Etihad Airways is one of the few airlines that allows pre-clearance into the US, meaning that passengers arrive in the US without having to face lengthy queues at immigration. However, this has always meant that prior to departure from Abu Dhabi, passengers have had to face a smaller queue to pass immigration within the airport. This meant premium passengers had to curtail their time in the airlines signature lounge and then wait in the usual departure hall. But that’s all changed, as the airline has now opened its new Etihad U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport.
Located steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a brand new signature space to unwind after completing their U.S. entry formalities and before boarding their flight.
Although not as large or impressive as the airlines main lounge complex in AUH, the thoughtfully designed facility still features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad’s premium travel experience. Also, due to the new terminal design, select flights now also offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey.
“This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,” said John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways. “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.”
The U.S. Preclearance Lounge welcomes eligible guests travelling in The Residence, First or Business, as well as Platinum and Emerald Etihad Guest members. Access is also available for purchase, subject to availability.
The airline now recommends that eligible guests should begin their journey at Etihad’s acclaimed First or Business Class Lounge in the main terminal before proceeding to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility approximately 90 minutes before their flight, meaning that if you want to enjoy your time in a leisurely way, we recommend arriving at the airport a good 3.5 hours before your flight.
Etihad currently serves four U.S. destinations with nonstop flights to Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. The airline will also launch services to Atlanta in July 2025, further strengthening its commitment to the North American market, and with impressive growth plans on the horizon, we wonder if San Francisco or Los Angeles might return to the network in the not-too-distant future.
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