The Etihad Guest Program is being revamped completely, and changes will go live in June 2024. Last year, Etihad updated its award charts, and this year, it is completely revamping its frequent flyer program. All changes are not yet available; however, based on information made available by Etihad, several changes are coming and here is what we know so far.
Etihad Guest Program Changes
Starting in June, Etihad Guest members will get a revamped frequent flyer program with the following changes:
- Introduction of Diamond Elite Tier
- Tier miles will now also factor in the fare band.
- The tier Segment requirement for the Elite Tier will be removed.
- Elite members can choose benefits, including lounge access, based on their preferences.
- Changes to Guest Miles refund on cancellations
- Guest Miles will now need a flight not to let them expire.
- The miles requirement for Economy and Business Class will be reduced on some routes.
- Custom Account Number for Platinum & Diamond members.
Etihad Guest New Diamond Tier
To become an Etihad Guest Diamond member, you must be an Etihad Guest Platinum member and spend $1,50,000 the last month on Etihad Flights.
Etihad Guest Custom & Beyond Benefits
Starting June 2024, you can choose custom benefits as an Etihad Guest Elite member. These benefits vary by the elite status you hold. You will be entitled to additional benefits once you reach a particular number of Tier miles.
Custom Benefits
Silver Tier members can choose any two custom benefits from the following:
- Etihad Business Class lounge in the Zayed International Airport
- Complimentary seat selection
- Additional 25% discount on baggage
- Two carbon offset vouchers
Gold Tier members can choose any four custom benefits from the following:
- Business Class lounge access for you and a plus-one
- One-piece complimentary baggage
- Two complimentary chauffeur services in the UAE
- Complimentary chauffeur service in UAE for guests in Business or First Class.
- One complimentary refund on your GuestSeat booking
- Two complimentary Home Check-in in the UAE
- Four carbon offset vouchers
Platinum Tier members can choose any five custom benefits from the following:
- First Class lounge access for you and a plus-one
- One-piece complimentary baggage
- Two complimentary upgrades on eligible routes
- Extra legroom seat free of charge for you and three guests
- Complimentary change to an earlier flight on the same day
- Two complimentary chauffeur services in UAE in Economy
- Two complimentary refunds on your GuestSeat booking
- Four complimentary Home Check-in in the UAE
- Six carbon offset vouchers
Most of these benefits were already available to elite tier members without any selection. However, now they need to choose these benefits. For Example, Gold members are eligible for complimentary chauffeur service in UAE for guests in Business or First Class, but now they must select this benefit to use starting June 2024.
Also, Lounge Access benefits have been made optional for members, whereas earlier, they were attached to the elite tier. For Example, Gold Members now have to choose Business Class lounge access, whereas earlier, it was available based on the elite status.
Beyond Benefits
Once you reach 75000 Tier miles, you get the additional benefits:
- Two business-class lounge passes
- One Silver Tier Status nomination
- 10,000 Etihad Guest Bonus Miles
Once you reach 1,75,000 Tier miles, you get the following benefits:
- Three business-class lounge passes
- Three priority passes for Priority check-in, boarding, and priority baggage
- 20,000 Etihad Guest Bonus Miles
Award Cancellation Charges w.e.f 21st Feb 2024
Note: Cancellation Policy at the time of booking is applicable. If your Etihad award flight were booked before 21st Feb 2024, then the cancellation policy at the time of booking will be applicable.
Effective 21st Feb 2024, you’re eligible for a refund up to 24 hours before your flight departure date. After that, the following charges apply:
- 24 Hours-Seven Days Before Departure: 75% of the fare
- Eight Days – 21 days before departure: 50% of the fare.
- Cancellations over 21 days before departure: 25% of the fare.
- No Show: No Refund
You could cancel your award flight 24 hours before departure with just 10% as a charge. Now, this has increased significantly.
Guest Miles Expiry
Earlier Guest miles validity could be extended easily without any flying. But starting June 2024, you will need one flying activity to extend the validity of miles by another 18 months.
Reduced Mileage Requirement
I get apprehensive when an airline says they are moving to reduced mileage. Since complete details are unavailable on this, it is difficult to ascertain this change’s implications. However, Etihad is claiming there would be mileage reduction on some routes.
For Example:
- Abu Dhabi to London in Economy Class down to 30,000 now it costs 32K miles.
- Milan to Abu Dhabi in Economy Class down to 25,000 miles now it costs 27K miles.
- Jeddah to Abu Dhabi in Business Class is down to 20,000 miles; now it costs 30K miles.
- Abu Dhabi to Istanbul in Economy Class down to 15,000 miles now it costs 17K miles.
I think Etihad will change the distance range and the mileage in their new award chart. However, we need to wait for complete details.
Upgrade to The Residence
The Residence from Etihad is a traveller favourite. Now, you can use their Guest Miles to upgrade to the Residence. Most likely, this upgrade should be available on cash tickets purchased; however, this needs more clarity.
Bottomline
Etihad Guest program changes are mixed since a few changes, such as removing the tier segment, are positive, but at the same time, restricted lounge access is negative. The impact of these changes will depend on what you use frequently. I am a bit disappointed with the cancellation penalty and lounge access.
