Anyone have any update on the etihad first lounge in Abu Dhabi?

[Fiches Mouser]

That is the man formerly known as "Boss Reggie" or "Shaun Bryan".
Some people have previously questioned his statements about his travel.
A google search of his name brings up things about his background that are a little different to what he claims.

This is what I found: Drug dealer who dodged bullet which paralysed five-year-old Thusha Kamaleswaran is jailed - Mirror Online

 

[The Flying Brick]

So no news on the AUH Etihad 1st Lounge since 2nd of Feb?

Has anyone heard of an actual opening date?

If it's opened before April 28th I promise to write a review!

 

[Gold Member]

A little off topic, but upon checkin for EY461 yesterday the checkin agents were adamant that the new Etihad First Lounge (currently using shared AirNZ dive) WILL be opening April 1st. I raised my eyebrows at that, especially given April fools day and all. Anyone got any other data points? I have several more EY (cough AA) First flights departing MEL in the next 12 months so very keen to know.

 

[Melbin]

A little off topic, but upon checkin for EY461 yesterday the checkin agents were adamant that the new Etihad First Lounge (currently using shared AirNZ dive) WILL be opening April 1st. I raised my eyebrows at that, especially given April fools day and all. Anyone got any other data points? I have several more EY (cough AA) First flights departing MEL in the next 12 months so very keen to know.

I was up there last week to have a look when flying out of MEL - the entrance is directly opposite the new Emirates lounge that opened recently. I think April 1 is really ambitious given it was still boarded up with just a builder's notice saying it was construction works for an Etihad lounge... still, I have no problem being pleasantly surprised if it does open early!

 

[The Flying Brick]

I was up there last week to have a look when flying out of MEL - the entrance is directly opposite the new Emirates lounge that opened recently. I think April 1 is really ambitious given it was still boarded up with just a builder's notice saying it was construction works for an Etihad lounge... still, I have no problem being pleasantly surprised if it does open early!

I went through the same sort of problems with QR's Al Safwa 1st Lounge in Doha last year - it eventually opened about 12 months after the advertised date............

But if the boards are down and the door is open in 4 weeks time then I will be very keen to test the new facilities.

 

[smit0847]

A little off topic, but upon checkin for EY461 yesterday the checkin agents were adamant that the new Etihad First Lounge (currently using shared AirNZ dive) WILL be opening April 1st. I raised my eyebrows at that, especially given April fools day and all. Anyone got any other data points? I have several more EY (cough AA) First flights departing MEL in the next 12 months so very keen to know.

I'd love it if that were true but I can't see it happening. Ausbt would be given the heads up and invited to the official launch.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I'd love it if that were true but I can't see it happening. Ausbt would be given the heads up and invited to the official launch.

Yeah, it's a pretty big show piece so I can't imagine there'll be any soft openings... they'll make sure media see it from day one.

 

[Gold Member]

I'd love it if that were true but I can't see it happening. Ausbt would be given the heads up and invited to the official launch.

Very true. Who am I to argue with paid journalism.

 

[smit0847]

Very true. Who am I to argue with paid journalism.

Yeah, it's a pretty big show piece so I can't imagine there'll be any soft openings... they'll make sure media see it from day one.

A little off topic, but upon checkin for EY461 yesterday the checkin agents were adamant that the new Etihad First Lounge (currently using shared AirNZ dive) WILL be opening April 1st. I raised my eyebrows at that, especially given April fools day and all. Anyone got any other data points? I have several more EY (cough AA) First flights departing MEL in the next 12 months so very keen to know.

Any update to the MEL lounge opening?

 

[boomy]

So here we are, the 1st of May.
Any news about the opening date in AUH

Edit: I tweeted Etihad Premium, waiting their response.

 

[vmile]

AUH still boarded up on the 29th. No sign of action either.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Still several weeks away.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

But we have a Melbourne lounge now! So that's something, right?

Etihad opens Melbourne Airport business first class lounge - Australian Business Traveller

 

[djchuckles]

But we have a Melbourne lounge now! So that's something, right?

Etihad opens Melbourne Airport business first class lounge - Australian Business Traveller

Yeah and its pretty good

The current Premium lounge in AUH isn't great though with no recognition for first class travellers

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Yeah and its pretty good

Is it? Good to hear! I haven't seen any reviews or pics around yet.

The current Premium lounge in AUH isn't great though with no recognition for first class travellers

Not really, apart from the little roped-off area (which is also available to VA WP).

 

[EtihadAirways]

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for your interest and for taking the time to comment on this post. We are very excited about the lounge, and we just want to make sure everything is good and ready before we officially open sometime this month (May 2016). Please follow our social media channels and check our website for news and updates (Etihad Airways - Book flights and holidays). We sincerely hope to bring you more good news soon

Kind regards, *Kim

 

[Danger UXB]

The new lounge is now open

First Class Lounge & Spa

 

[DavidFlynn]

Note that at the time of writing, there is no access to the new Etihad First Class lounge for Velocity Platinum members.

 

[vmile]

Note that at the time of writing, there is no access to the new Etihad First Class lounge for Velocity Platinum members.

Thanks David for the 'heads up'. We fly through AUH next week and would have hated to do 'the walk of shame' back to the J lounge after being denied entry.

Perhaps the VA rep would like to advise what is going on?

 

[DavidFlynn]

Or you could contact Virgin Australia / Velocity line and ask them.