The Most Luxurious Airline in the World

Flying to Africa from North America can be a brutal two-day exercise, but I had a luxurious experience. If there is a transit that begs for comfort and indulgence, this is it: Etihad Airlines.

When booking my flight, I surveyed all the choices and landed on a relatively new player, but one breaking records and exploring new concepts at the speed of flight: Etihad Airlines, the flag carrier for the United Arab Emirates. Not only is it the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation, it is also about to make all other First Class offerings feel quotidian and wanting.

Wondering what happened to that golden age of travel? Etihad is bringing it back, and raising the bar. While most airlines are becoming ascetics in their offerings, even considering charging for in-flight bathroom visits, Etihad is going the other direction, sky-high. With a completely flat bed, the inbuilt massager on low, the noise-cancelling headphones fitted, and stars in the ceiling, I sleep most of the way to Johannesburg. Nobody can be uncheered on Etihad. On such a flight, the time is too swift, feathered with flying hours; it is flight that dissolves the qualms of earth-bound life. Like a good book, I don't want this flight to end.

There is an ancient and deeply revered Arab concept called diyafa, which means hospitality that is so good and generous it rides the clouds. Etihad has taken this sensibility to the 21st century and created the most hospitable experience in the skies—it is so warm and welcoming and exceptional, you never want to go home again.

[bambang]

I am undecided right now. Is the suite really all that, or is it because the voice of Mr Bangs is quite soothing. 

[kristynapier]

Your voice alone is calming, but the words you chose simply and beautifully showed how poetic you are. I would love to see more journalists/artists aspire to your level. Bravo!

[magicforestmood]

Dear Richard,
As I suffer from insomnia, I often use my ipad for watching videos and specially about airplane interiors and comments about quality and confort. Unfortunately I can't afford a business or first class flight, but I really enjoy your high professionnel videos you share with other.
But also this beautiful landscapes and other themes.
Thank you very much !
Rudolf, Lausanne, Switzerland

[kkok]

Wonderful video, super presentation. You DO have a calming voice, but I wish it were a tad louder. Not a criticism, just an

[EmmaSuleimanupdate]

WOW! Etihad has gone really far .. way beyond first class! This is simply amazing ..Well done

[blessings]

Really enjoyed learning about this airline. Wheels up.

[saidalwaili]

There is an ancient and deep Arab concept called Dayfa ضيافة (Hospitality)..

[Neo_Tridagger]

Best flight from Paris to Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi to Malaysia.. 6 hrs each flight.

[Burntshmallow]

Whilst the  hundreds of millions starve, hundreds of thousands stare into gilded mirrors.

[AgentMatt]

Etihad is the world's best airline

[huseinhutapea]

Hello can i request to enjoy the Garuda Indonesia for you sir ?

[joethompson]

Lol i wouldn't mind one of these flights!

[seanhean]

I will bring a camera with me next time when I travel with etihad XD

[dovberger]

I notice there are nice attendents in the the plane...are woman allowed to have a license permit in saudi arabia ? (the home & owner of etihad)

[Mary]

Soon as I win the $1.4 billion Powerball tonight, I'll book a flight on it.  :-D

[MICHGO]

SOMEONE HAD FUN UPLOADING THEIR PLAYLIST ON THIS ONE. DON'T PEOPLE JUST TALK WITHOUT THE DISTRACTIONS ANY MORE?

[wesleychou]

While he gets a private bmw 7 series, probally everyone else un economy is stuck on a old bus

[sherrybuddhu]

That is Air Line, WOW It must be nice having lotsof cash

[everybodylovessachin]

for 20 hour of flight time at the longest and price of 20000 dollars not worth it...

[fredsmith]

Such dribble...   a flight no one could afford.  It probably flies half empty, while everyone is jammed back in economy.   Show us a video of that nightmare.  While economy is probably way better than most airlines, its what most people fly in.