Etihad Airways issues warning ahead of busy summer period
The national airline of the UAE is bracing for a record-breaking season and has rolled out a series of tips to help passengers avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of their holiday journey.
Seasonal routes are proving popular this year, with Mykonos, Nice, Malaga, Antalya and Santorini topping the getaway list.
But with popularity comes pressure – and Etihad wants you to be ready.
Travellers are encouraged to check in online as early as 30 hours before departure via the Etihad website or app. Once that's done, you can skip the traditional counters and use the self-service kiosks to drop your bags and collect your boarding pass in under a minute.
Credit: Zayed International Airport
The advice is simple: don't wait until the last minute. Arriving at least four hours before your flight during peak times is the safest bet.
There are also several off-airport check-in facilities if you'd rather avoid the terminal crowds altogether. Options include the 24-hour Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Yas Mall, Mussafah and Al Ain – open daily from 10am to 10pm.
For those who really want to streamline the experience, home check-in is available through MORAFIQ. Starting from Dhs185, the service sends a representative to your home to tag your bags and hand over your boarding pass. And when you return? Their Land & Leave service can deliver your luggage to any Abu Dhabi address within three hours of arrival.
Etihad also recommends reviewing baggage allowances before heading to the airport.
Economy travellers are allowed up to 7kg of cabin baggage, while Business and First Class guests can bring 12kg. All cabin bags must fit within the size limits and extra checked baggage can be booked at a discounted rate online.
If you're heading to the US, it's especially important to arrive early.
Flights depart from Terminal A and passengers must go through the US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility. Etihad advises arriving at least four hours before your flight. Premium cabin guests should be at Preclearance 90 minutes before departure, while all others should be there two hours before. The facility closes an hour before take-off.
Finally, for travellers looking for extra comfort, Etihad is offering a selection of paid upgrades including extra legroom, neighbour-free seats and lounge access – all available to book before departure.
Shaeb Alnuaimi, Etihad's director of airport operations, said: '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.
'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.'
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