United Arab Emirates · EY / ETD
Etihad Airways Online Check-in Guide
UAE's national airline based in Abu Dhabi. Online check-in opens 30 hours before departure on etihad.com or in the Etihad app — known for premium product (Residence, Apartments).
Opens on etihad.com in a new tab.
Is Etihad Airways check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Etihad Airways check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Etihad Airways
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit etihad.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Etihad Airways app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Etihad Airways baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40×30×15 cm | 5 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 50×40×25 cm | 7 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 30 kg | Yes |
Common Etihad Airways check-in problems
AUH US pre-clearance adds 60+ minutes
Problem: Abu Dhabi has US Customs pre-clearance. You clear US Customs at AUH before boarding the flight to the US.
Solution: Allow 3.5+ hours total at AUH for US-bound flights. Once cleared, you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger — convenient at JFK/IAD/ORD.
Economy Comfort vs Economy isn't always upgraded automatically
Problem: Even if you paid for Economy Comfort, online check-in sometimes assigns standard seats; needs gate fix.
Solution: Verify your seat assignment in the app before departing for the airport. If wrong, contact Etihad Guest support immediately.
Etihad Airways check-in FAQ
When does Etihad check-in open?
30 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 60 minutes before for international flights.
Does Etihad have a US pre-clearance facility?
Yes — Abu Dhabi has full US Customs pre-clearance, one of only a handful outside North America. You clear US immigration at AUH and arrive in the US as a domestic passenger.
