Another good news for Indians in and around New England, USA after our recent news article about Air India planning nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport. It seems Boston is the center of attention for major airlines operating flights between USA and India. Now Etihad announced the launch of its service to and from Boston, starting 31 March 2024. This is Etihad’s fourth direct destination in the US after New York, Chicago, and Washington DC.

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The upcoming Etihad flights to and from Boston are scheduled four times a week. The airline will provide hassle-free connection to eight cities in India via its hub, Abu Dhabi. Indian and non-Indian travelers from New England will get connecting flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi and Ahmedabad via Abu Dhabi, a great city to explore during a stopover or a long layover.

Interestingly, Indians having a 6-month valid passport are eligible for Abu Dhabi’s 48-hour transit visa for free. The Canadian and US citizens are eligible for the UAE’s visa on arrival facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Read more about Etihad Airways’ stopover programs before planning your family trip to/from India.

Etihad Airways’ Boston flights will be in direct competition with American Airlines, Lufthansa, and other Middle East carriers, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. All these airlines have itineraries with varying connection times (suitable for different travel plans) and offer economical fare deals for Boston to India flights through IndianEagle.com, a leading travel-booking agency serving America’s Indian Diaspora for over 15 years.

Below are the airlines operating flights from Boston to Delhi for trips starting 1 April and their respective travel duration:

• SWISS Air via Zurich: 16 hrs 30 mins
• British Airways via LHR: 17 hrs 45 mins
• Lufthansa via Munich: 17 hrs 55 mins
• Etihad Airways via AUH: 18 hrs 00 mins
• Qatar Airways via Doha: 18 hrs 10 mins
• Emirates via Dubai: 18 hrs 15 mins

The online booking of Etihad flight deals for Boston to India travel is open on IndianEagle.com. If you have plans to travel in April 2024, you can grab Etihad Airways’ best deals (precisely lowest airfares) available now (as of today, August 2). The below deals available today are likely to be sold out or expire any time, since airfares are dynamic depending on demand, seat availability, and other factors. At Indian Eagle, you can easily search for flights to other destinations in India and by other airlines.

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The post It’s Official; Etihad Flights from Boston will Take off in 2024 with One-stop Connection to India via Abu Dhabi appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Etihad Airways is the Middle East’s leading airline for cabin crew, business class, first class, inflight entertainment and customer experience, according to the World Travel Awards 2022. In addition, Etihad Airways is the world’s third safest airline, according to AirlineRatings.com that rates airlines against various parameters of safety in the sky.

Other than comfortable seating and award-winning inflight entertainment, Etihad Airways has unique services that define the USP of the airline on intercontinental routes. IndianEagle.com, a most trusted US-India travel booking portal, takes on what distinguishes Etihad flights from other airlines in the US-India travel corridor. US immigration pre-clearance, flying nanny, and onboard medical care support are unique to Etihad Airways, irrespective of travel class and fare types.

PC: Etihad Airways

Flying nanny for infants on Etihad flights

The flying nanny service on select Etihad Airways flights between USA and India is the reason why travelers with kids look forward to Indian Eagle for the best Etihad fare deals. Introduced in 2013 for the purpose of reducing the hassles of traveling with kids, Etihad Airways’ flying nanny service is a special assistance program designed to ensure a comfortable flight for families with young children. One or two nannies are aboard select long-haul flights spanning more than 6 hours.

Since this special service was launched, Etihad Airways’ flying nannies have been trained in several modules of childcare, child psychology, and how to entertain children with different behavior types. The service available across all travel classes can be requested at the time of booking economy or business Etihad flight tickets to India online or offline. While having a meal, taking a nap, reading a book, or watching a movie on board, you can rest assured that your kids are in safe hands.

Flying nannies are good at providing pediatric first aid to young travelers and protecting them during a mid-air emergency. They are helping hands when it comes to warming up milk bottles, feeding kids, changing their diapers, reading out to them, lulling them into sleep, or keeping them engaged in age-appropriate fun activities like drawing. Cabin crew members wearing rusty orange aprons are easily identifiable as flying nannies on Etihad Airways flights between India and USA.

Pre-clearance US immigration and customs

The best perk of traveling even on cheap Etihad flights to USA is pre-clearance of all checks including US immigration and customs during your transit in Abu Dhabi. Having done the customs and immigration clearance at Abu Dhabi Airport before boarding your connecting flight to New York or Chicago or D.C., you can arrive as domestic passengers in the US and exit the destination airport without any need to experience long immigration queues.

Baggage screening at Abu Dhabi International Airport is another way you can benefit from traveling on Etihad Airways. Since Abu Dhabi Airport’s baggage screening complies with the TSA security guidelines, you can check-in your bags thoroughly from AUH to the final destination even if your itinerary has a connecting domestic flight in the US. This gives Etihad Airways a competitive edge over other airlines as far as senior citizens’ convenience is concerned.

Nurse for medical care aboard Etihad flights   

If you’re traveling with a medical condition, Etihad flights with a dedicated onboard nurse are ideal for you. The national carrier of the UAE is the first airline to have introduced inflight medical services in 2018 for passengers with pre-existing health issues so that they could get continual medical care throughout the journey. Etihad Airways’ fully-trained onboard nurses ensure you or your elderly parents travel with peace of mind. They provide assistance with filling out medical forms, boarding, and emergency needs on board. You can request onboard nurse service by writing to contactcentre@edithad.ae once your Etihad flight tickets to India or USA are booked.

Complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi   

Etihad Airways’ AUH stopover programs make compelling reasons to grab low-fare deals for Etihad flights between USA and India. Irrespective of your travel class and fare type, you can take an Abu Dhabi City sightseeing tour and enjoy a complementary hotel stay under any of the airline’s three stopover programs – Transit Connect, Stopover on Us, and Best of Abu Dhabi – depending on the duration of a stopover or transit hours in your itinerary. The Transit Connect package includes complimentary one-night accommodation in the city, while the “Stopover on Us” program offers complimentary stay for up to 48 hours. You need a transit visa to step out of Abu Dhabi Airport, but a transit visa is issued only if your planned layover or stopover is 8 hours or more.

We recommend checking our exclusive guide on Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi stopover programs and transit visa requirements.

Ease of flying with kids on Etihad

Like Emirates Airlines’ kids-friendly services, Etihad Airways’ inflight meals and entertainment are customized for family travelers with children. The airline ensures the ease of flying with kids by providing fun activity packs, coloring kits, games and likes on flights from New York to Kochi, flights from DC IAD to Chennai, flights from Chicago to Kolkata, flights from Chicago O’Hare to BLR Airport, and its other routes between USA and India via Abu Dhabi. Different games inspired by children’s favorite cartoon characters are available to keep young minds, from 3 to 13 years, busy on board.

If your kid has a specific diet requirement, you can order a child’s special meal at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. A nonvegetarian child meal comprises burgers, pizzas, chicken nuggets, fish fingers and likes. You can get your baby’s milk or meal from home heated on board.

The post Why You Should Travel on Etihad Flights between USA and India; 5 Things to Check Other than Cheap Fare Deals appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Abu Dhabi is a great city to explore during a long layover between two international flights. Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi stopover programs for international transit passengers are available during your summer travel or Christmas holiday travel between the US and India in 2023. The stopover programs are loaded with deals and discounts which you can utilize to experience the culture, heritage and hospitality of the UAE capital within your budget. You can book cheap Etihad Airways tickets through Indian Eagle for US to India flights with long transit hours in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways’ Stopover Programs in Abu Dhabi 

Etihad Airways’ stopover programs include Transit Connect for international passengers having 10-24 hours of layover in Abu Dhabi. The Transit Connect package comes with complimentary one-night accommodation at two hotels: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport and Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Center. Etihad Airways fare deals below USD 500 (inclusive of taxes) for a one-way trip, to say from New York to Mumbai, are not eligible for the Transit Connect package. Similarly, you can apply for Etihad Airways’ complimentary Transit Connect program if your round trip, to say between SFO and Delhi, meets the minimum fare requirement of USD 750 per adult passenger.

The Transit Connect package for Abu Dhabi sightseeing stopover must be booked at least 5 days before your scheduled onward flight to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“Stopover on us” is another free Abu Dhabi stopover program by Etihad Airways. Available until 20 December 2023, Etihad Airways’ ‘Stopover on us’ package includes complimentary stay for up to two nights or 48 hours at 3-star and 4-star hotels, such as Centro AI Manhal, Premier Inn, Ramada, and Traders Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The hotels participating in this program offer 24-hour check-in and free in-room Wi-Fi. The airline highly recommends that you book this package (if it is suitable for your itinerary) at least 3 days prior to your arrival in Abu Dhabi.

‘Stopover on us’, among Etihad Airways’ free stopover programs, gives ample time and space for interesting things to do and see in Abu Dhabi during transit for over 24 hours. Hence, this program is suitable for multi-city itineraries for USA to India travel via Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways’ ‘Best of Abu Dhabi’ stopover program offers discounted accommodation at 4-star and 5-star hotels for up to four nights or 96 hours. You can get up to 40% off at such premium hotels as Novotel, Grand Hyatt, InterContinental, Park Rotana Hotel, Anantara Eastern Mangroves, and Royal M Hotel & Resort participating in the ‘Best of Abu Dhabi’ program until 20 December 2023. Guests can have complimentary buffet breakfast, get free Wi-Fi, and select room types of their choice.

Regardless of your economy flights or business class tickets to India, you can apply for any of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi stopover programs depending on your itinerary. Travelers applying for the stopover programs must be 21 years or older.

What to do during transit in Abu Dhabi for 5 to 10 hours

Itineraries with 5-10 hours of transit layover in Abu Dhabi are not eligible for Etihad Airways’ free stopover programs. However, you can go out of AUH airport and visit nearby tourist places. 8 hours of connection time at Abu Dhabi Airport is sufficient for a visit to Yas Island which has the world’s fastest rollercoaster and one of the world’s best waterparks. Yas Island spread over 25 square kms is a most popular leisure island where you can reach within 20 minutes by a “Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus” from the airport. The shuttle bus provides hassle-free service to domestic and international tourists for free.

Yas Island, one of the few best places to visit during a stopover or transit in Abu Dhabi, houses Yas Mall, a retail shoppers’ paradise having a total area of 33,000 sqm. Yas Beach dotted with mangrove trees is another attraction of Yas Island. Ferrari World on Yas Island is the world’s first Ferrari-themed indoor park.

Even if your layover at Abu Dhabi is as short as 5 hours, you can visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a majestic cultural landmark in the capital city and the grandest religious architecture in the country.

Transit visa requirements for Abu Dhabi stopover/layover  

You need a valid transit visa to step out of AUH Airport and explore Abu Dhabi City during a transit layover or stopover. Citizens of the United States, the UK, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Germany, France, Canada, Mexico, Finland, and a few other countries are eligible for the UAE’s visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

A single-entry transit visa to Abu Dhabi is issued either for 48 hours or 96 hours. 48-hour transit visas to Abu Dhabi are issued to international passengers, regardless of their nationality, for free. Precisely, Indian passport holders can apply for single-entry 48-hour transit visas in advance if they have confirmed flight tickets for onward travel to a third destination from Abu Dhabi and passports valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel. Valid for 14 days from the day of issuance, a 48-hour transit visa is applicable for a layover/stopover from 8 to 48 hours in Abu Dhabi.

96-hour transit visas to Abu Dhabi are issued for a fee of AED 50 to international passengers, irrespective of their nationality. This visa cannot be extended or renewed; hence, you will have to make onward travel from the UAE within 96 hours from arrival. The eligibility criteria for a 96-hour transit visa to Abu Dhabi are the same as that for a 48-hour transit visa. You must have a passport valid for 6 months and a confirmed airline ticket to a third destination from Abu Dhabi.

What to do at Abu Dhabi Airport during a transit layover

You cannot apply for a transit visa to Abu Dhabi unless your itinerary has a layover as long as 8 hours. Without a transit visa, you cannot explore the UAE capital city during a layover. You can spend a layover less than 8 hours exploring the airport. Unlimited Wi-Fi is available for free across the airport. Using Wi-Fi to check your social media feeds, watch OTT content, or google something on a mobile device is how to kill your time at Abu Dhabi Airport.

You can go on a shopping spree at AUH Airport. Duty-free shopping is one of the best things to do during a transit, according to Indian Eagle’s Abu Dhabi Airport layover guide. Terminals 1 and 3 are the getaways to shopping for brand apparels, accessories, chocolates, liquor and souvenirs. Mont Blanc, Rolex, Emporio Armani, Bulgari, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, WHSmith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Pandora, Burberry, Hermes, and Swarovski among more than 120 brand retailers at the Terminals 1 and 3. You can also buy a piece of gold, pearl or diamond jewelry at Pure Gold at AUH Airport. If you’re fond of reading, you can shop for quality reading materials including books and magazines at Relay in T1.

Among facilities and services at Abu Dhabi Airport, free and paid showers are available for transit travelers during a layover. You can take a shower and freshen up before boarding another long-haul flight to the US or some other destination. You can locate free showers near Gates 32, 35 and 37, in addition to luxury shower facilities at the AUH airport lounges where guests are given shower kits comprising toiletries, disposable towels and footwear.

“In our knowledge, Etihad Airways’ lounges at Abu Dhabi Airport are free to premium passengers with Etihad business class flight tickets. The members of Etihad Guest Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers can also access the Etihad lounges for free. Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the UAE, owns five lounges at AUH – Premium Lounge in T1 and T3, First Lounge & Spa in T3, US Premium Lounge in T3, and Arrivals Lounge in the arrivals area,” said the Chief Information Officer of IndianEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing agency in the US-India travel sector.

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s facilities and services include baby care, children’s play area, and strollers for family travelers with kids or infants. Baby care facilities, including nursing rooms, are located near restrooms in the terminals. You can feed the infant and change diapers in privacy. You can pick a stroller to get around the airport with your baby during a layover. Baby strollers are available for free at several pick-up points. Terminal 1 has children’s play area on the landside and the airside where you can keep kids engaged during a short layover.

You can take a power nap to energize yourself during a layover at Abu Dhabi Airport. There are free rest zones with reclining seats, but their location in noisy open areas may make it difficult for you to get asleep. AUH Terminal 3 has sleeping pods where you can catch some quality sleep in privacy and comfort for a fee. GoSleep at Terminal 3 AUH is a modern-day lounge of sleeping pods with 180°-fold-flat beds. Designed like convertible business class seats on aircraft, GoSleep pods have charging points for laptops and mobile phones, secure luggage storage, and Internet facility. The airside transit hotel in Terminal 1 is another option for unwinding and overnight sleepover.

Please note AUH Airport offers free shuttle service between terminals, and the inter-terminal transport service is available every 15 minutes. The airside of T1 has a medical clinic where travelers are provided with emergency medical care, among the Abu Dhabi airport facilities and services. The 24/7 medical service clinic at AUH is accessible from other terminals, with the help of an airport staff. You can save this Abu Dhabi Airport guide for the convenience of your parents or other family members traveling unaccompanied via Etihad Airways’ hub in the UAE.

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The aviation world is rife with speculations that Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines has its days numbered. If some aviation media reports are to be believed, Etihad Airways is on the cusp of parting ways with American Airlines, in order to partner with United Airways, a member of Star Alliance.

Etihad has benefited a little from its ties with American Airlines, according to leading aviation critics. Since American Airlines’ termination of codeshare agreement with Etihad in 2017, as part of its policy towards restricting the growth of major Middle East carriers in the United States, Etihad Airways’ relationship with American Airlines has gathered moss. In spite of American Airlines being its largest partner in the US, Etihad flights could not penetrate beyond Los Angeles, Chicago ORD, New York JFK and Washington Dulles. Even Etihad flights to and from New York JFK have been axed over time.

Compared to Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways, Etihad has had a tiny piece of the pie in the US travel market. If Etihad happens to partner with United Airlines, it may bring back Etihad flights to Houston and San Francisco, two of the hubs of United Airlines, which were once on Etihad’s list of US destinations. It may also propel Etihad to shift its operations from New York JFK Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, another United hub.

At the same time, doubts are rife that whether Etihad will be able to get the best of its future partnership with United Airlines, since the latter has been a part of the campaign against the government-subsidized Middle East carriers. However, United has not enforced the campaign as much as Delta Airlines and American Airlines do.

Aviation market leaders opine that if Etihad manages to get a foothold in Houston, San Francisco, Newark and other US city through United Airlines, it may have fair chances of stealing the preference that Emirates enjoys in those US cities.

The chief travel economist of IndianEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing partner of Indians in North America, echoes a similar thought, “Etihad may prove to be a strong contender to Emirates flights to India from San Francisco, Houston and Newark. More options mean better offers for bargain hunters!”

If Etihad becomes a United partner with access to Newark Liberty, Etihad flights from Newark to India via Abu Dhabi may be a welcome choice over Emirates’ nonstop Newark to Dubai service. With Etihad, Indians in and around the United Airlines hubs will get one-stop access to 10 Indian cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kozhikode, Ahmadabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

If the assumed United-Etihad partnership widens Etihad Airways’ network to Emirates’ destinations in the US, travelers booking the cheapest economy fares to India will benefit in terms of check-in baggage. While Emirates recently cut the check-in baggage limit by 50% reducing it to one bag of max 23 kg for the cheapest economy fare class, two pieces of bag (each weighing max 23 kg) are allowed to check in even on the cheapest Etihad flights to India from USA via Abu Dhabi.

Also Check: Emirates’ Check-in Baggage Cut for Special Economy Fares 

Why flying Etihad Airways? One of the reasons is 96-hour transit visa to Abu Dhabi, which is issued at the Terminal 3 of Abu Dhabi Airport. The visa facility at Terminal 3 processes the transit visa application within 15 to 30 minutes. The 4-day transit visa to Abu Dhabi can be upgraded to a tourist visa in case you wish to extend your stay in the UAE capital city. In addition, Etihad has various low-cost stopover packages for different travel classes.

Also Check: Senior Citizens can Travel Alone on Etihad Flights 

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A recent study by the University of Toronto points out a steady increase in the number of inflight medical emergencies. More and more senior citizens, pregnant women, infants, travelers with chronic ailments and terminally ill passengers are taking to the skies. Most of the time, their exposure to physiologic stressors during long-haul flights causes medical emergencies on board. Another study carried by the New England Journal of Medicine states, “One medical emergency occurs in every 604 flights.” Nausea or vomiting, light headedness, respiratory problems, cardiac symptoms and seizures are some of the most common causes of inflight medical emergency.

In a landmark move to ensure continual inflight medical care for travelers with pre-existing health issues, Etihad Airways has rolled out two specialized services. One is a pre-boarding visit and checkup by an Etihad aviation doctor and the other is an inflight nurse.

It is a representational image.

Etihad Airways’ new inflight guest medical services include an airline-certified doctor’s visit to the passengers who are required to get medical clearance to board flights. The passengers with pre-existing medical issues can request an evaluation of their health conditions by an Etihad aviation doctor before the scheduled departure of their flights. The Etihad aviation doctor can conduct a health checkup in the presence of a passenger’s attending physician. The passenger will be issued ‘fit to fly’ status within 24 hours of the checkup if he is found medically stable.

The introduction of a dedicated inflight nurse is the most commendable of Etihad Airways’ new inflight guest medical services. An inflight nurse will accompany and attend the passengers with pre-existing medical conditions throughout Etihad Airways flights. The inflight nurse will provide requisite support during medical emergencies on plane. It will surely add to the passenger-friendly value of Etihad Airways’ inflight services including Flying Nanny for kids on board.

Also Check: Etihad Airways’ Special Service for Unaccompanied Senior Citizens

Diversion of flights, delayed take off and emergency landing in case of medical emergencies on planes incur losses worth millions of dollars to commercial airlines. Etihad Airways’ dedicated inflight medical services will not only help the airline avert unnecessary losses but also ensure a smooth flight for the passengers who require consistent medical assistance. It will surely benefit unaccompanied senior citizens on Etihad Airways flights from USA to India and other destinations.

“Etihad Airways’ inflight medical services seem to put other airlines behind in the race for a larger pie of the market. A fair percentage of our customers seeks to book  even last-minute flights on Etihad Airways because of Etihad’s cheap air tickets to India and good services on board,” says the public relations officer of Indian Eagle, a leading air-ticketing firm in the US.

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is the first commercial carrier in the Middle East to have launched the one-stop-shop medical services which will be provided by the Etihad medical team. The members of the Etihad medical team are qualified and trained in handling inflight medical emergencies and administering air transport medicines.

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Good news for travelers visiting or transiting through Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. Yesterday, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airways opened a new visa facility at Terminal 3 to facilitate the visa application process for both tourists and transit travelers within 15 to 30 minutes.

Located in the transit area of Abu Dhabi Airport’s terminal 3, the new visa counter will also facilitate activation of the new 4-day or 96-hour transit visa for all foreign travelers, irrespective of their nationalities, transiting through Abu Dhabi.

The new visa counter at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) is a collaborative initiative by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Abu Dhabi General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs. The launch of the new visa facility and new 4-day transit visa is part of the ‘Life in Abu Dhabi’ program which was introduced in May 2017.

Usually a transit visa to Abu Dhabi is valid for 14 days from the time of one’s arrival in the UAE. But, this visa must be arranged prior to one’s arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport. To be more precise, if you apply for a 14-day transit visa to Abu Dhabi for your US to India flight transiting through Abu Dhabi, you need to have a confirmed air ticket for the onward travel to India. However, this is not the case about the new 4-day or 96-hour transit visa at Abu Dhabi.

Foreign tourists with planned trips in Abu Dhabi, and transit air travelers whose layover exceeds 4 hours can collect a 4-day transit visa for AED 300 ($82) from the newly opened visa counter at Terminal 3 of Abu Dhabi Int. Airport, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The same visa can also be applied for online at the designated portal.

What is the best advantage of Abu Dhabi’s 4-day transit visa is that it can be upgraded to a tourist visa at the newly opened visa counter at the airport if you plan to extend your stay in the UAE capital city.

Abu Dhabi’s 96 hour transit visa within 30 minutes will benefit over 15 million travelers (as per the estimates in 2016), including the passengers of Etihad Airways US to India flights, who transit through Abu Dhabi Airport. Their requests for 4-day transit visas will be processed within 15 to 30 minutes.

Passengers of Etihad Airways flights will benefit the most from the new 96 hour visa to Abu Dhabi since Etihad Airways offers different stopover packages for different travel classes. For instance, Etihad Airways’ Transit Stopover (from 6 to 12 hours) offers one round of golf including club rental or one-day access to the pool at Yas Links Golf Course for USD 40.

Abu Dhabi’s 96 hour transit visa is a deliberate effort to attract visitors to the UAE. Qatar is a more pocket-friendly tourist destination than the UAE as Qatar offers visa-free entry for 180 days to 80 countries including the USA and India. Some Indians in America prefer Etihad Airways when it comes to booking their parents’ travel, because of Etihad Airways’ special services for senior citizens.

However, Indian Eagle books the cheapest flights from USA to India on both Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways via Abu Dhabi and Doha respectively. The lowest airfares to India, along with the best service, are guaranteed at Indian Eagle! Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest air travel news, secret airfare deals and discount travel coupons.

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Now Indians in America don’t need to worry how their parents, who are senior citizens in particular, will fly unaccompanied to the United States. Etihad Airways has put an end to all worries. The airline launched a first of its kind package for senior citizens traveling from India to USA. The package includes various privileges and facilities for super convenience of senior citizens aged 60 or more traveling on Etihad Airways’ flights from India to USA.

Etihad Airways’ package for senior citizens is available for economy and business flights to USA from 11 Indian cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. Etihad Airways flights from these Indian cities connect to 6 USA cities – New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas and Los Angeles – via the airline’s main hub in Abu Dhabi.

The package offers a 24/7 helpline number, pre-flight travel support, medical checklist and special assistance at Etihad Airways’ Indian gateways.

Etihad Airways’ package for senior citizens flying from India to USA ensures Indian hospitality for them on board. The airline serves various Indian meals to them and entertains them with classic Indian movies in the economy and business class travel cabins during all India to USA flights. Even they are looked after and their inflight needs are catered to by the airline’s Indian cabin crew. The content of the package also emphasizes taking care of senior citizens’ special requirements on ground and on board.

Indians in the US can book Etihad Airways flights between USA and India, along with this special service package for their parents (if they are senior citizens) through trusted travel organizations such as Indian Eagle, a leading travel booking partner of the Indian community in America.

Travelers flying by Etihad Airways can pre-clear US Immigration and Customs during the airline’s layover at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the UAE. They can avoid the tiresome immigration and customs formalities before they board the US-bound flights at Abu Dhabi airport. Etihad Airways enables its customers from India to arrive as domestic travelers in USA.

Also Check Details of Etihad Airways Economy Class

Travel Beats is a digital news portal for Indian Diaspora by Indian Eagle, a leading travel organization for Indians in USA. Subscribe to Travel Beats’ free newsletter for  the latest news, upcoming events and interesting stories.

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Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, three major Middle East airlines operating flights to USA from and via their respective hubs in the Gulf region, are up with customer-friendly solutions in response to the recent ban on electronic devises as carry-on items on US-bound flights.

The electronic device ban by the US and the UK is detrimental to the onboard productivity of business class travelers during long-haul international flights to USA and the UK via the Middle East. Concerns about the electronic device ban in aircraft cabins have been pouring in from the passengers of India to USA flights with stopovers at Middle East city airports.

Qatar Airways, one of the best airlines for US to India travel, has announced to provide passengers with free laptops on business class flights to USA from and via its hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and other airports on the US electronic ban list. Titled ‘Laptop Loan,’ this complimentary service in the business class of US-bound Qatar Airways flights will be available from April 3, 2017.

Recently recognized as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the Air Transport Awards 2017, Qatar Airways strives to render the world-class service to its customers as per and beyond its commitment. Often lauded as the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ airline, Qatar Airways caters to a major segment of business travel across its global network. The step to provide free laptops on business class flights to USA and the UK for uninterrupted productivity on board is another testimony to the excellence of Qatar Airways’ inflight service.

In order to mitigate the adverse impact of the electronic ban on its First and Business class guests, Etihad Airways has started offering iPads with free Wi-Fi on its flights to the UK and US-bound flights from Abu Dhabi as well as other cities on the ban list. The premium class passengers of Etihad Airways flights will be offered iPads with free Wi-Fi from April 2, 2017. While boarding Etihad Airways flights in premium travel classes, passengers will receive vouchers to access free Wi-Fi throughout the journey from departure till arrival.

Emirates Airlines too joined the bandwagon of Middle East careers in response to the inflight electronic ban on flights to USA and the UK. The airline announced to provide its customers with complimentary packing and handling service at the airports which are on the electronic device ban list for the UK-and-US-bound flights. The passengers of Emirates flights to USA and the UK can carry their laptops, tablets and iPads to the boarding area instead of packing those devices in their checked bags. They will be able to use the devices and stay productive until boarding. The devices will be collected from them at the time of boarding, and meticulously packed for loading on to planes. This free packing and handling service is extended to the passengers of Emirates flights to USA and the UK transiting through Dubai International Airport and other airports on the electronic device ban list.

Now you can stay productive and connected while sipping your favorite wine or champagne, with your back turned on the electronic device ban, on Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways flights to USA. Cheers!

We at Indian Eagle offer the best fare deals from major airlines to make your travel cheaper on economy and business flights between USA and India. Subscribe to our free newsletter and keep tuned to latest updates on air travel.

Also Check 

• Now Senior Citizens Fly Alone on Etihad Airways
• New 4-day Free Transit Visa to Qatar

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One of the best international airlines in first and business class travel, Etihad Airways treats premium passengers to an exclusive inflight dining experience designed by a team of award-winning chefs. First class and business class travelers are served according to their choices from a great selection of dishes on Etihad Airways’ inflight menu. Etihad’s brand new A380 with The Residence, the most luxurious suite in the sky, will hit the route to Mumbai from the US via Abu Dhabi on May 1, 2016. The Airbus 380 also comprises First Apartments, Business Studios and Economy Smart Cabin.

In the First Apartments and Business Studios of Etihad Airways’ A380, travelers have the luxury of dining at their leisure. Fine bone chinaware, cutlery and crystal glassware are used to serve food on board. The menu and the selection of boutique wines are inspired by some of the world’s leading fine-dining restaurants. Etihad’s inflight chef for premium passengers shares the step-by-step recipe of Arabic Lamb Chop, one of the most popular dishes adding to Etihad Airways’ inflight dining experience in the first class, through this video. The video is a tutorial on how to cook Arabic Lamb Chops at home.

Travel Beats, a digital portal for international travelers by IndianEagle, publishes news and stories about inflight dining and entertainment apart from travel ideas and tips. IndianEagle, a leading international travel organization, books the best flights to India by Etihad Airways and other airlines at the best prices that you have ever imagined.

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Is traveling by air while pregnant possible? Do international airlines permit flying during pregnancy? Is a “fitness or no complication” certificate from a doctor mandatory for international flights during pregnancy? There is a lot to know about airlines’ policies for pregnant travelers before booking your flight. As different airlines have different policies for expectant women, you may end up being baffled about which airline is the best for flying during pregnancy, or which airlines have compliable rules for traveling during pregnancy. You may get tips on flying to India from US during pregnancy from different sources, but knowing nothing about US to India airlines’ policy for pregnant women won’t help. Below is our guide on how you can travel to India from US when you are pregnant, based on a compilation of regulations from some of the major airlines:

Different Airline Policies for Flying during Pregnancy

Air India’s Policy for Pregnant Passengers

According to Air India’s policy for pregnant travelers, expectant women in good health can fly till the 32^nd week of pregnancy. Air India permits traveling during pregnancy to women with high possibility of normal delivery till the 35^th week. In this case, a medical certificate ascertaining their fitness for flying on long-haul routes is essential. Flying during pregnancy beyond 35 weeks may be possible on grounds of urgency or compassion. Flying while pregnant till the actual delivery requires women travelers to sign an indemnity bond and be accompanied by a physician on Air India’s international flights. Permission for traveling at the advanced stage of pregnancy should be sought from Air India’s Chief Medical Officer.

READ MORE Air India’s Baggage Policy for US to India Flights

British Airways’ Policy for Expectant Women

British Airways’ policy for air travel and pregnancy is stricter than Air India’s. Expectant women cannot board British Airways’ flights once the 36^th week of pregnancy is over. If you are expecting more than one baby, you cannot fly with British Airways after the end of the 32^nd week of pregnancy. Flying while pregnant for more than 28 weeks requires you to carry a confirmation letter from your doctor or midwife with regards to your fitness for air travel and the possible delivery date.

READ MORE British Airways Baggage Policy for US to India Travel

United Airlines’ Policy for Pregnant Women

A medical certificate confirming your health and fitness is required for traveling on United Airlines in the ninth month of pregnancy. The certificate should not be dated before 72 hours of the scheduled departure. You need to carry the original certificate and its two copies as well. According to United Airlines’ policy for pregnancy and air travel, the medical certificate from a doctor or midwife should carry an official statement about your physical wellness for flying. Make sure to carry the original certificate in your handbag because you need to produce it while checking in at the departure airport. Flight attendants may ask for copies of the certificate during air travel.

READ MORE United Airlines’ Service Policy for Special Travelers

Lufthansa’s Policy For Flying during Pregnancy

Lufthansa permits traveling during pregnancy in uncomplicated cases. Expectant women having no physical complicacy can board Lufthansa flights till 4 weeks before the possible delivery date or the end of the 36^th week of pregnancy. It is not mandatory to carry a medical certificate. If you are expecting more than one baby in uncomplicated pregnancy, you can be flying while pregnant till the end of the 28^th week. You need to undergo a health checkup and get a certificate from your physician or gynecologist confirming your medical fitness for air travel after the 36^th week of pregnancy. The certificate should clearly state that flying while pregnant is not harmful for you.

READ MORE Lufthansa’s Inflight Entertainment on Long-haul Flights

Emirates’ Policy for Traveling during Pregnancy

Emirates Airlines’ policy for flying pregnant makes it mandatory for expectant women to carry a genuine medical certificate or letter issued by a qualified doctor or midwife during air travel in the 29^th week of pregnancy. The medical certificate should state the type of pregnancy: singleton or multiple, the stage of pregnancy, the possible delivery date, and the traveler’s physical condition as well as fitness. If you forget to carry or fail to produce a duly signed medical certificate while checking in at the departure airport, you will be denied boarding. Emirates Airlines does not permit flying in case of multiple pregnancies after the 32^nd week of gestation. Traveling on Emirates’ flights is permitted for single pregnancies even after the 36^th week of gestation, on the basis of prior clearance by the airline’s medical department. You should fill a medical information form (MEDIF) and submit it to seek clearance.

READ MORE Emirates’ Menu on US to India Flights

Etihad’s Policy for Pregnant Travelers

On Etihad Airways, traveling while pregnant with one or two babies is possible without a medical certificate till the 28^th week of gestation. However, Etihad Airways’ “flying while pregnant” policy is rigid for the period from the beginning of the 29^th week till the end of the 36^th week. Women expecting one baby or two need to submit a medical certificate stating their physical fitness and estimated delivery date prior to flying with Etihad Airways after the 28^th week of pregnancy. The airline does not permit traveling after the 36^th week in case of ‘single pregnancy’ and after the 32^nd week of gestation in case ‘multiple pregnancy.’ The airline accepts only clinical / hospital letterheads issued, signed and stamped by doctors or midwives as medical certificates within 7 days before the date of departure.

READ MORE Best Facilities in Etihad’s Economy Class

Jet Airways’ Policy for Pregnancy Travel

Jet Airways’ ‘travel during pregnancy’ policy is more or less the same as that of other major international airlines. Traveling by air during pregnancy is permitted to expectant women till the end of the 28^th week in complicated single pregnancy or uncomplicated multiple pregnancy cases. You need to get a medical fitness certificate from your treating doctor. Jet Airways’ ‘pregnancy travel’ policy allows only expectant women with uncomplicated single pregnancy to fly till the 35^th week if they carry a ‘fit for air travel’ certificate from their treating doctors. No flight with Jet Airways is booked for women with uncomplicated multiple pregnancy or complicated single pregnancy after the 32^nd week. The airline’s Medical Department clearance is a must.

*These airline policies for flying during pregnancy are applicable to most of international flights across the globe. The airlines may modify their policies for pregnant travelers at any time and without notification.

Get cheap airfare deals for US to India flights on IndianEagle.com. Indian Eagle offers the lowest airfare online from these airlines.

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