Etihad First from Abu Dhabi, 2 Seats (March 2024)
American's site started showing Etihad business and first class award space but, unfortunately, much of it seemed to be phantom availability. However, I did see some one-way first class award space for 2 people from Abu Dhabi to DC.
If Aeroplan sees the space but AA won't let you book online, you can try calling. I'll note that space that shows on AA but not on Aeroplan seems to be phantom so it's bet to use Aeroplan to confirm what's really available.
Now, let's get into it.
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Straight To The Points:
Routes: AUH-IAD
Operating airline: Etihad
Class of service: First class
Dates: March 2024
Seats available: 2
Cabin layout: 1-2-1
Book first class with (per person, one-way):
- *Air Canada Aeroplan: 130,000 miles
- *American AAdvantage: 115,000 miles
- Asiana Club: 80,000 miles
- Etihad Guest: 136,410 miles
*No surcharges
Taxes/fees (per person):
Aeroplan has a partner booking fee.
Bank transfer partners:
- Air Canada: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, Marriott
- American: Bilt, Marriott
- Asiana: Marriott
- Etihad: Amex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
Let me know if you book!
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Flight Experience
Etihad's first class on the Dreamliner is arranged in a 1-2-1 cabin layout. You can expect caviar, champagne, and a very nice meal. With only 8 seats in the cabin, the service is also quite impressive.
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Available Dates
AUH-IAD
March: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9. 11, 16
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How To Book
I'd search with Air Canada. Here's a quick rundown on the search process:
- Go to Air Canada's site
- Select to use Points
- Enter origin and destination
- Select one-way or round-trip
- Select number of people
- Enter departure (and return) date
- Select your flights
- Pay taxes/fees
I recommend confirming the space is available then transferring points. You'll need to log out after you transfer points then run the search once more so you can book.
If you're booking with American miles, get ready to put in some additional work.
Once you confirm the award space is available with Aeroplan, you'll need to call American to put a ticket on hold. However, the US call center won't be able to help you. I would try one of the following call centers:
- Australia: +61 2-9101-1948
- New Zealand: +64 09-308-4014
- Singapore: +65 6349-8444
- Malaysia: +60 3-2053-5120
You will need to provide the exact flight details (date, flight number, etc.) rather than simply asking them to search for award space on your dates.
With the ticket on hold, call the US call center (1-800-433-7300) to pay the taxes and fees. Make sure they don't charge a phone booking fee since this isn't available on American's site.
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Final Thoughts
Etihad isn't always with releasing first class award space so jump on it if you've been wanting to give it a try. If you've already been to the UAE, you could use this as a flight home from Oman or even the Maldives.
Happy booking!
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