Everything You Need To Know About Etihad’s Chauffeur Service

Booking a premium cabin flight with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is a treat. Whether you choose the over-the-top 3-room The Residence or a business class “Studio,” rest assured that you’ll have access to some of the very best perks in the sky, including top-tier Champagne, restaurant-quality food, luxurious amenities, and much more.

But, your luxurious Etihad experience can begin before you even arrive at the airport, thanks to the airline’s chauffeur service, known as Etihad Chauffeur. With Etihad Chauffeur, eligible passengers can be taken to or from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH), ensuring the trip gets off to an exclusive, luxurious start.

Let’s dive into everything you’ll need to know about Etihad Chauffeur, including who’s eligible and how to set up a ride on your next flight.

What Is Etihad Chauffeur?

Etihad Chauffeur is the name the airline gives to its chauffeur-driven ride service available to eligible passengers flying in business class, first class (The Apartment), or The Residence.

The service allows eligible passengers to be whisked to or from Zayed International Airport in a private luxury vehicle to/from their home or hotel within the UAE.

This is a complimentary service for eligible passengers.

Who Is Eligible To Use Etihad Chauffeur?

There are some restrictions when it comes to who can take advantage of Etihad Chauffeur. Let’s take a look at the details.

To be eligible, you must be traveling in The Residence, first class (The Apartment), or business class. However, it also matters how your ticket was booked.

You must be booked on a flight operated by Etihad Airways — no partner-operated flights are eligible. Also, you must have booked directly with the airline or a travel agent. Unfortunately, tickets booked with Etihad Guest miles and “some Value Fare tickets” are excluded from Chauffeur service.

How Etihad Chauffeur Works

There are a few steps you’ll need to take before flying to ensure a smooth ride, whether you’re arriving in or departing from Abu Dhabi.

Note that you must book your Etihad Chauffeur at least 12 hours before your posted departure time. You’ll also be asked to provide further information, including telephone number, address, UAE city code, and a pickup time, whether you’re arriving or departing. After providing all the necessary information, you should receive an email confirming the details.

If you’re an eligible passenger on a flight departing Abu Dhabi, you can expect a call or text message about 12 hours before you’re scheduled to depart with your pickup time. Note that these cannot be changed and the driver will wait for 25 minutes before leaving.

And if you’re an eligible passenger arriving in Abu Dhabi, you’ll want to make your way to baggage claim 10. Your driver will be waiting for you at the Etihad Chauffeur kiosk adjacent to the baggage claim.

You can also take advantage of Etihad Chauffeur (if you’re booked on an eligible ticket) if you have an Abu Dhabi stopover on your way to your final destination.

Everything Else To Know

There are a few more details you should be aware of before you attempt to set up an Etihad Chauffeur ride for your next flight:

• Business Value tickets issued within the UAE are also eligible for Etihad Chauffeur.
• Transit flights aren’t eligible when the passenger purchased an instant upgrade at the airport.
• Unaccompanied minors or those between the ages of 2 and 12 are not eligible to use the service alone.
• The standard vehicle used for Etihad Chauffeur is a station wagon.
• Etihad Chauffeur services are provided by a third party.

Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling in an Etihad premium cabin — and you didn’t use Etihad Guest miles to book your ticket — you should certainly consider arranging a ride to or from Abu Dhabi Airport with Etihad Chauffeur.

Etihad is known for providing one of the most luxurious experiences in the sky, but you can start enjoying the luxury before you even arrive at the airport when you book a ride with Etihad Chauffeur!