Buy Etihad Lounge Access: Here’s How Much It Costs

Buy Etihad Lounge Access: Here’s How Much It Costs

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Given that I’ve published some Etihad Airways lounge reviews recently, I wanted to dedicate a post to buying access to the carrier’s lounges in Abu Dhabi. Any Etihad passenger can buy access to any of the carrier’s lounges, and in some cases it can represent a worthwhile splurge.

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 5-12 for half the cost, and children under five can enter for free with an adult
  • You can pay cash or redeem Etihad Guest miles to buy access, though redeeming miles doesn’t represent a great deal, as you’re getting less than one cent of value per mile

With that out of the way, let’s get into the details.

Etihad sells access to all of its lounges

Etihad First Class Lounge access cost

You can buy access to the Etihad First Class Lounge for the following costs:

  • Access costs $150 or 20,000 Etihad Guest miles for up to four hours
  • Access costs $180 or 24,000 Etihad Guest miles for up to eight hours

Rather frustratingly, there’s no discount to that price if you’re flying in business class (since you’d get lounge access anyway), so the cost is the same whether you’re in business or economy. The only exception is that Etihad Guest Gold members can purchase access for $100 or 13,400 Etihad Guest miles when traveling in business class.

Furthermore, you can purchase access to one of the VIP rooms for an extra $100 or 13,400 Etihad Guest miles. These are the former private rooms for those in the Etihad Residence, and each feature a private living room.

Etihad First Class Lounge access cost

Etihad Business Class Lounge access cost

You can buy access to the Etihad Business Class Lounge for the following costs:

  • Access costs $120 or 16,000 Etihad Guest miles for up to four hours
  • Access costs $150 or 20,000 Etihad Guest miles for up to eight hours
Etihad Business Class Lounge access cost

Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge access cost

You can buy access to the Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge for $50 or 6,700 Etihad Guest miles. This is simply a smaller business class lounge located past the US Pre-Clearance facility. It has a greatly scaled back food and drink selection.

Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge access cost

Etihad Arrivals Lounge access cost

You can buy access to the Etihad Arrivals Lounge for $40 or 5,400 Etihad Guest miles.

Etihad Arrivals Lounge access cost

Is buying Etihad lounge access worth it?

Suffice it to say that there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to whether it’s worth buying lounge access from Etihad. We’re all looking for different things, are in different financial situations, etc. That being said, I do have a few general thoughts:

  • If you’re traveling in Etihad economy and plan to buy lounge access, it’s an absolute no-brainer to spend the extra $30 to buy access to the Etihad First Lounge rather than the Etihad Business Lounge, since the quality difference is huge in terms of crowding, food, drinks, and amenities
  • The Etihad Arrivals Lounge has nothing more than showers, soft drinks, and very light snacks; even though the price is reasonable, it’s simply not worth it unless you’re desperate for a shower
  • The Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge is small, and it’s not somewhere I’d look to buy lounge access or spend a lot of time
Etihad Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport

So I think the most tempting opportunity is to buy access to the Etihad First Class Lounge. Is that worth it? A few thoughts:

  • If you have a really long layover, personally I’d rather go into town and get some proper rest and do some sightseeing; you can easily book a five star hotel for less than the $180 cost of entry
  • If you value good food and drinks, a quiet ambiance, and are in a financial situation to do so (and/or are celebrating a special occasion), I think buying access to the first class lounge could be a worthwhile treat
  • Obviously the incremental value is better if you’re traveling in economy rather than business class, since business class passengers already get access to a lounge

So yeah, I’m not going to say that buying lounge access is some amazing deal and everyone should do it, but I also think it’s one of the better value opportunities to buy lounge access.

Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport

Bottom line

Etihad Airways sells access to all of its lounges in Abu Dhabi. The most tempting opportunity is buying access to the first class lounge, which costs $150-180, depending on how long you’re staying. While buying access isn’t cheap, I’d say it could be worthwhile if you have a long layover, and are looking for a quiet lounge with great food and drinks.

Would you consider buying access to an Etihad Lounge?

Conversations (6)
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  1. Paul Crimea Guest

    I've flown EY J many times and always found it odd that the F lounge entry is not discounted for J passengers. Having said that, the EK F price for J passengers is same as EY F lounge straight up price. ME is random and illogical at every turn, but I love it :)

  2. Bill n DC Diamond

    I like the First Class Lounge for breakfast b4 the flight to Dulles.

    Once I was doing just an overnight transit arriving on the A380 Apartment 4A. I tried sleeping in the relaxation area but didn’t work
    So I spent the $100 for the Available Residence room. Slept on coach, showered, & partied.
    The foot massage was great too

    Looking forward to the next segment post

  3. Nelson Diamond

    Well, first let me tell that I respect everyone's view on this but sincerely in my opinion (and I believe many are with me) lounges, be it Business, First or whatever should only be for those who have valid tickets or status for it. Unless passengers have a status with the airline, Economy passengers should not do have the possibility to pay acces. Regardless wether we use the lounge or don't, we have paid for...

    Well, first let me tell that I respect everyone's view on this but sincerely in my opinion (and I believe many are with me) lounges, be it Business, First or whatever should only be for those who have valid tickets or status for it. Unless passengers have a status with the airline, Economy passengers should not do have the possibility to pay acces. Regardless wether we use the lounge or don't, we have paid for it.
    At this moment that's not anymore an issue for me because I have the Status to enter whatever lounge I want regardless what class I'm flying, but back in time I remember many Business Class lounges were so overcrowded that I decided to just pay for a drink and/or food in the terminal rather than sit in a packed lounge. I speak for i.e. in FRA, MUC, ZRH etc... Imagine if they did the same for check in. You have a Economy ticket but you pay some money and instead of staying in the Eco-queue you check in at the Check in for First passengers. Just a thought.

    1. Reyyan Gold

      When purchasing an economy flex ticket with airlines like KLM/Air France, Skypriority is included as an added benefit. Additionally, holding the Swiss Miles & More Platinum card grants you access to Swiss First Class check-in regardless of your booking class...

      I think this is actually not a bad thing, the amount of passengers that actually get these benefits is relatively small while still providing an extra service to passengers who pay for it. Sorry if...

      When purchasing an economy flex ticket with airlines like KLM/Air France, Skypriority is included as an added benefit. Additionally, holding the Swiss Miles & More Platinum card grants you access to Swiss First Class check-in regardless of your booking class...

      I think this is actually not a bad thing, the amount of passengers that actually get these benefits is relatively small while still providing an extra service to passengers who pay for it. Sorry if we, as lowly economy passengers, dare to interfere with the sanctity of your precious Business class experience!

    2. Pete Guest

      I'm more concerned about the first class experience. The point of choosing first over biz is privacy and service. Diluting the experience of passengers who have paid for a first class experience (with either cash or their points) to make a few extra bucks is just tacky.

    3. Name withheld Guest

      If one has a first class ticket, bought with miles, one already has access to the F lounge. How much for upgrading to the private residence lounge?

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

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Reyyan Gold

When purchasing an economy flex ticket with airlines like KLM/Air France, Skypriority is included as an added benefit. Additionally, holding the Swiss Miles & More Platinum card grants you access to Swiss First Class check-in regardless of your booking class... I think this is actually not a bad thing, the amount of passengers that actually get these benefits is relatively small while still providing an extra service to passengers who pay for it. Sorry if we, as lowly economy passengers, dare to interfere with the sanctity of your precious Business class experience!

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Name withheld Guest

If one has a first class ticket, bought with miles, one already has access to the F lounge. How much for upgrading to the private residence lounge?

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Paul Crimea Guest

I've flown EY J many times and always found it odd that the F lounge entry is not discounted for J passengers. Having said that, the EK F price for J passengers is same as EY F lounge straight up price. ME is random and illogical at every turn, but I love it :)

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