Etihad Guest introduces new gold elite benefits

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has unveiled a range of new benefits for holders of its prestigious Gold Elite membership during an event held in the capital yesterday (Tuesday).

Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ award-winning loyalty programme has included an increase in tier bonus miles from 50 per cent to 75 per cent as well as a complimentary nomination to Etihad Guest Gold for any other member of their choosing.

Etihad Guest programme was launched in 2006 and in the next few months is expected to reach around two million members.

“Etihad Guest is renowned as the world’s leading loyalty programme and so we are always looking at new and exciting enhancements for our members,” said Barry Green, Etihad Airways’ vice president customer relationship management and loyalty.

“Gold Elite members are also guaranteed to be able to purchase a Pearl Business Class seat, when booking at least 48 hours prior to departure, on an Etihad Airways operated flight for their chosen date and destination. In addition, regardless of the cabin they are flying in, membership holders will have access to Etihad Airways’ diamond first class lounges,” Green added.

To ensure that our members are offered the highest services and products, the Etihad Guest Programme will include:

• Immediate rewards: 1 mile redemption feature, fly once and enjoy instant rewards

• No blackout periods: guest seats are available on all flights, and if a seat is available, it can be booked • Anytime availability: all seats including the very last seat are available at any time

• Redeem Open seats at a mileage cost equivalent to the commercial price of the seat

• The widest choice: redeem on flights, products, and services using the reward shop

• Miles plus cash: decide how many miles to use and contribute the rest in cash using our miles plus cash feature.

• Miles that are worth more: one mile can be worth much more than in any other programme

• PointsPay: a new redemption feature which liberates Etihad Guest miles by converting them instantly to cash to spend at thirty million outlets worldwide.