Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates, and is beaten only by Emirates. Its fleet of 140 is comprised mostly of planes from Airbus and Boeing, and while it is not a part of one of the more well-known airline alliances, it has created its own. This is known as Etihad Airways Partners and includes Air Seychelles, Air Serbia and Jet Airways. Operating to more than 80 destinations throughout the world, its main hub is at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

For passengers taking frequent Etihad Airways flights there is a loyalty program called Etihad Guest which offers both a discount online shop and benefits such as upgrades. It codeshares with over 40 airlines, including the three mentioned above that belong to Etihad Airways Partners. Passengers can still accrue miles for the loyalty program on these services even if one of the partner airlines is actually supplying the flight.

How do I check in online with Etihad Airways?

It is possible to reserve your seat and print or download your boarding pass with the Etihad Airways online check-in system. It is open from up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure until one hour before the plane leaves, but you need your PNR (this is the booking reference number you were given when purchasing your flight), your e-ticket number, or your Etihad Guest Membership number to access it. On arrival at the airport, simply show your printed or downloaded boarding pass and deposit any baggage to be checked in at the Etihad Desks.

If you have requested a bassinet or if you will be using a wheelchair it is not possible to check-in online, but the check-in desks at the airport are open at least three hours before the flight leaves to help you with your requests and boarding.

What is my checked baggage allowance on Etihad Airways?

The Etihad Airways baggage size is restricted to 70 cm x 50 cm x 38 cm when travelling to and from North America including Canada, but the allowance is larger at 90 cm x 72 cm x 45 cm if travelling anywhere else. It is important for the safety of the baggage handlers that any one item of luggage does not exceed 32 kg. Any items that are found to be heavier than this will not be accepted. If travelling with children or infants, Etihad Airways will allow you to check-in an additional stroller, carrycot or approved car seat to be placed in the hold. This extra luggage is in addition to your normal bags and will not incur a charge.

Animals are not allowed in any of the cabins during Etihad Airways flights, but they will be securely taken care of by the Cargo Team if booked in advance. Guide dogs will also have to be transported this way but this will be free of charge. Sports equipment will be carried free of charge if it is accepted as part of your baggage allowance. However, anything outside of this will need to be paid for as excess or oversized baggage.

What hand luggage can I take on Etihad Airways?

You can take one bag into the cabin with you as part of your Etihad Airways hand luggage allowance. It must be smaller than 50 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm including any bulges, wheels or handles, and weigh less than 7 kg. Business and First Class passengers may take an additional bag of a similar size as well as a foldable garment bag, but the weight of all these bags must be less than 12 kg. Infants who do not have a separate seat but will be on an adult’s lap are allowed one 5 kg bag for baby care items.

As well as this, passengers are also allowed to take small personal items onto the plane with them such as handbags, overcoats, books or laptop bags. These, however, must not exceed 5 kg. If you are in need of a walking stick or other prosthetic or medical aids, these can be taken free of charge into the cabin with you in addition to your hand luggage allowance.

There are restrictions on the carrying of liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand baggage as they may only be carried in containers of 100ml or less. These containers must be kept in a clear, plastic bag which is 20 cm x 20 cm or smaller, and kept out of your cabin baggage to be shown to security before boarding. Zamzam water (from the Zamzam well in Mecca) may be transported in the hold, but if you want to carry it onboard it will need to be held in a 100ml container as for the other liquids.