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Etihad gears up to welcome over 7m passengers this summer

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways said it is preparing to welcome more than seven million passengers at Zayed International Airport over the busy summer travel period.

In line with its preparations, the airline is advising its guests to plan ahead and take advantage of smart travel tools for a seamless experience at Zayed International Airport

"We are looking forward to hosting millions of guests at Zayed International Airport as they head off on their summer holidays, including those flying on our seasonal routes to Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, and Mykonos," remarked Shaeb Alnuaimi, Etihad’s Director of Airport Operations.

"At every stage of the journey, we’re focused on delivering the highest standards of safety, comfort and service. Whether it’s our modern fleet, award-winning hospitality, or thoughtful travel experiences, our guests can expect a smooth and enjoyable journey from the moment they check in," he stated.

As part of its preparations, Etihad Airways has compiled essential tips to help guests prepare for their travels:

Flight Information and Updates

Staying informed is essential during busy travel periods. Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on etihad.com or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services.

Early Check-in Options

To avoid potential queues, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure during peak periods. For added convenience, Etihad offers multiple early check-in options:

Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure and is available through etihad.com or the mobile app. After checking in online, guests can use the many automated self-service bag drops at the terminal, allowing them to weigh and tag their bags and collect their boarding pass in under a minute.

It has several off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities including Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal; The Fountains – Yas Mall; Mussafah and Al Ain.

Home Check-in and Land & Leave Services

For ultimate convenience, guests can start their journey with home check-in through Morafiq, available up to five hours before departure. Starting from AED185, this service includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and doorstep delivery of boarding passes.

Upon return to Abu Dhabi, the Land & Leave service offers a seamless arrival experience. Guests can proceed directly to their destination while Morafiq delivers their bags to any Abu Dhabi address within three hours of landing.

Pre-purchase Travel Options

Enhanced comfort options are available for purchase on etihad.com for travellers during the busy holiday period. Economy Extra Legroom offers more space to stretch out, while the Neighbour-free Seat option can be selected at least 72 hours prior to departure.

Guests can also enhance their pre-flight experience with First and Business Class Lounge access, available for purchase up to 90 minutes before departure, said the statement.

Baggage Policy

Economy Class guests are permitted 7kg of carry-on baggage, while First and Business Class guests can bring up to 12kg. Cabin baggage must not exceed the dimensions of 56cm height, 36cm depth, and 23cm width. Additional checked baggage allowance can be purchased at special rates through Etihad's website or mobile app before departure.

US Pre-clearance Facility

Travellers to US destinations must check in at Terminal A at least four hours before their flight. First, Business, and The Residence guests should arrive at the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility 90 minutes before departure, while all other guests must arrive two hours before departure. The facility closes one hour before flight departure.