How to book cheap
Etihad Airways flights?

To book cheap Etihad Airways flights, look to airline flash sales, travel in the off-season, and subscribe newsletters with expert-picked deals. Flexibility and a few smart strategies can yield substantial savings.

However, not all discounts hold the same value. Check out the table below for a selection of options to consider:

How to get cheap flights
MethodSavingsWhy it works
Booking directly with airline2% — 10%OTAs and travel agents often up the price by adding a service fee
Flying on weekday
5% — 10%Weekend flights tend to cost slightly more
Group booking5% — 20%Airlines offer discounts for groups of 9+ travelers
Layovers / stopovers10% — 20%Non-direct flights with layovers/stopovers often offer lower fares
Flying early morning
15% — 20%Lower demand for flights departing 1am - 5am
Early booking
10% — 30%As departure day nears, airfares start to rise
Flying during low-season10% — 30%Less demand = lower prices
Booking round-trip flights10% — 35%Airlines encourage longer commitment by offering discount
Frequent flyer programs10% — 40%Airlines offer discounts to foster customer loyalty
Sales and promotions10% — 50%Airlines often offer special promotions to boost demand
SuperDeals40% — 80%Expert-picked deals are much cheaper due to insider knowledge
Air Traveler Club40% — 80%Regular access to curated deals = more opportunities to save

Etihad Airways ticket price

Assuming that you are flying one-way in economy class, your Etihad Airways flight ticket will cost:

  • $50 – $200 for an ultra-short-haul flight up to 500 km (310 miles)
  • $150 – $300 for a short-haul flight ranging 500–1,500 km (310–930 miles)
  • $150 – $400 for a medium-haul flight ranging 1,500–3,000 km (930–1850 miles)
  • $300 – $600 for a long-haul flight ranging 3,000–6,000 km (1850–3700 miles)
  • $400 – $1000 for an ultra-long-haul flight above 6,000 km (3700 miles)

Round-trip (return) flights with Etihad Airways generally provide some cost savings compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. As a general guide, you can expect a savings of approximately 10–20% for ultra-short-haul, 15–25% for short-haul, 20–30% for medium-haul, 25–30% for long-haul, and 25–35% potential savings with round-trip bookings for extensive, ultra-long-haul flights.

It is a raw estimate on what ticket price you can expect and can serve as a guideline for what might be considered a reasonable, ‘fair’ fare. It’s based on key factors like flight distance, fuel cost, aircraft types used by the carrier, and the fact that Etihad Airways is a full-service airline.

Please note, that Etihad Airways employs a dynamic pricing model, meaning ticket prices vary based on booking time, demand, and current airline competition. The final fare is also influenced by factors like maintenance costs, airport fees, crew salaries, taxes, insurance, and more.

You can use our search engine for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.

Flying from a hub

Flying from the airline’s main airport (a ‘hub’) is often the easiest and cheapest way to get to your final destination.

A hub is usually a major airport where passenger traffic, flight operations, and the airline’s workforce come together. It helps the airline to reduce the cost and provide more streamlined operations. By consolidating passengers onto larger aircraft, airlines can achieve higher load factors and maximize revenue potential. This not only benefits the airline but often results in lower costs for passengers as well.

To score reasonably priced Etihad Airways flights regularly, look for routes originating in its main airport hub — Abu Dhabi International Airport AUH located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

These are the general ticket prices you’re likely to encounter:

Abu Dhabi to London: $1075
Abu Dhabi to Bangkok: $900
Abu Dhabi to Sydney: $1500
Abu Dhabi to New Delhi: $600
Abu Dhabi to Mumbai: $575
city=Abu Dhabi destinations=Amsterdam, Bangkok, Denpasar, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kuwait, London, Male, Munich, Mumbai, New Delhi, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington, Zurich

Etihad Airways upgrades

How to get free upgrade to Etihad Airways Business Class?

Free upgrades to Etihad Airways Business Class are quite rare. The Emirati carrier doesn’t offer them unless necessary – such as when the Economy Class is full. However, some tried-and-true methods (hacks) to increase your chances include joining Etihad Guest loyalty program, traveling solo, booking flight times less popular among business travelers, or simply asking politely for an upgrade at check-in or the gate.

Let’s delve into the specifics:

  • Be loyal. Joining an Etihad Guest – Etihad Airways frequent flyer program – boosts your odds of free business class upgrades. Earning air miles through regular travel can lead to preferred status with the airline and possible complimentary class upgrades.
  • Know your aircraft. Wide-body planes used by Etihad Airways have more business class seats, increasing the likelihood of empty seats. Check the aircraft type when booking and seat availability in business class close to departure. The more empty seats, the better your chances of an upgrade.
  • Fly midweek or redeye. Book a flight on the less popular times for business travellers. Flying on midweek days, or late-night hours is a good way to reduce competition for business class seats.
  • Go solo. If there is an upgrade to happen, the staff will look for solo bookings. Consider booking your flights separately even when traveling with friends.
  • Volunteer for next flight. Like many airlines, Etihad oversells flights to maximize their profit. If your flight is overbooked, consider volunteering to be “bumped” to the next flight – in exchange for an upgrade.
  • Ask for an upgrade. Asking for an upgrade at the check-in or departure gate can be effective. Inquire politely about last-minute upgrade opportunities. It will help if you have a good reason: having a bad back problem, being exceptionally tall, celebrating a honeymoon, etc.
  • Arrive early. If there is an upgraded seat available, being among the first to check in and request an upgrade often puts you in a favorable position.
  • Bid for upgrade. This method, while costing money, has been effective for many passengers. After booking your flight, you may receive an offer from Etihad Airways to a blind auction for unsold business class seats. If your bid is successful, an upgraded boarding pass will be issued between 72 and 24 hours before departure.

Please note: not all fares can be upgraded. Don’t buy the cheapest possible Etihad Airways ticket with that expectation.

How much is Etihad Airways Business Class?

The cost of Business Class on Etihad Airways flights can vary, typically being 50-200% more expensive than its economy class. For international flights, fares usually range from $2,000 to $5,000 or even higher for ultra-long-haul flights. Yes, business class tickets can be shockingly unaffordable!

On average, Etihad Airways Business Class tickets cost $300 to $800 for short-haul (under 2 hours), $800 to $1500 for medium-haul (2-6 hours), and $1500 to $5000 for long-haul flights (over 6 hours). For ultra-long-haul flights (10 hours or more) prices start at $2500 and can go much higher, up to $8,000.

This premium price depends on factors like the type of aircraft, route, flight duration, time of booking, and demand. Additionally, business class features like spacious seating, lie-flat beds, gourmet meals, advanced entertainment, increased luggage allowances, priority boarding, and lounge access also contribute to its higher price tag.

There is no Premium Economy on Etihad Airways fights

Etihad Airways does not offer a Premium Economy Class on its flights. The lack if the “Economy Plus” is part of its current business model, as the airline may see only a limited demand for this product.

The concept of Premium Economy has gained significant popularity among airlines in recent years. This cabin class, situated between Economy and Business Class, offers a middle-ground option for passengers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities without the higher price tag. With features such as extra legroom, wider seats, upgraded dining options, and priority boarding, Premium Economy cabin provides a more enjoyable travel experience — and still affordable for most people.

If you’d like to upgrade to a premium seat on a Etihad Airways flight, consider the viable alternative: hot seats.

Why is Etihad Airways
so cheap on ATC?

Etihad Airways can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions, or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing. Moreover, flights connected to their main Emirati hub airport — Abu Dhabi International Airport AUH — are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale, negotiated airport fees, and streamlined operations.

Air Traveler Club (ATC) capitalizes on these opportunities by tracking over 100 airlines, including Etihad Airways. We seek out heavily discounted deals, which we refer to as SuperDeals. All SuperDeals are 40%–80% off regular prices.

On average, ATC members save $500–$700 on flights.

Airline SuperDeals showcase
ATC members have access to large collections of SuperDeals.

Our experts closely monitor airfare to over 200 destinations in Asia and the Pacific, from a broad range of departure zones across the globe — North America, Europe, and Australasia. For regional explorers, we have amazing deals on routes within Asia. In the case of Etihad, we particularly focus on tracking prices for flights originating from their Abu Dhabi hub.

Each SuperDeal comes with a link to Google Flights where you can verify the price and availability. You will also see the booking options specific to your country: directly with Etihad Airways or through online travel agents.

Try for free

Does Etihad fly to Asia?

Yes, Etihad offers flights to destinations in Asia, as well as the broader Asia Pacific region:

Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, UAE

Etihad Airways tips

5–20% off when booking group flights with Etihad Airways

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with Etihad Airways can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Etihad Airways website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.

A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for Etihad Airways and can help with logistics and scheduling.

Visit the official website to read more about the Etihad Airways group booking policy.

Cancelled Etihad Airways flight. What are your rights, and how to rebook or refund your ticket?

Even in normal times, Etihad Airways cancellations happen more than travelers realize. It is normal to expect around 1–2% of flights to be canceled. There are plenty of reasons why flights can be canceled: air traffic control delays, bad weather, late-arriving aircraft, mechanical issues, and staffing shortages.

Having your flight canceled is always an unfortunate situation, but if you know the rules, you can understand what you might try asking for.

If you choose to proceed with your journey after a flight cancellation, Etihad Airways might be able to arrange an alternative flight for you, typically within a reasonable timeframe. Should Etihad Airways fail to resolve the issue promptly, you might have the option to travel with a different airline and receive compensation for the canceled flight.

Flight cancellation could entitle you to compensation from Etihad Airways, in a form of a cash refund. Depending on where your flight is canceled, you might also receive food vouchers and complimentary accommodation until your next flight.

Etihad Airways may try to offer you a travel voucher in lieu of a cash refund. You don’t need to accept this, and shouldn’t, as travel vouchers can expire and may be nontransferable.

If your Etihad Airways flight is cancelled, visit the airline’s official website and read through the specific cancellation policy. Additionally, check the regulations of the originating country for precise entitlements. Lastly, reach out to carrier’s customer service for available options tailored to your situation.

What to do if you miss your Etihad Airways flight?

Every day, anywhere from 2% to 8% of passengers miss their Etihad Airways flight. It can happen to even the best-prepared travelers. However, if you act quickly, know your rights, and stay polite, you can minimize the potential fallout:

  • Notify Etihad Airways immediately. Giving the airline a heads-up improves your chances of being rebooked on the next available flight, space permitting.
  • Ensure you call the airline before your departure. While Etihad Airways typically charges for a new ticket if you miss your flight, there are notable exceptions. If they can release and possibly resell your seat (offsetting lost revenue), you might be rebooked without extra charges. In some cases, you may only need to pay the fare difference.
  • Assess the flight schedule board. Look for later trips with Etihad Airways. Verify if seats are available; if not, ask the check-in or gate agent to place you on the standby list.
  • Do not expect a refund if you miss a flight due to being late. Etihad Airways will classify you as a “no-show” and no refund will apply. Note that your return flight will also be canceled automatically. However, contacting the airline before departure might secure a partial ticket credit, depending on your ticket type.
  • If you missed a connecting flight and your checked luggage has gone ahead without you, immediately contact an airline representative. The carrier may be able to track your bags and hold them for you or reroute the bag to your new flight’s destination.
  • If you miss your flight and it is the airline’s fault, you could be eligible for options like automatic rebooking, complimentary overnight accommodations, or meal vouchers.

How to ensure smooth transit between Etihad Airways connecting flights

Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.

Additionally:

  • You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with Etihad Airways. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
  • When flights are booked on separate tickets, Etihad Airways is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
  • Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
  • If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes.

Etihad Airways profile

Airline profile
Full nameEtihad Airways
IATA codeEY
CountryUnited Arab Emirates
Commenced operations2003
Typefull-service
Cabin classesEconomy, Business, First
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary of
Airline alliancenone
Frequent flyer programEtihad Guest
HubsAbu Dhabi International Airport AUH
Main destinations
Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates United Kingdom, United States
Fleet size85
Aircraft

Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10

Official Websitehttps://www.etihad.com

FAQ

How to request a refund for your Etihad ticket?

If your flight was canceled by Etihad Airways (due to bad weather, technical problems, strikes, overbooking, etc), you are entitled to a full refund.

If you need to cancel your flight for any reason, the refund amount will depend on your ticket's fare conditions.

You may be able to apply for a refund online through the etihad.com website. Visit their refunds page and follow the instructions to complete your refund request.

Once a refund request has been submitted, wait for a confirmation email. Etihad Airways will review your request and typically process the refund within 1-2 weeks.

Please note:

  • Low-fare tickets are typically non-refundable. You will not receive a refund if you cancel your flight.
  • Be sure to cancel your flight as soon as possible. The earlier you cancel, the more likely you will receive a full refund.
  • Etihad may charge you a cancellation or processing fee.
  • Refunds for tickets purchased through a travel agent or OTA must be requested through that agent.

Can I get a refund if my Etihad Airways flight price drops after I buy?

Generally, no. The booking price is final, and the airline won't refund even if the price dropped for the same dates, times, and class.

However, there are exceptions:

  • Your ticket is fully refundable. You can then cancel it at any time, usually without a fee, and buy a new one at a lower price.
  • You’re fine taking another flight. Ask for rescheduling to the same or the next day. A rebooking fee may apply, but if the price difference is big enough, it could be worth it.
  • Your flight originates or ends in the U.S. Take advantage of the 24-hour penalty-free cancellation window (the rule introduced for all airlines by the U.S. Department of Transportation). You'll get a full refund as long as your flight is at least 7 days away.

Does Etihad Airways have refundable tickets?

Etihad Airways does offer refundable tickets, but whether a ticket is refundable or not largely depends on the fare rules associated with the specific ticket type you purchase. Here are the general categories:

  • Economy Deal Fare: These are usually the most restrictive fares and typically are not refundable.
  • Economy Saver Fare: These fares might allow refunds, but a substantial cancellation fee may apply.
  • Economy Classic Fare: These tickets are usually refundable, but a cancellation fee may still apply.
  • Economy Flex Fare: These are the most flexible Economy fares, and refunds are typically allowed with a lower cancellation fee compared to other fare types.
  • Business Class Fares: Refund policies for Business Class tickets can vary, but typically they are refundable, potentially subject to a cancellation fee.
  • First Class Fares: These are typically the most flexible and refundable tickets offered by Etihad.

Do I have to recheck my luggage on connecting flights?

When all layover flights are booked with Etihad Airways, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if one of the flights is with a different airline, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.

How to get an extra legroom seat on Etihad Airways plane?

Securing an extra legroom seat on a Etihad Airways plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.

As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your Etihad flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.

Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.

Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.

How do I obtain my Etihad Airways boarding pass?

Etihad Airways boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The Etihad Airways boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.

How to check Etihad flight status?

If you have the flight number at hand, you can conveniently check the Etihad flight status on the airline’s website. Visit the flight status page to get the reliable information regarding the scheduled and actual departure and arrival times.

There are several online platforms where you can check the status of Etihad Airways flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.

Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.

References

  1. Flight search. Online booking tool for Etihad Airways Economy, Business, First class tickets.
  2. Online check-in. Self-check in and boarding pass.
  3. Baggage policy. Checked and hand luggage regulations on Etihad Airways flights.
  4. Fare rules. Terms, fees, and restrictions for various ticket types. Also: Etihad Airways flexible ticket availability.
  5. Refunds and cancellations. Procedures and policies for canceling flights and obtaining refunds.
  6. Etihad Airways help. How to get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.