Airberlin Bankrupt : Etihad Airways Issues A Statement. Flights Will Continue On Current Schedule.

Air Berlin, Germany’s second-largest carrier, has filed for bankruptcy today. This came after Etihad Airways announced all financial support.

The airline, which has accumulated debt for almost a decade, reported a record loss of 782m euros in 2016.

Flights will continue to operate thanks to a transitional loan of 150m euros from the German government.

It means: All flights from airberlin and NIKI are operating and the current flight schedule as well as booked flights are valid. airberlin and NIKI are continuing to accept future bookings.

Negotiations between airberlin and Lufthansa among others are continuing and are expected to finalize.

Air Berlin CEO Thomas Winkelmann said: “We’re working hard on this situation to do what is the best for the company, our clients.

 In the meantime UAE based Etihad Airways issued a statement:

“We have been informed that airberlin has filed for administration.

“This development is extremely disappointing for all parties, especially as Etihad has provided extensive support to airberlin for its previous liquidity challenges and restructuring efforts over the past six years.

“In April this year, Etihad provided EUR 250 million of additional funding to airberlin as well as supporting the airline to explore strategic options for the business. However, airberlin’s business has deteriorated at an unprecedented pace, preventing it from overcoming its significant challenges and from implementing alternative strategic solutions.

“Under these circumstances, as a minority shareholder, Etihad cannot offer funding that would further increase our financial exposure. We remain open to helping find a commercially viable solution for all parties.

“We expect airberlin operations to continue during administration. We have a commercial relationship with airberlin across a range of areas, including codeshare operations, and we will support airberlin’s management during these difficult times.

“Germany is an important market for Etihad and Abu Dhabi, and we remain committed to providing comprehensive air links as a key enabler of trade and tourism.

Travelore News: Etihad Airways Confirms Suspending All Flights From Abu Dhabi, UAE To Doha, Qatar

The last flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha will depart as EY399 at 02:45 (local time) on 6 June. The last flight from Doha to Abu Dhabi will depart as EY390 at 04:00 (local time) on 6 June. Flights on 5 June will operate as normal.

All customers who are booked on Etihad Airways flights to and from Doha are being provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Etihad Airways destinations.

Detailed information is available by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 (0) 2599 0000, or by visiting‎ www.etihad.com.

Any further changes to the status of flight schedules to Doha will be communicated through the appropriate channels.

Etihad Airways regrets any inconvenience caused as a result of the suspension.

UAE Ambassador: US Confirms That Emiratis Exempted From Trump Ban #TrumpTravelBan

The UAE embassy in Washington on Tuesday has confirmed that Emiratis will not be affected by Trump’s travel ban.

In a series of tweets, Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the US, announced that the embassy has consulted with American officials, and has been assured that the new immigration law will not affect UAE citizens.

Al Otaiba further confirmed that Emiratis can proceed with their plans to visit the United States.

In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact the embassy.

The assurance was made following President Donald Trump’s US travel entry ban earlier this week against seven Muslim-majority countries, which left transit passengers stranded at Dubai International Airport.

Meanwhile, airlines in the UAE said they were doing everything they can to help passengers caught in the 90-day temporary US entry ban, which include the countries of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

On Monday, Emirates said it has adjusted its crews for flights to the United States, while an Etihad Airways spokesperson told Gulf News that is working closely with the US Customs and Border Protection agency in Abu Dhabi and in the USA on the immigration issues presented over the weekend.

Etihad Airways said: “Our joint interest is on ensuring that compliance and the well-being of all passengers is maintained across our global network.”

Emirates, Cathay, Qatar, & Qantas: The Worst In Air Passenger Fee Abuse

Excess baggage fees, an all familiar situation for many airline passenger. Frequent travelers often ask if some airlines are simply in the business to scare away clients.

The worst airlines when it comes extorting baggage fees is Dubai based Emirates, Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Australia based Qantas Airline. The most ethical and reasonable airline is Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways. Of course there are many in between the the best and the worst, and fees may be very different depending on markets, currencies and routes.

It however may pay off big time connecting in Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai or Doha when flying from London to Australia and having two suitcases to check.

Baggage fees, charges to pick your seat, paying to get on or off the plane first, these pocket picking tactics are now commonplace with low-costs airlines. But Send My Bag has found it’s not just budget airlines that are making a killing from fees. Many long-haul flight operators are raking in the cash at the expense of passengers who need to check a second bag.

Unless you are forking out for business or first-class tickets, you will typically receive an allowance of one checked bag weighing up to 23kgs. But, if you are going on a long-haul flight, chances are you will be staying at your destination for an extended period of time. And, indeed, you could be relocating there or moving there to work or study. For such purposes, 1 bag is just not enough.

Of course, you can purchase a second bag to help transport your belongings. But, the cost of that second bag can be alarmingly high. As the table below shows, the cost of pre-booking a second checked bag can run to over £1000!

Emirates and Cathay Pacific top our list of the five highest second-bag charges. If booking a flight on their most basic fare, you could pay up to £1193 and £1058, respectively, in order to pre-book a second 23kg bag. Qatar Airways and Qantas do little better, charging £966 and £810 for an additional 23 kg. Number five on our list seems cheap in comparison – Etihad ‘only’ charges £92 for an extra 23 kg.

Here are some examples according to Send My Bag:
Fee for second 23kg bag

1. Emirates: London - Melbourne
£1193 for 25 kg (baggage only available in certain increments)

2. Cathay Pacific London - Dubai
£1058 for 23 kg (£46* per additional kg)

3.Qatar Airways: London - Tokyo
£966 for 23 kg (£42** per additional kg)

4.Qantas: London - Melbourne
£810 for 25 kg (£162*** per additional 5 kg)

5.Etihad Airways: London – Abu Dhabi
£92 **** for 23 kg

Travelore News: Etihad Opens New First And Business Class Lounge At Los Angeles International Airport

Guests are welcomed by a specialized team of reception and lounge staff, waiters and bar tenders - all of whom have undergone a rigorous selection process, and dedicated hospitality training. Courtesy Etihad

Etihad Airways has opened a new premium lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.

The new lounge, set within the Tom Bradley International Terminal, is Etihad’s third premium offering in the United States, with others in Washington DC and New York, and complements the Abu Dhabi airline’s daily Boeing 777 service from the West Coast.

Etihad said in a statement that the new facility moves away from the normal conventions of airport lounge design, and features the same "Modern Arabian" decorative elements which characterise its new international lounges.

It features an à la carte dining area, showcase bar, TV area, shower facilities, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, multi-zone electrical and USB power outlets, and a selection of international magazines and daily newspapers. A separate VIP area can also be made available when required, Etihad said.

The lounge is open for the exclusive use of Etihad First Class and Business Class guests, Etihad Guest Platinum, Gold and Silver members flying on EY170, and Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airlines’ equivalent Platinum and Gold members.

The opening makes it 15 premium lounges globally for Etihad, includingthe recent addition of the one at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

"Our new First and Business Class Lounge in Los Angeles demonstrates our unwavering commitment to travellers on the US West Coast, and in the United States as a whole, by providing them with the intuitive hospitality they have come to expect from our people and our brand," said Martin Drew, Etihad Airways senior vice president Americas.

Source: business@thenational.ae

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How To book A $3441 Etihad Business Class Flight For $220

So I need to book a one way flight from Manchester to Dubai, what’s my best option?

Or, how I flew Etihad Business Class for a 94% discount.

Emirates would normally be my preferred choice, but their Skywards program only allows one-way award flights (where Skywards Miles can be redeemed for flights or upgrades) at Flex level, not Saver. As Flex Miles redemptions cost approximately 74% Miles than Saver, this is clearly not a sensible option.

So, who next? Etihad of course – especially as Business Class flights provide chauffeur service from Dubai (usually a nice Audi A6) to Abu Dhabi Airport and to Manchester Airport (usually a nice Mercedes E Class) included in the fare.

Another reason for choosing Etihad is they fly their new Boeing A330 Business Class product on the early AUH to MAN flight, which I’ve flown before and is lovely.

Etihad Business Class AUH MAN_seat

On checking the Etihad website, they are looking for £2413.84 (Pounds Sterling) – approx $3441 or 12,639 AED – but who wants to pay money when they can avoid it?

Eithad Business Class MAN AUH 04 Feb 16_cash

Enter Etihad Guest – the airline loyalty program of Etihad – and checking that, it shows it will cost 71,026 Etihad Guest Miles + £224.84 ($320.51 or 1,177 AED). But, who wants to pay that many miles when they can avoid it?

Eithad Business Class MAN AUH 04 Feb 16_Miles

Enter American Airlines AAdvantage – as their miles are much better value than Etihad. I know I can get Business Class MAN – AUH for 30,000 and I also flew their First Class Apartment for only 40,000 AAdvantage miles last year.

HOW TO BOOK ETIHAD BUSINESS CLASS AWARD TRAVEL WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES

Unfortunately, neither the American Airlines AAdvantage or Etihad Guest websites allow you to book award travel on Etihad with AAdvantage miles, instead you need to call the American Airlines contact centre.

I’d recommend using the UK Contact Centre on +44 20 7660 2300 even if overseas, as the competence is higher and the staff seem more friendlier and pleasant. The UAE numbers are perfectly adequate, but I find I get a quicker service – especially if checking availability or comparision of other options for award travel redemptions – ringing the UK. The increased call costs are worth it, trust me.

One tip for calling Contact Centres to book award travel – the more vague your query is, the more time you will spend on the phone. If you can check availability beforehand, it is better to direct the call agent on which specific flight (carrier, time etc. you are looking for).

In this case, I know there are seats available that AAdvantage Miles can be used for – the column ‘GuestSeat’ means Etihad allows it’s partner airlines like American Airlines to sell/redeem seats.

I spoke with the lovely Louise from Fiji – it’s always a top tip to be nice, charming and friendly with your agent – and she offered me the same flights for 30,000 AAdvantage Miles and only £154.80 ($220 USD or 811 AED).

I’ve used this trick previouslyin November 2015 when I booked a flight that was going on Kayak for $3,875 for 30,000 AAdvantage Miles and £14.30 ($21) and $75.

Etihad Business Class AUH MAN_bp

All that is left is to finalise the booking, then look forward to putting my feet up, having a beer with my steak and watching James Bond movies.

Etihad Business Class AUH MAN_meal

TIPS FOR REDEEMING MILES ON ETIHAD BUSINESS CLASS AWARD FLIGHTS FOR EVEN LESS

There’s several ways to keep costs down when redeeming Miles for award flights, such as:-

1. Fly from somewhere that has minimal taxes, e.g. flying from Abu Dhabi only cost £14.30 because ex-UK flights bring higher taxes and charges (e.g. Air Passenger Duty)
2. Book well in advance – I was charged $75 on the November Business Class Etihad flight only because I booked at short notice, as AA charges $75 for less than 21 days notice on some routes.

HOW DO I GET IN ON THE PARTY? I WANT TO START EARNING AMERICAN AIRLINES AADVANTAGE MILES!

First of all, as the saying goes – nothing in life is truly free – BUT there are many ways to earn Miles and Points relatively simply.

Future articles will show the best ways to rapidly accumulate AAdvantage Miles, so keep reading the blog or subscribe to the Eat Drink Stay Dubai RSS feed for updates.

However, if you are really in a rush to learn, or even better, have someone to give you a personal consultation to achieve your travel goals, why not consider our Coaching and Consulting offer?

Have you redeemed any Miles or Points for luxury flights? What were your experiences? Please let us know by adding your comments below.

Source: 

Eat Drink Stay Dubai

@EatDrinkStayDXB 

Airberlin Voted “Best Airline In Europe” And “Best Trans-Atlantic Airline” In The 2015 Global Traveler Tested Awards

 

airberlin, Germany’s second largest airline has received two awards from the readers of Global Traveler for “Best Airline in Europe” and “Best Trans-Atlantic airline” in 2015. In 2014, airberlin ranked second best in these categories.  

airberlin received the awards at a gala on the evening of December 8^th in Beverly Hills, California at the Peninsula Hotel. In attendance were industry leaders from airlines all over the world.  

“We feel honored to receive this award by the readers of Global Traveler. It shows that airberlin is well recognized and accepted by travelers from the United States to and within Europe. The awards urge us to even improve our service and product to remain a good host for our passengers up in the air and on the ground”, said Roberto Cuesta, Vice President the Americas.  

airberlin has consistently improved its service offering on board ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for its customers. For example, airberlin now offers 46 XL seats on all trans-Atlantic and long haul flights providing an extra six inches of comfort and space for travelers. Its business class offers world-class cuisine and FullFlat seats providing optimum comfort and privacy with access to the aisle from every seat. In addition, airberlin is expanding its route network to the United States, adding Boston, San Francisco and Dallas/Fort Worth to its flight plan in May 2016. airberlin will fly four times a week from Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth, and five times from San Francisco to Dusseldorf, the airline's main long-haul hub. One additional weekly service from Los Angeles and New York (JFK) to Dusseldorf will also be added. Overall, airberlin will introduce 15 additional weekly flights to and from the USA from next summer, taking the total of flights departing Dusseldorf and Berlin for eight destinations in the United States each week to 58.

About airberlin

airberlin is one of the leading airlines in Europe and flies to 138 destinations worldwide each year. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 31.7 million passengers in 2014. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21% share in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld^® airline alliance. topbonus, the frequent flyer program of airberlin is one of the leading programs in Europe with more than 4 million members. The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 21 airlines. The fleet is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe. Together with other airlines, airberlin belongs to Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand with which Etihad has been uniting shared activities since the end of 2014.

Airberlin Welcomes A New Season With “Fall” Fare Specials As Low As $599 Round-Trip To Europe From The US

Fall is here and leaves are dropping as well as fares with airberlin’s sale from now through October 19, 2015. Flights to Europe can be booked from New York for as little as $599 including all fees and taxes for a roundtrip ticket to the Nordic countries as well as from $629 from Chicago to Poland. In addition fares start from $749 from Miami to Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Flights are available from November 1^st, 2015 until March 27^th, 2016 or from March 28^th through April 14, 2016. Fares vary depending on dates of travel and destination.

airberlin offers a wide array of European destinations from its U.S. gateways that include Chicago, Miami and New York. The sale can be booked online at airberlin.com, through the airline’s service center at 1-866-266-5588 or through your travel agent. In addition, as a member of oneworld^® travelers will be able to accrue and redeem mileage with any airberlin oneworld partner such as American Airlines. Certain rules and restrictions apply which can be viewed on airberlin.com.

For more information visit airberlin.com.

About airberlin

airberlin is one of the leading airlines in Europe and flies to 138 destinations worldwide each year. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 31.7 million passengers in 2014. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21% share in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld^® airline alliance. topbonus, the frequent flyer program of airberlin is one of the leading programs in Europe with more than 3.8 million members. The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 22 airlines. The fleet is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe. Together with other airlines, airberlin belongs to Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand with which Etihad has been uniting shared activities since the end of 2014.

Europe Is At Your Doorstep With Airberlin’s “Discover Europe Special” With Rates At Low As $599 Round Trip Including All Fees

“Discover Europe”: With airberlin’s special promotion starting September 17^th valid through September 21^st, flights to Europe can be booked from $599 including all fees and taxes for a roundtrip ticket. Flights are available from November 1^st, 2015 till March 18^th, 2016 and depart from airberlin’s U.S. gateways Chicago, Fort Myers, Miami and New York to various cities in Europe within the airberlin network.

airberlin operates to premier cities throughout Europe that include Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Milan, Oslo and Zurich just to name a few. The sale can be booked online at airberlin.com, through the airline’s service center at 1-866-266-5588 or through your travel agent. In addition, as a member of oneworld^® travelers will be able to accrue and redeem mileage with any airberlin oneworld partner such as American Airlines. Certain rules and restrictions apply which can be viewed on airberlin.com.

Travelers will enjoy European style service on board that includes cold and hot meals in addition to complimentary beverage service throughout the flight in both economy and business class. On demand entertainment system provides more than 200 hours of continuous movies, television programs, and more to make the hours fly by.  

For more information visit airberlin.com.

About airberlin

airberlin is one of the leading airlines in Europe and flies to 138 destinations worldwide each year. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 31.7 million passengers in 2014. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21% share in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld^® airline alliance. topbonus, the frequent flyer program of airberlin is one of the leading programs in Europe with more than 3.8 million members. The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 22 airlines. The fleet is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe. Together with other airlines, airberlin belongs to Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand with which Etihad has been uniting shared activities since the end of 2014.

Travelore News: Etihad Airways Rolls out New Baggage Policy

Etihad Airways will introduce sweeping new baggage policy enhancements in conjunction with the launch of its new Fare Choices tariff structure, effective for tickets issued on or after September 14th 2015, providing more choice and clarity to its guests.

The new policy has been introduced to respond to individual customer needs with greater flexibility and to more closely align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines.

The changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards for Etihad Guest loyalty program members.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer, said: “In line with industry best practice, we are moving to a fair and transparent baggage concept.

“Our new Fare Choices are an easier way for guests to understand what they are paying for, offering clearer pricing, and the flexibility which best suits their travel plans.

“This also applies to their baggage requirements.”

Most routes will now operate on a piece concept basis.

This means that customers are entitled to one, two, or three bags, depending on their Fare Choice, route, and Etihad Guest membership status.

As part of the policy change, the cost of excess baggage will be dramatically cut on 

the majority of fares.

On some routes the cost of buying an additional 23kg piece of baggage will be reduced by up to 90 per cent, with a further reduction of up to 30 per cent if pre-purchased directly with Etihad Airways up to 24 hours before travel.

Members of Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ award-winning loyalty program, will especially benefit from the new baggage concept, as higher tier members now receive an extra bag or additional weight allowance depending on the market and route.

New baggage policy highlights:

• Increased allowance for Economy Value and Economy Freedom guests on certain routes from 30kg to two pieces of baggage at 23kg per bag – a total allowance of 46kg.
• On selected routes, the Economy Class allowance has been increased for all fare choices from 30kg to two pieces of baggage at 23kg per bag. 
• In premium cabins on certain routes, the allowance has been increased from 40/50kg to two pieces of baggage at 32kg per bag.
• Etihad Gold and Platinum members will receive one extra piece of baggage at 32kg on piece concept routes, compared to 15kg and 20kg respectively previously.
• For piece concept markets, Etihad Silver members now receive a minimum of two bags of 23kg.

The World's 10 Most Expensive Plane Tickets

Just joined the nouveau riche with an unexpected lottery win? Perhaps you've hit it big on some forgotten sports bet? Or were there a few more dimes in that piggy bank than you expected? Maybe you're just curious how the rich and famous fly when money is no object and luxury has no limits.

Whatever your reason for being here, Hopper's selection of 10 flights and their matching figures will do well to inspire a gasp. They are loaded with luxurious add-ons and bespoke services, brimming with champagne and caviar. But most of all, they have a great big whopping price tag to match.

10. New York to Singapore with Singapore Airlines for upwards of $14,000

For a whopping $14,000 or more, passengers from New York's JFK airport can now experience Singapore Airlines' all-new first class suites. Forget those old reclining booth chairs, because these babies are the real deal, with sliding cabin doors that enclose travelers in their own room, complete with a standalone bed, dining table and 23-inch LCD entertainment system. Naturally, there's also a fully-fledged gourmet food service and a wine list to die for.

9. Los Angeles to Melbourne with Qantas, starting at $14,974

For first class suite passengers on this Qantas connection from LAX to Melbourne, the luxury begins in the airport, where the airline's all new International Business Lounge offers up plush leather seats and an open fireplace. Once on board, the fully reclining six-foot bed and its luxurious sheepskin mattress, A380's massive touch-screen entertainment systems, endless array of bubbling champagnes and Australian reds and whites and top-chef Neil Perry's selection of à la carte dishes take center stage.

8. Los Angeles to Tokyo on Japan Airlines for $16,078 round trip

For just $16,000 return passengers can now get their hands on one of Japan Airlines' all-new first class suites; a partitioned space of leather upholstery, reclining mattress beds, 23-inch flat screen TVs and concealed storage spaces, all served with an à la carte offering of Western dishes and Japanese sushi and sashimi plates. Drinks-wise, there's also a wide selection of reds, whites and sparkling champagnes to be had, along with the finest array of sake rice wines, complete with big name brands like Kamoshibito Kuheiji, Iso Jima and the famous Moriizou.

7. New York to Singapore with Virgin Atlantic for upwards of $21,000

(Photo: S. Brouard/Flickr)
The dimly lit, swish and stylish matte black booths of Virgin Atlantic's so-called upper class really do live up to their name. Complete with fully-reclining seat beds and private entertainment screens, they're a particular favorite among traveling businesspeople, who can make use of the built-in swivel technology to conduct in-flight meetings. Perhaps the most expensive route on the roster with Virgin Atlantic is this one from JFK to Singapore, which comes in at upwards of a whopping $21,000 round-trip!

6. New York to Singapore with Swiss Air for $22,265 round trip

We found this heart-stopping $22,000 ticket for travel between the two metropolises in late July, including a stopover in the Swiss Air hub of Zurich International. Touted by the airline as "your home above the clouds," the first class offering from the flagship carrier is nothing short of regal, with a culinary selection fielded by Michelin-starred chef Dominique Gauthier, bespoke toiletry packs from leading international brands and full-length mattress beds. No wonder they keep winning awards!

5. Hong Kong to New York with Cathay Pacific for $26,572 round trip

Aboard Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777-300ER on the 14-hour connection from Hong Kong to New York's JFK, jet set passengers are treated to an award-winning first class service that makes use of a unique 1-1-1 orientation in three rows. This roomy cabin layout means guests are free to enjoy their wide berth beds and flat screen TVs in peace, as the cabin crew serve the carrier's trademark array of Hong Kong dishes, a wide selection of international wines and caviar breakfasts. All that for just $26,572!

4. New York to Beijing with Korean Air, for upwards of $27,000

If Korean Air's trademark First Class Kosmo Sleeper Seats sound high-tech and fancy, that's because they are! Boasting 100% reclining abilities controlled by one-touch pads and partitioning that encloses passengers in a timber-panelled enclave of real luxury, they are among the most coveted in the skies. What's more the Mercury Award-winning in-flight food service comes complete with oriental dishes to die for, not to mention a wealth of well-known worldly wine labels. Round-trip tickets on the route from New York's JFK to Beijing will cost anything upwards of $27,000.

3. San Francisco to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways for $28,090 round trip

(Photo: Korean Air KE/Flickr)
Travelers making their way to the oil-rich capital of the UAE would do well to prepare themselves for the famed luxury of the city's new palatial hotels. And what better way than with a first-class ticket into town with the nation's flagship carrier Etihad Airways, who offer up their partitioned suites complete with 23-inch cinema screens, private mini bars, Middle Eastern infused al a carte menus and upholstered leather furnishings to boot. The catch? It may just cost you $29,000 round-trip!

2. Los Angeles to Dubai with Emirates for upwards of $30,000

It's perhaps no wonder that this 16-hour direct connection from LAX to Dubai hits the higher rungs of this list, what with all the fashionistas, A-listers, VIP businessmen and Hollywood locals that no doubt make the trip regularly. That said, there's no question that Emirates' first class offering is good, in fact it's nothing short of legendary -- with most A380s, A340-500s and 777s now coming complete with fully partitioned private suites, individual mini bars, flat laying mattress beds, vanity tables and even on-flight spa facilities!

1. New York to Hong Kong with Lufthansa for $43,535 round trip

So, what does $43,000 get you in the skies these days? Well, Germany's flagship carrier thinks their on-ground personal assistants, standalone seat and bed setup, in-flight air humidifiers, bespoke toiletry kits, Markus Del Monego-selected wine list and Michelin-starred culinary offering hits the mark, and with their five-star Skytrax rating and a place in 2014's top 10 worldwide carrier table, they may just be right. You can expect to pay for the luxury of finding out, though!

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This article originally appeared on Hopper.com, the app that tells you when is the best time to fly and buy. 

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Etihad Airways Offering 7 Reasons To Stopover In Abu Dhabi This May

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Stop over in Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Airways will give you a complimentary 96-hour visit visa. To qualify for an Etihad Airways free visa all you have to do is book an Etihad Airways flight with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, and book your hotel stay with Hala Abu Dhabi.

THE MALEK JANDELI TRIO AT THE ABU DHABI THEATRE

The world-renowned composer and pianist, Malek Jandali, recognized as a leading figure in today's piano world, will be presenting for the first time in the UAE with Laura Metcalf on cello and Abdulrahim Alsaid on oud. Malek's compositions integrate Middle Eastern modes into Western classical forms of harmony.

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

Abu Dhabi, rapidly becoming the hub of the Arab book trade, hosts the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for a week of literary celebrations. This book fair, run jointly with KITAB, continues to develop the book and publishing industry and promote reading in the Arab World. It will feature more than 500,000 titles from the world's leading publishing houses and book sellers, and will introduce readers from across the world to a vibrant commercial marketplace

ART AS WITNESS OF GLOBALIZATION

This talk is part of the cultural programme at the Manarat Al Saadiyat Cultural District and will approach the phenomenon of the "global museum". The theme of the talk will be the Louvre Abu Dhabi, giving participants the opportunity to examine the meaning of the creation of such a museum in Abu Dhabi.

MULTAQA ZAYED NATIONAL MUSUEM

The Zayed National Museum will hold the first of a series of public talks dedicated to the narrative and development of the museum. The series, Multaqa, began this month at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the first of five talks to be held until May in Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain. The museum, which will become the centrepiece of Saadiyat Cultural District, tells the story of the UAE through exhibitions depicting the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed. It will have seven permanent gallery displays, including “Sheikh Zayed : Life and Times”, “Falconry and Conservation”, “Land and Water”, “People and Heritage”, “History and Society”, “Science and Learning” and “Faith and Islam”.

ALESSANDRO SAFINA AT THE EMIRATES PALACE

This event promises an unforgettable evening with a grand performance by the legendary Italian tenor Alessandro Safina. The event format will be that of a gala evening with food and beverages included.

ABU DHABI CLASSICS SEASON

This classical music concert season returns to Abu Dhabi and brings some of the most prominent musical talent and orchestras in the world. Abu Dhabi Classics perfectly reflects the excellence the emirate has achieved in the field of culture.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND AT THE EMIRATES PALACE

This amazing family performance takes audiences to a fairy-tale world full of magic and fantasy. It sees an ice rink appear at the Emirates Palace and is a reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll’s original story, written in 1865. Featuring Russian figure skaters, it tells the tragic and romantic love story of a secret service officer and a Russian princess.

For any enquiries, please contact Hala Abu Dhabi on +971 2 5990 700 or emailhalaabudhabi@etihad.ae

Etihad Airways Leads World Travel Awards Winners In Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Airways has retained its title as the Middle East’s Leading Airline for an incredible ninth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.

The United Arab Emirates’ flag-carrier was recognized during a red carpet awards presentation evening at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach in front of hundreds of Middle Eastern tourism leaders.

Also picking up the a coveted trophy was Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah which claimed the Middle East’s Leading Hotel title, while Jebel Ali Golf Resort walked away with the prize for Middle East’s Leading Family Resort.

Speaking during the event World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege for World Travel Awards to recognize the leading airlines, hotels and tour operators from across the Middle East here at the luxury Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach.

“This beautiful property – which itself takes the title of Middle East’s Leading New Resort – has provided us with a wonderful backdrop for this prestigious event.

“Congratulations to all our winners and we look forward to seeing them later in the year for the World Travel Awards Grand Final.”
Also among the winners at Four Seasons was Al Mashreq Boutique Hotel, which took the title of Middle East’s Leading Boutique Hotel, Le Royal Meridien, recognized as the Middle East’s Leading Spa Resort, and the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, which took the title of Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board.

Hailed by worldwide media for its role in identifying and rewarding excellence in the travel and tourism sector, World Travel Awards celebrates its 22nd anniversary in 2015 and is acknowledged as the ultimate travel accolade.

World Travel Awards global events are widely recognized as the best networking opportunity within the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

Economy Class Is Getting The Luxury Treatment

While economy class isn't as cozy as business or first, airlines are starting to offer more luxe amenities to the everyday traveler (probably to help us forget outrageous luggage fees or the fact our pretzels are no longer free, but I digress). In many instances, economy class is becoming a lifestyle experience in the sky.

For example, take Etihad Airways new couture uniforms launched in late December, designed by Milan-based couturier Ettore Bilotta. Featuring tones of chocolate brown, deep purple and burnt orange, the uniforms are made from 100% Italian wool and are meant to give a nod to a time when flying was glamorous.

Photo courtesy of Virgin America

If poorly poured well drinks and cheap wine in plastic cups aren't your thing, Virgin America is now offering craft bottle cocktails from Austin Cocktails. As the airline is a San Francisco company, it always focuses on showcasing local businesses through its food and beverage program, featuring the likes of Philz Coffee, 479° Popcorn, Krave Jerky, and 21st Amendment and Anchor Steam Breweries.

On Air France, everyone gets a taste of first class. Even economy passengers get a glass of bubbly (Lombard & Cie Brut Reference brut, to be exact), from the airline’s wine and Champagne list, which is hand-curated by Paolo Basso, named the world’s top sommelier in 2013.

Aeroflot brings the usually first-class amenity travel kits — including eyes masks, slippers and do-not-disturb stickers — to economy on flights longer than 8 hours.

Photo courtesy of EL AL Israel Airlines

And while it’s nothing new for airlines to incorporate chef-created menus into their dining programs, it’s typically reserved for higher-class passengers. However, on EL AL Israel Airlines all passengers are served dishes by celebrity chef Moshe Segev, who owns three Israeli restaurants and hosts a television cooking show, Segev Comes to Cook. Think meals like truffled sweet potato soup or a healthy salmon fillet with steamed rice and green beans served with boutique Israeli wines.

“Mai Tais” in economy provide a sip of Hawaiian culture. Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines also features a chef-led program for economy class, with Chef Chai Chaowasaree’s pan-Asian menu featuring dishes like Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken with fresh mango salsa and fried rice.

Contributed by Jessica Festa ,http://roadwarriorvoices.com/

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