Airlines

A World of Luxury: Etihad’s Terminal A Lounges Unveiled at AbuDhabi

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has revealed its premium lounges at the new Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new lounge is presented ahead of the airline’s full transfer to the new Terminal, which is scheduled to take place between 9 and 14 November.

Etihad’s spectacular new lounges occupy three levels of Terminal A’s north side, tucked between Piers C and D. The First and Business lounges offer a variety of eating options, relaxation, and entertainment venues to accommodate all passengers, including the spectacular Constellation Bar at the enclosed Roof Lounge.

Etihad’s Business Lounge

Customers traveling in Etihad’s First and Business Class, as well as Etihad Guest members who meet the eligibility requirements, can access the Etihad lounges. Subject to availability, guests flying in economy can purchase access to Etihad’s Business Lounge in order to enjoy the premium lounge area.

For guests in premium cabins, direct lounge boarding is available on selected flights from the conveniently placed Lounge. Three gates allow direct access from the Lounge to the aircraft. East and West Study provide guests with a quiet and peaceful place where they can watch planes take off or land. The Lounge offers guests panoramic views of the runway.

There are several different eating options available at Etihad’s Business Class lounge. The casual all-day dining establishment within Etihad Lounge, Liwan Global Dining, serves a wide variety of dishes, including Middle Eastern and Emirati cuisines in addition to international favorites influenced by the places Etihad Airlines travels.

Additionally, Chesterfield sofas bring plush comfort to the Smoking Lounge for cigarette and cigar smokers. Prayer rooms have also been thoughtfully designed with ensuite ablution areas for comfort and convenience.

Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.