First Time Trying Caviar: Etihad First Class IAD-AUH B787-9 Review

Throughout our lives, we have a lot of firsts. There are our first steps, first word, first day of school, first love, and so on. This is a review and story of my first time in first class and first time trying caviar, for that matter, when I flew Etihad First Class IAD-AUH while on my way to Singapore. 

It was an incredible experience all around with the best flight crew I have had to date. Here are my thoughts:

Etihad First Class Seat

Nothing is more fun than boarding an aircraft and tuning left, or so I thought. After boarding Etihad’s Dreamliner, I was guided to my first-class seat suite. I was given a quick seat tour before I was left to settle in. 

The leg rest for the seat had a small storage compartment below that was perfect for storing my backpack. Since there were no overhead bins in the first-class cabin, a crew member offered to take my carry-on and place it in the overhead compartment of business class just a row behind me. The cabin felt spacious and luxurious due to the lack of overhead bins. 

After sitting down in this suite of a seat, I realized just how spacious and large it was. The left wall and door stretched well above my height, leading to remarkable privacy, while the right side boasted plenty of counter space and windows. On the right side was a mini-bar, as well as where the plus-sized tray table could come out of the armrest.

On the left side of the suite, there was a storage compartment perfect for holding a phone and where the headphones were housed. There is also a touch screen that can control the seat’s position, as well as the lights and other fun features of this extravagant seat. 

There was an ottoman that could be used as both a leg rest (which was mechanically adjustable) or a second seat if you wanted to share a meal with someone because it had an extra seatbelt. Just above the leg rest was a large screen with a terrific resolution. While it was a touch screen, given how far away it was from the actual seat, you are better off using the remote control. 

Etihad First Class Dining

I had never been so excited to dine on a plane before. I have looked forward to the meal service on my first business class flight, as well as other special flights, but this was different. My dining experience on board Etihad first class was something that I would gladly have from a restaurant on the ground.

The highlight of the meal service is that it was a la carte and dine-on-demand, which means you can order whatever you want, whenever you want. Of course, I started with the caviar service. It was my first time having caviar, which was a fun novelty and tasted surprisingly great, but I would not pay out of pocket for it. 

I continued with the Arabic mezze because, after all, I was flying a Gulf carrier. This was great, although I wish there was a better gluten-free alternative to the pita bread. The hummus was delicious. 

There was a sorbet pallet cleanser, which was a fun treat on a plane. Then I had the beef fillet, the best protein I have ever had on board an aircraft. I wrapped up the meal with some cheese and fruit, followed by tea with a Godiva chocolate. 

Later in the flight, after I had woken up, I had breakfast, which started with more caviar. I also had a fruit plate and ordered a fantastic omelet. That is saying a lot from someone who does not typically enjoy eggs. 

Finally, before landing, I wanted to sneak one more meal in, so I had the mahi mahi. The fish, potatoes, and sauce were all excellent, and it was a great way to end the flight. I would have ordered more food if I had the space to store it. 

Etihad First Class Beverages

Beyond being 19 years old and unable to consume alcohol in the United States, I do not typically drink outside the country, even when it is legal. However, if you are interested in drinking, Etihad has plenty of great options. 

Upon boarding, a flight attendant told me she would need to check if she could serve me alcohol on board since I am under 21 for U.S. law but above 18 for U.A.E. law. After checking with the carrier, she informed me that she could serve me once we were in the air, which seemed completely reasonable.

Etihad First Class Service

The service on board this flight was unbelievable. Every aspect was well thought out and highly attended to in Etihad first class IAD-AUH. The crew was incredible from the moment I boarded the plane to the moment I left. 

After being led to my seat, I found a well-stocked amenity kit and a fantastic plush blanket. After getting situated, a flight attendant brought me a bag that contained slippers and pajamas that were mine to take. I can never complain about free pajamas. 

The crew was speedy throughout the flight, whether bringing out dishes or clearing them. Additionally, they were great for recommendations throughout the flight. For example, during the breakfast service, I was recommended to have some smoked salmon with my omelet, which was terrific. 

In addition, every time I went to the bathroom, the toilet paper was always folded perfectly. The level of service required to check the bathroom between every passenger’s use shows how far above and beyond the crew went during my flight. 

After my meal service, I was asked if I would like to have my bed made, and I gladly accepted. When I returned from changing into pajamas in the bathroom, the bed was beautifully made with plush bedding and even a goodnight note. 

The Last Point

Flying Etihad First Class IAD-AUH was the best flight I had ever been on. Not only was it my first time in first class, but the crew also went above and beyond to make the experience extra special for me. 

Caviar might be slightly overrated, but it was a fun component of an outstanding dining service on board. The service by the crew was phenomenal and truly catered to the finest details. If you can fly on Etihad first class IAD-AUH, without a doubt, seize that opportunity. Next time, I need to try their First Class Apartment on board their A380 that is now flying from London to Abu Dhabi. 

Trip Report

This article is part of my Asia Trip Report:

• Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge IAD
• Review: Etihad B787-9 First Class IAD-AUH
• My Lucky Day: Free Upgrade to Etihad $10,000 First Class
• Review: Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi AUH
• Review: Etihad B787-10 Business Class AUH-SIN
• Is First Class on Etihad Worth It?
• Booking 21 Hours in Business Class for $45: My Best Redemption Yet!
• Wandering Singapore: My Thoughts
• Exploring the Jewel at Changi: My Thoughts
• Review: Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore (SIN)
• Review: Air Asia SIN-DPS A320
• Review: Hyatt Regency Bali Deluxe Room
• Review: Alila Ubud Deluxe Room
• Review: Alila Seminyak Studio
• How I Saved 20,000 Hyatt Points Per Night
• Bali in 2023: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
• Review: Singapore Airlines Economy Class
• Review: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit
• Luxury For Cheap: Category 1 Hyatt Hotels
• Exploring Bangkok: My Thoughts
• Review: Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Bangkok (BKK)
• Review: Japan Airlines B777-300er Business Class BKK-HND
• Review: Japan Airlines Domestic Sakura Lounge HND
• Review: Japan Airlines Domestic Business Class Experience
• Review: Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
• Visiting Hiroshima: My Thoughts
• Trains in Japan: My Thoughts
• Traditional Townhouse Kyoto: My Thoughts
• Hiking to the Top of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto
• Review: Capsule Hotel Experience in Tokyo
• Watching Baseball in Japan: My Thoughts
• Review: ANA First Class Lounge Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• The Best Flight of My Life: ANA First Class NRT-ORD Review
• Craziest Travel Turn Around: From Capsule Hotel to ANA First Class
• No Lounge on a $13,000 First Class Ticket?!?
• Booking a $13,000 First Class Ticket for 47,000 Points