My travel plans were thrown into chaos when my flight was canceled, and the airline couldn’t provide a replacement flight. I was forced to book a flight with another airline, adding to my expenses and frustrations. To add insult to injury, I’m now facing difficulties requesting a refund. It’s a nightmare scenario, and I wouldn’t recommend this airline to anyone.
This section describes the initial frustration of the traveler due to a canceled flight and the difficulties encountered when trying to get a refund.
Standard Fare: A Typical Asian Airline Experience
The flight itself was pretty standard. I’ve flown between Asia and the US numerous times, so I’m used to the usual. Like most Asian airlines, the food wasn’t anything special, though honestly, airline food rarely is. The seats were a little cramped, as expected in economy class. The real problem came after landing: I couldn’t find my luggage! The baggage claim instructions were confusing, forcing me to wander around the airport. More clear communication would have made a big difference.
This section describes a typical Asian airline experience with average food, cramped seats, and confusion with baggage claim instructions. The focus is on the aspects of the flight that could be improved.
Room for Improvement: Check-in and Seating
The check-in process was frustrating. We waited in line for an hour, only to have the check-in agent disappear with our passports for another hour. It was a stressful situation, as we feared missing our flight. To make matters worse, my younger daughter was placed at the back of the plane, while I was in the middle. It was disappointing to be separated from my child during the flight. Clearly, the airline needs to improve its check-in process and seating arrangements, especially for families with children.
This section expresses the traveler’s concern about the check-in process, the long wait time, and the separation of the family during the flight. The focus is on the need for improvements in these aspects.
A Pleasant Surprise: Stellar Service and a Relaxing Lounge
The flight between Doha and Kolkata was a pleasant surprise. The flight attendants were incredibly attentive, responsive, and enthusiastic. They went above and beyond to assist passengers, making the journey more enjoyable. The Silver Lounge in Doha was a welcome addition to the experience. It was a comfortable and relaxing space with great amenities and helpful staff. The flight and lounge experience in Doha exceeded expectations, creating a smooth and satisfying travel experience.
This section expresses the traveler’s positive experience with the flight between Doha and Kolkata, highlighting the exceptional service from the flight attendants and the comfortable environment of the Silver Lounge in Doha.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Delays, Discomfort, and Unclear Communication
The boarding process was chaotic. We had to climb onto the plane instead of using the jetway. To top it off, we faced a 5.5-hour delay due to a crew change, which involved an unexpected stop in London. The connecting flight didn’t wait, leaving us stranded and forced to spend the night in a hotel. Adding to the frustration, my seat wouldn’t recline fully, making for an uncomfortable journey. It was a series of unfortunate events that turned a relatively short trip into a stressful ordeal.
This section describes the disastrous boarding process, the delays, the missed connecting flight, and the lack of comfort during the journey. It focuses on the negative aspects of the trip and the inconveniences faced by the traveler.
A Tale of Two Flights: Unfulfilled Promises and Mediocre Experiences
I booked an expensive flight with Etihad because I wanted a comfortable and shorter layover. However, just days before the trip, Etihad changed the departure time of my first flight, increasing my layover to nine hours without any compensation or apologies. The flight itself was mediocre. The pilots, on both flights, seemed determined to provide the most unpleasant landing experiences possible. The first flight aborted the landing right before touchdown due to “wind conditions” but the second time, they followed the same landing path. The lack of communication and the inconsistent approach to landing raised concerns.
This section expresses the traveler’s disappointment with Etihad’s last-minute flight changes, lack of communication, and the inconsistent approach to landing. It focuses on the negative experiences with the airline and the frustration with the lack of communication.
Missing the Mark: Inattentive Service and Expensive Wi-Fi
While the movie selection was decent, there was a lack of good TV shows. The Wi-Fi was also ridiculously expensive, especially considering the relatively short flight. The inattentive staff further detracted from the experience. They need to focus on improving the customer experience. On the positive side, the new airport and lounge are fantastic upgrades.
This section expresses the traveler’s mixed feelings about Etihad, highlighting the positive aspects of the new airport and lounge while criticizing the expensive Wi-Fi, lack of good TV shows, and inattentive staff.
A Mixed Bag: Improvement, but Still Not a Top Contender
While there have been some improvements since my last experience with Etihad, the service is still far from exceptional. The airport service was fantastic, with friendly and helpful staff. However, the onboard experience lacked personalization, which is why Etihad didn’t make the top 10 Skytrax awards. The crew was inattentive and seemed almost absent from the cabin. I had to repeatedly call for their attention, even after finishing my meal.
This section expresses the traveler’s mixed feelings about Etihad’s service, acknowledging improvements in some areas but still criticizing the inattentive and impersonal onboard experience.
A Shining Star: Exceptional Service in Business Class
My wife and I were lucky enough to be upgraded to Business Class on our flight from Dublin to Abu Dhabi. The highlight of the experience was the service provided by Mariyan, a flight attendant from Tunisia. She deserves special recognition for her exceptional service. We look forward to our next flight with Etihad and are excited to have achieved Gold status as Etihad Guests.
This section expresses the traveler’s positive experience with the Business Class service, highlighting the exceptional service provided by a specific flight attendant. It also mentions the excitement of achieving Gold status as Etihad Guests.
