Earlier this month, I had the exceedingly good fortune to accompany Josée Covington, Covington Travel’s President and CEO, on the Virtuoso Chairman’s event to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The annual event is a trip awarded to top producers of the Virtuoso luxury travel network and as such, is a veritable cornucopia of luxury and cultural experiences. While it is indeed a coveted award – Covington travel has won each of the 10 years since its inception – it’s also an opportunity to experience the best hotels and tours of the destination first-hand and make personal connections with the people who run them. That, in turn, further enhances the unparalleled network of contacts we work with to create exceptional travel experiences for our clients. I’ll be sharing much about the trip over the next couple weeks, starting with how Etihad Airways makes long flights a true delight.

As you know, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a long way from Virginia! We flew Business Class on Etihad Airways, using a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi. The flight was about 13 hours going and nearly 15 hours returning. That length of time on a plane can be excruciating, but the Etihad experience was simply superb.

Etihad Airways Premium Lounge

After checking our bags at the ticket counter, we proceeded to the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge to wait for the flight. Lounges are also found in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin, Manchester, Sydney and Abu Dhabi. The Etihad Airways Premium Lounge is available to Business and First Class passengers and makes checking in early a pleasure. The lovely ladies at the reception desk greeted us with a warm welcome and directed us to the quiet and elegant space inside.

An international buffet is available all day or you can order from a delectable a la carte menu, complete with boutique wines. If pre-flight pampering is in order, you can indulge in a range of complimentary treatments in the world-renowned Six Senses Spa, or if you’d like to freshen up, spacious private showers are available. Complimentary Wi-Fi access and a Business Center are at your disposal and a Family Room offers toys, a kid’s menu and qualified nannies for those traveling with children. The lounge has the feel of a luxury hotel, rather than an airport!

Another nice feature of the Premium Lounge is that guests board the plane directly from the lounge via the connected jetway.

Etihad Airways Business Class

Generally speaking, traveling in Business Class is the best way to mitigate the misery of a long flight, but with Etihad Airways, Business Class is beyond business as usual. The Business Studio is a comfortable enclave featuring direct aisle access for all seats, convenient storage and mood lighting. Each seat has a personal entertainment system provides 750 hours of movies, music, TV and games. The seats have a pneumatic comfort system to adjust the firmness of the seat, in-seat massage and mood lighting, all at the touch of a button. Seats convert to a fully-flat bed and a full-sized pillow and comforter are provided for a sound sleep. A nice amenities kit includes natural toiletries and comfort items.

Meal service on Etihad Airways is excellent by any standard – in the air or on the ground. A wide choice of meals are served on demand, throughout the flight, allowing you to set your own dining schedule. Onboard Chefs and Food & Beverage Managers prepare each meal individually: ingredients are fresh, quality is outstanding, service is impeccable.

Etihad Airways on the Ground

Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, the Etihad Arrivals Lounge is yet another convenience that upgrades the entire travel experience. You can freshen up and take a shower while attendants steam your clothes, or there is a wet-shave facility. Have a bite to eat from an assortment of sweet and savory snacks and international canapés before venturing on.

Business Class travelers can use complimentary door-to-door Etihad Chauffer service in over 40 cities globally. It does need to be reserved at least 24 hours in advance and there are liberal distance limits in each airport serviced. We enjoyed a comfortable ride in a high-end car to arrive at our hotel in Dubai refreshed and in style.

Another huge bonus is that U.S. bound passengers departing from Abu Dhabi clear U.S. Customs and Immigration before boarding. Upon arrival in the U.S., passengers simply deplane, claim luggage and exit the airport – no waiting in long reentry lines with hundreds of other travelers!

Without doubt, the Etihad premium experience makes long flights easy! To try out Etihad Airways for yourself, contact Covington Travel to make all the arrangements.

Photo credit: Etihad Airways