Etihad has just partnered with DUBZ, powered by dnata, an off-airport solutions provider, making it easier for passengers to check in their bags, pick their seat, even upgrade and collect their boarding pass and luggage tags from their home within Abu Dhabi. A Covid-19 PCR test can also be arranged through the airline’s medical partner, LifeDx.
Offering maximum flexibility, guests can book the service as little as seven hours before their flight. Check in agents will then arrive at the location booked at the chosen time, between 8am and 8pm. The agent will check travel documents, complete the check in process and collect bags. Seat selection can also be made at the same time and extra baggage allowance can be purchased if required. Guests who want to board their flight early and receive their luggage first can also add Priority Boarding and Priority Bag Tags for an additional fee. Basically bringing the check in desk to your home.
The advantage to such a service is that you can skip the Abu Dhabi airport check-in process making the airport journey a little more frictionless. Sadly the service doesn’t continue on the other end, as luggage will need to be collected at the destination baggage belt.
John Wright, Vice President Global Airport, Network & Cargo Operations, Etihad Airways 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.”
And this is exactly the point. Ancillary revenues are going to increasingly be generated outside of the aircraft, with additional services like this becoming more attractive to those wanting to escape the masses. This might be the tip of an ancillary iceberg, with chauffeur drive potentially becoming even more desirable and other services such as VIP terminals or fast track services.
Omar Abou Faraj, Chief Executive Officer, DUBZ powered by dnata 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.”
Home PCR tests are also available when booking any home check-in packages. A certified nurse from LifeDx will conduct the test and results will be received by email and SMS between 24 to 48 hours.
TheDesignAir 