My Eitihad Silver Status failed to update to Gold Status
Feb 12, 2017, 4:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
My Eitihad Silver Status failed to update to Gold Status
I have been an Etihad Guest Silver member for a couple of years. This time I was determined to upgrade to Gold Status, especially with the recent loss of lounge access.
When I first achieved Silver Status it was confirmed in my account within about 24 hours of completing enough flights/miles.
In advance of booking my 'gold run' flight, I quadruple checked all my mileage calculations and dates. I returned to the UK on Thursday (9th February). After landing I logged into my Guest account and it showed I had 50,180 tier miles, enough to get past the 50k threshold, but still showing me with Silver Status.
I checked my Guest account again today which is still showing me as Silver but I'm now below 50K tier miles because two segments have now dropped off as they were at the very beginning of the rolling 12 months period (I timed it very exactly). Fortunately, I have created print to PDF's every time I have checked my account.
To get me over the threshold, my itinerary involved a detour to Egypt which was a nightmare for multiple reasons but that's whole different topic.
I would be grateful to hear from others who have moved from Silver to Gold to hear how the process went for them. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. ^
Mike
When I first achieved Silver Status it was confirmed in my account within about 24 hours of completing enough flights/miles.
In advance of booking my 'gold run' flight, I quadruple checked all my mileage calculations and dates. I returned to the UK on Thursday (9th February). After landing I logged into my Guest account and it showed I had 50,180 tier miles, enough to get past the 50k threshold, but still showing me with Silver Status.
I checked my Guest account again today which is still showing me as Silver but I'm now below 50K tier miles because two segments have now dropped off as they were at the very beginning of the rolling 12 months period (I timed it very exactly). Fortunately, I have created print to PDF's every time I have checked my account.
To get me over the threshold, my itinerary involved a detour to Egypt which was a nightmare for multiple reasons but that's whole different topic.
I would be grateful to hear from others who have moved from Silver to Gold to hear how the process went for them. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. ^
Mike
Feb 13, 2017, 12:23 am
#2
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Brussels
Programs: Eurobonus Gold, Etihad Guest Platinum, AlItalia FA, BA Bronze, hhonors Gold
Posts: 22
If at some point you indeed have had 50000 tier points within a 12 month period then you are indeed eligible for gold so I don't think you should worry. It normally takes a few days to update. If not write to Etihad to explain the situation and they can do it manually.
Feb 13, 2017, 3:50 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Dubai
Programs: EY Platinum
Posts: 4
I had the same issue last week going from Gold to Platinum. A week went by and no upgrade. I called the call center and asked them to look into it. Next day (today) my status was upgraded and I got the email.
Last edited by varun124; Feb 13, 2017 at 3:50 am Reason: Spelling
Feb 13, 2017, 5:42 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
I was starting to worry that my most expensive and most stressful Etihad trip was all for nothing. I have done 30 flights in about three years and this has been my first negative one (for multiple reasons).
Feb 14, 2017, 5:34 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
I will likely link this thread to Etihad when I email them. I am therefore including a mini trip report so that they are aware of some of the issues on this trip although the major customs issue I had was not down to Etihad.
16/01/2017 MAN to AUH:
Check-in: Great service as usual.
Lounge: Access denied. Silver members no longer allowed lounge access. I thought the rule change was 19th January but I got the date wrong and the rule change came in the day before I travelled. I explained that this trip would get me to gold, of which I showed evidence, but they wouldn't make an exception. Furthermore, my current silver card is valid until end of March 2017 which was attached to a letter that stated I will be given lounge access (I think it's unfair to remove earned privileges midway through a cards validity).
Flight: Great as usual.
17/01/2017 AUH to CAI:
Transfer Security: Very Slow.
Lounge: Great experience as always in the AL Reem. The guys working in the bar know me well due to my frequency as well as being able to speak a little of their language (Filipino).
Flight: Satisfactory. No menu and only one food choice. No landing cards supplied.
Customs: They were making all foreigners put their cases through the x-ray machines and I ended up being detained for nearly two hours which resulted in my very expensive camera kit getting seized! There were 8-10 customs officers and not one could speak English. The worst bit was not knowing what was going on or why. At one stage they took me off to a side office away from all my opened cases. I had to sign a form that was in Arabic and French! In the end one guy used Google Translate on his phone which seemed to indicate that I had to deposit my kit until I leave the country and that I should get to the airport very early when I check-in.
Egypt: I had intended to photograph the pyramids but this was no longer an option. My hotel was upgraded to a suite but it was very bitter-sweet.
18/01/2017 CAI to AUH:
Terminal Entry: I arrived four before my flight to allow enough time to sort out my customs issue. I wouldn't normally have been allowed in this early.
Check-in: The Etihad staff seemed late in turning up for work and casual in attitude on their arrival. At other airports they always seem to be well ahead of time and opening the check-in desks well before the the three hour point. I would say they were at least 15 minutes late before they started checking people in.
I was waiting in the business class check-in counter, smartly dressed in a suit, when the gentleman at the adjacent Etihad help desk started a conversation with me in what came across as rude and bad mannered:
Him: "That's the business class counter"
Me: "Yes. I know"
Him: "Do you have a business class ticket?"
Me: "No but I have silver status which entitles me to use this queue"
Him: "Do you have your card?"
Me: "Yes!"
I felt quite annoyed by his manner. I don't expect to get interrogated when I check-in.
The check-in agent started to process me but she had a lower standard of English than I have experienced at other airports. This wouldn't normally be a major issue but I needed her to explain the complex procedure in sorting out my customs situation. I handed her the customs form. I only partially understood her instructions. I had to leave my main luggage on the trolley at
the counter. I was then escorted to immigration and then to the customs area, trying to find the right place and people. After signing yet another non-English form and paying a fee, I was finally in possession of my camera kit again.
The customs officer escorted my back to check-in. Initially, the check-in agent had indicated that my camera kit would need to be checked in. I explained that it was too valuable and delicate to be put in the hold. In the end I was allowed to carry it with me. I was then able to check-in my main bags. The customs officer then escorted me to the security point after which I had full airside access.
Terminal: Etihad have recently moved their flights to the new T2. There is still a lot of construction work going on and there were very few concessions open, which left very little choice in food and refreshment options. However it looks like it will be a good terminal once finished. I was very grateful for the smoking room close to the gate.
Flight: This was my first experience of an Etihad narrow-body. Flight was satisfactory but again no menus but there were two food choices this time.
18/01/2017 AUH to MNL:
Transfer security; Reasonably quick.
Lounge: Al Reem. Positive experience as per previous visits.
Flight: I have flown this route several times and it's usually an excellent service. However, this time, no menus were handed out. When I noticed they were preparing the main meal service, I approached an FA and asked for a menu. She said she would bring one to my seat. She seemed slightly annoyed at my request. About ten minutes later she handed me a menu then immediately asked weather I wanted chicken or pasta. I told her I would make my choice once I've had a chance to study the menu which offers more context and assists in making a more informed choice. Otherwise satisfactory flight.
MNL Arrival: I got to the luggage carousels in about 15 or 20 minutes. Very quick. This was my 28th Etihad flight and I had never previously had any baggage damage except minor damage to one handle that was repairable. This time I noticed a wheel missing on one of my cases. On closer inspection I noticed the area around the wheel was badly damaged and cracked with major signs of stress consistent with a very heavy blow or drop. I reported this to Etihad ground staff who handled this very efficiently and did the paperwork and took photos. During this process I noticed similar damage to my second case with one wheel hanging on by the skin of its teeth. I therefore reported this as well. I couldn't believe it. No previous damage but this time I had two good suitcases damaged beyond repair.
I had done the MAN-AUH-MNL return route six previous times without issues. I highly suspect the damage happened on the CAI-AUH segment. Thank goodness I wasn't forced to check in my camera kit! Over the next few days, Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon.
09/02/2017 MNL to AUH:
Check-in: The Etihad staff are always very good at this airport and the process is very quick now that I have priority check-in.
Security: Very quick. The whole of MNL T1 has improved massively over the last few years.
Lounge: No longer free access with silver. I opted to buy access into the official smoking room by buying a beer! There were even some pilots from another airline in there.
Flight: Very good as usual on this route.
09/02/2017 AUH-MAN:
Transfer security: Very quick.
Lounge: Al Reem. Very good as per previous visits.
Flight: I was on a 789 for the first time. I loved the plane. The E-Box is a massive upgrade on the previous ones I have used. This has a much higher definition and the touch sensitivity of an iPad. The windows were amazing with the electronic tinting control. A great flight as always on this route.
Arrival: I got through the airport in about 15 minutes.
As you can see above, I went through a difficult journey just so I can achieve gold status! I have no plans to return to Egypt any time soon!
TRIP REPORT
16/01/2017 MAN to AUH:
Check-in: Great service as usual.
Lounge: Access denied. Silver members no longer allowed lounge access. I thought the rule change was 19th January but I got the date wrong and the rule change came in the day before I travelled. I explained that this trip would get me to gold, of which I showed evidence, but they wouldn't make an exception. Furthermore, my current silver card is valid until end of March 2017 which was attached to a letter that stated I will be given lounge access (I think it's unfair to remove earned privileges midway through a cards validity).
Flight: Great as usual.
17/01/2017 AUH to CAI:
Transfer Security: Very Slow.
Lounge: Great experience as always in the AL Reem. The guys working in the bar know me well due to my frequency as well as being able to speak a little of their language (Filipino).
Flight: Satisfactory. No menu and only one food choice. No landing cards supplied.
Customs: They were making all foreigners put their cases through the x-ray machines and I ended up being detained for nearly two hours which resulted in my very expensive camera kit getting seized! There were 8-10 customs officers and not one could speak English. The worst bit was not knowing what was going on or why. At one stage they took me off to a side office away from all my opened cases. I had to sign a form that was in Arabic and French! In the end one guy used Google Translate on his phone which seemed to indicate that I had to deposit my kit until I leave the country and that I should get to the airport very early when I check-in.
Egypt: I had intended to photograph the pyramids but this was no longer an option. My hotel was upgraded to a suite but it was very bitter-sweet.
18/01/2017 CAI to AUH:
Terminal Entry: I arrived four before my flight to allow enough time to sort out my customs issue. I wouldn't normally have been allowed in this early.
Check-in: The Etihad staff seemed late in turning up for work and casual in attitude on their arrival. At other airports they always seem to be well ahead of time and opening the check-in desks well before the the three hour point. I would say they were at least 15 minutes late before they started checking people in.
I was waiting in the business class check-in counter, smartly dressed in a suit, when the gentleman at the adjacent Etihad help desk started a conversation with me in what came across as rude and bad mannered:
Him: "That's the business class counter"
Me: "Yes. I know"
Him: "Do you have a business class ticket?"
Me: "No but I have silver status which entitles me to use this queue"
Him: "Do you have your card?"
Me: "Yes!"
I felt quite annoyed by his manner. I don't expect to get interrogated when I check-in.
The check-in agent started to process me but she had a lower standard of English than I have experienced at other airports. This wouldn't normally be a major issue but I needed her to explain the complex procedure in sorting out my customs situation. I handed her the customs form. I only partially understood her instructions. I had to leave my main luggage on the trolley at
the counter. I was then escorted to immigration and then to the customs area, trying to find the right place and people. After signing yet another non-English form and paying a fee, I was finally in possession of my camera kit again.
The customs officer escorted my back to check-in. Initially, the check-in agent had indicated that my camera kit would need to be checked in. I explained that it was too valuable and delicate to be put in the hold. In the end I was allowed to carry it with me. I was then able to check-in my main bags. The customs officer then escorted me to the security point after which I had full airside access.
Terminal: Etihad have recently moved their flights to the new T2. There is still a lot of construction work going on and there were very few concessions open, which left very little choice in food and refreshment options. However it looks like it will be a good terminal once finished. I was very grateful for the smoking room close to the gate.
Flight: This was my first experience of an Etihad narrow-body. Flight was satisfactory but again no menus but there were two food choices this time.
18/01/2017 AUH to MNL:
Transfer security; Reasonably quick.
Lounge: Al Reem. Positive experience as per previous visits.
Flight: I have flown this route several times and it's usually an excellent service. However, this time, no menus were handed out. When I noticed they were preparing the main meal service, I approached an FA and asked for a menu. She said she would bring one to my seat. She seemed slightly annoyed at my request. About ten minutes later she handed me a menu then immediately asked weather I wanted chicken or pasta. I told her I would make my choice once I've had a chance to study the menu which offers more context and assists in making a more informed choice. Otherwise satisfactory flight.
MNL Arrival: I got to the luggage carousels in about 15 or 20 minutes. Very quick. This was my 28th Etihad flight and I had never previously had any baggage damage except minor damage to one handle that was repairable. This time I noticed a wheel missing on one of my cases. On closer inspection I noticed the area around the wheel was badly damaged and cracked with major signs of stress consistent with a very heavy blow or drop. I reported this to Etihad ground staff who handled this very efficiently and did the paperwork and took photos. During this process I noticed similar damage to my second case with one wheel hanging on by the skin of its teeth. I therefore reported this as well. I couldn't believe it. No previous damage but this time I had two good suitcases damaged beyond repair.
I had done the MAN-AUH-MNL return route six previous times without issues. I highly suspect the damage happened on the CAI-AUH segment. Thank goodness I wasn't forced to check in my camera kit! Over the next few days, Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon.
09/02/2017 MNL to AUH:
Check-in: The Etihad staff are always very good at this airport and the process is very quick now that I have priority check-in.
Security: Very quick. The whole of MNL T1 has improved massively over the last few years.
Lounge: No longer free access with silver. I opted to buy access into the official smoking room by buying a beer! There were even some pilots from another airline in there.
Flight: Very good as usual on this route.
09/02/2017 AUH-MAN:
Transfer security: Very quick.
Lounge: Al Reem. Very good as per previous visits.
Flight: I was on a 789 for the first time. I loved the plane. The E-Box is a massive upgrade on the previous ones I have used. This has a much higher definition and the touch sensitivity of an iPad. The windows were amazing with the electronic tinting control. A great flight as always on this route.
Arrival: I got through the airport in about 15 minutes.
As you can see above, I went through a difficult journey just so I can achieve gold status! I have no plans to return to Egypt any time soon!
Feb 14, 2017, 9:10 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Etihad Guest Platinum; Accor Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,356
The sad thing is that Gold isn't what it once was and I hope that you find it worth it. Cairo, considering all that's going on in this world, is an interesting choice for a mileage run !!!
"Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon."
I'm really happy to see someone say something positive about this as it seems others have had a nightmare for the last couple of years. I really hope that they're starting to sort this out.
"Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon."
I'm really happy to see someone say something positive about this as it seems others have had a nightmare for the last couple of years. I really hope that they're starting to sort this out.
Feb 14, 2017, 4:06 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
The sad thing is that Gold isn't what it once was and I hope that you find it worth it. Cairo, considering all that's going on in this world, is an interesting choice for a mileage run !!!
"Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon."
I'm really happy to see someone say something positive about this as it seems others have had a nightmare for the last couple of years. I really hope that they're starting to sort this out.
"Etihad were in regular contact with me by email which involved me filling in some forms and giving them my bank details so they could transfer the money. I haven't received payment yet and haven't heard anything for nearly two weeks but I have no doubt it will get resolved soon."
I'm really happy to see someone say something positive about this as it seems others have had a nightmare for the last couple of years. I really hope that they're starting to sort this out.
My Cairo detour was just the right number of miles and I had always wanted to revisit the pyramids. That said, I certainly didn't expect the nightmare I went through.
With regards to my luggage, all the staff I have dealt with so far have been based at Manila. The communication I have received so far certainly indicates they have agreed to the amount I claimed. Not a crazy amount and I haven't claimed for any contents. I remain optimistic.
Feb 20, 2017, 3:00 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
It's now 11 days since I broke the threshold but still no update. I have just received my monthly Etihad Guest statement which is still showing me as silver.
This is a screen-shot while I was at Abu Dhabi waiting for my flight to Manchester on 9th February:
This is a screen-shot just after landing in Manchester with the required tier miles:
This is a screen-shot 2 or 3 days later when two flights had dropped off from the beginning of the 12 month rolling period:
Feb 21, 2017, 4:35 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 7
As you can see, the statement dates back to 5th of Feb, so no wonder. I also notice that the App (android) is sometimes ahead of the web statement. You might otherwise also check that. However, I think now is a good time to contact etihad (email).
Feb 22, 2017, 5:17 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: England
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold
Posts: 89
Gold Status Confirmed
I contacted EtihadHelp yesterday, summarising the issues and linking to this thread. I'm pleased to say that today I received an email from Etihad confirming my gold status. This has also been reflected in my Etihad Guest account with my gold card showing as now ordered.
As much as I would love platinum status, I consider gold to be a good achievement considering I don't fly with work. Flying 50k miles in 12 months takes a lot of doing when your flights are for leisure only.
Thank you to EtihadHelp and the Etihad Guest Gold team for a prompt resolution.^
Mike
As much as I would love platinum status, I consider gold to be a good achievement considering I don't fly with work. Flying 50k miles in 12 months takes a lot of doing when your flights are for leisure only.
Thank you to EtihadHelp and the Etihad Guest Gold team for a prompt resolution.^
Mike
Last edited by British Balikbayan; Feb 22, 2017 at 5:21 am Reason: Missing words