Etihad Airways on Thursday advised travellers to use its new early check-in facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport to avoid queues and save time ahead of the busy travel season.
Abu Dhabi-based carrier said it would reward passengers who do so with 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles.
With the capital city hosting the Formula 1 season finale of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, schools breaking for the end-of-year holidays, and more people regaining their confidence to travel, December 2021 is expected to be one of the busiest months since the pandemic began.
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As a result, Etihad Airways is anticipating a high number of passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport this weekend and throughout the rest of December.
Below are some tips to have a smooth journey and avoid queues at the airport.
- Early Check-in: Until December 31, guests can use Etihad’s early check-in facility to check-in from 24 hours up to 8 hours before their flight. One person can check-in and drop off bags on behalf of all family members travelling together but must present the relevant Covid-19 travel documents for the whole group. The early check-in desk is open from 9am to 4am, seven days a week, and is located at Skypark Plaza level three. Guests using this facility will receive two hours of free parking at Skypark.
- Arrive at the airport early: Travellers who are not able to use the Early Check-In facility should check-in online and arrive early to complete the airport formalities. During peak times, check-in opens four hours before departure and closes one hour before departure for non-US flights and two hours before departure for US flights. Boarding for all Etihad Airways departures closes 20 minutes before departure.
- Get Verified to Fly: Travellers can visit ‘Manage my booking’ on etihad.com to upload their Covid-19 travel documents. Approval will be shared by email giving passengers confidence that all required documents are in place. Approved passengers can use fast-track ‘Verified to Fly’ desks at the airport, or the self-service kiosks.
- Check the flight timing and departure terminal: Given the significant increase in passenger numbers, Etihad Airways will relocate check-in for Economy class guests travelling on select flights. Please check the latest information on etihad.com or the Etihad app.
-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
Waheed Abbas
Waheed Abbas is Assistant Editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business stories that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He frequently reports human interest stories, too.