Air Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Etihad Airways
The national airline of the UAE, flying from Abu Dhabi
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United Arab EmiratesCountry
- EYIATA Code
- ETDICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Full-ServiceAirline Type
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, flying from Abu Dhabi to Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Australia. Economy is sold as Basic, Value, Comfort and Deluxe, and Basic includes no checked bag. This guide covers each fare’s baggage, cabin bag sizes, Etihad’s strict one-power-bank rule, US preclearance in Abu Dhabi, stopovers and how Etihad compares with Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Etihad was founded in 2003 and is based in Abu Dhabi. It is not in an alliance, but codeshares with many airlines, and is best known for The Residence, a three-room suite on the A380.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Etihad
Etihad has some of the strictest power bank rules of any airline:
- Only one power bank per passenger, of up to 100 Wh, with the rating clearly marked.
- Power banks cannot be used or charged on board, and you cannot use one to charge your phone.
- Keep it in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat (or your seat’s storage in Business and First), not in the overhead locker.
- Power banks are never allowed in checked bags.
If you usually travel with two power banks, leave one at home when you fly Etihad.
Check-In and US Preclearance in Abu Dhabi
Online check-in is available on the website and app. Etihad flies from Terminal A at Zayed International, which opened in 2023.
Passengers flying to the United States clear US immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi before departure and arrive as domestic passengers. Allow extra time at the airport for this.
Families, Special Assistance and Pets
Families can request bassinets on long-haul flights, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap.
Special assistance should be requested in advance. Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin on some routes, and falcons are also accepted.
How to Find Cheap Etihad Flights
- Compare Basic and Value: if you need a checked bag, Value is often cheaper than Basic plus a bag.
- Check one-stop routes: Europe to Asia or Australia via Abu Dhabi can undercut nonstop flights.
- Look at stopover offers: Etihad’s Abu Dhabi stopovers sometimes include free hotel nights.
- Avoid the peaks: Eid, Indian festival periods and Christmas push fares up.
- Watch for sales: Etihad runs regular seasonal sales on Europe and Asia routes.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Etihad next to Emirates, Qatar Airways and others.
Etihad vs Emirates vs Qatar Airways
All three Gulf airlines link Europe, Asia and Africa through one hub.
| Etihad | Emirates | Qatar Airways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Dubai (DXB) | Doha (DOH) |
| Alliance | None | None | oneworld |
| Loyalty | Etihad Guest | Skywards | Privilege Club (Avios) |
| US preclearance | Yes | No | No |
| Power banks | 1, no use on board | 1, no use on board | 2, no charging on board |
See our Emirates guide and Qatar Airways guide to compare.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi
Zayed International Airport is about 30 km from central Abu Dhabi. Taxis, buses and hotel shuttles are available, and Dubai is around 90 minutes away by road.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Etihad Airways a Good Airline?
Yes. Etihad offers excellent premium cabins, a modern fleet, a calm new terminal in Abu Dhabi and US preclearance. Check your fare carefully, because Economy Basic has no checked bag, and note the strict one-power-bank rule.
For more options, see our Turkish Airlines guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against Etihad’s published baggage rules and Gulf News reporting on UAE airline power bank rules. Allowances vary by route, so check the official Etihad Airways website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
Etihad is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with many airlines worldwide so you can connect onward on one ticket.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Etihad codeshares with partner airlines across Europe, Asia and the Americas, linking Abu Dhabi with destinations it doesn't fly to itself.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport, is Etihad's hub. It moved to the new Terminal A in 2023.
Popular Etihad Airways Routes
Etihad's busiest routes link Abu Dhabi with London, Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Bangkok, Paris, New York and Manila. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Etihad Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Etihad sells Economy as Basic, Value, Comfort and Deluxe, plus Business and First. Basic is the cheapest, with no checked bag and the strictest rules; each step up adds checked baggage and more flexibility. The conditions for your ticket are shown when you book.
When you change, you pay any fare difference plus any change fee for your fare type. For flights from India, DGCA rules also apply, and for flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour rule.
- Economy Basic No checked bag (can be bought) and the strictest rules.
- Economy Value and Comfort Checked baggage included and more flexibility.
- Economy Deluxe The most baggage and flexibility in Economy.
- Business and First The most flexible conditions.
- Flights from India DGCA passenger rules apply.
- Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on etihad.com or the Etihad app.
Etihad Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services
Seat selection is included on higher fares and can be bought on cheaper ones, including Economy Space seats with extra legroom. Business Class has lie-flat seats, First Apartments on the A380 include a separate seat and bed, and The Residence is a private three-room suite.
US-bound passengers clear US immigration in Abu Dhabi before departure.
- Seat selection Included on higher fares; paid on cheaper fares.
- Economy Space Extra-legroom seats.
- Business Class Lie-flat seats.
- First Apartments and The Residence On the A380.
- US preclearance Clear US immigration in Abu Dhabi.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.
Etihad Airways Baggage Allowance
In Economy you can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat. Business and First passengers can bring two cabin bags with a combined 12 kg.
On weight-concept routes, each fare has a total checked allowance; on India–Abu Dhabi, for example, Basic includes none, Value 25 kg, Comfort 30 kg and Deluxe 40 kg, and Business 35–50 kg by fare. Flights to and from the US and Canada use the piece concept: two 23 kg bags in Economy (except Basic) and two 32 kg bags in Business and First. No checked bag may weigh more than 32 kg on any route, and Etihad Guest Silver, Gold and Platinum members get extra kilos.
- Cabin bag (Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a personal item.
- Cabin bags (Business and First) 2 bags, 12 kg combined.
- Economy Basic No checked bag (can be bought).
- Value / Comfort / Deluxe (India–Abu Dhabi example) 25 / 30 / 40 kg.
- Business (example) 35–50 kg by fare.
- US and Canada 2 × 23 kg in Economy (not Basic); 2 × 32 kg in Business and First.
- Maximum per bag 32 kg, even for a fee.
- Etihad Guest elites Extra kilos on weight routes.
Etihad Guest: Etihad Airways Loyalty Programme
Etihad Guest is Etihad's free loyalty programme. You earn Guest Miles on Etihad and partner flights and with many partners, and spend them on flights, upgrades and more.
Tier levels run from Bronze to Silver, Gold and Platinum, with more benefits at each level, including extra baggage on weight-concept routes.
- Bronze Free entry level for all members.
- Silver Priority services and extra baggage.
- Gold Lounge access and more benefits.
- Platinum The highest benefits.
Etihad Airways: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are Etihad Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is EY. It appears in flight numbers (for example EY 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is ETD, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is Etihad Airways part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is Etihad Airways headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
04When was Etihad Airways founded?
The airline was founded in 2003.
05What are Etihad Airways’ main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Main Hub.
06What is Etihad Airways’ frequent flyer programme called?
The frequent flyer programme is called Etihad Guest. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.
07Which airport does Etihad use in Abu Dhabi?
Zayed International Airport (AUH), formerly called Abu Dhabi International Airport.
08Does Etihad Economy Basic include a checked bag?
No. Basic includes a 7 kg cabin bag only. Value, Comfort and Deluxe include checked baggage, rising with each fare.
09What is Etihad's cabin bag allowance?
In Economy, one bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm plus a personal item. Business and First allow two bags with a combined 12 kg.
10Can I clear US immigration in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Abu Dhabi has US preclearance, so passengers on Etihad flights to the USA clear US immigration before departure.
Other airlines in Middle East
Etihad Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Etihad Airways PJSC and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etihad Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.