Etihad Airways Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Etihad Airways is the second-largest carrier in the United Arab Emirates, operating from its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Although Etihad has been cutting routes in the last 2 years, it serves many destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Basic Info

Airline: Etihad Airways

Website: Etihad.com

Category: International airline

Frequent Flyer Program: Etihad Guest

Tagline: “Beyond Borders”

Number of Passengers Annually: 18.5 million

Fleet: 107

Main Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Destinations: 80 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific

Frequent Flyer Programs

Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, Etihad Guest, rewards guests with miles every time a passenger flies with Etihad or one of their partner airlines.

Miles can be redeemed against future flights, fare upgrades, holidays, charitable donations, and more.

Once members reach the tier status of Silver, Gold, or Platinum, they receive benefits such as priority check-in, increased baggage allowance, and discounted upgrades.

Hot Tip: Explore the best ways to earn lots of Etihad Airways Guest Miles, and you’ll be booking that reward flight sooner than you think!

Ticketing Options

Etihad has 4 different fare types for economy tickets, 3 types for business class, and 2 for first class and The Residence.

These fare types offer different levels of flexibility and benefits, such as eligibility for refund and percentage earnings of Etihad Guest Miles. All fare types include carry-on and checked baggage*. First class and The Residence also come with chauffeur service.

*Economy Saver Deal is a “carry-on luggage only” fare for routes between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.

Hot Tip: If you’re traveling light, you have the option of selecting Etihad’s carry-on only deal, available when you book an Economy Saver Deal fare between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.

Etihad Baggage and Other Fees/Add-Ons

Baggage Fees

Etihad uses a weight concept for the majority of its destinations, with an allocated weight allowance applied depending on the fare type.

Flights to/from the U.S. work on a piece concept, where 2 pieces of luggage are permitted, and the weight is dependent on the cabin.

Etihad Carry-on Allowance

All passengers may bring 1 personal item, in addition to:

• Economy passengers may bring 1 piece of carry-on that must not exceed 15 pounds (7 kg)
• Business, First Class, and The Residence passengers may bring 2 pieces of carry-on with a combined weight of 25 pounds (12 kg)

Size Restrictions:

• Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 15.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Carry-on: 19.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches (50 x 40 x 25 cm)

Emirates Checked Luggage Allowance

Flights To/From the Americas (Piece Concept):

• Economy: 2 x 50 pound (23 kg) bags (excluding carry-on luggage only fares)
• Business and First: 2 x 70 pound (32 kg) bags

Size Restriction (Piece Concept):

• Maximum linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) — 27.5 x 19.7 x 15 inches (70 x 50 x 38 cm)

Flights To/From Other Destinations Outside of the Americas (Weight Concept):

• Economy: 50 pounds (23 kg)
• Economy Saver and Classic: 66 pounds (30 kg)
• Economy Flex: 77 pounds (35 kg)
• Business Class: 88 pounds (40 kg)
• First Class: 110 pounds (50 kg)
• The Residence: 4 x 70 pound (32 kg) bags

Size Restriction (Weight Concept):

• Maximum linear dimensions of each piece must not exceed 81.5 inches (207 cm) — 35.4 x 28.3 x 17.7 inches (90 x 72 x 45 cm)

Hot Tip: Find out more information about the baggage policy in our Etihad baggage article.

Change and Cancellation Fees

Change/Cancellation Fees (Cash Tickets)

Unfortunately, Etihad is not transparent about its change and cancellation fees, and these depend on the fare type and journey. Passengers should check the terms and conditions at the time of booking.

In addition to the change or cancellation fee itself, Etihad also charges a service fee if this is done through the contact center or a retail office ($20-$45).

Award Ticket Change Fees

Etihad award change fees will depend on the fare and not all fare types can be changed.

• More than 21 days from departure: 100 AED change fee for Value and Comfort fares, no fee for Deluxe fares.
• Within 8-21 days of departure: 200 AED for Value and Comfort fares, 100 AED for Deluxe fares.
• Within 1-7 days of departure: 400 AED for Deluxe fares. All other fares are ineligible for changes.
• Within 24 hours of departure: No fare type is eligible for changes within 24 hours of departure.

Award Ticket Cancellation Fees

Etihad has pretty steep cancellation fees on award tickets. When canceling a ticket, you’ll lose a percentage of your points, depending on the fare you book:

• More than 21 days from departure: Free cancellation on Deluxe fares, 25% on Comfort and Value fares.
• Within 8-21 days of departure: 25% fee on Deluxe fares, 50% fee on Comfort and Value fares.
• Within 1-7 days of departure: 50% fee on Deluxe fares, 75% fee on Comfort and Value fares.
• Within 24 hours of departure: 75% fee on Deluxe fares only, no cancellation policy on Comfort and Value fares.

Hot Tip: Learn more about the Etihad’s fees in our award flight changes and cancellations article.

Other Fees and Add-Ons

Advance Seat Selection

Seat selection is free from check-in (24 hours before the flight,) but fees will be charged for seat selections made earlier than this.

As with its change and cancellation fees, Etihad does not disclose fees for advanced seat selection, but after running a few searches, we found consistent fees of $30-$180.

Unaccompanied Minor: $100 for direct flights; $150 for connecting flights

Transporting a Pet: Passengers are permitted to transport a falcon in the cabin or as checked luggage. Business and first class passengers can transport up to 2 falcons and an economy passenger, 1.

The fees to transport a falcon are:

• To/from the U.S and Canada: $360
• Short-haul: $180
• Medium haul: $250
• Long haul: $320
• Ultra-long haul: $390

Onboard Wi-Fi: All passengers can enjoy 90 MB of free Wi-Fi and can purchase additional packages:

• Lite (50 MB): $5.95
• Flex (140 MB): $15.95
• Premium (300 MB): $29.95

Meals and Refreshments: Although meals are included, passengers have the option of purchasing alternative meals, snacks, and drinks.

• Hot meals: $5-$7
• Snacks: $3-$7
• Drinks: $3-$5

How to Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Travel Expenses

There are several rewards cards where charges on your statement can be paid for by using your points/miles balance. We like Capital One cards for this strategy as you can redeem your miles at 1 cent each for a statement credit against travel purchases made within the past 90 days. Here are the cards we recommend:

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

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The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
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Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

$460

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in travel bonuses. Enjoy $100 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $300 in travel
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Etihad Lounges

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH):

• Abu Dhabi Business Class Lounges in Terminals 1 and 3B
• Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge and Spa in Terminal 3
• Abu Dhabi — U.S. Premium Lounge
• Abu Dhabi Arrivals Lounge

Other Etihad Lounge locations:

• Dublin Airport (DUB)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
• New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Economy Class

Amenities Include:

• Complimentary meals and beverages, including alcohol; the number of meals received depends on the flight duration
• In-seat screen with entertainment on wide-bodied aircraft; E-BOX Stream available to stream entertainment to your personal device on narrow-bodied aircraft
• Full-size blankets and fluffy pillows
• Power charging points
• Over 30 magazines in the e-library
• 90 MB of free Wi-Fi; additional data available for a fee

Hot Tip: Fancy a bit more space without upgrading to business? With Etihad’s Economy Neighbour-Free, you can bid for the surrounding seats to remain passenger-free throughout your journey.

Business Class

Amenities Include:

• Chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Access to the Etihad airport lounge (where available)
• Adjustable headrest, back support, and cushion firmness. Lie-flat beds on wide-bodied aircraft. Seat with generous recline and legroom on narrow-bodied aircraft.
• In-seat screen and entertainment system with over 180 movies, 350 TV shows, and live sports
• Dine anytime from an à la carte menu
• A unique socializing area called “The Lobby” is available on the upper deck of the A380
• ACQUA DI PARMA amenity kit with an eye mask, socks, earplugs, and signature fragrance
• Access to the arrivals lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport
• 90 MB of free Wi-Fi; additional data available for a fee

Hot Tip: Want to find out what it’s like flying Etihad business? Read all about Greg’s experiences flying Etihad business class on the A380 and on the Boeing 787-9.

First Class

Etihad has 2 fits for First Class. Both offer a private suite, but the airline’s new First Class Apartments (found on the A380) include a separate armchair and bed. Adjoining apartments can also be opened to share the experience with a travel companion. The standard first class suites have a chair that converts into a lie-flat bed.

Amenities Include:

• Chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Access to the Etihad airport lounge (where available), including Abu Dhabi International Airport’s First Class Lounge and Spa
• Noise-canceling headphones
• In-seat screen and entertainment system with over 180 movies, 350 TV shows, and live sports
• Access to Apple Music
• Boutique wine list and pairing option with meals
• ACQUA DI PARMA amenity kit with lip balm, body lotion, and cologne, in addition to the usual toothbrush, socks, and eye mask
• Access to the arrivals lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport
• 90 MB of free Wi-Fi; additional data available for a fee

Additional Amenities Unique to the A380 Include:

• Onboard shower
• A unique socializing area called “The Lobby”

Hot Tip: Did you know you can book one of these First Class Apartments on points? Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best ways to book Etihad First Class using points.

The Residence

Amenities Include:

• Chauffeur-driven limousine
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Private airport lounge in Abu Dhabi International Airport
• Private 3 room apartment with separate double bed, ensuite shower room, and living area
• Luxury sleepwear
• ACQUA DI PARMA amenity kit with lip balm, body lotion, and cologne, in addition to the usual toothbrush, socks, and eye mask
• Dedicated VIP travel concierge
• Chilled refreshments cabinet
• On-demand dining and wine pairing
• Large screen and entertainment system with over 180 movies, 350 TV shows, and live sports
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Access to the arrivals lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Seat Specs

Etihad has a fairly young fleet of aircraft with just under 40 787 aircraft that are just a few years old.

In 2019, Etihad controversially removed in-seat TV screens from its fleet of Airbus A320s that operate short-haul flights, replacing them with a personal device holder.

Hot Tip: Find out which aircraft and seat types operate to and from the U.S. with our definitive guide to Etihad’s direct routes from the U.S.

Etihad Customer Satisfaction

Etihad was awarded 5-star airline status (Skytrax) in 2016 but was downgraded to 4 stars in 2019, currently maintaining that rating.

Etihad has made some drastic cuts to its economy offering, like stripping short-haul aircraft of in-seat screens to save on fuel costs. The airline also started charging for premium drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks, which doesn’t exactly scream premium airline.

Customer loyalty to Etihad is divided. The once widely-admired airline still has its long-term advocates; however, many repeat passengers are reporting a decline in service on social media. This is in line with customer reviews on airlinequality.com, where Etihad scores a mere 4/10.

Most Common Complaints

No official statistics can be found on United Arab Emirates’ Aviation Authority website gcaa.gov.ae.

Consumer Rankings, Ratings, Etc

Skytrax Ranking: 4 Star Airline (out of 5)

Skytrax Customer Rating: 4/10

Tripadvisor Airline Review Rating: 3.5/5 (average from 24,990 reviews)

Kayak Customer Rating: 7.4/10 (average from 1,241 reviews)

AirHelp.com Overall Rating: 7.45/10 (quality of amenities, on-time arrivals, and how well an airline resolves flight delay compensation claims)

Safety and Performance

Etihad has a 7/7 safety record as awarded by AirlineRatings.com. This takes into account whether an airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification, combined with information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body, plus government and crash records.

Recent Awards

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025: Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East

Business Traveller Awards 2024:  Best Cabin Crew

Business Traveller Awards 2024: Best Economy Class

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2022: Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East

Final Thoughts

Etihad has canceled a large order of aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus and has seen some hefty redundancies — a sure response to its dwindling profits of recent years. The airline’s struggles certainly weren’t helped by its investments in failing airlines, such as Air Berlin and Jet Airways, in an attempt to create feeder markets into its Abu Dhabi hub.

Despite turbulent times for the airline, there is no doubt that its premium cabins are among the best in the industry. The elegant and spacious First Class Apartment has a retractable wall perfect for sharing the experience with a travel companion, and The Residence is a unique class of travel not obtainable with any other commercial airline.