Fly faster: Etihad opens US preclearance lounge at Zayed International Airport
Exclusive lounge in Abu Dhabi cuts arrival time for American travellers
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has launched its latest offering – the Etihad US Preclearance Lounge – at Zayed International Airport, elevating the travel experience for passengers bound for the United States.
This dedicated space, located near the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, offers a serene environment for travellers to unwind post-immigration formalities.
The lounge caters to eligible guests travelling in The Residence, First or Business Class, and Platinum or Emerald members of the Etihad Guest programme. Additionally, access can be purchased based on availability.
Effortless US entry
Guests flying with Etihad benefit from one of the world’s rare US preclearance services.
By completing immigration and customs procedures in Abu Dhabi, passengers arrive in the United States as domestic travellers. This convenience eliminates long immigration queues, allowing passengers to immediately collect luggage or connect to their next flights.
Etihad currently operates flights to four US destinations – Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC – and is set to expand its offerings with the addition of Atlanta in July 2025.
Exclusive lounge access
The new Preclearance Lounge complements Etihad’s existing premium lounges, with light dining and an array of beverages available to enhance the guest experience. Travellers on select flights can also board directly from the lounge, streamlining the process further.
"This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests," said John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways. "By merging our premium lounge services with the convenience of US Preclearance, we are redefining travel to the States."
Passengers are encouraged to start their journey at Etihad’s First or Business Class Lounge in the main terminal before heading to the Preclearance Lounge, making the entire process both luxurious and time-efficient.