Etihad Guest Prepares for Second Devaluation
Joe Cortez May 31, 2018
Etihad Guest members should brace themselves for a second devaluation in less than 12 months, after announcing a sweeping change to award seats. The program will introduce variable pricing for flights “marketed and operated” by the Middle East Carrier starting on June 30, 2018.
Frequent flyers of Etihad Airways and their partner airlines are bracing for a major shock, as their miles may soon not be as valuable. The Middle East carrier announced they would introduce variable pricing on flights “marketed and operated” by Etihad on June 30, 2018.
The original news was published on the Etihad website on May 31 but was quickly taken down. A cached version of the website explains the upcoming changes. According to the page, Etihad Guest will change bookings from a fixed rate in economy and business class to “three variances in fares within economy class and two variances in fares within business class.” However, the airline stopped short of announcing the new pricings.
Answering the frequently asked questions, Etihad noted the new award chart would go into effect on June 30 but would not affect bookings made before that date. If a flyer decides to change their award seat after the date, “the ticket will be re-issued, difference in fare (if applicable) will be collected, along with the date change fee.” Flyers can still book awards and make changes under the current award chart and rules through the end of June.
If a flyer can’t make their flight, they can request a refund minus a 10 percent points deduction for redeposit. But if flyers don’t make their flight entirely, their award will be non-refundable.
One thing that won’t be changing are the number of miles required for OpenSeats bookings and upgrades. The award chart changes will only apply to new GuestSeats awards. Flyers with questions can e-mail Etihad Guest directly to get answers.
The award chart change is the second devaluation for Etihad Guest points in less than 12 months. In September 2017, the reward program shifted where flyers carry elite status for only one year instead of three.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
