Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi. Its hub, Zayed International Airport (AUH), links Europe, Africa and the Middle East with the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia, and Etihad actively promotes Abu Dhabi stopovers on the way. Its loyalty programme is Etihad Guest.

Hub and network

Nearly all Etihad itineraries connect through Abu Dhabi. Etihad is not a member of one of the three global alliances but works with many codeshare partners; if a partner operates part of your journey, check which airline’s baggage and check-in rules apply. Dubai is a separate airport and a different airline hub, so do not confuse Etihad with Emirates when planning transfers.

Baggage allowance

Etihad’s allowance depends on your fare, cabin and route, and the airline does not publish one universal figure. The reliable way to see yours is the official baggage calculator or your booking in Manage my trip. According to Etihad’s baggage information page:

• Extra baggage bought online is significantly cheaper than at the airport (Etihad advertises savings of up to 65%).
• Online purchase is possible up to 30 hours before departure for piece-based bookings and up to 4 hours before for weight-based bookings.
• Extra baggage can be added when booking, in Manage my trip, or during online check-in in the app, including for bookings made through a travel agent.
• No extra bag may weigh more than 32 kg.

Etihad recommends keeping medicines, valuables, devices and travel documents in your cabin bag. Check the list of prohibited items and dangerous goods before packing.

Check-in

You can check in online or in the Etihad app and add baggage and extras at the same time. Check-in windows and airport deadlines vary by departure airport; confirm them in Manage my trip for your flight.

Seats, meals and onboard service

Meals and drinks are included on Etihad flights. Seat selection rules depend on your fare and Etihad Guest tier. Some aircraft offer E-BOX Stream entertainment on your own device, so bring a charged phone or tablet and headphones.

Changes, cancellations and refunds

Fare conditions set what you can change or refund. Use Manage my trip or the Etihad help centre. On flights departing the EU or UK, passenger-rights rules may also apply.

Practical tips

• Look up your allowance before packing, especially if your trip mixes Etihad and partner flights.
• Buy extra bags early and online, within the 30-hour or 4-hour deadline.
• Planning a stopover? See our Abu Dhabi guide and UAE guide, and plan the time with the Layover Planner.

Official links

• Booking and Manage my trip: etihad.com · Manage my trip
• Baggage: baggage information · baggage FAQs
• Help: Etihad help centre

Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.

Header photo: Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0