Travel updates MAN to SIN and KUL to MAN via AUH - all was fine!
TL;DR
Overall I had a really good experience and its the first time I've flown with etihad. Flown many times with Emirates and Qatar in both economy and business and whilst the quality of food and drink and seats are generally much better, the service with etihad was excellent on this occasion and I would 100% fly with them again as its a little cheaper than the competitors.
Just to post an update for people nervous to travel during uncertain times. Obviously there is a risk with war and the appetite to travel is on you, but please be assured that etihad are flying as normal and the cabin crew are wonderful. Travelled to Singapore 29th April and returned to Manchester from Kuala Lumpur on 11th May.
Flying out there were no issue and flights were on time. I travelled business which was full on the first leg and half full on the second leg. Economy was full on both fligts. Managed to get through AUH airport with no issues and no delays through security. The airport was pretty busy (its the first time I've been) so i wasn't sure if its at normal capacity and the business lounge was also pretty full but its so big there is ample space to sit and rest.
The return leg from Kuala Lumpur to Manchester via AUH was also full. I look economy for the first leg and booked out the middle seat for 411 MYR (~78 GBP). Glad i did this for the extra space as there were limited spaces. I had extra leg room and was impressed with the space. Guys in front reclined the whole way, even through dinner service and there was still enough space for me to eat and use tablet. Second leg I upgraded via the bidding system (I bid just over the minimum for 2 pax) and managed to get the upgrade. I got the confirmation on the way to the airport for my first flight. I was worried that it could be during my flight as it says the latest you'll get confirmation is 4 hours before your flight (I had the flight from KUL to AUH first before AUH to KUL). I also paid for middle seat in economy before I bid for the upgrade and to my surprise I received an email from etihad to say my middle seat payment had been refunded (I thought it wouldn't have, as Emirates don't usually refund seat selection if you upgrade). My connection was supposed to be 1hr 20mins but the fligght from KUL was delayed over an hour. I managed to walk normal speed through the airport and arrived at the gate with time to spare although most people had already boarded. Flight from AUH to MAN business class was pretty empty ( id say less that 30% full) but again economy was pretty packed by the looks of it.
Service was brilliant, especially from MAN TO SIN with cabin crew being really attentive. The return leg was ok.