Is Etihad's Meet & Greet Service Worth It?

While living in Abu Dhabi for a few years I would often book the service for arriving guests that I had coming into town. For the savvy traveler, it's not necessary but for ones who aren't seasoned travelers and therefore a bit nervous about where to go, what to do, it's a huge help.

Given that Etihad are set up for this, they should consider offering this as a service for first class passengers. As it is, when traveling first class you seem guaranteed to hit a massive line somewhere at AUH...

Be great if you could use a card that reimburses airline fees/services, such as the R-C Visa. Will depend on how the charge shows up on the card...

Hi Ben,

I know you've painted a pretty compelling picture to fly Etihad's A380 with the First Class Apartments, but would you dissuade us from taking one of their wet-leased Jet Airways 777's if that was the only plane that had award availability? It seems that a lot of people have complained that the Jet Airways first class cabin experience is below par. Thanks!

This is also great for first time travelers or someone who needs assistance.

Craig, if you have options, it's better not to use the Jet Airways wet lease aircrafts.

This service is great for first timers to AUH.

@ Craig -- Ultimately the Etihad operated planes are going to be nicer, though the Jet Airways 777 will still be nicer than many of the alternatives. The planes aren't in great shape, but ultimately you're getting an enclosed first class suite. So if it's the only reasonable option I'd still book it.

Worth it? Duhhhhhh, of course not. Who's gonna pay for it? You, the passenger, of course! Doesn't take rocket science to figure that one out....

@Craig - we actually found the Jet suites more spacious and comfortable than Etihad's regular F. The service however was not as good.

From what I hear the US preclearance process is still a mess, the CBP lines are always long. This service may be a good value if your outbound flight is to the US.

Keep in mind that the departure M&G meets you at the T1 Premium Checkin DESK (and not the T1 Premium Checkin ENTRANCE). To access the T1 checkin desk if you are in Economy Class (even if you have access via status, M&G, or whatever), you still have to go through the long lines at the general entrance and walk 200 meters back and forth inside. It's an assinine layout, but then most of Abu Dhabi airport is that way.

Hey Ben,
I live in Abu Dhabi and have used the service for my grandparents it's great for arrivals as they help you if filling out the immigration forms and you also get a porter service.
But I recommend pearl Assist Meet And Greet more than the Etihad service as Pearl Assist has more options in the case of Etihad it's just fast track and nothing else but in the case of pearl assist it's a lot more.
I've used both,honestly speaking of you're a first class passenger there are no perks in the Etihad M&G. Etihad meet and greet is mostly meant for economy passengers!

@ Chandan Bhat -- Thanks for the data point!

Hi Ben
Nice article. However, is $68+ worth it for lounge access? Priority Pass, where you pay for access to one or two of the Abu D lounges (as well as others around the world), seems much cheaper. Perhaps the Etihad lounge is vastly superior to what the pass gets you, though?

What happens when majority of economy passengers pay for M&G service and make line for fast track security/immigration longer than regular one, not to mention crowded lounges!?

@ Sergio -- I doubt that will ever happen.

@ neo74 -- Etihad's lounge in Abu Dhabi is *substantially* nicer than the Priority Pass lounge, for what it's worth. But everyone has a different valuation of that.

Hey,

My mom is travelling for the first time to UAE alone... Which service do you recommend??

Pearl assist or Etihad meet and greet??

@ Anish -- It might not be necessary to get a service. What are you hoping to accomplish by having a service for her, I guess?

Hello my wife travelling from Hyderabad to London Heathrow . which service meet and greet need

Please let me know

I read your post and it was excellent experience of Meet & Greet Service.It was all duty of staff they meet their passenger or guest with their welcome to their International Airport.Thanks for sharing.

I booked for meet & greet on my travel to US. Now that i am returning back, i am not able to book again.Does that mean my initial booking holds good for my return travel also? Can anyone confirm?

A mother and 3 year old travelling. Need greet and meet assistance. Do we need to pay separately for kids also?