My friend Dave is an expat living in Abu Dhabi with his wife. They decided to head back to the US over the Christmas and New Year holiday to see their kids and grandkids for the first time since the start of the pandemic. This is his first-hand experience of flying Etihad during COVID-19.
If you are planning a trip yourself check-out Etihad’s current COVID-19 policies.
Even the simple act of planning a trip is fraught with worries about exposure and guilt about trying to travel during a global pandemic. This is certainly not an easy decision and is not taken lightly.
Getting tested
Given our trepidation, we read all the information sent to us by Etihad. One of the critical details is getting a COVID-19 test no more than seventy-two hours before your flight. This is fairly simple and the testing facilities in the UAE usually get your results back to you in less than twenty-four hours.
If you are flying Etihad there are some facilities that charge the test to the airline. In addition, you don’t need a paper copy of the test results as Etihad excepts the Al Hosn App.
We were flying business to the US so Etihad sent a chauffeur. The chauffeur was prompt and helpful as always, however a few things have changed. The driver wore a mask as did we for the entire trip, even though there is now a clear plastic barrier between the front and rear seats.
At the airport
At the airport and customer service counters, everyone was wearing a mask. Check-in was quick and easy as there were very few customers.
The lounge has also changed a bit. Only the main business class lounge was open, with seating labelled to allow proper distancing. Food and drink were available, however, food is now in plastic takeaway containers that you order at a counter while observing appropriate social distancing.
Onboard
On the flight, the crew not only wore masks but also a lab coat made of paper. Food and drink service was up to normal Etihad standards. The crew wore gloves whenever serving or clearing trays or drinks.
Overall Etihad is doing a good job of making the passenger feel comfortable while also providing the best service they can. The quality and care taken by Etihad and the staff at the airport was even more apparent once we arrived in the US. That is a story for another day.
Dave is a long-term expat and miles geek living in Abu Dhabi. During his time in the Middle East, he has travelled to over 20 countries acquiring Etihad Guest Platinum status in the process.
If you are considering flying Etihad during COVID-19 check-out the airlines’ current COVID-19 policies.