orbis

I have been trying to search for the thread on unpublished platinum benefits but can't find it. Just wondering if they do anything extra for you like get your meal choices ahead of others, etc..
Flew ATH-AUH on a full fare J class ticket and all I got today was a quick hello from the ISM. I was probably the 2nd to the last guy in the entire cabin that was asked for my meal choice. So, no more mezze and lamb for me. Unless I was flying with an entire cabin of Platinums.

sabdhabi

This is my fourth year as a Platinum. I can honestly say that as the years have gone by, the recognition and the service have both gone downhill. I'm not talking about the F lounge, but the service on board. Nowadays, unlike the earlier years, it is very rare for me to be recognised or greeted as a Platinum member. Zero recognition and I always fly in either J or F! I'm not even addressed by name, unlike other carriers where I am addressed by name in premium cabins. Platinum status does not matter one bit when it comes to meal choice. What they do is start from the back of the cabin when they take meal requests. On a few flights in J when seated toward the front of the cabin, I was told that my choice was no longer available. It didn't matter at all if I was Platinum, or not even a member of Etihad Guest. All I got was a well-rehearsed line of apologies. Etihad clearly need to make us Platinum guests feel both appreciated and valued. Right now, they are failing to do that.

orbis

Ouch..

NoY

That's my experience too - almost zero recognition - although the crew ARE good at "reserving" my meal choice for me - but only upon request..at the very start of the flight.

flightcrew1

Same here, I feel no special recognition on board other than the usual greeting and welcome back. As for meal choices it always seems random to me in J as they seem to move all about the cabin. After I sit down I look at the menu and write what I would like and when and give it the flight attendant. Works every time.

amnicoll

I do not think that Etihad have ever really understood the "loyalty" thing.

I do as flightcrew1 does and browse the menu when I get to my seat and even if I do not want to eat for a few hours will always pass my order as soon as possible and so far never been let down.

On the subject of prioritising meal ordering by status I can see the difficulties here - however if you are the only Platinum guest then things are simpler

im.daniel

Interesting. I have found the same whenever I fly J/F on EY. No recognition (as Partner Premium). However, recognition is fantastic in Y. I get a greeting and asked my choice of meal around 80% of the time and get served my meal when they bring out the special meals!!

flightcrew1

I completely agree with im.daniel. Whenever I do fly Y on EY I'm always personally greeted, get my econ meal choice and have been even asked if there was anything I wanted from J class. Several times I've been brought the cookies and madelines still in the package and the J class amenity kits without asking.

MSPeconomist

So EY is essentially encouraging their elites to travel in coach rather than on paid J of FC fares? That's so pathetic for a loyalty program that it's even funny. It's not even some complicated matter of unintended consequences or collateral damage.

amnicoll

Silly me for traveling in business rather than economy -

thbe

Service and recognition at EY are based on coincidences. One time I had a limo instead of bus service. Sometimes a purser remembered me and we had interesting conversations. Other times I ordered only a soup, which was offered as 'fast meal' by the FA and they brought it after serving all other passengers.

Few weeks ago I write to the platinum desk because of two issues. They answered me within a few hours and said, the issues will be solved. Nothing heard since then and nothing solved.

Tomorrow and Monday I will have my last two flights with EY this year. For next year I've booked an award only, even I've already requalified as platinum. Right now I feel really relieved and happy about that. I will not miss anything.

NoY

Having said all of the above, I will still take the space & relative calm of Business Class, over Economy, any day of the week!

amnicoll

But with Etihad? - I have got to the stage where I am seriously looking else where and giving others a try which is a shame as I used strongly recommend Etihad.

The final straw for me has been the transit at Abu Dhabi with not facilities being provided for premium passengers and despite complaints to Etihad they are not prepared to take up the issue with the airport on behalf of their passengers and are happy for premium passengers to queue for 30 minutes

Reds2011

The thread title is pretty funny, when you consider Platinums are unlikely to receive their published benefits, let alone unpublished ones!

NoY