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Etihad scraps free chauffeur transfers, except at Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways will scrap its complimentary chauffeur service for business and first class passengers at all airports except for Abu Dhabi from July 3.
The airline said the move was one of a series of changes to ‘offer increased value and flexibility based on customer feedback’.
At all international airports, passengers in all classes will now have to pay for chauffeur transfers, at specially negotiated rates, but can 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.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, executive vice president commercial, said: "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."
Following the lead of Emirates, Etihad will also open up its airport lounges to economy class passengers for a charge.
Guests travelling in business class can now also pay and upgrade to the airline’s luxurious flagship First Class Lounge & Spa when flying from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi.
On board, Etihad is introducing an innovative new ‘Neighbour-Free Seat’ option in economy cabins.
It means guests can ‘bid’, at the time of booking, for up to three empty seats next to their original seat, subject to availability and cabin configuration. Successful bids will be confirmed 30 hours prior to departure.
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Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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