Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – As travellers begin flying for the summer holidays, Etihad Airways is prepared to welcome more than 4 million passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport between 20 June and 30 September 2023 and advises guests to follow below tips.
A high volume of travellers will be joining locally in Abu Dhabi, with the remainder connecting from across Etihad’s extensive network of 66 destinations, including new summer routes to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos which launched over the weekend.
Etihad’s upgraded online check-in allows guests to complete passport and visa checks prior to reaching the airport. The Auto Doc Check feature ensures guests have met all relevant travel and visa requirements for a hassle-free airport experience.
In addition, the airline’s self-service bag drop facility provides a quicker and more efficient check-in process, accommodating a greater number of guests and minimising queue times.
Once checked-in online, the self-service facilities allow travellers to seamlessly retrieve their booking, print the bag-tag and process their bags in less than two minutes.
Shaeb Al Najjar, General Manager Hub Operations, Etihad Airways, said “In addition to hosting guests as they fly into their summer holidays, we are also looking to welcome pilgrims, whether they are starting their journey from the UAE or connecting from other destinations across our extensive network. Thanks to Etihad’s award-winning cabin crew, family-friendly offerings, and cabin propositions, guests can expect the best possible travel experiences. By also embracing cutting-edge technologies, we can deliver a more seamless and personalised experience for our guests.”
Check-in options to make travelling easier
Online check-in
During peak times, Economy check-in for non-US flights opens four hours before departure and closes one hour before departure. Business and First check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. For US flights check-in closes two hours before the flight. Boarding for all Etihad Airways departures closes 20 minutes before departure.
Dedicated check-in counters for pilgrims
To ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience, Etihad has formed a dedicated Hajj team at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Dedicated check-in counters have been assigned to provide assistance and ensure a smooth ground experience for all guests embarking on their Hajj journey. Pilgrims will be welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee, dates, and refreshments at Abu Dhabi International Airport, setting the stage for their spiritual pilgrimage.
City Check-in
To make travel easier during the peak, guests flying with Etihad will be able to seamlessly check-in at Morafiq’s city check-in facility at the Mina Zayed and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). From 19 June to 19 August, guests who check in at any of the two locations will receive 2500 Etihad Guest Miles. The Mina Zayed facility will be open 24/7 while ADNEC will operate between 9 am to 9 pm and guests can check-in from 24 hours to 4 hours before their flight. Purchase of excess baggage, along with choosing and upgrading seats can be availed at the facility. The service starts from AED 35 per adult, AED 25 per child, and AED 15 per infant. For more information, please visit etihad.com
Home Check-in
For more convenient travel options, guests can also check in for their Etihad flight from the comfort of their own home by visiting etihad.com/homecheckin from 24 to 5 hours before their flight. Powered by Morafiq, passengers can check in their bags, choose their seat and collect their boarding pass and luggage tags from their home in Abu Dhabi. Once at Abu Dhabi International Airport, all non-transit passengers who have used the home check-in service can skip the queues bag-free, making the airport journey seamless. Luggage will need to be collected at the destination baggage belt.
Travelling with kids?
For families travelling from the UAE for the summer holidays, Etihad makes flying family friendly with its award-winning travel proposition. This June, Etihad was awarded Best Children’s Goody Bag by Travelplus Amenity Awards and Best Onboard Kids Kit by the Onboard Hospitality Awards – both industry specialists choosing the best inflight products from across the airline industry.
Etihad offers all young travellers a warm welcome with a complimentary Little VIP gift in partnership with Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, designed to keep young travellers entertained and engaged throughout the journey.
Etihad Airways travel tips
• Arrive at the airport early: Travellers should check in online and arrive early to complete the airport formalities.
• Check the flight timing and departure terminal: Given the significant increase in passenger numbers, Etihad Airways may relocate check-in for Economy class guests travelling on selected flights. Please check the latest information on etihad.com or the Etihad application.
• Flying to the US: Etihad passengers flying to the United States of America can benefit from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Abu Dhabi International Airport, the only US immigration preclearance service in the region that allows passengers to clear US immigration while they are still in Abu Dhabi, meaning travellers can get home quicker and easier.
