How to Check In Online for Etihad Airways
Via etihad.com (Manage My Booking) or the Etihad Airways mobile app
✓ Last verified: April 2026
- 1 Go to etihad.com and click "Manage My Booking" in the navigation.
- 2 Enter your booking reference and last name, or log in with your Etihad Guest account.
- 3 Select passengers to check in.
- 4 Choose or confirm your seat assignment.
- 5 Confirm check-in and download your boarding pass — mobile PDF or add to Apple/Google Wallet.
Check-In Details at a Glance
Etihad Guest tier privileges at Indian airports
Etihad Guest status changes your airport experience even when web check-in is already done. Silver brings priority bag drop and priority security where the airport supports it, including DEL T3 and BOM T2. Gold adds a dedicated check-in counter and lounge access at Abu Dhabi plus partner lounges in India.
Platinum layers on Etihad First Class lounge access, a guaranteed economy seat even on full flights, and a personal concierge. These perks combine with web check-in rather than replacing it: you still drop bags at the dedicated counter and use priority lanes, just faster because you skip the queue.
Abu Dhabi hub transit, codeshare seats and meal locking
Etihad's India traffic is built around the Abu Dhabi hub, where the terminal is large and gate changes are common, so the app's push alerts for gate moves and boarding calls genuinely help on tight connections. Abu Dhabi also has self-service check-in kiosks for Etihad passengers if you need them on the return leg.
For connecting itineraries, your meal choice and seat selection made during check-in apply to both flights in one transaction when you log in with the lead passenger's PNR. Meal orders only stick if placed before the caterer cutoff, after which only the standard menu remains, so choose AVML or HNML the moment the check-in window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Etihad Airways web check-in open and close?
Etihad Airways web check-in opens 48 hours before departure. It closes 0 minutes before domestic flights and 75 minutes before international flights. After the window closes, you must check in at the airport counter.
What do I need to check in online for Etihad Airways?
You need your 6-character PNR/booking reference (found in your booking confirmation email) and the passenger's last name exactly as entered during booking. Some airlines also accept email address or frequent flyer number as an alternative identifier.
Can I choose my seat during Etihad Airways web check-in?
Seat selection policy varies by fare type. Value fares may require purchase; Classic and Flex fares include free seat selection.
What boarding pass options does Etihad Airways offer?
Mobile boarding pass or printout. Digital boarding pass can be added to Apple/Google Wallet.
What happens if I miss Etihad Airways web check-in?
If you miss the web check-in window, you can still check in at the airport counter or self-service kiosk. However, available seat choices may be limited. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic departure and 3 hours before international departure to allow enough time for check-in and security.
Where do I find my Etihad Airways PNR for check-in?
Your Etihad Airways PNR (Passenger Name Record) is the 6-character booking reference in your booking confirmation email or e-ticket. If you booked through HappyFares, your PNR is visible in the HappyFares app under "My Bookings". The PNR is also printed on your itinerary receipt.
Which Etihad fare types include free seat selection at web check-in from India?
Seat policy varies by fare type. Value fares may require a purchase for seat selection, while Classic and Flex fares include free seat selection. Standard economy seats are otherwise free; preferred seats such as bulkhead, extra-legroom and front-of-cabin are chargeable per segment.
Why are Etihad exit-row seats not bookable during online check-in?
Exit-row seats are allocated at the airport, not online. Etihad requires manual verification of your fitness, English ability and willingness to assist crew, which is why these seats are never offered during web check-in and must be assigned by ground staff at the counter.
What Etihad Guest tier benefits apply at Indian airports after web check-in?
Silver gets priority bag drop and priority security where available, such as at DEL T3 and BOM T2. Gold adds a dedicated check-in counter and lounge access at Abu Dhabi and Indian partner lounges. Platinum adds First Class lounge access and a guaranteed economy seat. These combine with, not replace, web check-in.
Which Etihad special meals suit Indian travellers and when should I order?
Etihad offers several special meal categories. Pick AVML (Asian Vegetarian) for spiced Indian-style dal, rice and paneer, HNML (Hindu Non-Vegetarian) for Indian-style chicken, lamb or fish, VJML (Jain, no root vegetables), or VLML (Western lacto-ovo vegetarian). Order during check-in or earlier, since caterers lock orders ahead of departure.
Do I need a UAE visa to transit Abu Dhabi on an Etihad flight from India?
If you transit Abu Dhabi without leaving the airport, no UAE visa is needed, but your onward ticket and destination visa must be ready to show. Indian passport holders with a valid US, UK or Schengen visa can get a UAE visa-on-arrival if they exit. Etihad staff verify documents at bag drop.
What document checks does Etihad do at the airport for India departures?
Web check-in does not remove the airport document check. For visa-required destinations such as the UK, Schengen, US and Canada you must show passport, visa and onward documents at bag drop before security. Etihad ground staff check passport validity (six months beyond arrival), visa stamps and onward tickets.
What advantages does the Etihad Guest app add over the website for check-in?
The app adds push notifications for gate changes, delays and boarding calls, useful when transiting Abu Dhabi's large terminal. It stores the boarding pass natively so no Wi-Fi is needed at the gate. You do not need to be a loyalty member; sign in with your booking reference or scan the e-ticket QR.
Can I web check-in for an infant on Etihad from India?
Lap infants under 2 are usually added to the lead adult's online check-in record, while children over 2 with their own seat check in normally. Etihad still recommends verifying infant details at the airport counter, as Indian rules require the infant to be physically present for verification.
When should I print an Etihad boarding pass instead of using mobile?
Major Indian airports accept mobile boarding passes for international departures, so phone or wallet passes work to the UAE, Europe, the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Southeast Asia. For multi-leg trips transiting smaller African or Latin American airports, carry a printed backup in case a connecting airport requires paper.