Etihad Airways has introduced a number of changes to its Etihad Guest program starting this summer.
The airline says it is reducing the number of miles needed for redemptions “on some of our most popular destinations,” such as London to Abu Dhabi in economy class (from 32,000 to 30,000 miles + tax).
Overall, Etihad said there would be a nearly 30 percent reduction in the price of GuestSeat.
The airline is also introducing new personalized benefits, allowing members to choose from a variety of benefit options including lounge access and complimentary chauffeur based on their tier.
Exact benefits will be confirmed closer to launch in June, but Etihad said Silver members will be able to choose from two personalized benefits, while Gold will get four and Platinum five.
There will also be Beyond Benefits for Gold members who reach 75,000 tier miles, with examples including bonus miles and the ability to nominate a friend or family member for Silver status.
Tier segments have been replaced with tier miles, which will be awarded at the same rate as guest miles, and earning will now take into account fare bands as well as destinations and class of travel.
Other changes include a new Diamond tier for Platinum members who spend more than $150,000 on Etihad flights in 12 months, the option for Platinum and Diamond members to choose their own “vanity” membership numbers and the option to redeem miles for upgrades to The Residence cabins.
More details about the changes can be seen at etihad.com/en/guest/loyalty-relaunch.
Earlier this week, Etihad unveiled a new collection of amenity kits and loungewear created in partnership with Italian design house Giorgio Armani and luxury brand ESPA.
Etihad introduces new luxury amenities in all cabins
Commenting on the news, Mark Potter, CEO of Etihad Guest, said:
“We are excited to announce a new era for the Etihad Guest program with the experience of being a valued member poised to reach new heights.
“The enhancements renew our partnership with our Etihad Guest members around the world, meaning the more time they spend with us flying and through our lifestyle partners, the more rewarding and personalized their experiences will be, so guests They can travel according to their conditions, not ours. .
“Today, we have revised the prices of our GuestSeats and reduced the miles required for some of our most popular destinations, both in Economy and Business class, to provide our members with more rewarding opportunities when booking flights.
“Examples of GuestSeat price reductions include: Abu Dhabi to London in economy class up to 30,000 EYG miles and taxes; From Milan to Abu Dhabi in Economy class up to 25,000 miles and taxes; Jeddah to Abu Dhabi in Business Class with up to 20,000 miles and taxes; and from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul in economy class with up to 15,000 miles and taxes.
“Members will earn the same number of Tier Miles and Etihad Guest Miles on bookings made from June onwards. Therefore, the higher the fare brand you book, the more tier miles and Etihad Guest miles you will earn. Therefore, treating yourself to a little luxury will help you reach higher levels and unlock exciting additional benefits in no time.
“We are also further rewarding our Platinum members, who will now enjoy 100 per cent bonus Etihad Guest Miles when they fly with us or any of our eligible partner airlines, to bring their next rewards closer.
“And we will allow Etihad Guest members to upgrade to The Residence, our luxurious three-bedroom suite in the sky, using their miles.”
“And Etihad Guest is delighted to introduce a new elite level, Diamond, which recognizes the airline's best travelers with experiences that truly go above and beyond. “Diamond and Platinum members will be able to choose their own personalized membership numbers.”
“We are also introducing Beyond Benefits for our Gold and Platinum members as they advance through their levels. These benefits can be gifted to friends or family and include rewards such as Silver or Gold tier status or lounge passes to relax in style before their flight, as well as bonus miles for Etihad guests.”
“To upgrade to a higher tier and unlock more benefits, Etihad Guest members will still need to earn a set number of Tier Miles, some of which must now be earned by flying.
“We've simplified how members reach their new tiers by removing tier segments, creating an easier way for guests to track their progress to the next level.”
etihad.com
