All About Etihad Airways: Explore Its Important Policies and More
Etihad Airways is one of the best international airlines. Founded in 2003, it is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The airline is known for various positive reasons, including its luxurious travel experience. It has excellent connectivity across the globe as it operates many flights to more than 80 destinations. So, if you want a luxurious travel experience, you can book your flight ticket with Etihad Airways. However, to make your travel more secure, you must be aware of some of the essential information, including the airlines' different policies, processes and also a few crucial deals that will elevate your travel experience from the airport to the destination you want to travel.
Etihad Airline hub
Visit the Etihad Airways hub if you want to make a booking or have any questions or issues with the airline. You will find the Etihad Airways office, where you can make your reservations accordingly. The Etihad Airways hub is:
- Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Etihad Airways' Top International Destinations
Etihad Airways has great connectivity worldwide as it flies to several international destinations. Among all the global destinations, some of the most popular ones are mentioned below, where Etihad Airways offers flights very frequently:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris
- Dublin Airport (DUB), Dublin
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Toronto
- Sydney Airport (SYD), Sydney
- Melbourne Airport (MEL), Melbourne
- Tambo Airport (JNB), Johannesburg
Etihad Airways Code Share Partner
Etihad Airways also expands its connectivity by sharing a code-share agreement with several popular airlines. This allows you to use several miles and other services while booking with Etihad Airways. The Etihad Airways codeshare agreement will also enable you to book the connecting flights in one flight ticket. Here are some of the most popular Etihad Airways partner airlines:
- Air Canada
- Air Europa
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- ANA Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue
- KLM
- SAS Airlines
Types of Classes of Etihad Airways and their facilities
Etihad Airways understands your needs and requirements as it offers you everything you need, whether it's about the basic services or if you want to experience luxurious travel. You will get everything from a comfortable seat to various non-stop entertainment. Find out about Etihad Airways' classes and their facilities:
Economy: This is the most basic and the standard class that Etihad airline offer, which contain the following facilities:
- You get the space with extra legroom in this class to stretch your legs comfortably and conveniently.
- The airline provides you with complimentary food and beverages during your journey.
- You can also enjoy the variety of entertainment on the screen in front of your seat.
Business: This class includes some additional premium services and facilities that help you have a comfortable and even more convenient travel experience. Find out the facilities you get in this class:
- The fully flat beds provide comfort and privacy, allowing you to restful sleep on the foam mattress and Armani/Casa bed linen. Newer aircraft, like the A350, also offer privacy throughout your journey with sliding doors.
- You get on-demand dining with a wide selection of dishes, including traditional Emirati cuisine and healthy options, which are served on demand.
- You are offered a luxurious amenity kit that includes exclusive skincare products.
- You get Wi-Fi and entertainment during the journey, including access to thousands of movies, TV shows, music, games, and more.
- You also get access to its exclusive lounges.
First: This class provides you with a luxurious travel experience with the facilities mentioned below:
- With all the business class services, in this class, you own a private suite, and you get a welcome drink upon entering this class.
- You get a fully flat bed with premium bedding.
- You are offered luxury loungewear here to help you sleep comfortably throughout your journey.
- You can enjoy the chilled drinks here as you get a personal mini bar.
The Residence: This is the most grand travel class offered by Etihad Airways, so that you can experience the most lavish touch, with the services and facilities provided in this class as mentioned below:
- In this class, you can sleep soundly in your private bedroom, which includes a bed sheet, plush luxury bedding, and designer loungewear.
- You get the amenities of luxurious brands like Armani, including skin care essentials and much more to keep you moisturised during your journey.
- In this class, you can choose to eat your choice made with fresh and flavoured ingredients in bed or even in the living room.
- You can even enjoy a warm, soothing shower in your private suite, making for the most comfortable and lavish travel experience.
Etihad Airways Booking Process
Booking your flight ticket with Etihad Airways is one of the best first things you can do to ensure a great trip. However, if you do not know about the booking process, you can follow the steps below to get a required reservation to your destination:
- Visit the official website of Etihad Airways.
- Choose your destinations, date, time, number of passengers and more on the screen.
- Click on the search option visible on the screen.
- After that, you will be redirected to another page listing all available flights.
- Choose your preferred one with the best prices.
- Proceed to the further booking process by following the onscreen guidelines.
- Complete the payment, and you will be done with the booking process.
Etihad Airways Change or cancellation policy
It is important to be prepared for uncertain things and sudden plan changes. Hence, you should be aware of some ticket change or cancellation policies, as they will help you complete the process trouble-free without facing any issues. Here are the following guidelines that you can read, given below:
- Per Etihad Airways' cancellation and change policy, you may have to pay some charges if you apply for the same after 24 hours of booking. To avoid these fees, you must change or cancel your flight ticket within 24 hours of booking your ticket.
- The fees for the change or cancellation depend on factors like fare type, time of change or cancellation, and the route and destination you are heading to.
- If you purchased your ticket with a travel agency, you must contact your travel agent directly for assistance making changes or cancelling your ticket.
- You can easily change or cancel your flight ticket online by going to the 'manage my booking' option, contacting the airline directly by phone, or visiting the airport.
Change or Cancellation Process of Etihad Airways
After you have understood the change or cancellation guidelines, the cancellation or change process will be somewhat easier for you, but still, if there are any doubts regarding the process. Then, you can also follow the steps as these will help you to assist you with the ticket change or cancellation process, and you will not have to face problems during the process:
- Visit the official website of Etihad Airways.
- Click the 'manage' option and go to the 'My Bookings'.
- Enter the booking reference or ticket number and last name on the screen.
- Click on the search option.
- Then, you will be redirected to your booking review page.
- There, you can find the option to change or cancel your flight.
- Choose the option accordingly and proceed to the process by following the onscreen guidelines.
- Pay the amount if asked to make the changes, and you will complete the process.
- You may also receive a refund for your ticket cancellation as per your ticket's refund eligibility.
Etihad Airways loyalty program
Etihad Airways offers a loyalty program called 'Etihad Guest', which enhances your travel experience with various benefits and perks. With Etihad Airways, you can earn miles for several services, including booking, upgrades, seat selection, and even booking with its partner airlines. Etihad Airways' loyalty program also provides access to exclusive facilities and perks like lounge access, exceptional deals and offers and more.
How to join the Etihad Airways loyalty program?
Joining the Etihad Airways loyalty program is very easy to complete, and you can do so by following the steps, which are as follows:
- Visit the official website of Etihad Airways.
- Go to the airline's ' Etihad Guest' page.
- You will find the 'Join now' option on the screen there.
- Click on the option and you will be taken to the next page.
- Fill in all the required information on the screen
- Consider the terms and conditions and click on the 'continue' option.
- Complete the process and you will become a member of the Etihad Airways loyalty program.
Etihad Airways loyalty program benefits
If you want to understand more and convince yourself to join the Etihad Airways loyalty program, you must know about its benefits, which may vary depending on your tier. These will help you understand the importance of Etihad's loyalty program. Read and understand its following benefits which are as follow:
- You get access to the onboard Wi-Fi benefits after you activate your account.
- With Etihad's loyalty program, you get priority check-in and boarding, so you do not have to waste time in line at the airport.
- If you travel with the deluxe fare, the airline guarantees an economy or business class seat. However, a seat is not guaranteed on restricted or overbooked flights.
- You can earn Etihad guest bonus miles when you add your membership number to the eligible Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia, Servia, Gulf Air, and Saudia Airlines bookings. The number of miles depends on the respective tier.
- You get access to several amazing deals and offers that offer immense discounts on your ticket.
- You can enjoy the exclusive services provided in Etihad Airways' lounges, such as food and beverages.
Refund Policy of Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways allows you to cancel your ticket and receive a refund, but you need to know the airline's refund policy before doing so. It includes essential guidelines to help you understand your ticket refund eligibility criteria. The following refund guidelines are as follows:
- Suppose you purchased your flight ticket with Etohad Airways using a credit card. In that case, you can check your eligibility for a refund by entering the booking reference on the airline's official website.
- The refund amount depends on your fare type, your route, and the time you applied for the cancellation.
- As per Etihad's 24-hour policy, you can get the full amount of your refund when you cancel your flight ticket within 24 hours of booking. After 24 hours, you will be charged some money depending on different factors.
- You can request a refund up to four hours before your flight, or a no-show fee will apply.
- You can request a refund online by going to the manage my booking option, connecting with the airline through live chat, or directly contacting the airline's executive.
- If you paid the amount via credit or debit card, you can receive your refund within 21 days. If you paid through other methods, refunding your money will take about 45 business days.
Etihad Airwasy Seat Upgrade
Upgrading your seat with Etihad Airways is one of the best decisions you can make if you want to experience additional benefits and services during your journey. The process of upgrading your seat is as easy as you think it is. However, if you are still unaware of the Etihad Airways seat upgrade process, then you can follow the steps, which are as follows:
- Go to the official website of Etihad Airways.
- Then, go to the Manage My Booking option on the airline's official website.
- Enter the booking reference or ticket number and last name on the screen.
- Click on the search option.
- Then, you will be redirected to your booking review page.
- There, you will find the seat upgrade option.
- Go to the same and proceed with the process by following the onscreen prompts.
- Continue and complete the process.
Pet Policy of Etihad Airways
Pets can travel with you on Etihad Airways, but you must know about some pet travel rules and regulations applied by Etihad Airways so that you can have a smooth travel experience. So, if you want to travel with your pets, then go through the following information before preparing for the trip, and you will not have to face any inconvenience during the process:
- As per Etihad Airways' pet policy, your pets must be at least 16 weeks old and up to 8 kg, including their carrier.
- You can carry your pet in its carrier in the economy and business classes of Etihad Airways.
- Per the guidelines, you must travel with a pet at least 18 years old.
- If travelling with your pet, you must not sit in an exit row or bulkhead seat.
- Your pet carrier's maximum size should not exceed 40 x 40 x 22cm, and it should be about 50 x 43 x 50cm to fit under your seat.
- Your pet's carrier must be ventilated on at least three sides and big enough for your pet to move and lie down during the journey without being uncomfortable.
- If you fly to Abu Dhabi, you must show a UAE health Certificate at the airport.
- If any passenger is allergic to animals and a guest with a trained service dog requests to travel on the same flight, then you will be prioritised by the airline regardless of the time of reservation.
- Please provide the airline with medical reports stating your pet's situation and whether it is fit to travel.
Name change or correction and date of birth change policy of Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways allows you to correct your name on your ticket under some guidelines and restrictions. So, if you have mistakenly mentioned your name wrong on your ticket, then you can correct it, but before that, you must go through the following rules and regulations applied by the airline, which are as follows:
- You can make the title modifications and name corrections because genuine typing errors are accepted free of charge.
- The airline permits you to change your name due to marriage, divorce and other legal changes.
- You can change your short name to a long or full name.
- You can add your middle name and surname if you forgot to write.
- If your reservation involves any other airline, the current booking should be cancelled, and a new booking should be made with the correct name in the available booking class. The fare difference may apply, and you will have to pay.
- You must submit a copy of your passport and other applicable documents during the name change process.
Etihad Airways Group booking
Group booking is one of the amazing facilities offered by Etihad Airways. It allows you to travel with your family and friends in a group. As the group booking is slightly different from regular booking, there are some guidelines that you must know before proceeding with your group booking process. These guidelines will help you have a trouble-free booking and travel without any inconvenience:
- You can book group reservations, whether planning a conference, school trip, destination wedding, family holiday, or more. However, reservations should be for groups of 10 or more passengers.
- The group booking comes with exclusive deals and offers to get you tickets at even more affordable prices.
- As per the group booking policy of Etihad Airways, you get the offer to check in a group to make the start of your journey even simpler. If you have any questions, you can also contact the airline's sales office team for the required information.
- You can reserve your seats to sit together, feeling more secure and comfortable.
- Everyone in your group can also request a meal by going to the 'manage my booking' option, or you can speak to a team member in the airline's local global sales office and get the required information or solutions to your doubts.
Types of Discounts or Offers provided by Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways offers various discounts and offers so that you can receive a discounted fare and travel to your destination, saving a significant amount on your booking. If you do not know about those discounts and offers, then the information about some of the most amazing deals and offers is as follows:
- Student Discounts: Etihad Airways offers a student discount that allows you to save about 10% off in the economy and about 5% off in the business class of Etihad Airways. So if you are a student travelling internationally, choose Etihad and get an amazing discount on your flight ticket.
- Promotional discounts: Etihad Airways also offers promotional deals and discounts that are introduced by the airline at the last minute. So, while booking your flight ticket at the last minute, you must always check for the deals and discounts if available, as they will help you get the ticket at cheaper prices.
- Special fare discounts: If you are a member of the loyalty program, you can access special fare discounts that provide you with an immense discounted fare and allow you to travel to your destination at cheaper rates.
- Festival discounts: You can get a discount if you book your flight ticket near a popular festival. If you are planning to travel near the festival, check if there are any deals or discounts available.
How to use the Festival Coupon during booking with Etihad Airways
Using the festival coupon when booking your flight ticket with Etihad Airways is very easy. It is the same as buying a ticket; usually, you only have to put in the code during the process. So, if you do not know where or how to use the festival coupon while booking your flight ticket, then you can follow the steps that are given below:
- Visit the official website of Etihad Airways.
- Choose your destinations, date, time, number of passengers and more on the screen.
- Click on the search option visible on the screen.
- During the process, you will also see the section that mentions the 'promo code'.
- Enter your promo code in the section and continue with the process.
- After that, you will be redirected to another page listing all available flights.
- Choose your preferred one with the best prices.
- Proceed to the further booking process by following the onscreen guidelines.
- Complete the payment, and you will be done with the booking process.
Etihad Airways Last Minute Deals
Flight ticket prices are generally high, and you may pay a lot. However, if you want to purchase your flight ticket at cheaper prices, you can go through the following information, which contains some last-minute deals that will help you get discounts on your ticket:
- You can subscribe to the Etihad Airways newsletter, which is one of the best, and with this, the airline will notify you regarding the amazing deals and offers.
- You can join the Etihad Airways loyalty program, and you will get access to several exclusive deals and discounts that you can apply to your ticket and get a fine discount on your booking.
- Check if the airline introduces any promotional deals and discounts at the last minute. You can use them to book your ticket at affordable prices.
- You can also check Etihad Airways' social media pages, where the airline posts about the latest deals and offers.
Etihad Airways International Travel Rules
If you are planning to travel internationally, knowing the Etihad Airways International travel rules is essential. Depending on your citizenship and destination, they contain some important information about your passport, visa, and more. So before you arrive at the airport, you must go through the following important rules, which are as follows, so that you can have a convenient travel without facing any issues at the airport:
- Make sure you have updated your travel insurance for your trip. When travelling with Etihad Airways, you should keep the policy documents before arranging your trip.
- If you are visiting Abu Dhabi for a few days or just transiting through, you can first check whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival. If you are not eligible, you must apply before flying to your destination.
- The tourist and transit visas take approximately four business days to process, so you must apply for these well before your flight, and the fees you will pay for these are non-refundable.
- Visa requirements may vary depending on the destination you are travelling to. So, always visit the official website of Etigad Airway and check the information, or you can also contact the airline and get the required information.
Cheapest Time or Date of Booking a Flight with Etihad Airways
The prices of flight tickets fluctuate according to various factors and may rise and drop due to several situations. You need to know the best time and date to book a flight ticket so you do not have to pay much. The cheapest time and date that you can consider to book your flight ticket is during the cheap weekdays, which are usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can also book your flight ticket in advance, and you will get the ticket at very reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Etihad Airways' cancellation charges?
Etihad Airways cancellation charges vary depending on various factors, including the ticket type, the time and reason of cancellation, and the route you are travelling on.
How to make changes to your Etihad Airways group booking?
To modify an Etihad Airways group booking, the best approach is to identify whether the booking was made directly with Etihad Airways or through a travel agent.
What are Etihad Airways' pet travel fees?
Etihad Airways charges a flat fee of about 1,500 USD for transporting a pet, such as a cat or a dog, in the cabin each way. For more information, you can also contact the airline.
How to book a flight ticket with Etihad Airways for your pet?
To book a flight with Etihad Airways for your pet, you must submit a booking form at least seven days before your flight's departure and all the required documents through email at least 72 hours before your flight's departure.
Am I allowed to transfer my name to someone else?
No, you cannot change your name on the ticket to someone else; however, you can only make minor corrections to your ticket within the airline's guidelines.