The Middle East is one of the most frequent stopovers on intercontinental flights. The location has enabled it to excel in connecting passengers across North America, Europe, Asia, and even Oceania. These long flights often last more than 10 hours; for some passengers, spending a night in transit can be worth it. For passengers flying Etihad Airways, that hotel comes included.
Stay for a night, or two.
Passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on Etihad-operated or JetBlue codeshare flights are eligible for the offer. There are multiple options for travellers who want to explore the capital of the United Arab Emirates, depending on time and budget. The largest Emirate, Abu Dhabi, is home to some attractions, including theme parks, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a Louvre, city tours, and endless shopping.
The free stopover package includes a complimentary stay in a three-star hotel for up to two nights. Additional features include complimentary in-room WiFi and 24-hour check-in. To be eligible, one must have a minimum transit time of 24 hours in Abu Dhabi and book through the airline’s website at least three days before planning to arrive at the hotel. The free partners include the following:
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
- Centro Al Manhal
- City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel
- Golden Tulip Abu Dhabi Downtown
- Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel
- Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
- Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Passengers looking for a more upscale alternative are provided with a “Premium stopover” option for a luxury four or five-star hotel. Instead of covering the hotel fees, the airline appears to be subsidizing the cost of the hotels, promising discounts of “Up to 40% off Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive hotels”. The stay can also be extended to four nights and includes a buffet breakfast, WiFi, and 24-hour check-in. Premium partner hotels include the following:
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
- Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel
- Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi – a Concept by Hyatt
- Bab Al Qasr Hotel
- Centro Al Manhal
- Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
- Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel
- Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
- Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
There is a third ‘Transit Connect’ option for passengers with connection times of less than 24 hours. Passengers in Abi Dhabi with a transit time of 10 – 24 hours can choose one of three complimentary hotels located near Abu Dhabi International Airport and accessible with a free bus shuttle:
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre Hotel
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
To qualify for the free hotel stay, the flight must cost above $500 for a one-way trip and $750 for a return. Passengers must also book at least five days before arrival in Abu Dhabi.
The fine print.
Passengers looking to take advantage of the scheme must have permission to enter the country. This can be done with a pre-arranged visa to enter the UAE or upon arrival for passengers from eligible countries. The hotels do not include complimentary airport transfers, and the offer does not extend to hotel stays in Dubai or any other emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Bookings must be made on Etihad.com by a lead booker at least 21 years old, as direct bookings will not be accepted.
It is possible to add a hotel after purchasing the flight with your last name and reference number. A contact email is provided as well. The website does ask that passengers request any accommodation three days in advance. However, it never hurts to ask if you have an impending Emirates flight within the next three days.
For those looking to explore the city without spending the night, you can also use the Abu Dhabi public transport service for free. There are bus stops outside the departures area. The free A19 bus service even directly connects the airport to Yas Island and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
