How Would Etihad Go for a Tall Bloke Flying to Europe?

Xonk on 25/01/2023 - 17:56

I'm 189cm (6'2") and will probably go to London because I'm planning to have no particular plans and it's an extended trip, so going to the cheapest destination and figuring things out from there is not an inconvenience (I can visit some friends, check out breweries and distilleries, then catch a train to somewhere in the EU). However, picking the cheapest airfare is not cost effective if I get locked up for strangling someone mid-flight.

Given that prices have jumped a bit since I last looked I may end up doing a Qantas rewards* flight ($1000 vs points is a bit different to $850 vs points), but it'd be good to get an idea of what my cash-only alternatives are, and Etihad look to be the cheapest mob I'd touch (my limited experience with Cathay has not won me over). After all, I can use the points another time.

Currently it looks to be ~$1000 with Etihad versus $435+66,200QFF Classic Reward (operated by Emirates). It would be a one-way flight as I am not ready to commit to where I'll be when I come home. I am vegetarian, but that's far from an exotic diet these days.

*I have ~45,000 points, plus $230 of Everday Rewards (which would convert to ~23,000 points, making a total of 68,000QFF).

Thanks for reading =)

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Comments

  • Hybroid on 25/01/2023 - 17:59
    +3

    Depends on the aircraft model and seat configuration. Check http://seatguru.com for the specific flight.

    Do cross-check flights going the other way around the world via USA on Delta, can be quite a bit cheaper sometimes, especially as multi-city tickets to stay there few days.

    SYD-LAX-LHR or SYD-SLC-LHR and back etc.

    • Xonk on 25/01/2023 - 18:03

      Will do, and thanks for the link, but there is more to the ergonomics than simple legspace. E.g. the curves on seats are always a pain, but some are worse than others (sometimes you gotta wonder what species they're designed for…).

    • ddhar on 25/01/2023 - 18:20
      +2

      I found Etihad's B777-300ER economy cramped as a 175cm tall person. My tall neighbor spilled over into my area a lot during that flight.
      You likely will avoid this aircraft for flights departing Australia and the AUH-LHR leg but just be aware of this.

      Your best optionis to grab/pay for an extra legroom seat, regardless of which airline.

  • altomic on 25/01/2023 - 18:31
    +8

    Book a ticket for the emergency row. Extra leg room

    • Barca123 on 25/01/2023 - 23:34

      This. Just don't consume too much alcohol OP as you may be required to help other passengers in certain situations.

  • New2018 on 25/01/2023 - 19:42

    Etihad is great airline but I would avoid their B777 used on all flights to Australia. I think emirates a380 is worth paying extra for. Etihad does offer free stopover deals that includes free hotel stays but double check the terms and condition.

  • Hydralyte on 25/01/2023 - 21:07

    189 cm is not that tall. Plenty of Aussies over that height.
    I see plenty of 200+ cm people in Europe and they're cursed with everything not being catered to their height. fly business if you can because you're in for nothing but disappointment. At the very least, sit in an aisle seat

    • mapax on 25/01/2023 - 22:47
      +1

      Was expecting OP to be at least 200cm tall

  • NotAnAudiophile on 25/01/2023 - 21:36

    The thing about Etihad, is they stop over in Abu Dhabi, probably the worst home airport of the big 3 of Emirates, Qatar and Etihad.

  • ChipsChicky on 25/01/2023 - 23:31
    +1

    Etihad customer service has gotten worse from the time there management/customer service is taken over by an ethnic group, that I don't want to mention, they are more loyal and worried for Sheikhs Money then the Sheikhs themselves, don't expect much, book what is feasible in advance rather relying on them.

    • Sinnerator on 26/01/2023 - 08:12

      Isn't it a shame we live in an age whereby mentioning a genuine problem will get you brigaded. Can't fix problems without open discussion.

  • Rkel403 on 26/01/2023 - 08:16
    +2

    I flew back from Europe with them in September. The alternative operators had inflated their prices so I went with Etihad to save a few hundred dollars. I had flown with them 10 years earlier and they were fine so I wasn’t concerned.
    As others have said, their service has gone down substantially over the past few years. Unclean, unfriendly and old planes.
    First leg of trip Europe to Abu Dhabi wasn’t too bad, there was some level of comfort/space to the 787-10. Second leg (I.e. the long leg) Abu Dhabi to Melbourne was a nightmare. The 777-300ER was so cramped and dated, it’s like they have shoved more rows of seats in there, they are so cramped together. They are also cramped in width and have barely any adjustment or support. I’m a few inches shorter than you and it took the best part of two weeks to work the knots out of my neck and lower back after the trip. Paying for extra legroom may be some improvement but they use the same cramped boxy seat.
    As others have said Abu Dhabi airport is an armpit to be avoided. The alternatives are not much better but at least you can fly in a bit more comfort

    • Xonk on 30/01/2023 - 02:36

      Thanks, that's helpful info =) (though you have my commiserations for the negative experience =( ).

  • doctordv8 on 26/01/2023 - 10:16
    -2

    Etihad do not manufacture the Aircraft, so Headroom can not be changed by the Airline.
    Find the Airline with greatest Headroom perhaps in Google, then the Airlines seat configuration and leg room dimensions.
    I do not understand what you expect in the answers here, although at 6'2", may I suggest you take you shoes off.

  • nissa on 28/01/2023 - 13:13
    +2

    Totally agree with Rkel403.
    Flew to London and back with them in October as their prices were more reasonable than the others
    After that flight we have vowed never to fly with them again
    We paid for extra legroom but it really didnt help much. The width of the seats was ridiculous

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