Latest news with #Etihad
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Woman uses genius household item to fly without paying for cabin baggage
Packing for a weekend getaway can be a struggle when you're trying to keep costs low - but one woman has shared a simple trick to avoid paying cabin bag fees We all want to score the best deals when jetting off to soak up some sun abroad. But with major airlines cracking down on luggage allowances, packing for a quick weekend getaway has become tricky — and often expensive — especially when you're trying to keep costs low. Luckily, one savvy traveller has shared a clever hack that lets you avoid paying for a cabin or underseat bag altogether. If you've already visited far-flung places like Australia or South America, chances are you might already own the perfect item for this trick. Instead of splashing out on an extra carry-on, TikToker Nina Edwine showed how much you can actually fit inside an empty travel pillow cover. Not only does this keep your clothes safe, but the packed pillow also doubles as a comfy cushion for those long flights. Don't be fooled by its small size — Nina stuffed the pillow with plenty of clothes. In her video, the German traveller unpacks a non-padded bra, a strappy dress, multiple tops, a stunning red co-ord, and more — totalling ten pieces of clothing. She revealed that this stash was enough to put together 'more than six' different outfits. Proud of her budget-friendly hack, Nina said: 'Smart trick to avoid paying 50 euros (£42) for cabin luggage.' While some airlines allow a small free cabin bag, their size restrictions often aren't enough — making this hack a game-changer. The clip has gone viral, racking up over 2.6 million views on TikTok, with more than 75,000 likes and nearly 1,900 comments. 'This is actually genius, for real,' one user commented, liked over 4,100 times. Another was amazed: 'Wait, you fit so much stuff in there!' A third said: 'Legendary… how have I never thought of this?' And one more chimed in: 'Love doing this — it saves so much space.' One fashion-savvy viewer added: 'One of those Uniqlo crossbody bags fits loads. Wear it under your coat with a scarf to hide the strap.' It comes after another influencer shared a simple trick that will help you get an entire row to yourself on your next flight. Maddie revealed she had signed up for a service called Neighbour Free when she flew with Etihad. In a video posted to her social media platforms, she explained: "I bid on the seats next to me on the plane, and if the flight isn't completely full when I board, I get the whole row to myself. It's basically like Business Class in Economy. I can lie down, sleep, all that." The content creator was "excited" to discover she had "won" the seats, meaning she had the entire row to herself. Maddie managed to sleep for eight of the 13.5-hour long-haul flight. When asked how much this luxury had cost her, Maddie revealed in the comments section of her video that she had paid £200 to upgrade to three seats. In response to a suggestion that it might have been cheaper to upgrade to Business Class, she retorted: "Business Class upgrade would have cost £1,900++."
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Etihad gears up to welcome over seven million guests
Staff Reporter, Gulf Today Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is preparing to welcome more than seven million guests at Zayed International Airport over the busy summer travel period. 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.' Etihad Airways has compiled essential tips to help guests prepare for their travels: Staying informed is essential during busy travel periods. Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services. 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 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. Several off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities are also available at: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours). The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm). Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) at 38 Al Arzaq Street, Behind Al Madina Hypermarket. Al Ain (open from 10am till 10pm) at Lulu Hypermarket Kuwaitat, Shakhboot Bin Sultan St 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 Dhs 185, this service includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and doorstep delivery of boarding passes.
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
‘We don't want to go': Australian couple told to pay $3,500 to postpone flights amid Middle East volatility
Sharon Latour and her husband are scheduled to fly through Abu Dhabi on an Etihad flight on Wednesday, just nine days after Iran launched a missile strike on a US base in nearby Qatar. As of Friday, the Australian couple's flight was still scheduled for takeoff despite the volatility in the region. Latour is upset that Etihad are insisting on charging her $3,500 to change their tickets if they want to postpone their trip until early next year. 'I kept repeating over the phone: 'We're genuinely scared, we're not making this up.' [But] not a care in the world,' Latour said. 'They're just like, 'well, pay the [fee]'.' Australian travellers had already been advised to avoid the region as Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes , before a US strike prompted the Iranian retaliation. Countries closed their airspaces and airlines diverted flights, leaving passengers stranded. Iran has threatened to strike US military bases if it is subjected to further American attacks. But Australians hoping to avoid flying through the Middle East in coming weeks have found they have limited consumer rights to move or cancel their own flights. With many passengers facing delays, scheduling changes and cancellations, consumer advocates have called for stronger protections to ensure compensation and transparency for passengers. Latour left Australia for a work trip to Malaysia, and her husband joined her in early June. They planned to holiday in Europe, so while in Kuala Lumpur they booked Etihad flights to Rome with a transit in Abu Dhabi. They booked business class seats on Etihad using a combination of rewards points and a bank card. Latour said she and her husband were looking forward to their trip until the airspace closures caused by Iran's threats to strike US bases. They were worried about Al Dhafra airbase, which hosts US military assets and is situated just 25km from Abu Dhabi. At this point Latour said she contacted Etihad to request help moving their flight, 'because we're really scared, we don't want to be stuck there'. 'You just had bombardment, missiles flying literally next door,' she said. 'You have an American base really close to the airport. We don't want to go there.' Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Latour said an Etihad call centre representative told her she should have been aware of the company's rules requiring the payment of rescheduling fees. They refused Latour's request for a free or low-fee deferral to fly instead on March 2026. Australians travelling through Middle Eastern airports in June have reported chaotic waits. Guardian readers have reported being among thousands stranded in Doha airport. One couple reported being stuck at Doha airport for 40 hours. They said the airport had few staff assisting passengers. Another passenger told Guardian Australia that Doha airport security staff threatened to seize the mobile phones of some customers who had attempted to film the queues and crowds. Passengers joined airport staff behind information desks as customers waited for flight information, they claimed. But Australian consumers are unlikely to have any legal rights to defer their flights unless their airline's fine print allows, experts say. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have said airlines must meet the guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. But the guarantees may not apply in every case. The consumer guarantees probably won't apply if an airline delays or cancels a flight due to the actions of a third party, such as a government implementing restrictions on the flight, the ACCC said. And if a customer initiates a cancellation, the guarantees are again unlikely to apply, meaning any remedy consumers are entitled to will depend on the specific terms and conditions of their fare. In Latour's case, she and her husband are likely at the 'behest' of Etihad, especially because they booked their tickets in Malaysia and not Australia, according to Jodi Bird, a travel expert at the consumer advocacy organisation Choice. Bird said if they had booked the tickets at home they could have at least mounted an argument that they should be protected under consumer law. But even that outcome is doubtful, Bird said. 'Our experience is that it doesn't do a lot to protect you beyond [the terms and conditions] of the airline.' Bird said even people whose flights were cancelled or rescheduled by the airlines will likely be reliant on the carriers for compensation. And they could struggle to get refunds rather than flight credits, he said. The predicament raises broader questions around consumer protections in the aviation industry, Bird said. Choice has called for the federal government to implement a compensation system for passengers affected by cancelled and delayed flights, which Bird said would be similar to a scheme in the European Union. 'The main advantage is it just becomes more transparent,' he said. 'You've got that kind of central place that people can go to to understand the rules, rather than having to understand the fine print of every single different airline.' The Albanese government has committed to having an aviation industry ombudsman operating in 2026. Guardian Australia understands Etihad flights are now operating to schedule without reported issues. Etihad was contacted for comment. Etihad's terms and conditions indicate that customers are entitled to re-book or get a refund if the airline cancels their flight, or if they booked a fare which offered free re-booking. Some major airlines have granted limited flexibility to customers who no longer wish to travel on flights scheduled in June to, from or via Qatar or Doha. Qantas says it has offered fee-free refunds, credits or date changes to passengers on Emirates-operated flights through Dubai scheduled up to 27 June, with additional flexibility for those travelling on to Iraq, Lebanon or Israel. Virgin and Qatar Airways say they have extended the same courtesy to those with flights through Doha up to 30 June. But people with flights scheduled from 1 July, just a week after the US strike on Qatar on 23 June, are not included. Qatar Airways said disruptions resulting from the temporary closure of Qatari airspace had been resolved by 26 June. Latour and her husband aren't so optimistic. They've cancelled their European hotel bookings and will not get on the plane on Wednesday.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dubai travel advice: What global tourists should know after the Israel-Iran conflict
Despite escalating tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges between Israel and Iran, US airstrikes in Iran travel to Dubai remain largely unaffected, as daily life there continues. Flights operate normally, and international advisories maintain moderate risk assessments. After the June 13 outbreak of hostilities, which included airstrikes from Iran and Israel and subsequent US military intervention targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, neighbouring countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel temporarily closed their airspace. Also Read: Emirates issues travel guidelines for DXB as 30,000 passengers expected daily during June summer holidays In response, major carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai adjusted flight paths to use southern corridors over Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Sea. Though some delays occurred, widespread cancellations have been avoided. UAE airspace remains open, and airports in Dubai, including Dubai International ( DXB ) and Al Maktoum (DWC), are functioning normally. Live Events Domestic passengers from Dubai are also seen in large numbers. According to an Emirates travel advisory, they expect to ferry more than 30.000 passengers daily from the DXB airport from June 26 to 30. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security activated emergency protocols to maintain immigration, baggage handling, and ground services in anticipation of potential diversions or delays. Daily life in Dubai continues uninterrupted, with hotels, public transport, and events operating as scheduled. Foreign governments have updated their advisories but have stopped short of issuing 'do not travel' warnings. In a statement updated on 22 June, the UK government states that travel disruption is possible, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts. Travellers are urged to remain vigilant, monitor media updates, and follow local authority guidance. The US government notes that visitors 'generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE', and no travel warnings exist. A broader Middle East security bulletin, issued on Thursday, 12 June, advises US citizens to 'exercise increased caution' and warns of the potential for travel disruption or security risks, but there's no suggestion that the UAE, or Dubai specifically, is unsafe to visit. The most recent bulletin, published on Monday, 23 June, suggested the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. India, one of the UAE's largest travel partners, has not issued any restrictions. Air traffic between the two countries continues as usual. Similarly, Canada and Australia have advised citizens to exercise caution but have not discouraged travel to the UAE. Regarding travel insurance, travellers are reminded that most standard policies do not cover disruptions caused by conflict unless a government formally advises against travel. Also Read: How Dubai's 20 minute city plans to keep you walking; even in 45°C heat Those seeking added protection may consider 'Cancel For Any Reason' (CFAR) policies, which provide partial refunds and require early purchase. Still, if you are wondering if you can visit Dubai, it remains open and accessible, with robust infrastructure and minimal disruption to tourism and aviation.
UAE Moments
2 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
UAE Flight Cancellations Continue for Select Routes
Even though Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire and airspaces across the GCC have reopened, flight disruptions are not completely over. Several UAE airlines are still suspending flights to certain destinations, citing safety concerns and ongoing regional instability. Emirates Flights to Iran and Iraq Still on Hold Dubai-based Emirates has confirmed that flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra will remain suspended until and including Monday, June 30, 2025. The airline also noted that passengers transiting through Dubai to connect to any destination in Iraq or Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. Flydubai Suspends Flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Russia Low-cost carrier flydubai is also maintaining its flight suspensions to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and St. Petersburg through June 30. In a statement, the airline said, 'We continue to monitor the situation closely, and the safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.' Etihad Keeps Tel Aviv Flights Grounded Until Mid-July Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv until July 15. 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin,' the airline said. Etihad added that affected travelers are being supported with alternative travel options. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Cancels Flights Until June 30 Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, along with its Hungarian parent carrier, has cancelled all UAE flights until June 30. The move comes as part of the airline's cautious approach amid the recent tensions and flight disruptions across the region. Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also put several routes on hold. Flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have been suspended until June 30. Meanwhile, flights to Jordan are paused until June 26. While regional airspaces are now open, UAE carriers are clearly taking a cautious approach as they continue to prioritize passenger and crew safety. Travelers with plans to any of the affected destinations are advised to check with their airlines and consider alternative arrangements.
