Al Reem kounge AUH

[Justinf]

Hi,

I am travelling to LHR from MEL with a transit at AUH on Etihad Airways. The flight arrives into AUH terminal 1. But as I understand as a Gold Velocity member, I am only entitled to use the Al Reem Lounge which is located in terminal 3. I only have a transit time of about 2 hours. I was counting on being able to grab a quick shower during transit, but am now resigned to the fact that I won't have enough time. I know nothing about AUH. Is it doable, and how much hassle is it changing terminals and then going back again? do I have enough time?

 

[AaronBradford]

I did this last month. Definitely doable in 2 hours, although it is a bit of a walk so leave 15 or so minutes for that. As gold, you get to use the priority line through security which is good. As for the lounge itself... Pretty small and the showers weren't terribly clean.

 

[Justinf]

Thanks Aaron. I didn't realise Gold Velocity members got to use the express line through security back into terminal 3. That makes a massive difference as I have been told at around 7.30am, the lines can be horrifyingly long.

 

[ywwol]

The Al Reem lounge is in terminal 1.

 

[AaronBradford]

Correct, ywwol! I didn't read OP's response properly. The Al Rheem is in T1.

Justinf - as you arrive in T1 (poor you, brace yourself for the horrid smell) you can be in the lounge in about 5 minutes. Your next flight to LHR likely from T3, so the comments still apply for that. It'll likely take 10-15 minutes to get there, but leave more than enough time.

 

[Justinf]

It says on my booking that I arrive at T3 and depart from T3.
Which means I still need to get to T1 and back to access the lounge.

 

[AaronBradford]

Ah, your original post says T1. My last flight through AUH was scheduled into T3 but operated into T1 which was handy and annoying at the same time.

 

[kpc]

FYI...T1 and T3 at AUH are a SLOW 10 minutes walk apart....I found this out embarrassinly 9 days ago when I askef for directions for the inter terminal train

 

[Justinf]

Ah, your original post says T1. My last flight through AUH was scheduled into T3 but operated into T1 which was handy and annoying at the same time.

I am an idiot! I need to proof my own work!
Flight arrives into T3 and the lounge is in T1. Do you think I have enough time to do it all and get back through security in two and a quarter hours?

 

[kpc]

I am an idiot! I need to proof my own work!
Flight arrives into T3 and the lounge is in T1. Do you think I have enough time to do it all and get back through security in two and a quarter hours?

yes...see above post.

 

[IrishPete]

yes...see above post.

I would have to say "maybe". I have waited 30 minutes in a queue to use the shower, waiting in the toilet itself which is cramped and unpleasant. The last time, about half a dozen airport staff crammed in too, to watch one of them go up a ladder and try to fix something inside the ceiling. It was kind of farcical and amusing, but not so amusing that I would want to repeat it while jetlagged. It was made worse by an angry English man waiting with hsi small child to use the toilet cubicle, for which there was also a queue (the urinal was in the same area I was waiting).

Even the priority lane at security can be very slow. Especially if you have to go through it twice.

I would seriously look into trying to get an upgrade on whichever flight will give you access to the Business Class lounge, where you can have a relaxing shower, without worrying that there are half a dozen people waiting outside the door.

Pete

 

[IrishPete]

or you can probably pay for one-off access to some lounges. Also see this Toilets & Showers | Airport Facilities | Airport Information | Abu Dhabi International Airport

 

[Justinf]

It's all so hard. Welcome to Velocity Gold, where it's more confusing than if you have no status at all.