First class to Europe: Etihad vs Singapore Airlines

13 replies

mnc

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 06 Aug 2017

Total posts 36

I'd be very grateful for some guidance regarding the First product to Europe for those who have recently flown given recent Etihad "cost cutting". Is there a big difference between the two? Planning to fly to Europe in next few months. Mainly interested in the hard product. The flight with Singapore would be with the older First Suites and with EY in A380. Singapore is slightly more expensive

Thanks in advance

apacau

Member since 02 Jun 2013

Total posts 38

Well, if it’s hard product you’re focussed on, EY’s cost cutting won’t have changed anything. Their A380 first “apartment” product (including shower) is second to none. What I can’t comment on is the standard of the soft product and if/how it has recently changed.

Taylor

Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club

Member since 19 Mar 2016

Total posts 53

If can fly the new SQ A380 and first suites they are pretty good; however no SQ flights have showers and the space that EY gives to its apartment. If you consider the lounge to be part of the hard product then the SQ Singapore Private Room is pretty dated compared to EY. Both are spacious and well serviced with a good hard product.

346

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 10 May 2017

Total posts 55

I'd go with EY as I prefer their suites.

Last editedby David at May 15, 2019, 12:20 PM.

MattJelonek

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

Member since 08 Jun 2014

Total posts 90

SQ I say.... but shame about EY's Flounge not doing so well. Still love the feel there.

AsiaBizTraveller

Member since 20 Nov 2015

Total posts 43

If you could choose between the new SQ first class suites and the old SQ first class suites, I'd say SQ hands-down, especially if you wanted to add The Private Room at SIN into your consideration, although I think it's a bit over-rated.

As you have indicated you will be flying the old SQ first class suites then Etihad has the edge, it's A380 suites are amazing and there's the shower and the 'lobby' lounge area for having a break during the flight.

Apart from suite vs suite, Etihad used to have a chef to do amazing meals in first class, not sure if that's become a casualty of cost-cutting.

Lounges, well, Etihad's lounges apart from Abu Dhabi are not much when it comes to a 'first class experience' although the flagship lounge where you'd be spending some of your stopover time is great.

All up I would lean towards Etihad.

BevanMcBevan

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 01 Mar 2013

Total posts 32

Good question. If you're on your own I'd say EY.

It's a wonderful product and for the long haul, hard to beat. The Apartment is the bee's knees. I do disagree with the commentary about the Lounge.

The First EY Lounge I'd take over the SQ Private Room. If they know you are in First you will be well and truly looked after. Yes, I still think SQ is the pick for style, class and Champers - but, on this leg, and going solo, go EY.

Last editedby BevanMcBevan at May 15, 2019, 03:09 PM.

Bruce777

Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus

Member since 17 Sep 2017

Total posts 26

I would recommend Etihad for the reason that the shower is a huge part of the experience, and in general I regard the hard product as still superior. I would consider the new Singapore Suites to be in a league above Etihad but the old one still lags behind. Etihads cost cutting can be felt more in economy and business rather than first, but EY first won’t feel as luxurious as Emirates for example.

robfol

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 23 Mar 2015

Total posts 4

FYI I found the Etihad Apartment bed far too hard to sleep comfortably but the pace is nice, the old SQ suites bed is much better IMHO, managed to miss new SQ on recent trips )-: SQ serve better drinks too. The SQ Private room though is terminally boring! I go to Be Relax for an hours massage and find the hidden Australian coffee shop. Overall Emirates on this route is far better than either SQ or ETY. Have fun!

David

Member since 24 Oct 2010

Total posts 1,016

FYI I found the Etihad Apartment bed far too hard to sleep comfortably but the pace is nice, the old SQ suites bed is much better IMHO, managed to miss new SQ on recent trips )-: SQ serve better drinks too. The SQ Private room though is terminally boring! I go to Be Relax for an hours massage and find the hidden Australian coffee shop. Overall Emirates on this route is far better than either SQ or ETY. Have fun!

A 'hidden Australian coffee shop' at T3..? Tell me more, please :)

Richard1

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 28 May 2018

Total posts 1

Well, if it’s hard product you’re focussed on, EY’s cost cutting won’t have changed anything. Their A380 first “apartment” product (including shower) is second to none. What I can’t comment on is the standard of the soft product and if/how it has recently changed.

Comparing with SQ First with EY apartment is no comparison at all at the cost difference between Fiirst and the apartment one-way Sydney to London is $25K! Fly on Emirates which has 2 showers not one.

ausengineer

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 15 May 2019

Total posts 4

On the topic of Etihad first class, can anyone give me an update on the First Lounge in Abu Dhabi?

I'm heading there in June and am advised that the all day tasting menu is now gone, and the only food option is breakfast for morning arrivals (like most Australian flights).

In other words, if you don't feel like eating breakfast again, there is no food offering in the First lounge - this seems a bit underwhelming given this is supposed to be a Tier 1 lounge .

Anyone had similar experieince?

Thank you in advance (first post)!

Bill n DC

American Airlines - AAdvantage

Member since 16 May 2019

Total posts 1

I just returned home from RTW19 2.0 which featured Etihad Apmt 4A AUH-SYD and Singapore new Suite 3F SYD-SIN

The Singapore Suite is larger - 6 in the space of 10 (including Residence). But no shower
The Apartment is adequate and shower is refreshing. EY 1st service & food is still top notch with Chef still on Board. Great beef tenderloin - always pink. The Lobby is not a factor as little use
The AUH 1st Lounge is quite nice. Sit down dining all day delicious and 1 free 15 minutes spa with additional treatments at reasonable rate. I had foot massage and special eye bags begone-delightful And if you have long layover book the Residence waiting area if available for US$100 with coach for naps and private bathroom w shower.

Singapore SYD 1st Lounge has nice tarmac views. I also flew SQ SIN-HND so enjoyed the Private room with sit down dining. However SQ service ends at the arrival jet bridge. No fast track immigration and no arrivals facilities

So if SQ new Suite not available then no question Etihad would be my choice.

Safe landings

davidould

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 08 Dec 2016

Total posts 11

FYI I found the Etihad Apartment bed far too hard to sleep comfortably but the pace is nice, the old SQ suites bed is much better IMHO, managed to miss new SQ on recent trips )-: SQ serve better drinks too. The SQ Private room though is terminally boring! I go to Be Relax for an hours massage and find the hidden Australian coffee shop. Overall Emirates on this route is far better than either SQ or ETY. Have fun!

A 'hidden Australian coffee shop' at T3..? Tell me more, please :)

Seconded. Let us all know :)

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