Etihad Airways’ stopover program is back — here’s how to book
Editor's Note
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.
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.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.