Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A recently opened, representing an all-new era for the airport, and for Etihad Airways’ hub. With the airline now operating out of a new terminal, the airline also has brand new lounges, which I’ve recently reviewed.
Etihad Airways sells access to its lounges in Abu Dhabi, so in this post I wanted to share what the cost is for that, as the pricing has been increased following Etihad’s move.
In this post:
Cost to buy Etihad lounge access
Lounge access is a standard feature for Etihad first class and Etihad business class passengers. However, even Etihad economy passengers can buy access to lounges (and for that matter, business class passengers can upgrade their lounge experience).
Let’s go over the policies for each lounge, though let me note a few things upfront:
- In each case, lounge access can be purchased directly at the lounge, and not in advance
- Only Etihad passengers are eligible to buy lounge access, so you can’t buy lounge access if flying with another airline; however, it doesn’t matter if another airline issued your ticket (for example, if you’re redeeming American AAdvantage miles on Etihad)
- You must pay for lounge access by credit card
- There are potentially lounge capacity constraints, so this may not be available during peak periods
- The price is the same for adults and children ages 13+; you can buy access for children ages 2-12 for half the cost, and infants can enter for free with an adult
With that out of the way, let’s get into the details.
Etihad Business Class Lounge access cost
Etihad economy passengers can buy access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge at the cost of 590 AED, or 160 USD. Lounge access is valid for up to four hours. The Etihad Business Class Lounge features showers, a relaxation area, a kids and game room, a smoking room, a full-service bar, a self-service buffet, and much more.
Etihad First Class Lounge access cost
Etihad business class passengers can buy access to the Etihad First Class Lounge as an upgrade, at the cost of 790 AED, or 215 USD. Lounge access is valid for up to four hours. The main benefit of the Etihad First Class Lounge over the Etihad Business Class Lounge is that it features a la carte dining and an elevated selection of wine, so the main value here would be if you wanted to enjoy that experience.
Is buying Etihad lounge access worth it?
On the plus side, Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi are great. Both the first class lounge and business class lounge rank on my list of top 10 lounges within their respective categories. Being able to visit these lounges is a treat. That being said, I’d say the cost to buy access to Etihad lounges is steep, and doesn’t represent a great value for a vast majority of passengers.
I could see how some people might be able to justify $160 for access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge, for a shower, a nap in a relaxation room, and some food and drinks. Still, that’s a high price to pay, and I imagine most of the people willing to pay that kind of money for such an experience would already be in a premium cabin.
While the first class lounge has a better food and drink selection than the business class lounge, paying $215 for the privilege of upgrading lounge access is also very steep, and I’d have a hard time making the math work on that.
I suppose it you really value a quiet environment and plan to eat and drink a lot, the math could work out. But it’s a stretch…
Now, Etihad’s decision to increase the cost to purchase lounge access since the move to the new terminal is presumably intended to keep access to the lounges (sort of) exclusive, and to minimize the number of passengers purchasing access. I think that’s fair enough, and I suspect it’s because Etihad doesn’t want to cannibalize premium ticket sales by selling off too many individual parts of the experience at a discounted cost.
At least I have to assume that’s the intent, because I can’t imagine many people will be springing for this opportunity, given the pricing.
Bottom line
Etihad Airways sells access to its two flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi. Etihad economy passengers can buy access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge for $160, while Etihad business class passengers can buy access to the Etihad First Class Lounge for $215.
Lounge access is more expensive than in the past, and that’s fair enough. I don’t think most people will find value with this, but I wanted to at least pass on the updated pricing.
Would you consider buying access to an Etihad Lounge?
I would be curious to know the wines they offer at the First Class Lounge. Does anyone know?
I remember a video on Youtube where a frequent flyer was in in the First Class Lounge of Emirates in Dubai and the wine selection was amazing. They had, among others, a Richebourg, a marvellous wine from Burgundy. The retail price per bottle was USD 700-800.
If Etihad offers such wines, it's an excellent reason to buy the First Class Access for USD 215.
Its a very good question, I have 12 hours in the Etihad biz lounge in February. Would happily pay the extra for 1st if they were some super premium wines available, like Grange for example. Would bowl over the 215USD easily I reckon!
Is it really worth the money? Think about it, it is just an experience for a few hours.
I agree on the ‘those who would spend this amount are probably already sitting up front
Next week for my visit before EY11 to London BTW using 65,500 AA miles booked a couple weeks ago while EY didn’t show Guest rates.
I’ll end up in Frankfurt and then LH 1A Home
My beach trip at the Park Hyatt with a Hyatt Prive rate :-)
It makes sense for situations where status guessing privileges don’t cover everyone you’re travelling with.
For a group/family of 3 where status covers access of 2 already, it can be totally worth it to pay for the 3rd if the alternative would be the entire group staying in the terminal.
Thanks for the post.
I connected at AUH over the weekend and will be there next week as well. Its a nice airport however I prefer DOH much more (so far). That being said, AUH is definitely a nice looking airport. Wasn't able to the "feel" of the airport as I was traveling with family however next week I'll be traveling solo so I can check the airport out more.
Ben, do you know if Etihad First Class passengers connecting to their next flight on Etihad Business are eligible to use the lounge?
@ ukhon -- Yep, they sure are, assuming they're connecting right through (and not having a layover of multiple days in Abu Dhabi).
sorry Ben, I meant to ask if they’re eligible to use the First Class lounge if they’ve landed in F and next flight is in J?
@ ukhon -- Yep, that's what I was answering. :-) You do get access to the lounge.
Ben,
Any intel on the AUH Terminal A Hotel? Traveling in early April and have a 9hr overnight layover. And wondering if the Nap Room in AUH Business Class Lounge would be appropriate for an overnight sleep - maybe 5 or 6 hr?