If you’re reading this article, in which I’ll cover the top seat picks for Etihad’s 777 business class, it’s unfortunate, because there remains only about 8 of these aircraft in their fleet and they represent, without a doubt, the most antiquated business class product Etihad has currently in service.

They are however apparently due for a refit at some point in the near future – at which point nothing will give me greater pleasure than to either remove, or amend this article, given what a lacklustre experience the current business class cabin is; for more information on that see either my previous review of this exact cabin from Dublin to Abu Dhabi, or my previous Etihad business class cabin ranking.

Down to business; there are two variants of the 777’s in service, six with 40 business class seats, and two with 28.

Both have the same business class seats installed – a four-across layout spread over two aisles, with aisle access from all seats; a win, all things considered. The seats are also fully lie-flat, so at least the chance to have a proper sleep is a relative certainty.

Where they fall down however is in privacy (window and aisle seats, for example, alternate between being sat nearly on the aisle vs. much more desirably tucked in by the window, or in the centre of the cabin – assuming you know the person next to you), entertainment monitor size and resilience (expect a system reset or two, at best), and a visibly tired cabin with minimal at-seat storage, unexpectedly cramped and elderly decorations, such as seat lamps that looks like oversized ice cream cones.

If you’re travelling in a couple however, the centre seats (E & F) are quite private and intimate – and if you’re by yourself, getting a proper window seat (A & K) ensures as much privacy as can be had on these elderly members of the Etihad family.

Overall, which is a shame considering they make up nearly 50% of the cabin, I’d say seats C, D, G, and H are the worst picks and the ones to avoid where possible – given that they all sit right out on the aisle.

E & F are also horrible choices unless you know the person next to you because, let me tell you, they sure are intimately paired with the neighbouring seat.

In my experience, the front row also proved tricky during sleeping hours due to a lot of light pouring in from the galley in front – as you can see in the below picture. As a result, I’d have to recommend avoiding both the front and the last row.

There are two lone aircraft with 28 business class seats (if in doubt, count the seats on the seatmap to figure out which you’ll be on, noting swaps can happen); these are the two oldest of the fleet, and have by far the most antiquated product. Incidentally, I’ve struck out on every Etihad 777 business class experience and wound up on one or other of these aircraft – so all pictures on this post are from either.

There are also six more with 40 business class seats; it’s important to figure out which one you’ll be travelling on, as the seats alternate between being closer to the window or closer to the aisle from the front row backwards on the latter, but not the former.

Overall though, truthfully, I’d try my very best to avoid winding up on any of these relics, but if you do, hopefully this helps make sure you get the best seat possible!