Review of Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid in Economy

Intro

Hola amigos,

This is a continuation to my Sri Lanka trip series from 2016. Previous flights on this series are:
 

So… without further ado, I pick up where I left.

Transiting at AUH

Back in 2016 (can't believe this is already 5 years ago)… Etihad was trying to build a global hub of the likes of Dubai and Doha.  However, out of the three airports, it was the smallest and it had reached its peak capacity.

And I suffered it sorely. Lines and crowds were huge when crossing security… it was quite inefficient, specially as they segregate women and men, and many of the travellers using AUH seemed to be a bit unexperienced with air travel. 

As I was battered, I chose to go straight to the gate where the Madrid flight would be departing. Happily, it was on the same terminal I had just arrived to. 

Again I was bussed to the smart A330 that was to take us to the Iberian Penninsula. 

Boarding etihad's a330-200

Abu Dhabi's weather wasn't much of a problem for boarding by stairs. The Rolls-Royce Trent 700s looked just massive from a live view.

Upon boarding we were greeted by a cheery crew, the flight wasn't too full. 

The cabin and seat had all the expected amenities. And a chipped window frame. 

enroute to madrid

After all passengers got their seats, we got our menus for tonight

This was a short redeye, but we were given a light snack on a bag… I found this smart as I could choose when to sleep or eat as I pleased.

In the meantime the plane's lighting switched colours.

Then…sleep. A short time before arriving we were given breakfast. Everything was top notch.

sleepy arrival to madrid

I spotted this odd Conviasa 747-400…but my crappy camera didn't want to help.

We docked at Terminal 1. I was one of the first ones to reach the Border Police, as most passengers were EU citizens. The policeman just saw my passport, asked me how much time I was to stay in Spain and waved me in without much interest.