Etihad Guest moves to 'demand-based' frequent flyer reward rates

- 'Demand-based' pricing for Etihad Airways business class, economy awards
- No change to upgrade rates, first class awards
- New tiered reward rates take effect June 30
The Etihad Guest program is set for a shake-up which will see travellers pay more frequent flyer miles to book a seat during peak periods.
Starting June 30, 2018, Etihad Guest redemption rates in business class and economy will move to a demand-based pricing scheme instead of the current year-round flat rate for reward bookings.
Business class bookings made with Guest Miles will be set at a lower rate during off-peak and lower-demand periods, and a higher rate on flights in stronger demand or when booking closer to departure.
In economy class there’ll also be two reward rates: the lowest rate for bookings made well in advance, and the highest again for those who book last-minute or on flights with higher demand.
First class flights will remain under a single reward booking rate.
Etihad Airways has not yet revealed the new mileage rates on a route-by-route basis, although describes the overheal as helping "to ensure that the program remains attractive, competitive and sustainable to members."
The program's new rates on each route are expected to be made known in the last week of June, before taking effect from June 30.
Australian Business Traveller has confirmed with Etihad Airways that there are no changes to the number of Etihad Guest miles needed to book reward flights with partner airlines, such as using Etihad Guest miles to book Virgin Australia flights.
The number of Virgin Australia Velocity points needed to book Etihad Airways flights also remains unchanged.
This will be the second time that Etihad has changed its frequent flyer redemption rates this year, with earlier modifications in February 2018 affecting the program’s reward booking and upgrade rates, in many cases requiring members to part with more miles to book the same flight.
Etihad is the third Middle Eastern airline to make changes to its frequent flyer program this week, following Qatar Airways hiking reward rates overnight without any prior notice to members, and Emirates launching a new family pooling feature in its own Skywards program.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 126
Etihad Airways from 2016 has been ‘reviewing’ its business after management decided to invest in other airlines, including Virgin Australia leading to an almost USD $2 Billion loss for the company.
25 Feb 2012
Total posts 78
The airline is a sad reflection of what “ Reimagined “ was
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Mar 2017
Total posts 20
They are (were) my favourite airline, and I'm fortunate enough to fly regularly with them in F class. Onboard they're incredible... but their backoffice operations are in shambles. They're losing billions and are desperately cost-cutting. They ceased free limo transfers even for First class passengers outside of Abu Dhabi and now charge for sleepwear to Business class guests. Heading down the budget airline path with pricey "add-ons".
22 Dec 2012
Total posts 37
Sigh. Another 'enhancement'. Etihad has fallen a long way from their heyday. Nothing like getting your most loyal customers to pay for your business mistakes...
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