One could argue that Etihad business class is one of the more aspirational airline products in the sky. The seat, customer service, food/drink, and lounge access are an excellent combination to try based upon the rave reviews Etiahd regularly receives. Etihad appears to be right up there with ANA business class, Japan Airlines business class, and Singapore Airlines business class.
An area where it would be nice to see improvements are additional programs that allow you to book Etihad award flights. As of today, only three programs make sense to use to book Etihad flights. Allowing more programs access to Etihad award flights is a catch 22 though. The more programs that you add, the more competition for these award flights increases.
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Credit Cards Points to Earn to Book Etihad
You can earn credit card points that can be transferred directly to Etihad to book Etihad award flights. However, the number of miles required is higher than what you would need when using Air Canada Aeroplan, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Asiana Airlines Asiana Club. So, you want to earn credit card points that you can transfer to these programs instead of transferring to Etihad.
Air Canada Aeroplan partners with American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Marriott. American Airlines and Asiana Airlines both partner with Marriott. In addition, American Airlines has a temporary partnership with Citi. Some of the top credit cards offered by these programs include the Amex Gold Card, Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
Business Class Routes
The World’s 10 Best Business Class Seats indicates that Etihad Business Class Studio can be found on all Etihad 787-9s, 787-10s, and A30s. Etihad currently flies between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Chicago–O’Hare, New York–JFK, and Washington–Dulles. So, you’ll want to check the flight schedules for these airports to which aircraft is flying on which route.
Business Class Travel Dates
The following dates show availability for at least two travelers:
Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) > Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Jul: 1-11, 13-28, 30, 31
- Aug: 1-11, 14-31
- Sep: 1-16
Abu Dhabi (AUH) > Chicago–O’Hare (ORD)
- Jul: 1-21, 23-31
- Aug: 1-14, 16-20, 22-26, 27-31
- Sep: 1-16
New York (JFK) > Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Jul: 1-14, 16-31
- Aug: 1-28, 30, 31
- Sep: 1-16
Abu Dhabi (AUH) > New York (JFK
- Jul: 1, 3-30
- Aug: 1-31
- Sep: 1-16
Washington–Dulles (IAD) > Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Jul: 1-31
- Aug: 1-4, 6-16, 18-31
- Sep: 1, 4-14, 16
Abu Dhabi (AUH) > Washington–Dulles (IAD)
- Jul: 1-14, 16-31
- Aug: 1-31
- Sep: 1-16
How to Book Etihad with Points
- Air Canada Aeroplan: 85,000 miles
- American Airlines AAdvantage: 70,000 miles
- Asiana Airlines Asiana Club: 60,000 miles
Asiana Airlines requires the least number of miles followed by American Airlines. However, both of these programs require a phone call to book the award flight. So, Air Canada is the program that’s likely going to be the easiest to book Etihad award flights but Air Canada does require the most number of miles.
When you’re ready to book an Etihad award flight, follow these steps:
- Search for flights using this Etihad link
- Look for “GuestSeat Business” award availability
- Confirm the same award space on Aeroplan’s website or call Aeroplan at 800-361-5373, call Asiana at 800-227-4262, or call American’s Australian call center at 02-9101-1948
- Ask to put the award flight on hold (note not all programs allow you to do this)
- Transfer credit card points into your program of choice
- Book your award flight online (Air Canada) or over the phone (American Airlines, Asiana)
Etihad Point Transfer Partners
- American Express – Air Canada
- Capital One – Air Canada, American Airlines (temporary)
- Chase – Air Canada
- Marriott – Air Canada, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines
Etihad Business Class FAQs
What does Etihad business class include?
Etihad offers lounge access, a 3-course meal or à la carte onboard dining, a lobby/bar on the A380, inflight entertainment, wi-fi for a fee, and an amenity kit. Check out Meals and food onboard for more on the business class menu.
What is business class like on Etihad?
This 3D tour shows you what business class is like on the Etihad A380 and 787. You can also see first-class and The Residence, which is found on the A380.
Is Etihad business class any good?
Check out Etihad Business Class 787 Washington To Abu Dhabi, Etihad Business Class on the 787-9, Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner Business Class, Etihad business class A380 from New York to Abu Dhabi, and Etihad 777 business class Abu Dhabi to Bangkok.
Does Etihad business class have a bar?
A bar is found on the A380 and is available to premium cabin passengers.
Conclusion on Etihad
The business class studio product is one that award travelers are likely to enjoy based on the reviews I’ve read. One of the best ways to fly Etihad is to earn transferable credit card points. Etihad currently flies to four US cities and has three airline programs that offer relatively easy ways to book its award flights.
So, What do you think about Etihad business class? What other business class flights do you like to book? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
Disclaimer: If you click and/or sign up for a credit card through certain links on this site or any of my related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click-through. The editorial content on this page and the user comments are not provided by any of the companies mentioned and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The opinions expressed here are mine alone.
