Etihad Airways Loyalty Program Participants Now Gain Ability to Utilize Miles for Bidding on Cabin Upgrades
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has introduced a new system that allows customers to bid for premium seat upgrades using their Etihad Guest Miles. This innovative feature, integrated into the airline's loyalty program, offers travelers a flexible and valuable way to enhance their travel experience.
The upgrade process is straightforward. Customers can request upgrades from Economy to Business, Business to First, or First to The Residence by selecting the 'Redeem miles' and then 'Upgrade' options via Etihad’s platform. The required miles vary based on the route and cabin class upgrade desired, and these values are indicative and subject to change.
The system operates as a miles-based bidding or redemption mechanism. Travelers use their earned miles to "bid" or apply for available premium seats. The auction for upgrades takes place from 48 to six hours prior to the flight's departure. Once the auction closes, the successful winner will be notified immediately.
The system is flexible, allowing members to use miles they have earned not only from flights but also from credit cards, partner services like hotels and car rentals, and transfers from other points programs, all consolidated in the Etihad Guest loyalty program.
Upgrades are subject to availability and certain restrictions. For example, GuestSeat reward tickets and Multiflyer tickets cannot be upgraded using miles, and some aircraft might not have certain cabin classes, which affects upgrade options. An additional 12% tax applies to upgraded tickets originating from India.
In addition to the miles-based bidding, Etihad Airways offers an instant upgrade option at the airport, where travelers can use their Etihad Guest Miles for a last-minute upgrade if seats are available.
Future enhancements to the system will allow guests to submit multiple bids at the same time and bid with miles on Neighbour-Free seats. Guests will also have the option to combine cash and miles for bidding. Regular email and SMS updates will continue to be sent to notify guests of the status of their bid.
Guests are encouraged to check-in online up to 48 hours prior to departure using the Etihad Airways Mobile App or etihad.com. The Etihad Airways Mobile App and etihad.com check-in service can be used up to 48 hours prior to departure.
Etihad Airways is committed to providing its customers with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. The new miles-based bidding system for seat upgrades is a testament to this commitment, offering a flexible and valuable way for frequent flyers to experience enhanced travel classes.
Travelers can utilize their earned Etihad Guest Miles to bid for upgrades from their current cabin class to a premium one using the airline's platform. This miles-based bidding takes place from 48 to six hours prior to the flight's departure, and successful winners will be notified immediately.
Moreover, the flexibility of the program allows members to use miles they have earned from various sources, such as flights, credit cards, partner services like hotels and car rentals, and transfers from other points programs, all consolidated in the Etihad Guest loyalty program.
