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

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 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 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 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 Arrivals Lounge access cost

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

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

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.

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?