Questions and Answers

I’m transiting through AUH on the way from AMM to JFK, and have a 8.5 hr layover (unfortunately, it got reduced from 19 hrs due to Etihad schedule change).

Since I’m flying into the US, I have to use the dreaded pre-clearance facility – and it appears because of it I can’t check my luggage all the way to JFK? Lucky, given that you’ve probably transited through AUH 100+ times, can you please confirm that it’s the case? Any way I can avoid not having to re-check my luggage? (just don’t want to drag my bag all over Abu Dhabi if I can avoid it). Or is there an easy option for luggage storage at AUH (I’m flying in Business class, perhaps the lounge offers something??? I’m getting mixed info otherwise – between TripAdvisor and AUH website).

Thanks. Also, any tips on the best itinerary in Abu Dhabi during my layover (it will be during evening/night hours – arriving at 6:50pm, leaving at 3:20am). Initial thoughts are to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and then spend some time around the Corniche and have dinner at the Emirates Palace (first time in the UAE)

I think the US Pre-clearance facility has gotten better, and there is an EY Lounge for premium passengers. It’s not all bad. I’m not sure why you wouldnt be able to check bags all the way thru to JFK. Is that written somewhere specifically?

If that is indeed the case, what’s wrong with getting the bags off the belt on the Arrivals hall and then going to Departures to check it in before heading out to the city?

IKC – You can definitely check bags all the way through to the US. The pre-clearance facility does not stop this.

In terms of itinerary — by the time you get out of the airport it will probably be closer to 8, as AUH is incredibly disorganized.

I would go to the Mosque, certainly, but I might skip the schlepp in to downtown, personally. There’s a lovely souk by the Shangri-La (just across the river from the mosque), with several great restaurants if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving all the way in to the city. Will save you an hour of driving round-trip, at least.

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 13883, member: 29″]I think the US Pre-clearance facility has gotten better, and there is an EY Lounge for premium passengers. It’s not all bad. I’m not sure why you wouldnt be able to check bags all the way thru to JFK. Is that written somewhere specifically?

If that is indeed the case, what’s wrong with getting the bags off the belt on the Arrivals hall and then going to Departures to check it in before heading out to the city?[/QUOTE]

David W, I surely hope I’m wrong about not being able to check bags all the way to JFK, but what made me think that is the fact that you are pre-clearing customs… If I’m not mistaken, but when you go through customs upon arrival, it happens AFTER you get your checked bags at the carousel. If that’s not the case, it would be amazing… one fewer things to deal with

IKC — all bags going through AUH are photographed at their point of origin so they can be identified and pulled for inspection if needed. You still need to fill out a customs declaration and submit it while going through AUH but you do not need to re check bags.

[QUOTE=”Gaurav, post: 13909, member: 79″]IKC — all bags going through AUH are photographed at their point of origin so they can be identified and pulled for inspection if needed. You still need to fill out a customs declaration and submit it while going through AUH but you do not need to re check bags.[/QUOTE]
Excellent, thank you very much

Sorry to necro an old thread. I’m flying into AUH arriving at 6:30am with a 16 hour layover, both flights are in F. Can I access the F lounge airside and put my hand carry bags, then exit the airport to visit the city/mosque, etc. Then return later on 2-3 hours before flight? Anyone have experience on this?