Etihad Will Operate the A380 Twice Daily to JFK Starting Next June
Etihad Airways will soon be upgrading its second daily flight from New York (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) from a Boeing 777-300ER to an Airbus A380. This means starting June 1, 2017, you'll have a better chance of finding availability to book yourself a $32,000 ticket in the over-the-top, super-opulent Etihad Residence on future trips to the UAE — there will be more Etihad Apartments available as well, which you can book with Etihad Guest Miles. Etihad's A380 planes also feature a very large business-class cabin on the upper deck that's very comfortable, though not as extravagant.
While the first day of double A380 service is almost a year away, we're seeing some award availability in both the business-class cabin as well as The Apartment on flights originating in Abu Dhabi (AUH), however flights originating in New York (JFK) are less available to book with Etihad Guest miles. A one-way ticket from AUH to JFK will cost you about 118,000 miles + $225 in cash, while business-class fares will set you back about 89,000 miles + $173 in cash.
Alternatively, you can use AAdvantage miles to book these awards. One-way tickets in The Apartment cost 115,000 AAdvantage miles, while one-way business-class fares cost 70,000. But, to book these flights with AAdvantage miles, you'll have to call American Airlines' Australian reservations line at +61 02-9101-1948, as you're not able to book these awards through AA's US call center.
If you prefer to purchase your tickets in cash, a round-trip fare in The Apartment between JFK and AUH costs an eye-watering $22,000. Business-class fares are closer to Earth, starting at about $7,000 round-trip. While prices are certainly high, flying on Etihad's A380 gives you a chance to experience one of the most unique products in the sky today.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app