Etihad Lounge – Dulles Airport (IAD)

We’re still trying to assess whether the steep fee associated with the American Express Platinum Card is worth it give our current travel plans and needs. As opposed to last year, this year we’ve struggled to eke the most value out of it. That’s the result of several factors: First, by our standards we haven’t traveled that much in the first half of the year. Second, AmEx recently ended the SiriusXM monthly credit. Finally, we expected the DCA Centurion Lounge to be open a year ago and it still has not been completed – meaning we have no consistent lounge option when we fly out of that airport.

One nice development, however, was the discovery that the our Priority Pass membership allows us a single visit per year to the Dulles Airport (IAD) Etihad Lounge. Our card/membership already provided us some lounge access there, most notably and consistently the Turkish Airways outpost, but it was nice to have an additional choice – and a slightly more upscale one at that.

The discovery of this option couldn’t have come at a better time for us. On the morning of May 25th we flew on Copa out of gate A15, directly across from Etihad. In fact, we were so convinced that it would be a longer walk upon arriving at Terminal A that we walked right by it.

Despite the fact that we traveled on Memorial Day weekend, reportedly one of the busiest in years, if not ever, we waltzed right into the lounge at 7am. The friendly agent quickly processed us, told us the Wi-Fi password and food/drink options, and we found a table next to the buffet.

In order to get there, we walked by the full service bar, which had seats available, and to a small table. There were high tops, low tops, and cushioned more comfortable seating. I got the excellent French Toast with berries, but there were other choices including oatmeal, cheese, nuts and dried fruit. Each table had a QR code on it with access to a made-to-order menu that included Salmon Benedict and a breakfast bao with egg, turkey bacon (remember, this is Etihad) and cheese). Hanna order the Middle Eastern Shakshuka with eggs, tomatoes and peppers. While the options weren’t as extensive as say, a Centurion Lounge or a Delta Sky Club, they were ample and well thought out.

In addition to the bar, there were canned soft drinks in a mini-fridge and a coffee maker that efficiently made a variety of coffee drinks.

The bathrooms were clean and functional, but not fancy.

Beyond that, the amenities were limited. There was a shower room, and a prayer/reflection room. Those don’t matter to us, but they may to you, especially if this is a layover location on the way to your ultimate destination. We care more about it being clean and not overcrowded. Indeed, we had plenty of room, and once we were done eating we moved to the upstairs portion of the lounge, which featured plush seating and more room to spread out, while still offering waitress service. It never got crowded, and when we got word that our flight was boarding we gathered up our gear, walked down the stairs, and exited directly to our gate.

I don’t know how long this lounge (which was reopened in March) will remain a “secret.” We won’t have an option to use it again this year unless we fly Business Class on Etihad. The real beneficiaries will be travelers who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. For them it’s free to use as many times as you fly.