Etihad Airways Boeing B777 300ER 2 class V1 seat review by Mahmoud R. #34606

I travel annually back home to Chicago from Abu Dhabi. Etihad is the logical and only choice for a nonstop flight. I am a tall guy with a knee problem, therefore, trying to sit in a middle seat is out of the question. Since I frequently travel, it has become a nightmare when I am ready to select a seat. I have tried the exit seat after paying extra (AED600 ea. way), but realized it didn't make a difference if someone is sitting next to you; you are still going to be cramped in the seat. on other trips, I selected seat 52K (paid extra ea. way). I selected this seat because the seat in the Plan appeared to have a "space" from the other seat (this is a twin seat row), but to my surprise, the seats were abutted but away from the window, which didn't make any sense to me especially that I paid extra for this not so "preferred" seat!
I guess what I am complaining about is the seat width needs to be considered by Etihad especially for long flights such as Chicago; 14hrs outbound and 13.5hrs inbound. My other complaint is the food; since 90% of the passengers are Asians, Etihad should have considerations for those who prefer non-spicy food. In addition, if you choose to sit in the rear by the aisle, it is going to be a bothersome people bumping onto you, service carts and the worse; people queuing waiting to go to restroom especially after meals!