Guide to Etihad Airways & Etihad Guest (2023)

This guide provides an overview of flying, saving, and earning miles with Etihad Airways, including a summary of their frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest. You’ll learn all about Etihad Airways, the deals they offer, and how to get the most out of each flight.

Either read everything sequentially or use the Table of Contents (above) to jump to the section that’s most relevant to you.   

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has been flying since 2003 and is the second-largest airline in the UAE (after Emirates).  It operates over 1,000 flights per week to over 120 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, with a fleet of 125+ Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Etihad Airways’ vision is to be the best airline in the world, connecting the globe via Abu Dhabi.

What Alliance is Etihad part of?

Etihad has chosen not to participate in one of the three major airline alliances (Oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance), rather they chose to create their own alliance in 2015 called Etihad Airways Partners.  Etihad Airways Partner Airlines include Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Berlin, Niki, Air Serbia, and Air Seychelles.

Where is Etihad’s hub airport?

Etihad’s hub airport is Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) – the 2nd largest airport in the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad flies to and from 5 major US airports – New York (JFK), Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles.  The three major middle east carriers all fly from JFK, Washington Dulles, and Dallas.

Etihad Guest Frequent Flyer Program

Etihad’s frequent flyer/loyalty program is called Etihad Guest – it is the loyalty program for Etihad Airways, Air Seychelles, and Air Serbia.   Miles earned in the program can be used to book a flight, upgrade your seat on a paid fare or you can use them to buy over 3000 luxury products in Etihad’s Reward Shop.

Etihad Seating & Cabin Classes

Etihad has several classes of services from economy and business class all the way up to their first class “Apartment” and ” The Residence”.

Economy Class Cabin

Etihad’s Economy class offers a “Smart Seat” with a unique headrest that provides a shoulder to lean on and adjustable back support for a more comfortable flight.   There is also in-flight entertainment and power for your electronics.

There are a lot of people that use an Etihad airways promo code or Etihad discount offer to save on economy-class airfare, but they will work on business class and some first-class airfare as well.

Business Class Cabin

Etihad offers a business class product that they call a “Business Studio” with seats that are arranged in a dovetail design with both forward and rear-facing seats, providing a more private experience.  The seats convert into a comfortable fully-flat bed of up to 6 feet and 8 inches. Seat and aisle dividers offer more privacy and each seat has aisle access.

First Class Apartment

Etihad has been awarded the airline with the best first class for its “Apartment”.  More than just a first-class seat, the Etihad apartment has a large leather armchair and a separate bed of 6 feet and 10 inches. There is even space to walk around after closing the privacy doors.

The Etihad Residence

There is no commercial flight experience that gets better than the Residence!   Etihad has a completely over-the-top, three-room “Residence” with a living room, bedroom, and shower room.  It is the only three-room suite on a commercial airline, designed for two people traveling together.

On-Board Lounge and Bar  “The Lobby”

Eithad has taken a slightly different approach with their “Lobby” lounge on the upper deck of the A380.  Rather than have the bar as the focal point, they took inspiration from intimate lobby spaces found in boutique hotels and created a more intimate area for guests to relax and socialize.

On-board bars are treats that the US Based airlines have decided to pass on, but the international carriers are going “all in” to differentiate and add another layer of luxury and exclusivity.  The Middle East Carriers (Qatar, Etihad, and Emirates) are three hands-down winner’s in this category, but Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, and Korean Air are taking a run at them with some pretty cool bars of their own.

Etihad Discount Codes and Deals

Below are some promotions, discounts, and sale fares that include both business and economy class and are good from major global markets served by Etihad including the United States, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Asia, and many more great locations!

An Etihad Airways promo code will work on flights that Etihad serves directly, it will not work on Etihad codeshare flights or Etihad partner airlines.  The discount will be calculated off the base component of the airfare (taxed and fees are not discounted)

Etihad Airways and American Express have partnered for several years and offer discounts when you use your American Express card and book your flight directly with Etihad.   They recently paused the Etihad Amex 10% Offer, but they may bring it back, so double-check and see if it’s available before your next flight.

Etihad Customer Service Information

Etihad Airways – Head office:
New Airport Road, Khalifa City A,
PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Customer Support Phone Number:  1 (877) 690-0767

Visa and Passport Requirements for Etihad Airways

Before you book your flight make sure you are up to speed with the latest information regarding visa and passport requirements.  Citizens of eligible countries/regions are allowed to enter the UAE without a visa prior to arrival as long as they are carrying a valid passport that will not expire within six months of their arrival date.

Eithad offers some additional details on visas and passports to make sure you are covered before your flight.

If you end up in a situation where you will have to renew your existing passport or obtain a new passport, make sure you follow the passport application rules, including how to obtain a proper passport photo.  Sometimes it’s the little things that can cause a big headache if you don’t follow to rules.