Etihad Airways’ stopover program is back — here’s how to book

Etihad Airways' stopover program is back this year. It allows travelers to schedule extended layovers through its base at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at certain hotels for a discounted rate.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates is back with the same three stopover options from last year: Best of Abu Dhabi, Stopover on Us and Transit Connect.

Stopover options

With the Best of Abu Dhabi package, travelers can book stays from two to six nights at 11 four- and five-star hotels, up to 40% off.

This package is the most inclusive, offering 24-hour check-in, a breakfast buffet and in-room Wi-Fi. It also includes a choice of room types at select hotels like the Andaz Capital Gate, Fairmont Bab al Bahr and InterContinental Abu Dhabi, among others.

All hotels are subject to availability, and certain blackout dates may apply. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours before arrival.

The second option, Stopover on Us, allows travelers to book a one- or two-night complimentary stay in select three- and four-star hotels. Options include Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown; Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri; and Premier Inn locations in the Abu Dhabi city center and at AUH.

Lastly, passengers can make the most of longer connections, anywhere from 10-24 hours, by booking a complimentary one-night stay at the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport or Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre.

This is for economy, business-class and first-class ticket holders flying on eligible routes, which exclude certain routes within the Middle East. This must be booked at least five days prior to arrival, but bookings can only be made upfront for outbound flights. Once that flight is completed, you can request it be added to your return flight home.

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Additional terms and conditions apply for all stopover bookings. They must be booked by Dec. 20 for travel completed by Dec. 31. Bookings must be made by travelers age 21 and older, and the offer isn't valid for frequent flyer redemption bookings, award upgrades or cash-plus-miles promotions. However, guests can earn points by participating in the Best of Abu Dhabi program, so be sure to add your loyalty number to your reservation upon arrival.

Additional terms and conditions apply to each program, so double-check before you book.

How to book an Etihad stopover

To take advantage of one of the stopover programs, book a multicity flight through the airline for an economy, business-class or first-class fare, connecting through AUH.

For example, you could book a multicity trip from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), connecting through Abu Dhabi each way, allowing you to participate in the stopover program on your outgoing flight. A two-night stay in Abu Dhabi would be eligible for the Best of Abu Dhabi or Stopover on Us program.

Once you have your booking reference and ticket number, take that information and select a participating hotel from the list.

Once you complete the booking, look out for an email with a hotel voucher.

Bottom line

These stopovers are available for adult passengers flying anywhere within the Etihad global network, transiting via Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, Etihad travelers can use their boarding pass for more deals and discounts on activities within a five-day period on the ground in Abu Dhabi, ranging from restaurants to theme parks and spas. Browse the list of eligible activities here.

Related reading:

• Free Singapore tours return to Changi Airport after 2-year hiatus
• Hilton is opening a private island resort with overwater villas in Abu Dhabi
• Miami or the Middle East? A review of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
• Leaning luxury: A review of the Andaz Capital Gate hotel in Abu Dhabi