Everything you need to know

Become a “Smart” traveller

Did you know that your entire journey through Abu Dhabi International Airport can be without any human contact? Thanks to innovative “Smart Travel” technology from check-in to boarding, you can save up to 70% of airport processing times in five easy steps, giving you more time to shop, eat and relax. Learn more.

Luggage

Familiarise yourself with your airline’s checked-in and hand luggage allowance before you pack.
Protect your luggage with the “Quickwrap” baggage wrapping service. You can also make use of the convenient Quick Store and Quick Ship services.

You will be asked a number of security questions by check-in staff. As per aviation safety regulations, certain substances and items are prohibited from carriage on board.

Checked luggage

If you have checked in online or at the self-service check-ins, you may simply drop your bag(s) off at your airline’s bag drop counter.

In line with international airport regulations, Abu Dhabi International Airport will accept a maximum weight of 32 kg /70.6 lbs for each piece of checked luggage. You might be requested to repack should one of your bags weigh more than 32 kg or you could be charged for overweight luggage.

Hand luggage

All airline’s have restrictions on the size and number of hand luggage items that you can take on board so please check your airline’s website before you pack.

Any liquids, aerosols and gels in your hand luggage should not exceed 100ml per item and should be placed in a clear resealable plastic bag with a maximum of 1 litre capacity, measuring approximately 20cm x 20cm. Plastic bags are available at the airport at all Customer Service Information Desks.

For more information, read our luggage FAQS.

Check-in

To avoid the stress of traffic and queues, allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and check-in.

Check-in starts at least four hours before Etihad flight departures and three hours for other airlines. Check-in closes one hour before your flight departs. These times may vary from airline to airline, so find out what your airline’s check-in policy is.

Check in online and get the seat you want

Give yourself more time to unwind and explore the culinary and retail delights of Abu Dhabi International Airport. Check-in online up to 24 hours before your flight.

You can secure your seat of choice and print your boarding pass, download it to your mobile or email it to yourself. At the airport, skip the queues and simply drop your bag(s) off at your airline’s bag drop counter.

Check-in your bags before you even get to the airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport has two remote check-in locations.

• Park Rotana Hotel Check-In Kiosk
• Crowne Plaza Yas Island Check-In Kiosk 

Save time with self-service

To save you time, you can utilise the self-service check-in kiosks in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 in the departures hall. Here you can print your own boarding pass without having to queue at a counter.

Once you have checked in, simply drop off your luggage at your airline’s bag drop counter. Abu Dhabi International Airport also offers a self check-in kiosk at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi and the Crowne Plaza Yas Island Hotel.

Immigration, visas and passport control

Make sure that you have got all your travel documents in order before you go through passport control. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip. Some countries will only allow you entry if your passport is valid for six months or more.

Visa, transit and entry requirements differ from country to country, so contact the relevant embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting before you fly.

Clear US Customs in Abu Dhabi 

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Terminal 3 allows US-bound passengers to complete all immigration, customs and agricultural inspections in Abu Dhabi, prior to departure. Upon arrival in the US, passengers are treated as domestic travellers, so you will be processed faster at your arrival airport.  

Stay connected with free Wi-Fi

Make use of complimentary WiFi throughout all Abu Dhabi International Airport terminals. If you need to charge your phone, tablet or laptop, you will find secure charging stations across the airport. There are also over 50 free internet kiosks with sockets and USB ports.  

Shop for all your travel essentials

Looking for last-minute gifts or souvenirs from your holiday? Shop for all this and more at over 33 retail outlets across all terminals before you get to passport control. From ATMs to pharmacies, a post office, book shops and even a supermarket, you can get everything you need for an enjoyable trip.

After passport control, indulge in designer shopping at some of the world’s most luxurious brands from Burberry to Emporio Armani. Pass the time at over 43 retail outlets as you shop for sunglasses, fragrances, electronics, handbags and much more.

All retail outlet are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you would prefer to unwind in the lounge, reserve your duty-free items online via Abu Dhabi Duty Free’s online shop and pay and collect before you fly, or have your shopping delivered to your lounge.

Grab a quick bite

Grab a coffee or a light meal before you go through passport control at any of our 10 restaurants and coffee shops. Featuring something for everyone, the food outlets are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week across all three terminals.

After passport control, you are spoilt for choice with eateries offering everything from Iranian to French cuisine. Whether it is a burger at McDonald’s or an organic treat, you will not go hungry.

Live it up in a premium lounge

If you have got time to kill before a flight, relax in one of our premium lounges.

At Terminal 1’s Al Reem or Al Dhabi Lounge First and Business Class passengers and paying walk-in guests can escape and unwind with a movie, a shower and complimentary food and beverages.

If you are flying from Terminal 2 as a First or Business Class passenger with any airline, except Etihad, or are eligible for lounge access in line with your airline’s frequent flyer programme, you will be issued with an invitation to the Al Ghazal Lounge at check-in.

Enjoy complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi and TV. You can also access the lounge for two hours for a fee.

Terminal 3 Etihad passengers have access to three lounge options:

• Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa – First Class and Residence guests can unwind with five-star hospitality including a concierge, fine dining and a range of complimentary treatments in the Six Senses Spa. There is also a fully-equipped gym and supervised children’s play area.

• Etihad Premium Lounge – Etihad Business Class passengers gain exclusive access to this stylish lounge (also available in Terminal 1). Get re-energised with massages and facials in the Six Senses Spa for a small fee or enjoy delicious cuisine while the children burn off energy in the supervised play area.

• Etihad US Premium Lounge – If you are travelling in First or Business Class from Abu Dhabi to the US, you can check in to this lounge after you have cleared US Immigration and Customs. Have a cup of coffee, catch up on emails or enjoy a light meal.

Take a shower

You do not have to be a business class traveller to enjoy a refreshing shower at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Just bring your own soap and towel and make use of one of the hygienic public showers.