Etihad Airways 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 complimentary
chauffeur service will be retained at Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub and
replaced with a paid option at specially negotiated rates in all other cities.
The changes will be implemented from 3 July 2017.
As part of the initiative to improve the value
proposition for travellers, 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.
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.
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.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President
Commercial for Etihad Airways, said: “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 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.
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 an innovative new ‘Neighbour-Free
Seat’ option in Economy Class. 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.