Etihad Guest has released its new award charts for award bookings on Etihad flights and partner airlines.
Key points to note
- New award chart for Etihad flights is distanced-based
- New award chart for partner airlines is distance-based and will apply to all partner airlines (previously different chart for each partner)
- There are 10 distance ranges, making it impossible to find any sweet spots
- New award charts will be applied for bookings from 9 March 2023
- Award bookings with previous award chart is not possible today (8 March 2023), as the system is going through an upgrade
- Fuel surcharges, if any, will still apply
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Etihad previously mentioned that new award charts will be “zone-based”
In an email to members on 15 February 2023, Etihad mentioned that the new award chart will be based on zones, like what we see with Singapore Airlines Krisflyer and Air Canada Aeroplan.
It is disappointing to see distance-based award charts released today, similar to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles.
Not just that, there are a total of 10 distance ranges, making it impossible to find sweet spots!
Between 8 – 9 March 2023, our entire network will be undergoing some changes as we switch over to a new passenger service system for a more seamless experience.
Also, we would like to inform you that a simplified redemption rate will be applied starting from 10 March 2023. The rates will be based on zones across Etihad Airways and our airline partners, for example there will be one redemption rate for any destination in Europe.
You will also have the option to book a redemption flight on American Airlines and Virgin Australia using your miles directly through Etihad’s website. Any other partner bookings can still be done through our call centre. – Etihad
New award chart for Etihad flights
The new award chart for miles redemptions on Etihad flights is distanced-based, with incremental mileage requirement with a total of 10 distance ranges.
New award chart for partner airlines
Like above, the new award chart for miles redemptions on partner airlines is distanced-based as well, with incremental mileage requirement with a total of 10 distance ranges.
Notable routes that are devalued
Here are some sweet spots that have been devalued with Etihad’s new award charts.
| Cities | Airline | Old Award Rate (Business) | New Award Rate (Business) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscat – Bangkok | Oman Air | 34k | 60k |
| Muscat – Kuala Lumpur | Oman Air | 39k | 80k |
| Muscat – Singapore | Oman Air | 42k | 80k |
| Tokyo – USA | ANA | 54k – 63k | 100k |
| Casablanca – New York | Royal Air Maroc | 44k | 80k |
Bottom line
I don’t usually end my articles with questions but…
Did Etihad just take members for a ride by previously promising new “zone-based” award charts and coming up with “distance-based” ones instead?
Are we not seeing the “finalized” award charts yet, since the new award charts will only come into effect on 9/10 March 2023? Or is it just wishful thinking?
Can Etihad argue that these “distance ranges” are “zones”?
Is there any value left in Etihad Guest?