Etihad Business Class

I don't, as a rule, fly Business Class. It's expensive and, as I normally fly only short-haul, offers poor value for money. For longer trips, and when someone else is paying, I'm convinced that Business Class is the way to go. For my trip to Manila, with a brief layover in Abu Dhabi, I flew with Etihad; read on to find out how it compared to my cattle-class.

• Check-in and security at Heathrow Terminal 4 were a complete doddle. I was in the departure lounge fifteen minutes after arriving at the airport having skipped the traditional queues. 
• The Business Class lounge was quiet and pleasant, a haven of peace in an otherwise crowded and noisy airport. Waitress service for drinks, a small restaurant, wifi, a spa, a bar and a buffet provide pretty much everything you might need for a short stay.
• The flight itself was very comfortable with plenty of leg and storage space - vastly better than Economy. Sleeping on a plane is never easy but at least when you're flat (rather than bolt upright in a chair) you've got a chance. A glass of Champagne and a decent meal were very welcome and contrasted strongly to the slop normally served in the cheap seats. 

So basically we have quite a lot of luxury for a not inconsiderable cost. Is it worth the money? Let's review things in order.

• Fast check-in and security transit reduce the amount of time you spend queuing to, essentially, zero. That's pleasant (who likes queuing?) and a great time-saver but for me the main benefit was a  reduction of stress - its definitely the calmest, least hurried transit into the departure lounge.
• The quiet atmosphere in the business lounge is, again, conducive to a stress-free journey. The value of the food and drink depends entirely on how much you consume but let's call it £50 (main course, dessert, glass of wine - £50 might be a bit generous). Wifi and power outlets are welcome but should really be standard throughout the airport; a fifteen minute spa treatment is a gimmick and has no value for me.
• The flight itself was very good indeed. I don't have a great deal of experience in business class but it was comfortable, peaceful, stress free with excellent service from the cabin crew. Both dinner (pasta with roasted peppers) and breakfast were really very good (having a menu on a flight is very civilised).

My feeling is that if you can afford it, or if someone else is paying, business class is a no-brainer on a long-haul flight (especially if you need to do something difficult or challenging as soon as you land). On short-haul flights  the extra legroom offers less value and the other benefits, like lounge access, can be bought at the airport. The biggest gain is an across-the-board reduction in stress and hassle, which, if you travel regularly, is probably the thing you most desire.