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Etihad Guest — the loyalty program of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways — is undergoing some changes due to debut in June 2024. From amended GuestSeat prices to an abbreviated way to earn Etihad elite status (plus a new posh Diamond tier), and more, there's a lot to unpack. And some of these “coming in June” features seem to be live already.
Here's a look at the mixed bag of changes coming to Etihad Guest.
Etihad Is Making Changes to the Guest Frequent Flyer Program
With what's about to change in June, it's safe to say that Etihad wants to make its Guest loyalty program more of a household name. To make that happen, Etihad is tinkering with award pricing, making status more personable and easier to earn, and rewarding its biggest spenders.
However, the changes aren't entirely positive. For instance, the new GuestSeat award cancellation policy is…well, punitive.
Amended award prices
Etihad's original announcement of the changes teased that award prices would be broadly reduced come June 2024. However, the carrier has already rolled out its new pricing scheme for Etihad-operated award flights.
“Price reduction” is a particularly generous branding. Some of Etihad's short- and medium-haul routes are a few thousand miles cheaper in economy and business class, but not by much. For example, Abu Dhabi (AUH) to London (LHR) drops from 32,000 miles in economy class to 30,000.
On the carrier's routes spanning 6,000+ miles, like those to the United States, base prices in business class become 10,000 miles more expensive. Now, you'll pay a minimum of 120,000 Etihad Guest miles to fly between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi, as Etihad employs dynamic award pricing.
Oh, plus $544 in taxes and fees.
The award chart Etihad publishes for GuestSeats hasn't been updated to reflect any changes. Instead, Etihad directs those interested in seeing what a prospective award might cost to its mileage calculator.
Partner award pricing will remain the same. In recent history, Etihad launched new charts, which generally made GuestSeat awards far more expensive on carriers like American Airlines and Virgin Australia. So, thankfully, Etihad is preserving the current chart and not hiking its already steep partner prices for a second time in a short period.
A new GuestSeat refund policy
So, let's say you secure a one-way award from Chicago (ORD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) for 120,000 Etihad Guest miles plus $544 in taxes, but your plans change, and you can't take the flight. Then what?
Enter Etihad's new GuestSeat refund policy.
On award cancellations, you're eligible for a refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Unfortunately, that does come with a high cost. The fee structure looks like this:
- Cancel 21+ days before departure: Forfeit 25% of the fare.
- Cancel 8-21 days before departure: Forfeit 50% of the fare.
- Cancel within 7 days of departure: Forfeit 75% of the fare.
On top of that, it's unclear if “fare” refers to solely the mileage portion of your GuestSeat award or the mileage plus the taxes and fees. We've reached out to Etihad for clarification and have yet to receive a response.
No matter which way you spin it, cancellations are punitive. And on top of that, Etihad isn't waiting until June to implement the new policy. It's live and retroactive to bookings made after February 21, 2024. This becomes one of the worst ticket change and cancelation policies we track.
Earn status solely through Tier Miles
Historically, there have been two avenues to Etihad elite status: Tier Miles or Tier Segments. In June, Etihad will get rid of Tier Segments altogether. The only path to elite status will be through Tier Miles.
Currently, Etihad awards Tier Miles based on cabin and distance flown. This structure won't change, but Etihad is amending the baseline for the miles you'll earn on a paid flight. The redeemable Guest miles you earn will mirror the number of Tier Miles you accrue. This change is positive, as you'll earn more Tier Miles going forward than under the current structure.
Etihad also doesn't plan to eliminate ancillary ways to earn Tier Miles. You still can earn towards status on partner flights and co-branded credit card spending. However, of Etihad's credit card options, none are open to U.S. applicants.
On top of that, it won't be possible to earn elite status through spending alone. In June, Etihad will introduce the following flying thresholds to each level of Guest status:
- Silver: Of the 25,000 Tier Miles needed, earn 10,000 by flying.
- Gold: Of the 50,000 Tier Miles needed, earn 20,000 by flying.
- Platinum: Of the 125,000 Tier Miles needed, earn 40,000 by flying.
Diamond Tier
Outside of the Bronze status Etihad offers for joining the free-to-enroll Guest program, the carrier publishes three higher tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. And once the changes go live in June, there will be a new tier above Platinum.
Etihad is introducing a Diamond tier to reward its biggest spenders and most frequent flyers. The perks that'll come with Etihad's most premium level of elite status aren't yet public knowledge, but we know you'll have to spend at least $150,000 to unlock it.
To qualify for this VIP perk-filled elite tier, you'll need to earn Etihad Platinum by accruing 125,000 Tier Miles and meet the spending requirements.
And if you fly and spend your way to Etihad's highest rank, you'll get the unique opportunity to choose your own personalized membership number. For some, that could be enough reason to go for Diamond.
Expanded elite status benefits
Earning Etihad Guest elite status unlocks run-of-the-mill benefits like lounge access, free checked bags, fast-track security, and more. This June, the carrier will make its elite tiers more lucrative by introducing custom benefits. You'll get to choose the VIP-style perks you want at each tier of elite status.
And for the overachievers who have earned status for another year but haven't leveled up, Etihad will roll out “Beyond” benefits. The carrier will reward you for your continued loyalty through bonus miles, lounge passes, and more.
Like a lot of the other intended changes, the collection of choice and “Beyond” benefits are light on details, but we should know more before June.
Related: Do Etihad Guest Miles Expire?
Final Thoughts
Depending on how you use the Etihad Guest loyalty program, the mix of now-live and impending changes is either incredibly frustrating or mildly intriguing.
For current and prospective Guest elites, earning and retaining status might be substantially easier and more rewarding. But for others, higher long-haul business-class award pricing might be enough of a reason to look to other programs for award tickets to and through the Middle East.
However, both sides can likely agree that the new GuestSeat award cancellation policy is one of the most punitive in the industry. Unfortunately, it's already live, so tread with caution when booking Etihad awards if your plans aren't set in stone. It'll result in the loss of a sizable sum of Etihad Guest miles.
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