Etihad Opens New U.S. Preclearance Lounge in Abu Dhabi
The new lounge is for travelers who have already cleared U.S. immigration and customs at Zayed International Airport
Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has opened a lavish new lounge at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) specifically for travelers headed to the United States.
The space is located just feet from the airport’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, one of the few places in the world where travelers headed to America can clear U.S. customs and immigration before boarding their inbound flights.
Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways
The airport—known until last year as Abu Dhabi International Airport—has offered U.S. pre-clearance since 2014. The facility recently moved to the airport’s new $3 billion Terminal A.
Etihad, the only operator of flights to the U.S. from the airport, has now launched a retreat for travelers who’ve completed U.S. entry checks and are awaiting their flights.
The space opened its doors on December 30 and offers select passengers a “serene space to unwind,” according to Etihad. Guests will find “a refined selection of beverage and light dining options.”
Passengers on certain flights can also board directly from the lounge, allowing them to get the most out of the “thoughtfully designed space.”
Abu Dhabi’s new terminal features an X-shaped design that reduces the average walking distance for passengers / Photo: Courtesy of Angela Sun
“This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,” John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said.
“By combining our premium lounge service with the convenience of U.S. Preclearance, we’re offering our guests an elevated journey through Abu Dhabi before they even board their flight. Zayed International is the only Middle East hub to offer this time-saving service.”
As the biggest airline at Zayed International Airport, Etihad has no shortage of lounge space there. Its First and Business class lounges span three floors of Terminal A and opened just last year, with state-of-the-art amenities and more than a sprinkling of luxury.
However, as travelers are advised to complete U.S. entry formalities as soon as possible, those headed to America will spend more time in the dedicated pre-clearance lounge.
The space is open to U.S.-bound travelers in Etihad’s Business or First class cabins or The Residence, the three-room suite on its Airbus A380-800s.
Etihad offers Armani/Casa bedding, which includes a gray mattress pad, plush pillow and silky-smooth comforter / Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways
You can also gain access by achieving Platinum or Emerald status in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program.
Etihad currently offers non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to four U.S. destinations: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), and Washington Dulles (IAD). A four-times-weekly flight to Atlanta (ATL) will debut in July, with tickets already on sale.
Zayed International Airport is one of just a handful in the world where travelers can complete American border formalities in advance of departure and land in the U.S. as domestic passengers, simplifying their journey out of the airport or to connecting flights.
Other airports offering U.S. pre-clearance on some flights include:
- Dubin, Ireland (DUB),
- Shannon, Ireland (SNN)
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada (YYC)
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (YEG)
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (YHZ)
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada (YUL)
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (YOW)
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada (YYZ)
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (YVR)
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (YWG)
- Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA)
- Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)
- Hamilton, Bermuda (BDA)
