Etihad flights and airline information

Etihad (EY) is the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates and is rightly considered one of the most prestigious players in the global aviation market. Founded in 2003, it quickly became a symbol of luxury and innovation, offering passengers the highest standards of comfort. The airline is based in the modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, from where it operates flights worldwide, connecting East and West.

Holding the status of one of the country's two flagship carriers, Etihad focuses on impeccable service and hospitality. The airline has repeatedly received prestigious awards from Skytrax and other industry organizations for its onboard service quality, unique lounge areas, and innovative approach to flight organization. Special attention is paid to environmental sustainability and the implementation of advanced technologies in aircraft manufacturing.

A key advantage of the carrier is its modern fleet, consisting of advanced Airbus and Boeing models. This ensures not only comfort but also high flight punctuality. Passengers value Etihad for its personalized approach: from gourmet cuisine selections to exclusive conditions in premium classes, such as the famous multi-room The Residence suites on long-haul aircraft.

The strategic location of its hub at Zayed International Airport makes traveling with Etihad exceptionally convenient for connections between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Thanks to an extensive network of partnership agreements, the airline offers convenient routes even to corners of the planet where there are no direct flights, while maintaining a single standard of service quality at all stages of the journey.

• Official website: etihad.com
• Head office phone in Abu Dhabi: +971 2 511 0000
• Additional contact number: +971 2 599 0000
• Email for feedback: guest@etihadguest.com
• Social media: Etihad Airways (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter)
• Mobile app: Etihad (available on App Store and Google Play)
• Emergency support: available via the feedback form on the website in the Help/Contact us section

It is recommended to always check the current contact information and local phone numbers for your region in the relevant section of the airline's official website before reaching out.

Baggage rules at Etihad are flexible and depend on the selected fare, class of service, and specific route. For carry-on baggage, one piece weighing up to 7 kg is standard in Economy Class, while Business and First Class passengers can bring two bags with a total weight of up to 12 kg. Carry-on dimensions are typically limited to 50x40x25 cm to ensure items fit easily in the overhead bins.

For checked baggage, both weight and piece systems apply. Depending on the fare, Economy Class passengers may have access to 23 to 35 kg, while in premium classes, the allowances are significantly higher—up to 2 pieces of 32 kg each. It is important to remember that the weight of a single piece of baggage cannot exceed 32 kg according to international labor safety rules for baggage handlers. If your baggage exceeds the established norms, payment for excess weight is possible both in advance on the website at a discount or directly at the airport.

Special baggage, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or strollers, is transported under special rules. Strollers and car seats for infants are usually carried free of charge in addition to the main allowance. As for prohibited items, these traditionally include flammable substances, dangerous chemicals, and high-capacity lithium batteries. Before your flight, it is recommended to review the full list of restrictions on the official website etihad.com.

For a more comfortable trip, experts advise packing fragile items in hard-shell suitcases and always attaching a name tag with contact details to your baggage. If you plan to transport non-standard cargo, it is better to coordinate its transport with the airline at least 48 hours before departure to avoid complications during check-in.

Pet Travel in the Cabin

• The airline allows the transport of cats and dogs in the aircraft cabin on certain flights, provided there is a preliminary booking.
• The maximum weight of the animal including the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The dimensions of a soft carrier must allow it to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
• The service is paid and requires confirmation from the airline at least 72 hours before departure.

Pet Travel in the Cargo Hold

• Animals whose weight exceeds the cabin limits are transported in specially equipped, heated compartments of the aircraft.
• The container must comply with IATA standards, provide ventilation, and be spacious enough for the animal to stand up and turn around.
• Weight and cost restrictions depend on the cage dimensions and the flight route.

Required Documents

• A valid international veterinary passport.
• Vaccination certificates (rabies vaccination is mandatory).
• A microchip for animal identification.
• Import/export permits required by the destination country and transit countries.

Restrictions and Safety

• Due to health risks, Etihad may restrict the transport of brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced), such as pugs or Persian cats, especially during periods of extreme heat.
• Transport may be limited depending on weather conditions at the departure and arrival points to ensure the safety of the pets.
• Always contact the airline's call center to clarify current requirements, as rules for importing animals into the UAE and other countries can change frequently.

Etihad Guest Program

Etihad Guest is a multi-tiered loyalty program designed to make traveling with Etihad even more rewarding and pleasant. Participation in the program allows you to accumulate miles for every flight taken and use them to pay for various services.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Bronze: The entry level, available immediately after registration, allows you to start earning miles and receiving special offers from partners.
• Silver: Provides access to priority check-in, an additional baggage allowance, and seat selection options.
• Gold: Includes access to business lounges, priority boarding, and fast-track processing for pre-flight formalities.
• Platinum: The highest level, offering access to First Class lounges, guaranteed seats on flights, and maximum bonuses when earning miles.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

• Miles are earned not only for flights on Etihad, but also for using the services of partner airlines, booking hotels, renting cars, and making purchases with co-branded bank cards.
• Accumulated miles can be exchanged for reward tickets, cabin upgrades (e.g., from Economy to Business), as well as products in the online Reward Shop or for charitable donations.

How to Join the Program

Becoming an Etihad Guest member is completely free by registering on the official website or in the mobile app. After registration, you will receive a digital membership number, which must be provided with every booking for automatic mile accrual.

Etihad (EY) offers passengers three main classes of service, each designed to ensure maximum comfort. In Economy Class, travelers can expect ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests and pillows, and blankets are provided on long-haul flights. Business Class (Business Studios) offers seats that convert into a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, and an exquisite menu. For the most discerning clients, First Class (First Apartments) provides a private space with a separate armchair and bed, and on some aircraft, even a personal shower.

The E-Box entertainment system onboard Etihad provides access to hundreds of movies, music albums, and games. Most aircraft are equipped with power outlets for charging devices and USB ports, and paid Wi-Fi is available on many flights. Onboard dining deserves a special mention: the menu is designed with global culinary traditions in mind, all meals are halal, and special meal types (vegetarian, diabetic, children's) can be ordered in advance.

Special services are provided for passengers with children: infant bassinets, special activity kits, and children's menus. The airline also provides accompaniment for minors traveling without parents and offers necessary assistance to passengers with limited physical mobility. To guarantee the availability of a specific service or special meal, it is recommended to make changes to your booking on the etihad.com website no later than 24–48 hours before departure.

The Etihad route network covers key business and tourist centers worldwide. The primary link for all flights is the ultra-modern hub in Abu Dhabi, from where aircraft depart to dozens of countries across different continents.

Among the carrier's popular destinations are metropolises such as London, Rome, and Frankfurt in Europe, as well as sunny Asian resorts including Bangkok and Phuket. The airline is also actively developing its presence in the Middle East, operating regular flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Cairo, providing passengers with convenient connections and a high level of service at every stage of the journey.

When planning a trip with Etihad, it is best to book tickets in advance—the optimal period is considered to be 3–4 months before departure. The best offers are often found on the official etihad.com website during seasonal sales. It is also worth paying attention to mid-week departures, as flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper than on weekends or holidays.

Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure. We recommend checking in as early as possible to have time to select the most comfortable seats in the cabin for free. The Etihad mobile app allows you not only to check in but also to track flight status in real-time and store your boarding pass digitally, which significantly saves time at the airport.

When booking, be sure to check the conditions of your fare regarding ticket refunds and exchanges. If your plans might change, choose Flex fares, which offer more freedom. Also, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which will cover unforeseen expenses in case of flight delays or lost baggage. Current promotions and special promo codes are often sent to newsletter subscribers, so subscribing to updates can help you save significantly.

The history of Etihad Airways began in July 2003, when the national airline of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was established by royal decree of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The first demonstration flight took place in November of the same year to the city of Al Ain, and just a few days later, the airline launched its first commercial flights to Mumbai. From the moment of its founding, Etihad set an ambitious goal—to become one of the best airlines in the world, focusing on premium service.

During its first decade of operation, the carrier demonstrated phenomenal growth rates, expanding its flight map annually and purchasing dozens of new airliners. A significant milestone was the opening of flights to key world capitals and the formation of a global network of hubs. Etihad actively invested in other airlines, creating strategic alliances, which allowed the brand to strengthen its position on the international stage and offer passengers an unprecedented choice of destinations.

The evolution of the Etihad fleet followed the path of introducing the most modern and eco-friendly aircraft. The airline became one of the largest operators of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, which allow for ultra-long-haul flights with minimal environmental impact. The introduction of innovative concepts, such as "personal apartments" in the sky, forever changed the perception of comfort in civil aviation.

Today, Etihad continues to develop, focusing on digitalization and sustainable development. The move to the new terminal at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi opened a new chapter in the company's history, providing an even higher level of comfort for millions of passengers. In addition to passenger transport, the company successfully develops its Etihad Cargo and Etihad Holidays divisions, remaining a crucial element of the UAE's economic infrastructure.