Etihad Airways has partnered with DUBZ to allow guests to check their bags, select their seats and collect boarding passes and luggage tags, all from the comfort of their home in Abu Dhabi. A COVID-19 PCR test can also be arranged with the carrier’s partner, LifeDx.
On Monday (May 10, 2021), Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced that in partnership with DUBZ powered by dnata, guests can now check bags, pick seats and collect boarding passes and luggage tags, all from the comfort of their home in Abu Dhabi. Customers can even arrange a COVID-19 PCR test with the airline’s partner, LifeDx. The new service can be booked up to seven hours prior to departure, with check-in agents arriving at the customer’s home at the selected time between 8am and 8pm. The agent will check travel documents, complete the check-in process and collect the customer’s bags. At the same time, guests can select seats, purchase an extra baggage allowance, or add Priority Boarding and Priority Bag Tags for an added fee.
In Monday’s announcement, Etihad Airways’ Vice President Global Airport, Network & Cargo Operations, John Wright, said,
“Etihad is continuously looking to enhance the travel experience and with this latest initiative, the airline is giving guests more convenient travel options. Especially during the Covid pandemic, the home check-in service also limits human interaction at the airport as guests are able to head straight to immigration and avoid long lines at the airport.”
Also commenting on the new partnership, DUBZ powered by dnata’s Chief Executive Officer, Abou Faraj, said
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Etihad to offer travellers our popular home check-in services in Abu Dhabi. Our innovative service will provide complete peace of mind and more mobility to Etihad customers, helping them enjoy a smooth and safe travel experience during and after the pandemic.”
Once a customer arrives at Abu Dhabi International Airport, all non-transit passengers that used home check-in can skip the queues baggage-free, providing a seamless airport experience. Customers will still need to collect their luggage at the destination baggage belt. As previously mentioned, home PCR tests are also available when booking any home check-in packages. A certified nurse from LifeDx will conduct the test and customers will receive the results by e-mail and SMS within 24-48 hours. Home check-in packages start from AED 220 (US $60) and include up to four bags, regardless of the number of guests traveling. Additional bags can be added for AED 40 (US $11) each and bag disinfection can be added for a set fee. Customers living outside Abu Dhabi can also book the service for an additional fee.
Source: Etihad Airways