Are you planning to travel with Etihad Airways and have a long layover in Abu Dhabi? If so, you might be curious to know if the airline provides any hotel accommodations for transit passengers. The answer is yes, Etihad Airways has a generous stopover program that allows you to enjoy a complimentary or discounted stay in one of the many hotels in the capital of the UAE. In this article, we will explain how the Etihad Airways stopover program works, what are the eligibility criteria, and how to book your hotel accommodation. We will also give you some tips on how to make the most of your stopover in Abu Dhabi.
What is the Etihad Airways stopover program?
The Etihad Airways stopover program is a special transit offer that lets you explore Abu Dhabi during your layover. Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions. Whether you want to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari World, or the Yas Island, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi.
Depending on your ticket type, fare class, and transit time, you can choose from different stopover packages that include:
- Complimentary or discounted accommodation in selected 3, 4, or 5* hotels
- Buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi at the hotel
- Airport-hotel-airport transfer
- Meal vouchers
- Visa to enter the UAE (if required)
The stopover program is valid for transfers between 6 to 24 hours (for first and business class) and 8 to 24 hours (for economy class) when there are no other connections available. You can book your stopover package up to 6 months in advance or at least 5 days before your arrival in Abu Dhabi.
What are the different types of stopover packages?
Etihad Airways offers three types of stopover packages: Best of Abu Dhabi, Stopover on us, and Transit connect.
Best of Abu Dhabi
The Best of Abu Dhabi package is ideal for those who want to experience the best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer. You can get up to 40% off Abu Dhabi’s premium 4* and 5* star hotels and stay for up to four nights. You can also enjoy 24-hour check-in and a choice of room types. This package is available for all fare classes and ticket types.
Some of the benefits of the Best of Abu Dhabi package are:
- You can choose from a wide range of hotels, such as the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, the St. Regis Abu Dhabi, and the Anantara Eastern Mangroves.
- You can enjoy the hotel facilities, such as the swimming pool, the spa, the gym, and the restaurants.
- You can explore the city at your own pace and visit the attractions that interest you the most.
- You can save money on your hotel stay and spend it on other activities, such as shopping, dining, or entertainment.
Stopover on us
The Stopover on us package is a great option for those who want a free night’s stay in Abu Dhabi. You can choose from a range of 3* and 4* hotels and stay for one or two nights. The second night is free for economy class passengers, while the first and second nights are free for first and business class passengers. This package is available for all fare classes except economy superdeal tickets.
Some of the benefits of the Stopover on us package are:
- You can get a free night’s stay in a comfortable and convenient hotel, such as the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, or the Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
- You can get a free breakfast and free Wi-Fi at the hotel.
- You can get a free airport transfer to and from the hotel.
- You can get a free meal voucher to use at the airport or the hotel.
- You can get a free visa to enter the UAE (if required).
Transit connect
The Transit connect package is perfect for those who have a short layover of 10 to 24 hours in Abu Dhabi. You can get a complimentary accommodation close to the airport and a free meal voucher. This package applies to economy, business, and first class passengers on eligible Etihad Airways flights.
Some of the benefits of the Transit connect package are:
- You can get a complimentary accommodation in a hotel near the airport, such as the Aerotel Abu Dhabi or the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- You can get a free meal voucher to use at the airport or the hotel.
- You can relax and refresh yourself before your next flight.
- You can avoid the hassle of going through immigration and customs.
How to book your stopover package?
Booking your stopover package is easy and convenient. You can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Book a flight in economy, business, or first class, connecting through Abu Dhabi.
- Step 2: Select your stopover package based on how long you’re stopping in Abu Dhabi for.
- Step 3: Check availability of the hotel partners and pick your hotel.
- Step 4: Enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi and explore the city.
You can book your stopover package online through the Etihad Airways website or by contacting the Etihad Airways Contact Centre. And you can also book your stopover package through your travel agent or Etihad Airways local office.
How to make the most of your stopover in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, nature, or leisure, you can find it in Abu Dhabi. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your stopover in Abu Dhabi:
- Plan your itinerary according to your interests and preferences. You can use the Etihad Airways website or the Visit Abu Dhabi website to find out more about the attractions, activities, and events in Abu Dhabi.
- Book your tickets and tours in advance to avoid queues and save time. You can use the Etihad Airways website or the Etihad Holidays website to book your tickets and tours for the attractions, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari World, the Warner Bros. World, and the Yas Waterworld.
- Use the public transport or the taxis to get around the city. You can use the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport website or the Abu Dhabi Taxi app to find out more about the public transport and the taxi services in Abu Dhabi.
- Respect the local culture and customs. You can use the Visit Abu Dhabi website or the Etihad Airways website to find out more about the culture and customs in Abu Dhabi, such as the dress code, the prayer times, the alcohol laws, and the etiquette.
- Enjoy the food and the hospitality. You can use the Visit Abu Dhabi website or the Zomato app to find out more about the food and the restaurants in Abu Dhabi, such as the Emirati cuisine, the international cuisine, the halal options, and the best places to eat.
Conclusion
Etihad Airways is one of the few airlines that offer hotel accommodations for long layovers. Whether you’re looking for a short city break or a longer beach retreat, a stopover in Abu Dhabi can make your journey more enjoyable and memorable.
With the Etihad Airways stopover program, you can take advantage of complimentary or discounted stays in some of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, as well as other perks such as airport transfer, meal vouchers, and visa assistance. To book your stopover package, visit the Etihad Airways website or contact the Etihad Airways Contact Centre. Happy travels!
