Etihad Airways has opened its dedicated US Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, as of December 30, 2024.
The lounge, available to eligible passengers, is located close to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility. It serves as a place for travelers to unwind after completing US entry formalities and before boarding their respective flights.
The facility offers guests a selection of beverages and light dining options, and passengers on select flights can also have the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge.
Guests travelling in Etihad’s The Residence, First or Business, as well as Platinum and Emerald Etihad Guest members, are eligible to use the lounge. The airline has also said that access is available for purchase, subject to availability.
By completing all US customs and immigration formalities before boarding in Abu Dhabi, travelers arrive in the US as domestic passengers, saving time upon arrival. Guests can simply collect their bags and go, or else proceed to their connecting flights.
“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 in a statement.
“By combining our premium lounge service with the convenience of US 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,” Wright added.
Etihad currently serves four US destinations with nonstop flights, namely Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), New York’s John F Kennedy Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The airline will also launch services to Atlanta in July 2025, further strengthening its reach into the North American market.
1 comment
The introduction of a US preclearance lounge is a fantastic move that will make the journey to the United States so much smoother and more convenient for eligible guests. It’s great to see Etihad continuing to innovate and prioritize passenger experience with such thoughtful upgrades.
The ability to complete US customs and immigration procedures before even boarding the flight is such a game-changer. It not only saves time upon arrival in the US but also takes a lot of the stress out of the travel experience, especially for connecting passengers or those heading straight to business meetings.
The lounge itself sounds like a luxurious and practical space. Combining comfort with efficiency, it’s a perfect example of how airports can enhance the customer journey. I also love that this service adds a competitive edge to Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport, positioning them as leaders in premium travel experiences.