When, after a long time, special business class tickets with premium airlines Etihad appear, I don't hesitate too long and plan a trip to Thailand. Specifically, I snagged round-trip tickets from Prague via Abu Dhabi to Krabi.

The goal was to test business class on a narrow-body A321 LR deployed on the Abu Dhabi - Krabi route, but the first surprise took place at the Prague airport. Our flight will be operated by one of the three newest Boeing 787-9s equipped with state-of-the-art Collins Aerospace Elements business seats with closing doors, taking the level of travel one step higher, literally...

More reviews from this trip(to follow):

• Etihad 787-9: review of the latest Business Class with doors (PRG-AUH) (you are reading this now)
• Etihad A321 LR: modern and full business class in a narrow-body aircraft
• Sofitel Krabi: the spacious resort ideal for families
• Etihad 787-9: classic business class
• Etihad Business Lounge Abu Dhabi

Buying business class on sale

Early October sees the launch of discounted business class fares on new routes to South East Asia. I don't hesitate too long and book flights for the pre-Christmas period from 19 November to 4 December at a price of 1709 eur per person.

At the time of writing this review, business class tickets are still available at around 1733 eur for selected dates in 2026.

I book flights directly on the carrier's website , etihad.com, selecting the Value fare. I don't want to pay less than 6 0 eur for the Comfort fare, which includes seat selection and lounge access.

We'll have a layover of less than 2 hours on the way there, so we definitely won't use the lounge, and on the way back I'll either buy the entry separately or use the non-branded airport lounge for free entry from the bank.

I'll deal with the miles by uploading back to Flyingblue. I recommend keeping not only the boarding passes, but especially the e-ticket where you can see the fare.

Check-in online and at the airport

I won't lie. I assumed we would select our seats during online check-in, but unfortunately that was not the case.

I'm flying with my family - me, wife and 2 kids. Luckily we are seated +- as planned, but we would need to change one seat. There is a fee of less than 83 eur per seat. I will complete check-in with pre-selected seats with the understanding that I will request the change during check-in at the airport.

The check-in counter for business class passengers is empty so we go right to the line.

When we request a seat change, we are shown the new seating reflecting the plane change, which is equal to the one we requested - two window seats and one middle row.

The check-in lady informs us that unfortunately we don't have lounge access, whereupon she adds that we will probably have credit card access. I nod and we say goodbye.

Lounge and boarding

We and readers have written enough about this home lounge on the site, so I won't go into it at length - read the full review of the Mastercard lounge at T1 here.

Shortly before boarding begins, we still find that we could use a few things from the pharmacy, so my wife decides to return to the public areas of the airport, run to Terminal 2 and then back through passport control again. Less than 20 minutes later we meet again at gate B3.

Boarding has already begun, but the business passenger pass is held at all times, so we don't have to wait in line and immediately walk through the boarding bridge to the plane.

The aircraft cabin

Before I can even stow my luggage and settle in, I can see that the cabin and especially the new seats will be all about maximum privacy.

For me, the cabin is in an ideal 1-2-1 seating layout, with the added bonus of all seats being in the direction of flight compared to other Etihad B789s.

All seats have direct aisle access.

Collins Aerospace Elements seats

Etihad Airways has fitted 3 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft with ultra-modern Elements seats from Collins Aerospace. Distinguished by giving the feeling of a private cabin - right up to first class.

But the lockable doors, which here are a few inches taller than on Etihad's A350 models, are currently out of service. Etihad airlines lack certification and so the doors are permanently blocked.

Even so, the space and walls are designed in such a way that you don't have to see passengers unless you want to.

I'm flying in seat 8A.

A minor tip - avoid seat 9A when choosing your seats. It lacks a window.

The seats are comfortable and really very spacious.

The only thing that bothered me was the seat belt. The top is short and it was so uncomfortable to have it on during takeoff and landing. On the other hand, for children the problem arises elsewhere - the top part cuts in at the neck and the stewardesses insisted on a complete fastening.

There are also storage compartments where you can find still water and full-sized headphones on boarding.

Modern technology is setting new trends here. Wireless charging, a 17.3" 4K monitor and the ability to connect your own bluetooth headphones to the IFE.

It should be mentioned that wireless charging is not ideal and instead of searching for the right spot for connectivity, I prefer to use the classic phone charging cable. This is available with both older and newer USB-C plugs.

The IFE is snappy, modern and packed with the latest movies for both adults and kids.

Also included is an Amenity kit, containing cosmetic products from premium brand ESPA. Lip gloss, moisturiser, refreshing spray, toothbrush with toothpaste, earplugs and a scratching post. All in a standard Etihad pouch.

It was time for a welcome drink and getting ready for departure.

Perfect in-flight service

During boarding, we were greeted by a flight attendant and it was nice that on our flight from Prague she was Czech.

Shortly after takeoff, we are served a warm mix of nuts or chips.

Along with this attention, we order meals to be brought to us whenever we ask during the flight.

Since we have a noon flight, we order our meals almost immediately.

There is an A la carte menu and then all-day dining on request.

I traditionally choose the Arabic mezze for an appetizer, followed by the chicken supreme with gnocchi and steamed spinach for the main course. The sweet spot will be the warm chocolate and caramel fondant.

I have to say, though, that of all the Gulf airlines, I like the Arab mezze the least on Etihad. Next time I'll prefer the other choices.

The chicken supreme was no surprise. It tastes exactly as it should. And the dessert? One more, please!

I recommend, if you're traveling with kids, to order them kids meals in advance at the reservation desk. They are not automatically counted on board.

The kids were genuinely happy with the whole serving experience. Even though they don't know the Marvel heroes yet.

After the meal, it's time to relax. Especially for my youngest son, who is now overdoing it.

The seat position adjustment is always beautifully at hand. The blanket and pillow are Armani brand and are very comfortable.

Conclusion.

Even though this is only the first of 4 flights in total, it is already clear that the price here is not at all realistic to what you end up getting. Standard airfares are anywhere from 50k upwards, and 60k upwards for Gulf airlines. We were paying a third less.

Yet it's still only about 2.5 times what regular economy costs. In terms of money, there is no question here. I can only recommend a flight in Etihad business class. Especially if you're flying in an A350 or B787-9 with Elements seats.