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Much of life’s confusion—especially when making choices—comes from mixing up the “what” and the “how.” It’s an easy trap to fall into, like mistaking the gas pedal for the brake in a moment of panic.
For most people, flying is a “how” to achieve a “what.”
What do I mean? Well, let’s say someone wants a vacation. That’s their what. But a vacation isn’t an end in itself—it’s just a how to reach something deeper: rest, relaxation, escape, adventure, learning, growth, or a much-needed break from Karen in accounting. Travel, in this case, is just the vehicle (sometimes literally) for achieving that goal.
But sometimes—for a select few—a flight IS the what. Call it the “priority what.”
Take me, for example. Not long ago, I found myself deep in the rabbit hole of flight options, laser-focused on one specific (primary) goal: flying Etihad’s First Apartment on its A380. If I was forced to pick a favorite First Class seat, this would be it. For me, this flight wasn’t just a means to an end. It was the end in itself.
So, while most people see flying as a how, I sometimes see it as a what. And when life gets confusing, The Upgrade Process and its five immutable steps are the perfect way to cut through the clutter. Clarity is a rare bird, but this process is like a well-trained falcon that snatches clarity right out of the sky.
- Baseline: Where you are.
- Desire: What you want.
- Options: How you might achieve it.
- Decisions: Making the choice.
- Implementation: Making it real.
No more ambiguity, just clean, structured thinking. It’s like having a mental GPS for decision-making.
Inside My Etihad First Apartment Thought Process
Goals—whether you call them upgrades, improvements, desires, or wants—are really just puzzles waiting to be solved. And like any puzzle, the key is figuring out the how.
Here’s how I cracked the code on how you can land my favorite First Class seat, plus a fistful of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
If you’re after a long-haul, international First Class experience (which usually comes with a price tag that makes your wallet cry), the cheapest possible option is using miles—if availability aligns. Now, let’s talk about:
How #1: If you’re flying Etihad’s First Apartment (only found on its A380) from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi, there’s only one direct option from the U.S.—from New York.
How #2 Is the mileage currency to pay for the flight. Etihad’s mileage program is the worst. It doesn’t allow for cancellations or refunds close in. (Last year, I lost 140,000 miles when I had to make a last-minute change to my First Apartment flight. Brutal.) American Airlines miles, an Etihad redemption partner, is the best How #2, at 80,000 miles between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi for the First Apartment.
How #3 If you don’t have any American Airlines miles, just buy them, which anyone can do.
Only one problem: There was no availability through American Airlines to book Etihad’s First Class from New York on the A380. My primary goal—securing the First Apartment—was suddenly out of reach.
But giving up wasn’t an option. When a door closes, find the window—preferably one with a First Class seat attached. Determined to uncover the best possible way to get what I wanted, I turned to FlightConnections.com and filtered my search by:
✔ Etihad
✔ First Class
✔ A380 (because that’s where the First Apartment is found)
That’s when I was reminded of a critical detail: Etihad’s legendary First Apartment isn’t just available from New York—it also flies from London and Paris to Abu Dhabi.
Sometimes, the solution isn’t where you first looked—it’s where the system allows you to go. And with two new departure points in play, the game just got a whole lot more interesting.
My goal was clear: fly Etihad’s First Apartment without paying anywhere near full price. And with New York off the table, the next logical step was to explore the two other options—London and Paris to/from Abu Dhabi.
This wasn’t just about finding an alternative route; it was about maximizing the opportunity in general, as it usually is. Could I find better availability? Lower mileage costs? A positioning flight that made the whole itinerary even more seamless?
The key to upgrading travel isn’t just about having a Plan B—it’s about turning Plan B into perhaps a better-than-expected Plan A.
Upgrading Inconveniences
An inconvenience in the travel world is often just an opportunity in disguise—the trick is figuring out how to flip it.
In this case, availability for booking Etihad’s First Apartment with American Airlines miles is almost impossible from New York at the moment. The best option? A U.S. departure with a stop in London before continuing to Abu Dhabi. While not ideal, it’s a real, viable option—especially if experiencing the First Apartment is the ultimate goal this time.
So, how do you turn this forced connection in London—otherwise a lemon—into lemonade?
Simple: make London part of the adventure. Whether it’s indulging in world-class shopping, catching an iconic event, or even just enjoying an elevated layover experience, this "inconvenience" can suddenly become a strategically planned stopover.
By reframing it as an opportunity.
Instead of seeing it as a hassle, lean into the experience—turn your layover into an excuse for adventure.
At the moment, we’re seeing better availability on Etihad’s A380 in the First Apartment from London than Paris. Two to three weeks out, up to four seats are showing available.
This will change; keep an eye out for FCF Sweet Redeem Alerts for the latest opportunities.
Time it right, and your layover in London transforms into a world-class experience. Go during:
- F1’s British Grand Prix (for high-speed thrills)
- The Chelsea Flower Show (for botanical beauty)
- The British Open (for golf’s elite showdown)
- Wimbledon (for strawberries, cream, and tennis perfection)
- Royal Ascot (for horse racing and hats so extravagant they deserve their own luggage)
I love big events. That’s how you turn a layover into lemonade. In other words, you might never think to book a trip just to go to Wimbledon, but if you can make an excuse to go, go. I went to the Australian Open this way! And, American and British Airways from/to London from all over the U.S.
So if you were able to get the Etihad flight cheap from Europe to Abu Dhabi, all you need is some Paris or London lemonade imagination and the extraordinary, best-in-the-world flight experience is all yours. And cheaply. A layover is only an inconvenience if you let it be one. With the right approach, it’s just another upgrade opportunity.
Upgrading Destinations
Abu Dhabi isn’t exactly overflowing with must-see attractions, and while I personally enjoy the UAE, I get that it’s not for everyone. That’s why having a compelling reason to go is key.
A caveat: Avoid summer. Unless you enjoy the feeling of stepping into a 1,000-degree blast furnace, steer clear. The best time? In December—Formula 1 season—the weather is lovely. If you’re an F1 fanatic, staying at the W Hotel in Abu Dhabi, right inside the Yas Marina Circuit, is the ultimate move. Not going during the F1 race? You can walk, bike, or even ride around the track, when the engines are off.
The real trick to upgrading any destination? Align your visit with a world-class event or an extraordinary landmark. If Formula 1 isn’t your thing, consider the Dubai World Cup in April—the richest horse race purse in the world, just a short drive from Abu Dhabi.
Side Note #1: Maximizing Your Flights & Stopovers
If you’re considering a stop in Europe, here’s how to strategically break up your trip:
- Free stopovers: A 24-hour stopover won’t cost more—perfect for a quick city exploration.
- Split your ticket: Booking two one-way tickets lets you stay as long as you want in Europe, giving you full control over your itinerary.
- Choose your timing: Stop in Europe on your outbound, return, or both.
- Alternate F1 option: If December in Abu Dhabi doesn’t fit, Qatar hosts its own Formula 1 race in November—an easy alternative.
- Save On Taxes: Avoid British Airways flights if possible, as American flights can save you $1,100+ in taxes.
- No AA miles? No problem! You can now buy them for as low as 1.88 cents each, netting you First Class to Europe AND First Class on Etihad to Abu Dhabi for $2,208 each way – normally $10,000+.
American First Class US - London and Etihad First Apartment to Abu Dhabi 115,000 AA Miles + $46 in taxes - Normally $8,000 - $12,000 -
British Airways First Class US - London and Etihad First Apartment to Abu Dhabi 115,000 AA Miles + $1,224 in taxes - Normally $8,000 - $12,000 -
Side Note #2: The Most Peaceful Country on Earth, and Emirates First Class
Visit most major U.S. cities, and let’s be real—it’s a game of “Where’s my phone?” and “Is my bag still here?” You clutch your valuables, side-eye strangers, and keep your guard up.
Now, contrast that with the UAE. When I spent time there last year, the safety was unbelievable. People leave their phones at the gym entrance without a second thought. Women walk away from their purses and phones at restaurants while they step out—because theft isn’t a concern. If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t believe it.
And if you like to visit modern cities, Dubai is it. Just an hour from Abu Dhabi by car, it boasts:
✔ The world’s tallest building (a sight that never gets old)
✔ A parade of man-made wonders that feels like something out of sci-fi
✔ Emirates First Class—arguably the best everyday First Class experience in the world for your flight to/from Dubai
The ultimate move? Mix and match. Fly Etihad’s First Apartment to/from Abu Dhabi, explore, then hop over to Dubai via Emirates First Class, or vice versa.
Talk about hitting multiple First Class birds with one stone.
Not Where You Start – But Where You Finish
Most people plan their travel the same way—destination AND dates first. Boring. Predictable.
I often flip the script. Instead of starting with a place and a time, I start with an extraordinary flight experience. Think 20 to 30 hours in the air if you’re going somewhere exotic, wrapped in opulence, indulging in a true first-class adventure.
And here’s the kicker: I found it relatively cheaply.
Why? Because instead of locking myself into fixed dates and destinations, I chased high-end opportunities and built the perfect trip around them.
The result? A bushel of opportunities, each one better than the last. Often better than what I would have thought of any other way.
See you up front—and at the races.