The Harsh Truth About Flying Etihad Airways: An Unfiltered Review
Flying can be a hit or miss experience, and most travelers understand this universal gamble. However, my journeys with Etihad Airways have unfortunately been consistent — consistently disappointing. Before you book your next flight, I urge you to consider this candid Etihad Airlines review.

A Series of Unfortunate Events with Etihad Airways
Having been a patron of Etihad Airways no less than five times over the past decade, I can’t help but share my exasperation. Every incident seems to follow a pattern — delayed services, unprofessional conduct, and quite frankly, a disregard for customer satisfaction.
Think Twice About Saving with Miles
Looking for a good deal on flights can sometimes lead travelers to Etihad, especially when you want to cash in those hard-earned miles. But my advice? Spare yourself. With high excess baggage fees — we’re talking $190! — and a meager 20KG / 44LBS baggage allowance, you’re not getting the bargain you’d hoped for.
On a recent trip from JFK to Abu Dhabi en route to Dubai, I was subjected to a three-hour check-in ordeal, only to end up with a seat in the last row. When I politely asked if I could switch seats, I encountered what can only be described as unnecessary drama from the flight staff. It took intervention from ground staff, who at least acknowledged the normalcy of seat-change requests, to settle the matter.
Overhead Bin Shenanigans
On a flight diverted to Etihad from Paris to Abu Dhabi, my already low expectations were met with incredulity. When I asked a flight attendant to dispose of some trash for me, she astonishingly placed it in the overhead bin. Is that standard protocol? It seems unlikely.
Etihad’s Ground Crew and Flight Attendants — A Reflection of Disdain
It’s not just one-off incidents; the behavior exhibited by Etihad’s staff range from nonsensical to downright rude. The clear lack of communication skills and proper etiquette are impossible to overlook. They set a new low for customer service, from ground crew to the attendants in the aisles.
Etihad Airlines Review: Final Verdict
There’s no shortage of airlines to choose from, and while Etihad may bait travelers with the appearance of a competitive price or mile redemption, the trade-off is far from worth it. My Etihad Airways review is more than personal gripes; it’s a warning for all frequent flyers, disgruntled customers, and travel enthusiasts out there — avoid this airline if you value your sanity and wallet.
From experience, airlines like Ethiopian Airlines or EgyptAir offer far superior service, and when it comes to alliances, remember that Etihad is not a part of One World or Star Alliance. Your inter-airline mileage strategies may hit a snag with this realization if you’re a One World status member.
Worse Than China Airlines? You Decide.
It’s a bold claim to make, but based on personal encounters and ongoing patterns of poor service with Etihad, it could very well be the worst airline experience out there. In the industry of air travel where customer service can make or break a flight, Etihad has a long way to go.
Before you click ‘book’ on that seemingly perfect flight, remember this review. If you’re looking for a peaceful and respectful flying experience, you may need to look elsewhere.