- Mr Plane Guy
- Apr 29
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
By Travel Expert Mr. Plane Guy
Singapore to Milan Malpensa via Abu Dhabi
EY499 – Singapore (SIN) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Operated by an Airbus A380-861 (Reg: A6-APH, approx. 9 years old)
Scheduled Departure: 21:18 (+08) | Actual Departure: 21:18
Scheduled Arrival: 00:41 | Actual Arrival: 00:41
Total Flight Time: 7h 23m
EY81 – Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Operated by a brand-new Airbus A350-1000 (Reg: A6-XWG, approx. 1 month old)
Actual Departure: 02:28 | Scheduled Arrival: 06:45 | Actual Arrival: 06:47
Total Flight Time: 6h 1m
If you're considering Etihad flights for your next adventure, especially on their stunning Etihad A350 or iconic Etihad A380, you're in the right place. In this post, I’m sharing my full experience flying from Singapore to Abu Dhabi (SIN-AUH) on the A380, then onward to Milan (AUH-MXP) on Etihad’s brand-new A350 in Economy. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Etihad Check-in at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
The journey began at Singapore Changi Airport, recognized as one of the best airports globally. However, my check-in experience with Etihad was a bit chaotic. The economy bag drop queue was actually longer than the standard check-in queue, which was frustrating.
Top Tip: I placed an AirTag in my suitcase, allowing me to check that my case was also enjoying its transit stop at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Priority Pass Lounge Experience
I also visited the Priority Pass lounge at Changi. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing lounge experience. The lounge was crowded, with tired interiors and limited food options. This is not what you expect when starting a premium airline journey. It's rare for me to complain about lounges since I usually enjoy them, so this experience was quite unexpected.
Flying Etihad A380: SIN-AUH in Economy Class
Stepping onto the Etihad A380 is always a special feeling. It’s a massive and iconic aircraft, but my seat selection this time came with some quirks. I had booked an extra legroom seat, located next to the door. While the extra space was great, the door bustle impeded some of the legroom.
Another thing to note is that the TV screen remains stowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing. This means you cannot engage with your entertainment until the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude, known as "top of climb." Unfortunately, the screens are also locked away about 20 minutes before landing.
_Actual A380 I flew onboard A6-APH_
Meal service was straightforward with a choice of chicken, beef, or fish. There was no fancy menu or presentation. It took over an hour after takeoff for meals to be served. I was seated at the front of the economy cabin, so I can only imagine the wait at the back. The crew member was polite but robotic, offering very little personal interaction. After meal service, there was no further service during the flight, not even water.
Positives:
The seat was comfortable for a long-haul economy flight.
The amenity kit provided was simple but useful.
The huge, comfortable pillow in economy was an excellent touch. It's easily one of the best economy pillows I have had.
Overall, while the service experience with Etihad was lacking, the flight was punctual. The aircraft itself remains impressive.
Easy Transit Through Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
Arriving in Abu Dhabi, I found the transit process to be seamless. From deplaning to reaching the departure lounge took less than ten minutes. The airport layout is logical, and walking to my next gate was a simple ten-minute stroll.
I had placed an AirTag in my checked luggage, which was reassuring as I could track its movement in real-time.
Top Tip: If you have Priority Pass, Abu Dhabi Airport offers several good lounges where you can relax, grab a drink, and recharge before your connecting flight.
At Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Priority Pass members have access to the Pearl Lounge, located in Terminal A. This lounge is open 24 hours a day and offers a range of amenities, including:
Indoor and outdoor bars
Two dining areas
Quiet lounge bays
An oasis-inspired terrace lounge
Large family areas
Meeting rooms
Flexible private rooms
Shower facilities
Accessible and inclusive facilities, nursing rooms, prayer rooms, and a smoking room
Access to the lounge is available through Priority Pass membership or by purchasing a day pass for up to 3 hours. It costs AED 263 (approximately $72) for adults and AED 175 (approximately $48) for children aged 2 to 12.
I managed to get a 30% discount for you on the Priority Pass! This pass allows you access to lounges worldwide for a fraction of the regular price.
Flying Etihad A350: AUH-Milan in Economy Class
Boarding the Etihad A350 felt like stepping into the future. The cabin looked and smelled brand-new, creating a noticeably fresher atmosphere compared to older aircraft. Once again, I secured an extra legroom seat, and it was fantastic. The seat was very comfortable, and I managed to sleep for four straight hours—almost unheard of for me in economy class.
Service: Again, the service was professional but minimal. I was offered a drink about an hour into the flight and the meal before landing. Unfortunately, there were no additional offers for snacks or drinks unless requested.
Meal service came later than I expected. I anticipated a meal service shortly after takeoff, but no food was served until three hours before landing. However, it was worth the wait! Breakfast was delicious, featuring:
French toast
Granola with yogurt
A buttery croissant with jam
Fresh fruit
Good quality tea
Inflight entertainment on the A350 was outstanding. Here are some highlights:
Large, responsive touchscreen
High-quality map and flight tracker
Bluetooth audio connectivity to pair your own headphones
A wide range of movies, TV shows, and music
Things to Note:
There are no individual air vents, and the cabin got slightly warm at times.
The seat comfort and hard product on the A350 definitely stood out, making the overall experience excellent despite the minimalist service.
Etihad Economy Class Details
Seat Pitch:
On the A380, Economy Class offers 31-32 inches of seat pitch.
On the A350, it feels slightly more spacious at around 32 inches.
The wingtip headrest and the huge pillow you get make a significant difference! I was able to sleep for a solid 4 hours!
Baggage Allowance:
For most Economy fares:
1 checked bag up to 23kg
1 carry-on bag up to 7kg
Upgrade Options: Etihad offers easy options to enhance your journey:
Bid for an upgrade to Business Class through their bidding system.
Pay to keep the seat next to you empty, offering more personal space for a small fee.
Both options are easy to arrange online after booking and can greatly improve your economy flight experience.
Is It Worth Stopping Over in Abu Dhabi?
If your Etihad flight itinerary allows for a layover, I highly recommend spending some time in Abu Dhabi. There is so much more to the city than just the airport.
I have a full post on the Top Things To Do in Abu Dhabi, which you can check out here.
Whether visiting the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, strolling along the Corniche, or exploring the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city has something for everyone. Etihad even offers stopover deals to make it easier to add a night or two to your journey.
Blog Post: Top 5 Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
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Don't forget to get an eSim before you travel to save on data roaming fees!
Ready for Take Off: Should You Fly Etihad?
This Etihad review is a tale of two halves. The hard product—the aircraft, seats, pillows, and entertainment—was genuinely excellent, especially on the A350. However, the soft product—cabin crew service and food presentation—was a bit underwhelming.
Would I fly Etihad again? Absolutely! Especially at the price I paid for these flights. The SIN-AUH-MXP route cost £316! A bargain! Considering my flight with low-cost airline Scoot from SYD to SIN was just under £600, I believe it offers value. More on that here.
Blog Post: Review of Scoot 787 Sydney to Singapore: Low Cost in Name, Premium in Price
Etihad remains a professional, safe, and modern airline. With its fantastic new aircraft and outstanding hub facility in Abu Dhabi, it stands out among the competition. If you're lucky enough to get on an A350, you're in for a treat! If you can bid for a Business Class upgrade or reserve an empty seat next to you, even better.
One day, I hope to experience Etihad’s Business Class or, even better, The Residence on the A380—a true bucket list goal.
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Is the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow T4 Worth the Hype? Find out HERE
How I Traveled Business Class on Qatar Airways for Less Than £250
Qatar Airways Economy Class Review: London to Zanzibar via Doha
Review of Scoot 787 Sydney to Singapore: Low Cost in Name, Premium in Price
Blog Post: Hilton DoubleTree Beijing: A 5-Star Stay with Standout Breakfast, Spa & Service
Don't forget to claim your Priority Pass discount, this amazing deal finishes soon!
Hello, I’m Paul, a travel and flight expert. I spent most of my career working in and around planes, providing top-notch service with a London-based airline for 15 years. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. I report on travel news, sharing tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed this Etihad Review: Flying the A380 and A350 In Economy. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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