUH
787-9, business
AUH > MUC
777-300, business

MUC > AUH
777-300, business
AUH > MEL
787-9, business

Singapore
MEL > SIN
777-300, business
SIN > MUC
A350-900, business

MUC > SIN
A350-900, business
SIN > MEL
A380, premium economy


What would you choose?

 

[Blinky]

I have exactly the same choice. I’ve flown both in business class. Etihad used to have a free chauffeur service, but I haven’t checked whether this is still the case. Singapore doesn’t.

It’s a very close call. Singapore has “book the cook”, but Etihad has “anytime” food service. Entertainment systems are both good. Menus and wine lists are excellent. Service can’t be faulted, but I found that Etihad staff were a little more attentive, perhaps better staffed.

I’m opting for Etihad for two reasons. I have a greater chance of getting on a A380 on all legs. And secondly I’m going to try to get an upgrade with cash. I have done that before for very modest amounts. Singapore F in A380s is brilliant, but on 777 and similar planes, not so good. Etihad F is excellent on its entire fleet.

But either is a great experience.

 

[henleybeach]

If the last leg is in premium on Singapore and it’s business all the way with Etihad for roughly the same price I’d be going with Etihad. I’ve flown them both business class about 5 times each and they are about on par, each has their pros and cons which probably balance each other out.

 

[Denali]

Call me crazy but I say Etihad over SQ. I enjoyed the meals on demand (much more relaxed, less cattle feed) and their Abu Dhabi lounge was much nicer than the Changi J lounge (that I now avoid).

I really dislike SQ 359 seat but I also found the foot rest area on Etihad a bit hard so softened it with a folded up blanket. Had the worst leg cramp of my life on SQ recently.

 

[bbuchan8]

Thanks guys.

Does anyone have any experience with Etihad business on the 777 specifically though?

From what I've heard it is pretty substandard compared to the "Business Studios" that they have on the 787 and A380, whereas Singapore business is updated and consistent on both the 777 and A350.

Considering I would be flying two legs in the 777 if I go with Etihad, this is what is mostly making me question the decision.

 

[henleybeach]

Thanks guys.

Does anyone have any experience with Etihad business on the 777 specifically though?

From what I've heard it is pretty substandard compared to the "Business Studios" that they have on the 787 and A380, whereas Singapore business is updated and consistent on both the 777 and A350.

Considering I would be flying two legs in the 777 if I go with Etihad, this is what is mostly making me question the decision.

It’s not as nice as the studio but it’s still very good , Thai airways offer the same seat on their flagship A350 plane and Asiana on their a380 and 777. It’s very comfortable and private.

 

[bbuchan8]

It’s not as nice as the studio but it’s still very good , Thai airways offer the same seat on their flagship A350 plane and Asiana on their a380 and 777. It’s very comfortable and private.

Thanks for the info, great to know. Definitely looking pretty comfortable there!

 

[jase05]

Thanks guys.

Does anyone have any experience with Etihad business on the 777 specifically though?

From what I've heard it is pretty substandard compared to the "Business Studios" that they have on the 787 and A380, whereas Singapore business is updated and consistent on both the 777 and A350.

Considering I would be flying two legs in the 777 if I go with Etihad, this is what is mostly making me question the decision.

Have flown on their 777 AUH-FCO a couple of years ago and whilst the cabin is a little outdated it was still a comfortable flight. Not as good as their 787 or A380 studios but nonetheless still decent for what was a 6hr flight. Seat was still pretty comfortable but the entertainment was clearly showing its age and was a bit slow to respond with an inferior picture quality. Food and service was very good.
I’d certainly take that any day over 7hrs SIN-MEL in PE

 

[Blinky]

I’d certainly take that any day over 7hrs SIN-MEL in PE

Oh absolutely. I’m astounded at how many business class fares have a premium economy leg. Is this only a recent thing and found only on SQ, or does it happen often? It’s a full business class fare too, not discounted because of one lesser class sector.

 

[jase05]

Oh absolutely. I’m astounded at how many business class fares have a premium economy leg. Is this only a recent thing and found only on SQ, or does it happen often? It’s a full business class fare too, not discounted because of one lesser class sector.

Oh thank goodness, I just thought it was me losing my marbles.

 

[Forg]

Does the non-statusy passenger also miss out on J lounge access prior to that last leg in Y+?

 

[Blinky]

Does the non-statusy passenger also miss out on J lounge access prior to that last leg in Y+?

Oh jeez, I hope not, but the arcane lounge rules are a mystery to the greatest minds on earth.

 

[Forg]

Well according to normal rules you’d not have lounge access prior to a leg in Y+ on SQ ... they’d have to have special rules with these fares for it to be an exception.

 

[Blinky]

Well according to normal rules you’d not have lounge access prior to a leg in Y+ on SQ ... they’d have to have special rules with these fares for it to be an exception.

I’m not so sure. On booking sites the fares are shown as business class with an asterisk saying “one sector in premium economy”. I would scream blue murder if denied lounge access.

 

[bbuchan8]

Thanks guys, you've helped me make my decision, I'll be booking on Etihad.

 

[henleybeach]

Thanks guys, you've helped me make my decision, I'll be booking on Etihad.

A wise decision and you can’t go wrong, both great options in Business class . but in the end J beats Y+ every day of the week.

 

[goldenhorn]

Have flown on their 777 AUH-FCO a couple of years ago and whilst the cabin is a little outdated it was still a comfortable flight. Not as good as their 787 or A380 studios but nonetheless still decent for what was a 6hr flight. Seat was still pretty comfortable but the entertainment was clearly showing its age and was a bit slow to respond with an inferior picture quality. Food and service was very good.
I’d certainly take that any day over 7hrs SIN-MEL in PE

Same here. I’ve done SYD-AUH-FCO in J last 2 years and no complaints, except they stopped giving out PJs on the A380 and between 2017 and 2018 they went to a lower class Champagne.

I agree the 777 was fine for a 6-hour flight.

But would definitely choose J all the way over SQ J if one leg is in PE.

 

[bbuchan8]

So.. this ended up doing a bit of a 180.

Our company only just the other week decided to change policy and now all business flights must be through Qantas rather than Virgin.

So ended up booking Emirates and now flying business on the A380 the entire journey.

Now just to try and get a status match challenge from Qantas and I should be able to get Gold after just this single trip (which earns 560 SC's).