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Checking into your flight

Checking into your flight

Upon arrival at the airport, please visit the check-in desk for your cabin of travel (Diamond First, Pearl Business or Coral Economy Class).  During the check-in process, we will place luggage tags on any push chairs or strollers. You will still be able to use these within the airport, and they will be placed in the aircraft hold at the departure gate shortly before boarding.

On arrival at your destination, push chairs or strollers will either be returned at the aircraft door or should be collected at the luggage carousel. This is determined by local regulations in each country and is not within Etihad’s control. Please ask the check-in host for information about your flight.

To make life a little easier, Guests arriving at our home base, Abu Dhabi, are welcome to use one of our complimentary strollers, which are available in the terminal, close to the gate.

They’re bright orange in colour, so you can’t miss them!

After checking in

Passing through the airport

In order to ensure the safety and security of everyone, all Guests young or old must pass through the same security procedures. If you’re using a stroller or push chair, you’ll need to remove everything from it (including children) before it goes through the scanner.

Children of all ages (except infants) will need to walk through the scanner on their own. Some children may find this upsetting, so please ensure all metal items are removed to make the process as quick and easy as possible. Infants that are not yet walking can of course be carried by an adult.

Whilst there are tight restrictions in place for carrying liquids or gels in hand baggage, regulations do allow food or milk for infants to be carried onboard. Airport security staff are required to check the contents, which could mean a short wait at the screening area and you may be asked to taste the items as proof of their content.

At the boarding gate

Once it’s time to board your flight, families with young children will be called first for pre-boarding, giving you some extra time to get settled onboard.

It’s at this stage that strollers and push chairs will be collected from you to be placed into the aircraft’s hold.


On long-haul flights you might be greeted at the gate by our Flying Nanny, who will be able to provide additional assistance if required.

If you’re travelling in Diamond First or Pearl Business Class, and departing or transiting through Abu Dhabi, our fantastic Family Rooms offer a number of fun ways to keep youngsters entertained, including books, toys, TV and a great children’s menu. What’s more, our qualified nannies will watch over your little ones, allowing you a little time to relax and enjoy the other lounge facilities.

In addition, family rooms are also available in our dedicated Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class lounges in Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Manchester and Washington.

Hints & tips

Hints & tips
  • Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Procedures such as check-in and security can take a little longer when you’re travelling with children, so make sure you give yourself enough time.
  • Reassure your children that they will get their precious items back once they’ve gone through security scanner; occasionally children think that they are not going to get them back and that can trigger strong reactions and emotions.
  • Get to the gate early so you can board first, calmly ahead of the rush to give you and your children time to settle and avoid getting stuck in any queues.
  • Make it an adventure! Although most children find the idea of going on a plane exciting, it can be daunting for some. Prepare them in advance and at each stage of the journey explain what is happening, especially if they are flying for the first time.
  • Share the responsibility and take a break. If you’re travelling with another adult then take alternate turns in looking after the children and getting some rest. That way you won’t both arrive feeling exhausted.