Etihad Airways Airbus A350 Business Class.Courtesy of Etihad Airways
Etihad, the UAE's national airline, increased its service to Canada last October, with daily flights on its Airbus A350 from Toronto Pearson Airport. The aircraft offers a quieter, more modern cabin with an upscale design and travel comforts. As soon as I stepped on board, it was clear this wasn't just any flight.
From the private suites to multi-course dinners, Etihad's Business Class experience was far beyond anything I'd experienced in economy.
Here's what surprised me most on my 14-hour Business Class flight as a former flight attendant.
I was totally pampered before we even took off
As a former flight attendant, I've served pre-departure drinks in Business Class, but Etihad takes it to another level.
A Bellini and mixed nuts on Etihad Business Class.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
The moment I settled into my seat, I was welcomed with a fresh juice of my choice and a snack of mixed nuts.
Then came a warm towel for my hands, followed by a boozy Bellini that had me feeling less like I was on a plane and more like I was being pampered at a spa.
The seat is basically a mini hotel room
The most jaw-dropping part of Etihad's Business Class? The suite in the sky.
On the A350, each private suite feels more like a personal hotel room than a seat on a plane. With tons of legroom and an adjustable seat that flattens into a bed, it was hard to believe I was at 35,000 feet.
Suite on Etihad Business Class.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
The suites are complete with an 18.5-inch touchscreen offering a range of games, shows and films, and I wasted no time starting a Harry Potter marathon.
There were so many little details throughout the suite that made the experience even better — from the built-in wireless charger and mood lighting to the small compartments around my seat where I could store my smaller essentials.
Compartment and remote on Etihad Business Class.Courtesy of Etihad Airways
My flight was delayed taking off thanks to Toronto's notorious winter weather, and usually, that would've put a damper on things. This time, however, cozied up in my private pod with a movie playing and a Bellini in hand, I barely even noticed the additional wait.
The crew members are so attentive
Etihad's service was incredible and made the journey a lot more enjoyable.
An Etihad crew member.Courtesy of Etihad Airways
As soon as I sat down, I was greeted and catered to as if I were the only passenger on board. The crew addressed me by name and was conscious of little details, like shutting my blinds while I was sleeping so the sun didn't wake me or closing my pod so I could have extra privacy.
The amenities kit is over-the-top
Opening my amenities kit felt like Christmas morning. I used to hand out amenity kits on flights, but this one went above and beyond.
Amenity kit on Etihad Business Class.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Designed by Giorgio Armani, the kits are full of luxury skincare and everything you could ever want during your flight.
Inside was everything from spa facial mist to a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip treatment and body lotion.
The meal service feels like a fancy restaurant
I was curious to see how Etihad's business-class dining would compare to the meals I'd served while working as a flight attendant. Spoiler alert: it was next-level.
Omelette with sausage. Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
To my surprise, instead of a standard meal service, I was told I could order my meal any time during the flight. My seat was equipped with an extensive menu featuring drinks, three-course meals, and a la carte dishes.
Chicken dinner.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
There were no plastic containers here — the meal was served on real plates with actual cutlery, adding to the overall luxurious experience.
From the multi-course chicken dinner to the eggs and sausage breakfast, I felt like I was dining in an upscale restaurant.
The airline went above and beyond when it came to comfort
The flight included so many thoughtful details that made my trip extra comfortable.
Etihad loungewear.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Additions like slippers, noise-cancelling headphones and a sleeping mask made the flight so much cozier. I was surprised when the stewardess asked for my clothing size and handed me a full lounge set — I hadn't been expecting that at 35,000 feet.
The seat is like an actual bed
The in-flight bed was one of the things I was most excited to experience, and it proved better than I could have imagined.
The seat doesn't just recline — it's completely adjustable from a side panel, allowing me to move the back and leg rest into my preferred position.
When it came time for some shut-eye, I reclined the seat into a fully flat bed with an Armani foam mattress for extra comfort.
With the high walls of the suite, quiet cabin and comfy bed, I felt like I was the only person on the plane.
The only downside? I was so excited about the amenities, adjustable bed, snacks and entertainment system that I barely got any sleep, although I have to say it was worth it.
Getting through the airport was actually enjoyable
On my return flight from Abu Dhabi, I was able to experience some of the Business Class perks at Zayed International Airport, the "world's most beautiful airport" and the home of Etihad Airways.
Buffet at the Etihad Business Lounge. Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
From dedicated check-in areas to a private immigration lane, getting through the airport was a breeze — something I certainly didn't experience as a flight attendant.
Before boarding, I decided to check out the Business Lounge, which spans multiple floors and boasts a bar, relaxation areas and a next-level buffet brimming with food.
Overall thoughts
Suite in Etihad Business Lounge.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Flying Business Class was a completely new experience and one I will not soon forget.
Of course, luxury comes at a price. A round-trip ticket from Toronto to Abu Dhabi starts at $6,093 for Business Class during low season, making it a serious splurge.
Economy tickets for the same route start at $921 during low season.
If I were paying out of pocket, I'd likely stick with economy unless it was a special occasion. I don’t usually have a big travel budget, so I prefer to spend my money on experiences once I arrive.
Etihad also offers Economy Extra Legroom, which gives you some added comfort without a Business Class price tag.
That said, if you really value comfort and are willing to splurge, Etihad's Business Class makes your long-haul journey feel like part of the vacation itself.
Etihad Airways offered Madeline Forsyth the opportunity to experience the Toronto -Abu Dhabi flight route with no expectation of coverage, positive or otherwise. Narcity Media does not accept payment, gifts or favours in exchange for editorial coverage. We may accept a free product, service or experience if we believe our honest review could be of value to our readers. You can find our full Editorial Standards here.
