Eithad U.S. Preclearance Lounge

To someone with an Eithad First Class ticket and Global Entry, one of stupidest things that Etihad suits have ever done it to opt for and pay for a U.S. Preclearance facility at AUH.  This means one has to leave the comfort and trappings of the First Class Lounge at least 90 minutes before departure to schlep to the far end of the terminal, stand in line with the kettles, endure another security and then customs with its two, count 'em only two Global Entry kiosks... both of which were not working today.  Yeah, really smart.

The last time we were here a couple of years ago, we had to wait at the gate for 45 minutes.  At least there is now a "premium lounge" for Business and First Class passengers, although it's small, ugly and crowded, and not much better than just sitting at the gate.  

Indeed, it was so depressing that we decided to go to the gate before the flight was called if for nothing more than a change of scenery.