Hi all - I'll apologize in advance for the Etihad newbie questions. I read Point Guy's Abu Dhabi layover guide but didn't answer all my questions. I'm looking to assist my elderly parents make the best of a 21-hour layover in AUH. They arrive in AUH at 11:40am, and then fly to Los Angeles the following morning at 8:50am. Both segments are in business class on an award ticket. Unfortunately, I have never flown through AUH myself, so can't guide them on anything. Hoping the community can help.

This might be one of their last international flights because of their age & health. My biggest fears are:
- They spend the entire 21 hours in the airport and don't go out to see Abu Dhabi.
- They decide to leave the airport and miss their connecting flight because they can't get through security/immigration quickly.

My plan is for them to grab lunch in the airport lounge upon arrival, then go out and do some sightseeing. Then stay the night a local hotel (Marriott seems to have a good range of options) and get to the airport in the morning before the flight. Worst case, spend the night in the business class lounge to avoid security/immigration right before their flight.

A few questions:
1. Which Etihad Lounge would you recommend they use?
2. Is there a place to store hand-luggage for the day? For example, will the lounge staff allow hand-luggage to be checked?
3. Can they get a decent night's sleep in the Etihad business class lounge or should I put them in a hotel and just allocate time to go to/from the hotel? My main concern is them missing the flight by getting stuck in security/immigration.
4. How long does it take to get through check-in/security/immigration as business class passengers? How much time before an international flight should they arrive?
5. Any suggestions on a tour company, taxi service, or renting a driver for the day? Definitely don't want my parents driving.
6. I understand as Indian citizens, they do require a transit visa if they leave the airport. Can this be easily obtained in advance or better off getting it upon approval? Do you have to pay in local currency? Can you use a credit card?

Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions!