As the winter holiday season draws near, Etihad Airways is gearing up for a surge in passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport. To facilitate a hassle-free travel experience during this peak period, the airline urges guests to plan their journeys meticulously and utilize its suite of digital tools.

John Wright, Etihad Airways Chief Operations & Guest Officer, stated: "We are expecting a substantial influx of guests over the winter holiday season. Our team is fully equipped to ensure smooth travel, and we recommend passengers to leverage our digital services and arrive early to kickstart their journey in a relaxed manner."

Etihad Airways provides the following essential travel tips to assist guests in preparing for their trips:

Flight Information and Updates
Guests are advised to stay informed about their flight's status by regularly checking the Manage My Booking section on etihad.com or via the mobile app. This platform allows them to view or modify their flight details, select seats, and access various other options.

Pre-purchase Travel Options
Etihad.com offers a range of pre-purchase seating and upgrade options to enhance comfort during the winter holidays. The 'Economy Extra Legroom' provides ample space for guests to stretch their legs, while the 'Neighbour-free Seat' option can be selected at least 72 hours before departure.

Guests can also elevate their pre-flight experience by purchasing access to the First and Business Class Lounges up to 90 minutes before departure through Manage My Booking on etihad.com. Walk-in guests are also welcome, subject to availability.

Baggage Policy
Economy Class guests are allowed 7kg of carry-on baggage, whereas First and Business Class guests can carry up to 12kg. Cabin baggage dimensions must not exceed 50cm height, 25cm depth, and 40cm width. Additional baggage allowance can be purchased at discounted rates via Etihad's website or mobile app prior to departure.

Check-in
Guests can conveniently check-in online using etihad.com or the mobile app, followed by dropping off their luggage at one of the numerous automated self-service bag drops at the terminal. This facility enables guests to weigh and tag their bags and obtain their boarding pass within a minute.

For added convenience during the winter season, several offsite check-in and bag-drop facilities are available. Customers utilizing these services from 28 November to 27 December will receive 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles:

  • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24-hours)
  • The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm)
  • Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) 38 Al Arzaq Street, Mussafah Shabia-11, Behind Al Madina Hypermarket
  • Al Ain (open from 10am till 10pm) Lulu Hypermarket Kuwaitat, Shakhboot Bin Sultan St, Central District

Early Check-in Options and Land & Leave Service
For ultimate convenience, guests can opt for home check-in through MORAFIQ, available up to five hours before departure. Priced at Dh185, the service includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and doorstep delivery of boarding passes.

Upon returning to Abu Dhabi, the Land & Leave service offers a seamless arrival experience. Instead of waiting at the baggage carousel, guests can proceed directly to their destination while MORAFIQ delivers their bags to any Abu Dhabi address within three hours of landing. This service can be booked via the MORAFIQ app or website by providing flight and delivery details.

US Pre-clearance Facility
Guests traveling to U.S. destinations must check-in at Terminal A at least four hours before their flight. First, Business, and The Residence guests should report to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility 90 minutes before departure, while all other guests must arrive two hours before departure. The CBP facility closes one hour before flight departure, allowing travelers to arrive in the United States as domestic passengers.

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