Etihad Airways has announced it is introducing a series of changes designed to offer increased value and flexibility based on customer feedback.
The airline is to amend its chauffeur policy following a review of usage by premium guests across all major markets. The company says its complimentary chauffeur service will be retained at its Abu Dhabi hub and replaced with a paid option at specially negotiated rates in all other cities. The changes will be implemented from July 3, 2017.
The airline added that, as part of the initiative to improve the value proposition for travellers, it will also extend the paid airport transfer option to all guests across all cabins and allow Etihad Guest members to accrue miles on their chauffeur bookings.
Guests travelling in The Residence onboard the flagship Airbus A380 fleet will continue to receive complimentary chauffeur services at all A380 destinations – Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Sydney and New York.
Etihad says First and Business Class tickets issued prior to July 3, 2017 will not be affected by these changes and will receive complimentary chauffeur service across destinations where the service is currently offered.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial for Etihad Airways, commented:
“Etihad Airways is constantly looking at ways to improve its value proposition for guests, focusing on the service elements that are most important to them. This change is being put in place as the airline looks to evolve its product proposition while continuing to match individual customer requirements. Following a review, the chauffeur services we offer will be amended globally, with the exception of Abu Dhabi, where there are a high number of users of the service.
“Many customers prefer to make their own ground transportation arrangements. The decision by Etihad Airways to change its offering has been taken to provide increased choice and to ensure fares remain as low and as competitive as possible, while retaining best-in-class service for all guests, in all cabins.”
Etihad Airways will also offer Economy Class guests paid access to its lounges, including its Premium Lounges in Abu Dhabi, London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington DC, New York JFK, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Mr Al Bulooki continued:
“On the ground, premium class guests can enjoy free access to Etihad Airways’ collection of outstanding lounges. By offering paid access to Economy Class guests, these signature lounges can now be enjoyed by all who desire to experience our award-winning facilities.”
Guests travelling on Etihad Airways Business Class tickets can now also pay and upgrade to the airline’s luxurious flagship First Class Lounge & Spa when flying from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi.
Inflight, Etihad Airways has introduced a new ‘Neighbour-Free Seat’ option in Economy Class. It says the service provides guests with the option to enhance their flying experience by ‘bidding’ for up to three empty seats next to their original seat – subject to availability and cabin configuration. This gives guests the opportunity for increased space, comfort and privacy, at a price that is affordable. Guests can bid at the time of booking online. Successful bids will be confirmed 30 hours prior to departure.
