Dallas - Abu Dhabi

The following trip report details my First Class experience from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It represents the first flight in my around the world journey that includes stops in Dubai, Macao, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kyoto. Most of these pictures were taken with my iPhone despite having a real camera with me so I apologize in advance for the image quality.

I arrived to DFW airport at 5pm for a 7:50pm departure after being picked up by Etihad’s car service that is included with their First Class service. Check in went smoothly and boarding pass in hand, I proceeded to security without my normal Pre-Check privileges

First Class check in at DFW

I was directed to Etihad’s contract lounge and was the third or fourth person to arrive. The lounge had a wide selection of beer and wine as well as a diverse spread of both traditional Middle Eastern foods and the usual lounge options.

At about 6:30 p.m. our aircraft arrived and it was around this time the lounge manager stopped by to inform me that we would have a delayed departure.

Our 777-200LR arriving from Abu Dhabi

At 7:30, I headed down to the Gate area to prepare for boarding.

As boarding started, I made sure to be the first on board and, after turning left, was greeted by my Romanian flight attendant, Amelia.

After being shown to my seat 2k, I had some time to explore the cabin a little and take a look at the at the massive restrooms for the first class cabin.

Amelia then stopped by with a hot towel, Dates, and a glass of Bollinger La Grande Annee 2005 Champagne.

Shortly thereafter, Marius, the First Class chef, stopped by to introduce himself and provide me with the dining and drink menus. He took some time to explain the dine on demand concept. All meals are cooked to order, at any time during the flight.

 

After perusing the menu, I decided to start with the Arabic Mezze and then have the rack of lamb with a veal jus sauce. I selected the 2011 La Croix de Veaucaillou Saint Julien, Bordeaux as my wine for the meal.

We pushed back at about 8:30, about 40 minutes late. During the long taxi to runway 35L, the captain apologized for the delay and informed us of a 14 hr and 45 minute flying time. After a long takeoff roll, we were wheels up and bound for Abu Dhabi at 8:50.

Shortly after takeoff, Amelia brought me my pajamas, noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kit. She also took a minute to set my table. At this point I decided to start a movie and decided on 'Intersteller'. The amenity kit included the usual lotions, toothbrush, razor, socks, eye Shades  and Etihad's signature "Pillow Mist" for a good night's sleep. 

Amenity Kit

Amenity Kit Contents

Table Setting

Not 10 minutes later, the chef brought me a Tuna Tartare and a selection of freshly baked breads. I had another glass of Bollinger champagne with this course.

Tuna Tartare

About 10 minutes after I finished the Tuna Tartar, Amelia brought me my first course which was the Arabic Mezze as well as a glass of the Bordeaux, which were both delicious.

Arabic Mezze

Next up was the rack of lamb, which was absolutely incredible.

For dessert, I had the dessert taster that included a warm lemon pudding, berry jelly and a white chocolate and yogurt cake. This was perfectly paired with a 2010 Chateau Haut Theulet dessert wine.

Dessert

After dinner and my movie, I changed into my pajamas while my bed was made. At this point we were somewhere over Northeastern Canada and I settled into bed for a solid 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep with my suite door closed.

Bedding

My suite with its door closed

Upon waking above Northern Europe, I had a moment of panic considering I only had 6 hours of my flight left to enjoy. I then saw fit that the only thing to do would be to order more food to try to maximize my experience. I went with fresh cooked eggs made to order with a side of sausage, potatoes, mushrooms and baked beans. Instead of setting up the table again, I opted for bedside dining.

 

Next I started a new movie, The Theory of Everything, a movie I ended up enjoying. During the movie, I kicked on the massage function of my chair which was something different for an in-flight seat.

Massage Controls

After the Theory of Everything, I kicked on the latest 'Hunger Games' movie and with about 2 hrs left in the flight I ordered one final meal. I opted for ‘The Etihad Steak Sandwich’ and a glass of the Gomersal Vineyard Shiraz from Australia’s Barossa Valley.

The 'Etihad Steak Sandwich' which turned out to be two huge
sandwiches

I then obviously elected to have a final dessert, because, why not? I went with the Coconut Panna Cotta after being informed that they were out of the Apricot and Almond Tart. With this dessert, I had another glass of the Semillon Blend from earlier. Unfortunately, in my excitement, I forgot to take a picture of this dessert; however, rest assured, that it was delicious.

As we were passing over Tehran, I put on the Arsenal vs Newcastle Premier League game which was being streamed live from England. 

Due to a high volume of inbound traffic to AUH, were put on a holding pattern for 30 minutes over the Arabian Gulf, which was fine by me as it meant an additional 30 minutes of air time. 

Upon Landing in Abu Dhabi, we taxied for what seemed to be forever to a remote stand and, with great sadness, I packed my things and walked down the air-stairs. A bus was waiting that took the first and business class passengers to the terminal for passport control.

Some final pictures of my aircraft after our 14:45 hr flight.

Passport Control and Immigration was disorganized chaos and took approximately 45 minutes despite having "Fast Track" privileges. Once I cleared customs, I was directed to the Etihad Chauffeur desk and was placed into a waiting Audi for the 1 hour drive to the JW Marriott Maquis Dubai, the world's tallest hotel. 

This was easily the most incredible flight that I've ever taken. The food and wine were worthy of most 5-star restaurants and the service was spot on as well. It's accurate to say that I've ruined all future air travel for myself as this flight will not be topped... that is, until I do it again.