Etihad Airways 787 Dreamliner Economy Class Review: Madrid to Abu Dhabi – Middle Eastern Excellence

Why Etihad’s 787 Economy Class Sets the Standard for Long-Haul Travel

In an industry where economy class often feels like an afterthought, Etihad Airways proves that exceptional passenger experiences don’t require a business class ticket. After flying their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Madrid to Abu Dhabi, I’m convinced this is one of the finest economy products crossing the skies today.

This isn’t just good « for economy class »—it’s genuinely excellent aviation, period. From thoughtful cabin design to remarkably good food to service that feels genuinely warm rather than perfunctory, Etihad delivers an experience that justifies choosing them even when cheaper alternatives exist. Here’s my comprehensive breakdown of flight EY77 from MAD to AUH.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

The Route: Madrid to Abu Dhabi

Flight Details:

Route: Madrid (MAD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Flight Number: EY77
Distance: 3,378 miles (5,436 km)
Flight Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Departure: 22:45 (evening departure)
Arrival: 08:30+1 (morning arrival)

This overnight routing is ideal for business travelers and anyone looking to maximize time at their destination. You depart Spain after dinner, sleep during the flight, and arrive in Abu Dhabi ready for a full day.

The Aircraft: Understanding Etihad’s 787 Configurations

Etihad operates multiple Boeing 787 variants with different configurations. It’s crucial to know which version you’re flying:

Boeing 787-9 Configurations:

Type 1 (Premium Configuration – 226 seats):

8 First Class suites
28 Business Class seats
190 Economy seats
Routes: Premium destinations like London, New York, Sydney

Type 2 (Standard Configuration – 290 seats):

28 Business Class seats
262 Economy seats
Routes: Major European and Asian cities including Madrid

Type 3 (Latest Configuration – 303 seats):

32 Business Class (new Collins Aerospace Elements suites)
271 Economy seats (Recaro CL3710 seats)
Routes: Recently delivered aircraft on select routes

This review covers Type 2 configuration, which represents Etihad’s core long-haul economy product on the Madrid route.

Seat Comfort: Exceeding Economy Expectations

Seat Specifications:

Configuration: 3-3-3 (9-abreast)
Seat Width: 17.2 inches
Seat Pitch: 31-33 inches depending on location
Recline: 6 inches with articulating mechanism
Manufacturer: Weber 5751 series

The « Fixed Wing » Headrest (9.5/10): This is Etihad’s signature economy feature and it’s genuinely brilliant. Unlike adjustable headrests that eventually sag or collapse, Etihad’s design features one rigid « wing » that extends forward on one side, providing stable head support for sleeping.

The headrests alternate by row—left-side seats have right-extending wings, right-side seats have left-extending wings, and center seats get both options. This creates a semi-private cocoon effect that dramatically improves sleep quality. I managed over 5 hours of genuine sleep on this overnight flight—exceptional for economy.

Cushioning Quality (8.5/10): The seat padding is notably superior to most economy products. Even after 6+ hours, pressure points didn’t become problematic. The seats use high-density foam that maintains support throughout the flight without the « pancake effect » common on budget carriers.

Lumbar Support: Adjustable lumbar support is standard—a feature usually reserved for premium economy or business class. For someone with occasional lower back issues, this made the flight significantly more comfortable.

Legroom Reality: The 31-33 inch pitch varies by location. Rows 15-23 offer 33 inches (generous for economy), while rows 24 onwards provide 31 inches (standard but adequate). At 6’1″, I found the 31-inch pitch acceptable but not spacious. Taller passengers should target forward rows or consider « Economy Space » seats.

Recline Mechanics: The articulating seat design means when you recline, the seat bottom slides forward slightly while the back tilts. This creates more perceived recline without dramatically impacting the passenger behind you—though you’ll still notice when the person in front reclines.

Armrests: Fixed and non-adjustable. The armrests are comfortably padded but cannot be raised, limiting your ability to spread out across an empty middle seat.

Best Seat Selection Strategy:

Window seats for solo travelers: Lean against the cabin wall with the headrest wing support
Exit row 23: Extra legroom (33″+ pitch) without the typical exit row drawbacks
Rows 15-23: Enhanced pitch throughout this section
Avoid: Rows immediately in front of exit rows (limited recline) and seats near lavatories

Seat Rating: 8.5/10

In-Flight Entertainment: Impressive Technology

Screen Specifications:

Size: 11.1 inches (13.3 inches on newest aircraft)
Resolution: HD touchscreen with excellent brightness
Interface: Panasonic eX3 system
Responsiveness: Quick and intuitive—no lag frustration

Content Library (9/10)

Etihad’s entertainment selection is genuinely extensive and thoughtfully curated:

Movies: 200+ titles including:

Recent Hollywood releases (I watched films released within the past 3 months)
Bollywood cinema with English subtitles
Arabic films showcasing regional cinema
European and international selections
Classic cinema for film enthusiasts

TV Series: Full seasons of popular shows plus Arabic programming

Music: 500+ albums across genres, curated playlists, live radio channels

Games: Interactive options including trivia, puzzles, and multiplayer games

Live TV: Seven channels including sports and news (Al Jazeera, BBC, Sky News)

Moving Map: Multiple camera angles including forward-facing, downward, and detailed route information with estimated arrival updates

Unique Features:

Bluetooth Audio Pairing: Connect your own wireless headphones directly to the IFE system. This is a game-changer if you have quality noise-canceling headphones. No more dealing with airline-provided earbuds or adapters.

Gate-to-Gate Entertainment: Content available from boarding to arrival—no waiting until cruising altitude.

Multiple Language Support: Subtitles and audio tracks in 10+ languages including Arabic, English, Spanish, Hindi, and French.

USB Charging: Integrated USB-A port in the screen allows you to charge devices while watching content.

Provided Headphones: Basic but functional earbuds provided free. They’re adequate for the flight but nothing special. The real value is using your own headphones via Bluetooth.

IFE Rating: 9/10

Dining Experience: Where Etihad Truly Excels

This is where Etihad separates itself from European carriers and matches or exceeds Middle Eastern competitors like Emirates and Qatar Airways. The attention to food quality in economy class is remarkable.

Meal Service Overview (Madrid to Abu Dhabi)

Service Timing:

First meal service: 45 minutes after takeoff (approx. 23:30)
Second meal service: 90 minutes before landing (approx. 07:00)
Self-service galley access throughout

First Service (Dinner):

Despite the late departure time, Etihad provided a full dinner service, not a simple snack. I selected the chicken makhani with basmati rice.

Quality Assessment:

Main Course (8.5/10): The chicken makhani was genuinely impressive—tender chicken pieces in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based curry sauce with authentic spicing. The flavors were well-balanced: mildly spiced without being bland, rich without being heavy. The basmati rice was properly cooked and fluffy.

This wasn’t « good for airline food »—it was objectively good food that happened to be served at 35,000 feet. The portion size was generous without being excessive.

Alternative Option: Beef with mushroom sauce and vegetables—passengers around me seemed equally satisfied with this choice.

Accompaniments:

Fresh mixed salad with vinaigrette (crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber)
Warm bread roll with butter
Dessert: Date pudding with caramel sauce (sweet but not cloying)
Cheese and crackers
Bottled water

Presentation: Meals arrived on proper trays with real cutlery (metal fork and spoon, not plastic). The tray setup felt thoughtful rather than thrown together.

Beverage Service (9/10):

Etihad’s complimentary beverage selection exceeds expectations:

Wine: Complimentary red and white wine (decent quality, not vinegar)
Beer: Heineken and local options
Spirits: Full bar including whiskey, vodka, gin, rum
Soft drinks: Full Coca-Cola range, juices, sparkling water
Coffee: Proper espresso from Lavazza machines, not filtered coffee
Tea: Multiple varieties including Arabic coffee and traditional teas

Flight attendants proactively offered refills throughout the service. I never needed to press the call button for a drink.

Second Service (Breakfast – 07:00 local time):

Despite the early hour (2 AM Madrid time for my body), the breakfast service was substantial:

Options:

Hot breakfast: Scrambled eggs with chicken sausage, sautéed mushrooms, hash brown, grilled tomato
Continental: Fresh croissant, Danish pastry, fruit, yogurt, cold cuts, cheese

I opted for the hot breakfast. The eggs were fluffy and well-seasoned (impressive given altitude cooking challenges), the chicken sausage had good flavor, and everything arrived warm.

Accompaniments:

Fresh fruit salad (melon, grapes, pineapple)
Yogurt
Juice selection
Bread basket with butter and preserves

Self-Service Galley:

Between meals, passengers can access the rear galley for:

Bottled water (take as many as you want)
Juice boxes
Snacks (cookies, crackers, fruit)
Coffee and tea service

This self-service approach is excellent for staying hydrated and snacking according to your schedule rather than waiting for crew service.

Special Meal Options:

Etihad offers extensive special meal options (must be ordered 24+ hours in advance):

Vegetarian (multiple variations: vegan, Hindu, Jain)
Religious meals (Halal, Kosher)
Medical diets (diabetic, gluten-free, low sodium)
Children’s meals

All standard meals are Halal-certified.

Food Rating: 9/10

What elevates this score isn’t just quality—it’s the consistent execution, authentic flavors, and genuine care in preparation. Etihad treats economy dining as an integral part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Service: Arabian Hospitality at Its Finest

Cabin Crew Performance: 9/10

The service on this flight exemplified why Gulf carriers have earned reputations for exceptional hospitality.

Pre-Departure:

Warm welcome at the door with genuine smiles
Proactive assistance with luggage storage
Efficient boarding process with clear communication

In-Flight Service Highlights:

Attentiveness: Crew members made regular cabin walks, checking on passengers, offering refills, and responding quickly to call buttons. I never waited more than 2-3 minutes after pressing the call button.

Genuine Warmth: This wasn’t scripted politeness—the crew seemed genuinely engaged and happy to assist. Interactions felt personal rather than transactional.

Multilingual Capability: Announcements in Arabic, English, and Spanish. Crew seamlessly switched languages based on passenger needs.

Proactive Problem-Solving: When a passenger’s IFE screen malfunctioned, a flight attendant immediately offered troubleshooting, then moved the passenger to an available seat with a working screen.

Meal Service Efficiency: Despite a full cabin (95%+ load factor), meal service was completed within 45 minutes without feeling rushed. Crew asked each passenger individually about meal preferences rather than using a « chicken or beef » approach.

Cultural Sensitivity: The crew demonstrated awareness of diverse passenger backgrounds, adjusting interactions appropriately while maintaining warmth.

Amenities Provided:

Pillow and blanket at each seat (pre-placed before boarding)
Economy amenity kit on overnight flights (ear plugs, eye mask, toothbrush/paste, socks)
Hot towel service after takeoff and before landing
Regular water bottle distribution

Cabin Environment:

Temperature: Well-maintained throughout the flight—never too hot or cold

Cleanliness: Lavatories checked and cleaned regularly; cabin remained tidy despite overnight flight

Lighting: Dimmed appropriately for night flights with individual reading lights

Service Rating: 9/10

Technology and Connectivity

Power and Charging (9/10):

Every seat includes:

Universal AC power outlet: Full 110V/220V outlet accommodates any device
USB-A port: Integrated into IFE screen
Both outlets provide sufficient power for simultaneous laptop and phone charging

Wi-Fi (7/10):

Etihad offers « Wi-Fly » Panasonic Avionics satellite internet on 787s:

Speed: 5-15 Mbps during my flight (adequate for messaging and browsing, challenging for video)

Pricing Structure:

Chat package: Free for Etihad Guest members (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.)
Full Flight: $24.95 (entire journey)
By the Hour: $9.95 per hour

Reliability: Generally stable at cruising altitude with occasional dropouts

Note: Etihad is gradually rolling out Viasat Wi-Fi on newer 787 deliveries, which offers significantly faster speeds (100+ Mbps). However, the Madrid route currently uses the older satellite system.

Technology Rating: 8/10

The 787 Dreamliner Advantage

Flying on a Boeing 787 provides inherent benefits compared to older aircraft:

Enhanced Air Quality: The 787’s air filtration system and higher humidity levels (compared to traditional aircraft) reduce the typical « dried out » feeling on long flights. I noticed significantly less fatigue and dehydration.

Lower Cabin Altitude: The 787 pressurizes to 6,000 feet equivalent (vs. 8,000 feet on older aircraft), reducing fatigue and jet lag effects.

Larger Windows: Electronically dimmable windows are larger than traditional aircraft windows and can be adjusted from your seat.

Quieter Cabin: The 787’s engines and airframe create less ambient noise compared to older widebodies.

Smooth Ride: Advanced wing design and systems reduce turbulence sensation.

These factors combine to create a measurably more comfortable flying experience, even in economy class.

Value Proposition: Premium Experience at Fair Pricing

Typical Economy Fares (Madrid-Abu Dhabi roundtrip):

Low Season: €400-550
Shoulder Season: €600-750
Peak Season: €850-1,100

What’s Included:

One checked bag (23kg/50lbs)
Carry-on bag and personal item
All meals and beverages (including alcohol)
Blanket, pillow, amenity kit
In-flight entertainment
Power outlets at every seat

Value Rating: 9/10

At these price points, you’re getting an exceptional economy experience. The inclusion of quality meals, beverages, entertainment, and genuinely good service makes Etihad outstanding value.

Abu Dhabi Connection Opportunities

Many travelers use Etihad’s Madrid service as a gateway to destinations across Asia, Australia, and beyond. Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) offers:

Terminal Design: Modern, spacious, and well-organized. Navigation is intuitive with clear signage.

Connection Times: Minimum connection time is 60 minutes; I recommend allowing 90-120 minutes for comfort.

Lounge Access: Economy passengers can purchase lounge access ($50-65) for long connections. Etihad Guest Silver/Gold members receive complimentary access.

Transfer Experience: Seamless—bags are checked through to final destination, and immigration is only required if leaving the airport.

Onward Destinations from AUH:

Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila, Seoul, Tokyo
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne
Maldives, Seychelles: Perfect for luxury resort connections
East Africa: Nairobi, Dar es Salaam

The Madrid-Abu Dhabi flight positions perfectly for morning connections throughout Etihad’s network.

The Final Assessment: Why This Earns 8.5/10

Etihad Airways’ Boeing 787 economy class achieves its 8.5/10 rating through exceptional execution across every touchpoint. This isn’t a case of one standout feature compensating for weaknesses—every aspect of the experience exceeds typical economy standards.

What Elevates This Product

Holistic Excellence: Comfortable seats + outstanding food + superior IFE + warm service + modern aircraft = genuinely pleasant 7-hour flight

Arabian Hospitality: Even in economy, there’s a palpable sense that Etihad values you as a passenger. Service feels genuine rather than perfunctory.

Attention to Detail: From the innovative headrest design to the meal presentation to the cleanliness of lavatories—small things done exceptionally well.

Value Delivery: You receive a comprehensive, full-service experience at competitive pricing. No hidden fees, no unpleasant surprises.

The Dreamliner Advantage: Flying on a modern 787 provides measurable comfort benefits that enhance the entire experience.

Minor Detractions

Standard Pitch in Rear Sections: The 31-inch pitch from row 24 onwards is adequate but not generous. Taller passengers should select forward rows or Economy Space.

Wi-Fi Speed: Satellite internet is functional but not fast. Business travelers requiring video conferencing might struggle.

Occasional Service Variability: While my flight was exceptional, Gulf carrier service quality can vary by crew. Some flights might experience less engaged staff.

Conclusion: Highly Recommended for Madrid-Abu Dhabi Route

If you’re traveling between Madrid and Abu Dhabi (or connecting beyond), Etihad Airways’ 787 economy class deserves your strong consideration—even if slightly more expensive than alternatives.

The airline delivers what economy passengers actually want: genuine comfort within physical constraints, remarkably good food, excellent entertainment, warm professional service, and fair pricing. This isn’t business class, but it’s not trying to be. It’s economy done exceptionally well.

Would I book this again? Absolutely, without hesitation.

Would I recommend it to friends and family? Yes, enthusiastically—especially for those who value quality over simply the cheapest option.

The Bottom Line: In an era where many airlines treat economy passengers as a necessary inconvenience, Etihad Airways demonstrates that thoughtful execution creates genuinely pleasant experiences. The Madrid-Abu Dhabi 787 service represents the gold standard for long-haul economy travel.

For that, Etihad earns its well-deserved 8.5/10.

Have you flown Etihad’s 787 in economy class? Share your experience in the comments. For more airline reviews, routing strategies, and travel optimization tips, subscribe to our newsletter.

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