Etihad Airways has revealed some good news for Etihad Guest Silver members regarding their lounge access benefit at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Earlier this month, Etihad Airways transferred operations to its new home in Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The new terminal facility has been in development for over a decade. It was originally due to open in 2017, so Etihad has had plenty of time to work on the passenger experience in the new terminal.
Etihad’s impressive new premium lounges
Etihad’s new premium lounge complex in Terminal A spans three floors with separate First and Business Class lounges.
The new Business Class lounge features include:
- All-day dining with live cooking stations
- Multiple snack and food and drinks stations throughout the lounge
- Constellation Bar within the Roof Lounge
- Relaxation Rooms with day beds
- 18 shower suites
- Games Room
- Family Room
- Prayer Room
- Smoking Lounge
- Three gates offering direct-lounge boarding for selected flights
- Expansive runway views
Upgraded lounge benefit for Etihad Guest Silver
Silver is the lowest elite tier in the Etihad Guest program. It comes with few benefits. The main perk is lounge access at Abu Dhabi Airport.
Previously, Silver Guest Tier members only had access to the third-party Al Dhabi lounge, which was used by all other airlines and could get quite crowded at peak times.
However, Etihad has announced that in Terminal A Silver Tier members can access Etihad’s new Business Class lounge when departing or transiting through Abu Dhabi.
This is a definite improvement for Silver Guest Tier members and does make Silver status a little more valuable.
A reminder – Silver Tier members cannot bring a guest into the lounge, nor do they get lounge access when departing from other airports besides Abu Dhabi.
Fast track to Etihad Guest Silver Tier
Lounge access is a useful perk to have when travelling and airline lounges generally (but not always) trump third-party lounges. There is a fast-track route to gaining Silver status.
Eight co-brand cards issued in the UAE include Etihad Guest Silver Tier status as a perk. However, each card has a slightly different requirement to trigger the benefit. You can find the complete list of cards and their requirements here.
Alternatively, you’ll need to earn 25,000 Tier Miles in one year to attain Silver Tier status through flying alone. That’s the equivalent of four return trips in Economy between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow.
Lounge review incoming
Reviews of the Etihad First & Business Class lounges and the third-party Pearl lounge are in the works and will be published soon.