Etihad Airways gears up for Christmas travel rush: all you need to know

The Abu Dhabi airline says it's seen a 235 per cent increase in the number of travellers flying this festive season, compared to the same time last year

Etihad Airways says December will be one of its busiest months for travel since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with December 18 being the busiest day. Photo: Etihad

Etihad Airways is gearing up for a peak travel period this month.

With the beginning of the UAE school break, the Abu Dhabi Formula One season finale and the Christmas holidays all coinciding in December, the national airline is expecting one of its busiest months since the pandemic began.

Etihad says it has seen a 235 per cent increase in passenger numbers for December 2021, compared to the same month last year.

The busiest day for travel from Abu Dhabi International Airport will be Saturday, December 18, and Etihad is reminding travellers to get to the airport with plenty of time to ensure a smooth journey.

And most travellers are headed to the UK, with London the most popular destination for Etihad passengers this month, followed by Toronto and then New York.

In a bid to keep travel running smoothly at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad has shared some tips for travellers set to fly this month. This includes using the airline’s new Early Check-In facility and ensuring that all travellers have the required documents for their destination before travelling to the airport.

Can I check-in early for my flight?

Not only can you check-in early for flights, but Etihad will give you 1,000 complimentary Guest Miles if you opt to make use of the new Early Check-In facility.

Allowing passengers to check-in from 24 to eight hours before flights, the service requires at least one person from each travelling party to check-in and drop off luggage for all members of the group. The nominated person must provide Covid-19 travel documents for all people travelling under the same reservation.

Early check-in desks are open from 9am until 4am, seven days a week at the Skypark Plaza at Abu Dhabi Airport. To help make the service convenient, travellers using the facility will also get up to two hours free parking at Skypark.

How early do I need to be at the airport?

Travellers should check-in online and arrive at the airport in plenty of time to complete formalities. At peak travel times, Etihad will open check-in desks four hours before the flight departure time and close them one hour before departure. If you’re flying to the US, check-in closes two hours before flights are due to leave.

What time do I need to be at the gate?

Boarding gates for all Etihad Airways flights close 20 minutes before departure. Even if you have already checked-in for your flight, if you’re not at the gate on time, you will not be allowed to travel.

Do I need a Covid-19 test before flying?

No matter where you are travelling to, Etihad requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test result taken within either 48 or 72 hours ahead of your flight departure time. The time frame depends on where you are flying to or from and your transit time. Children may need to show a negative PCR test if the destination you are travelling to requests it.

What should I do before travelling to the airport?

If you want to save time and make sure your paperwork is all in order, use Etihad’s Verified to Fly service before you travel. Available up to six hours before your flight departure time, the online service allows passengers to upload Covid-19 related travel documents and receive an email approval confirming that everything is correct and accepted for travel.

If you complete this step, you can also use the Verified to Fly desks at the airport, or the self-service kiosks which is likely to save you time. If you're flying to China, you won't be able to use this service so should proceed to airline check-in desks for verification of all documents.

Anything else I need to know?

Etihad is also reminding travellers to double-check their flight times and departure terminal before travelling to the airport. “Given the significant increase in passenger numbers, Etihad Airways will relocate check-in for Economy class guests travelling on select flights,” said the airline. This can be done via the Etihad website, or using the airline's app.