Etihad Airways Introduces Changes to Ground and Inflight Services

In an effort to offer ground and inflight services of increased value and flexibility, Etihad Airways announced it is gradually proceeding with a series of changes, based on customer feedback.

According to an announcement, the airline’s complimentary chauffeur service is retained at Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub and has been replaced – as of July 3 – in all other cities with a paid option at specially negotiated rates.

The airline 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.

“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,” said  Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial.

Guests travelling in “The Residence”, Etihad’s 3-room suite onboard the flagship Airbus A380 fleet, will continue to receive complimentary chauffeur services at all A380 destinations, specifically in Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Sydney and New York.

First and Business Class tickets issued prior to 3 July 2017 will not be affected by these changes and will receive complimentary chauffeur service across destinations where the service is currently offered.

Furthermore, guests travelling on Etihad Airways Business Class tickets can now pay and upgrade to the airline’s luxurious flagship First Class Lounge & Spa when flying from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi.

Paid Access to Lounges for Economy Class Passengers

Etihad Airways will also offer Economy Class guests paid access to its growing portfolio of dedicated lounges around the world, including its premium lounges in Abu Dhabi, London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington D.C., New York JFK, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles.

Moreover, the airline introduced an innovative new ‘Neighbour-Free Seat’ option in Economy Class, which provides guests with the opportunity to bid for up to three empty seats next to their original seat, thus enjoy more space, comfort and privacy, at an affordable price.