Etihad First Class 787 Review 2026: Seats, Food & Best Seats

What Is Etihad First Class on the 787?

Etihad First Class on the 787-9 is a long-haul premium cabin featuring eight suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite includes a 20-inch seat that converts to an 82-inch fully flat bed, a 22-inch personal TV, and a mini-bar. It does not include the shower spa found on the A380, but offers a dedicated chef, on-demand dining, and access to the new Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi.

Food and Dining

Etihad First Class dining is called 'Dine on Demand' — you order from a full menu at any time. On my 787 flight from AUH to JFK, the menu included caviar with traditional garnishes, a lobster thermidor appetizer, a choice of lamb rack or Wagyu beef main, and a cheese course. Champagne is Krug Grande Cuvée on most 787 routes, served in proper crystal. The chef visits each suite post-takeoff to discuss preferences. Meal timing is flexible: you can eat in segments (salad now, main later) or a single service.

The food quality is higher than Emirates First Class on the A380 (which can feel cafeteria-style) and comparable to Qatar Qsuite Business — though Etihad's First offers more courses and finer ingredients. The cheese cart before descent is a highlight: 5-6 French cheeses with port or Sauternes. One critique: the service can be slow on late-night departures when cabin crew prefers to expedite service rather than let passengers sleep.

Lounge Access

Etihad First Class passengers are invited to the Etihad First Class Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport (Terminal 3). It features a 6,000 sq ft space with a la carte dining (order anything from the menu), a champagne bar with Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, private sleeping rooms with beds (available on request), and a spa offering 15-minute complimentary treatments.

The lounge is large but can get crowded during the 11pm-2am bank of departures. The newer lounge upgrade (opened late 2024) includes a cigar lounge and a dedicated quiet zone. The first-class lounge is superior to the business class lounge next door, but not as exclusive as the A380's First Class lounge & spa — that one has shower suites.

The 787-9 First Class cabin has eight suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, numbered rows 1-2 (even on some aircraft). Window seats are the best for solo travelers: rows 1A, 1K, 2A, and 2K. They offer the most privacy, with the seat positioned against the window and a large surface for dining or working. The center pairs (1E-1F, 2E-2F) are designed for couples — a divider can be lowered to create a shared space, though the lack of a full ottoman means you can't dine face-to-face unlike Qsuite.

Seats to avoid: Row 2 window seats can experience galley and lavatory noise, especially on the right side (2K). Row 1 center seats (1E, 1F) are near the forward door and can be drafty when the door is opened.

Is It Worth It?

✅ YES if:

• You value exceptional food and champagne over a shower suite or larger suite space.
• You are traveling solo and appreciate the window seat's privacy and direct aisle access.
• You can book via Flying Blue Promo Rewards at 60,000-70,000 points one-way (often cheaper than Emirates).

❌ NO if:

• You are a couple who wants to dine face-to-face (Qsuite is better).
• You expect the A380's in-suite shower or the separate bed and armchair layout.
• You need consistent Wi-Fi speed — Etihad's satellite connection can drop over remote routes.

Best Award Programs for Etihad First 787

Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) is the cheapest and most flexible option for booking Etihad First Class. Etihad is a Flying Blue partner, and one-way awards between Abu Dhabi and North America (AUH-JFK, AUH-IAD, AUH-ORD) cost 67,500 miles in First Class during Promo Rewards (monthly sales) or 80,000 miles off-peak. Standard rates are 100,000-120,000 miles. Flying Blue miles transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1) and American Express Membership Rewards (1:1) instantly.

American Express Membership Rewards also transfer to Etihad Guest at 1:1, and Etihad often runs transfer bonuses (20-30%). Standard Etihad Guest awards on its own metal: AUH to JFK in First costs 62,500 miles one-way off-peak (lower than Flying Blue's standard rate). Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Flying Blue, not directly to Etihad, but combined with a transfer to Virgin Atlantic (another partner) can also book Etihad First — though Virgin's surcharges can be high ($500+ one-way).

Expert Tips

• Always search seat availability on Etihad's website using 'Guest' booking before transferring points — Etihad releases relatively few First Class saver awards.
• Book 330-360 days in advance for peak summer travel; last-minute availability is rare except via Flying Blue dynamic pricing.
• Check Flying Blue 'Promo Rewards' every first Tuesday of the month for 30-50% off standard award rates.
• If booking with Virgin Atlantic, expect $500+ in surcharges per one-way — only worth it if you have excess Virgin points.
• For East Coast flights (JFK, IAD), row 2 window seats (2A, 2K) get meals fastest — the cabin's galley is at the front.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't book via American AAdvantage at 80,000 miles if you have Flying Blue or Etihad Guest miles available — you're paying a 20-30% premium.
• Never assume all 787 flights have the same First Class cabin — some older 787s (pre-refurbishment) have a 1-2-1 layout with smaller screens and older seat controls. Check SeatGuru for the specific aircraft registration.
• Avoid booking the 787 First Class for a daytime flight from AUH to Asian destinations (e.g., AUH-SIN) — the suite's lack of a window-facing seat means you can't work or eat while seated upright easily (seat is angled).

Pros and Cons

👍 Pros

• Krug Champagne and multi-course fine dining with real porcelain and crystal.
• Private suite with sliding door and personal mini-bar.
• Excellent Etihad First Lounge at AUH with sleeping rooms and a la carte dining.
• Flying Blue Promo Rewards make it affordable at 67,500 miles.

👎 Cons

• No shower suite (unlike the A380 First Apartment).
• Seat width (20 inches) is narrower than Emirates First (22.5 inches).
• Cabin can feel small — only 8 suites mean you're close to the galley and lavatory areas.
• Limited award availability in First Class, especially on peak dates.

Final Verdict

Etihad 787 First Class is an excellent premium product that excels in dining and personal service, but it is not the best first class in the sky — the A380 Apartment, Singapore Suites, and Qsuite all offer more space and features. For the right price (below 70,000 miles via Flying Blue), it offers strong value. Travelers who prioritize food and a private suite over a shower and lounge access should book with confidence. Rating: 8.5/10