Etihad First Class to Washington

After a short night at the Westin Abu Dhabi, we headed back to AUH Terminal 3 not knowing how long it would take to use the new US CPB Pre-Clearance facility.   For anyone with Global Entry, AUH Pre-Clearance is a major PIA.   Yeah, you arrive as a domestic flight but at what price.  You have to arrive at AUH early and lose up to an hour in the lounges.   We arrived at the Etihad Premium Lounge just before 10AM, or about 90 minutes prior to our 11:30A departure.  Lounge dragon recommended that we head out in about... 5 minutes.  Seriously??  We thru caution to the wind and entered for some breakfast and stayed until 10:15A.  There was no line at Pre-Clearance or the subsequent security and we were at the gate just before 10:30A, more than 30 minutes before boarding.  What stupidity.  

Once on board, another great EY First flight with a superb crew including FA Joanna (ex-BA), Chef Alfred and Cabin Manager Usanee. 

After lunch and a movie, I asked Joanna to turn 1K into my bedroom.   Changed into my PJs and slept for close to 7 hours, unlike Jr. who watched movies, ate and nursed Johnny Blue most of the day.  LOL.  With 3 hours to go, I returned to 2D.  Still craving western food and based on Jr's recommendation, I went for the delicious Etihad Steak Sandwich.

We were given a cool new glossy brochure of the new Etihad A380 including First Class Residences and Apartment.  EY begins A380 JFK service next year.  Definitely plan to fly that flight.  

We arrived at gate A13 as domestic flight as a domestic flight and exited right into the terminal.   Still doesn't make up for the Pre-Clearance issues at AUH.  Especially since we had to change terminals anyway and since we were refused entry to the Etihad First & Business Class lounge.  Surly lounge dragon claimed "we don't have enough room for arriving passengers".    LOL.  Good one.  Despite this, it was another excellent Etihad experience.   Although, I still rate them #3 in the Gulf behind EK and QR.