UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has opened its new US Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport, thus enhancing the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States. The exclusive space offers direct boarding on select flights for premium guests.

 

Located steps away from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the new lounge provides eligible guests with a serene space to unwind after completing their entry formalities and before boarding their flight.

 

The thoughtfully designed facility features a refined selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad's premium travel experience. Select flights offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey, said the Abu Dhabi carrier in a statement.

 

The US Preclearance Lounge welcomes eligible guests travelling in The Residence, First or Business, as well as Platinum and Emerald Etihad Guest members. Access is also available for purchase, subject to availability, it stated.

 

"This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests," remarked John Wright, the Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways.

 

For a comprehensive premium experience, he stated, eligible guests can begin their journey at its acclaimed First or Business Class Lounge in the main terminal before proceeding to the US CBP Preclearance facility approximately 90 minutes before their flight.

 

"By combining our premium lounge service with the convenience of U.S. Preclearance, we're offering our guests an elevated journey through Abu Dhabi before they even board their flight. Zayed International is the only Middle East hub to offer this time-saving service," he added.

 

According to Wright, flying with Etihad Airways to the US offers the unique advantage of the CBP Preclearance facility, one of only a few such facilities worldwide. 

 

By completing all US customs and immigration formalities before boarding in Abu Dhabi, guests arrive in the States as domestic passengers, saving valuable time upon arrival. Guests can simply collect their bags and go, or proceed seamlessly to their connecting flights, he noted.

 

Etihad currently serves four US destinations with nonstop flights to Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C.

 

The airline will also launch services to Atlanta in July 2025, further strengthening its commitment to the North American market.-TradeArabia News Service