Flying business class is about more than just a seat-it’s an entire experience. For Canadians considering Etihad Airways, the business class offering blends comfort, privacy, and service tailored for long-haul flights like Toronto to Abu Dhabi. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll find onboard and on the ground.
What Does Etihad Business Class Offer?
Etihad Business Class delivers fully-flat beds, direct aisle access, and premium amenities designed for comfort on long flights. The airline operates modern aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, each featuring slightly different cabin layouts and services
Seating and Cabin Experience
The A350 business class cabin features 44 seats in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring everyone has aisle access. The seats are 20 inches wide, upholstered in plush leather, and recline into fully-flat beds. Privacy is enhanced by tall sliding doors, creating a personal pod feel. The cabin’s color scheme reflects desert tones with cream, sand, and gold hues, accented by faux marble and wood grain finishes
On the Boeing 787, 28 business class seats come with privacy shells and also convert into fully-flat beds. The layout remains 1-2-1, but some seats face backward. The neutral color palette is simpler, without the marble accents found on the A350. Storage is ample, with compartments beside the seat and overhead bins. Both aircraft offer USB-C ports, universal power outlets, and Bluetooth-enabled entertainment systems
Suggested multimedia: Include a cabin layout infographic comparing the A350 and 787 business class seat configurations. A photo gallery showing the seat, privacy doors, and legroom would help readers visualize the space.
In-Flight Amenities and Comfort
Etihad provides luxury amenity kits designed by Giorgio Armani or Acqua di Parma, including skincare products, eye masks, socks, and earplugs, all presented in elegant leather bags. Noise-canceling headphones and plush bedding complete the comfort package. While pajamas and slippers are not standard, soft loungewear and slippers are available on ultra-long-haul flights
The entertainment system offers over 100 movies, TV shows, and music options on 18.5-inch screens on the A350 and 15-inch screens on the 787. Complimentary WiFi with a 350MB data allowance is available, letting you stay connected or unwind with streaming content
Dining: More Than Just a Meal
Business class passengers start their flight with a welcome drink, Arabic coffee, dates, and warm towels. Meals are served on real porcelain dishware with glassware and cutlery, enhancing the dining experience. On long-haul flights, there are two three-course meals featuring Arabic mezze, salads, main courses, and desserts. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the flight
The wine list is thoughtfully curated, including French and Italian wines, champagne with refills, and a range of spirits like Hendricks Gin and Glenlivet single malt. Aperitifs, cocktails, mocktails, and beers are also offered, catering to diverse tastes
Ground Services and Lounges
From the moment you book, Etihad Business Class offers perks that ease your journey. Priority check-in, fast-track security, and boarding lines reduce wait times. In Abu Dhabi, business class passengers enjoy access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge, featuring dining options, a Champagne bar, a cigar lounge, and complimentary 15-minute spa treatments at Six Senses Spa
In select cities, including Toronto, Etihad offers a complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport, adding convenience and a touch of luxury
Ticket Pricing and Booking Tips for Canadians
Business class fares on Etihad typically hover around CAD 5,000 for routes like Toronto to Abu Dhabi, but deals can bring prices below CAD 2,500. Upgrades are possible via bidding with miles or money, though complimentary upgrades are rare
Joining membership programs like Going Elite or Etihad Guest can unlock alerts for discounted premium fares and provide additional benefits. Booking early and monitoring fare sales can also help secure better prices.
How Etihad Business Class Compares with Competitors
| Feature | Etihad Airways | Emirates | Qatar Airways | Air Canada Signature Class | Lufthansa Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Type | Fully-flat beds, privacy doors | Fully-flat beds, direct aisle | Fully-flat beds, Qsuite option | Fully-flat beds, aisle access | Fully-flat beds, aisle access |
| Amenity Kits | Giorgio Armani, Acqua di Parma | Bulgari | Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio | Custom Canadian kits | Lufthansa-branded kits |
| Dining | Dine anytime, Arabic mezze | Multi-course, extensive menu | Multi-course, dine on demand | Multi-course, Canadian cuisine | Multi-course, German cuisine |
| Lounge Access | Business lounges, spa | Premium lounges, spa | Premium lounges, spa | Maple Leaf Lounges | Business lounges, spa |
| Chauffeur Service | Select cities, including Toronto | Select cities | Select cities | No | Select cities |
| WiFi | Complimentary, 350MB | Paid | Complimentary | Paid | Paid |
| Price Range (Toronto) | CAD 2,500–5,000 | CAD 3,000–6,000 | CAD 3,000–6,000 | CAD 2,500–4,500 | CAD 3,000–5,500 |
This table helps Canadian travelers weigh options based on price, comfort, and services.
Why Choose Etihad Business Class from Canada?
Etihad offers a blend of Middle Eastern hospitality and modern comfort. The privacy of the Business Studios on the A350 and the intimate feel of the 787 Dreamliner seats make it a solid choice for long-haul flights. The dining experience, with its focus on fresh, customizable meals and authentic Arabic touches, stands out.
For Canadians flying to Abu Dhabi or connecting onward to Asia, Africa, or Australia, the airline’s extensive network and competitive pricing make it appealing. The added benefits of chauffeur service and spa access at Abu Dhabi airport add value beyond the flight itself.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a business class trip between Canada and the Middle East or beyond, Etihad Airways offers a well-rounded experience. Comfortable seats, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities create a relaxing flight. The airline’s focus on privacy and personalized dining helps you arrive refreshed and ready.