Earlier this year, Etihad Guest revealed the details of some major program updates. Some changes kicked in immediately, while most changes were promised for June 2024. A majority of the program changes have gone live as of today, so I wanted to take a look at all the latest. These updates are a mixed bag, both when it comes to elite status and redeeming miles.
In this post:
Etihad Guest elite status program changes
Etihad Guest has made major changes to the program as of June 27, 2024. Admittedly this only impacts those who want to earn elite status with the program, and not those who are just casually engaged in earning and redeeming Etihad Guest miles. Here’s a high-level look at what has changed:
- Etihad Guest has eliminated Tier Segments as a way of qualifying for elite status; instead, Tier Miles are the only metric by which one can qualify for status
- Etihad Guest has adjusted how Tier Miles are earned; they’re no longer exclusively based on distance and class of service flown, but rather fare class also factors into this
- Etihad Guest has introduced a new Diamond elite tier, above Platinum, which requires spending $150,000 on the airline in a year
- Etihad Guest Diamond and Platinum elite tier members are able to select their own frequent flyer account number; this reflects the prestige associated with having a low license plate number in the UAE
- Etihad Guest has introduced Custom Benefits, whereby elite members can select customized perks as they earn status; Silver members are able to choose two perks, Gold members are able to choose four perks, Platinum members are able to choose five perks, and Diamond members are able to choose nine perks
- Etihad Guest has introduced Beyond Benefits, for those Gold and Platinum members who over qualify for their elite tier, but don’t quite reach the next tier
To go over those details of the updated elite perks, below are the new Etihad Guest Core Benefits, which you receive when qualifying for an elite tier.
Below are the new Etihad Guest Custom Benefits, whereby you can select a certain number of perks when passing certain elite thresholds.
Below are the new Etihad Guest Beyond Benefits, whereby you can select a certain number of perks when you surpass the requirements for a particular elite tier, but don’t quite reach the next one
Etihad Guest award redemption changes
Etihad Guest has also made some significant updates when it comes to redeeming miles, and these changes are very much a mixed bag:
- Etihad Guest has introduced a stricter new mileage expiration policy, whereby miles can only be extended beyond 18 months in conjunction with a flight
- Etihad Guest has introduced outrageously high new award cancelation fees, whereby you’ll pay 25-75% of your mileage cost if you need to cancel
- Etihad Guest has adjusted its GuestSeat (saver) award pricing, and the cost of many redemptions has decreased considerably, including in premium cabins
So, what kind of award pricing changes have we seen? Just to give some examples (all prices are one-way):
- An Abu Dhabi to New York first class award has decreased in cost from 220,000 miles to 160,000 miles
- An Abu Dhabi to London first class award has decreased in cost from 140,000 miles to 120,000 miles
- An Abu Dhabi to Male business class award has decreased in cost from 45,000 miles to 35,000 miles
Etihad Guest awards previously followed an award chart. It seems that Etihad Guest hasn’t changed that award chart, but rather has just lowered redemption rates in some markets to be more attractive.
It’s nice to see Etihad Guest with more attractive pricing. Unfortunately what’s incredibly frustrating is Etihad’s lack of last minute business class award space, plus the carrier restricting awards to partner programs.
My take on these Etihad Guest changes
Etihad is a pleasure to fly with, and the airline has improved very nicely in recent years, with new aircraft and a great premium experience, in both first class and business class. On top of that, Etihad’s hub at Abu Dhabi Airport is a game changer for the airline.
Historically I’ve felt like Etihad Guest had a lot of potential to improve, as the program didn’t offer all that much value to members, in terms of incentivizing engagement in the program, elite recognition, and mileage redemption opportunities. With that in mind, I have mixed feelings about these changes.
When it comes to the Etihad Guest elite program, I’m happy to see that the program has made some updates. There’s some cool stuff here that should help incentivize incremental business. I like the idea of customized perks, plus being rewarded when you surpass elite requirements for a particular tier.
However, I do think the actual changes in elite perks are pretty weak, as there’s nothing too exciting or innovative there, for the most part. Instead, you’re just choosing between some basic benefits.
I’ve been most curious to see the perks associated with the new Etihad Guest Diamond tier, as that might just be the most costly published elite tier in the world to earn. I can’t help but wonder how many people are actually spending $150K per year on Etihad?! Unfortunately even with the new program having launched, we still don’t know the benefits. Instead, Etihad just shares the following:
As a valued Diamond Tier member, you’ll have access to an array of extraordinary benefits thoughtfully curated and tailored to elevate your travel experience to new heights. With bespoke benefits both before boarding and during your flight, your journey with us promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
I can’t help but wonder if Etihad Guest even has any members who qualify for the Diamond tier?
Then the Etihad Guest award redemption changes are a mixed bag. The new award cancelation fees are incredibly restrictive, and make me not even want to redeem Etihad Guest miles, because the cost to cancel a ticket is just so high. For that matter, more members might find their Etihad Guest mileage balance expired, given the stricter cancelation policy.
However, it is nice to see that Etihad Guest has lowered first class and business class redemption rates in many markets, and in some cases the price reduction is considerable. For example, Abu Dhabi to New York first class awards being reduced from 220,000 miles to 160,000 miles is significant, though you’re still on the hook for high fees and a strict cancelation policy. It’s a step in the right direction, though…
Bottom line
Etihad Guest has undergone some major changes, and it’s a mixed bag. We’ve seen both award redemptions and elite perks fully overhauled. Lower redemption rates are good, though the new mileage expiration policy plus ticket change policy is very consumer unfriendly. Meanwhile the changes to elite perks seem okay — some people will like them, while others won’t.
What do you make about these Etihad Guest changes?
The concerning part is lounge access for Gold members - the Custom Benefit implies this is *only* for Abu Dhabi, which would be a big change compared to the current policy of all Etihad Business lounges.
Trying to get an answer on whether this is a mistake or not...
Well shoot. I forgot about these changes, but when I got First Class DCA -SYD for 70,000 AA miles next May then Qatar First thru Doha to Abu Dhabi for 100,000 AA miles, I didn’t think the 140,000 EY miles to LHR with a shower was bad. And getting home in BA First for 85,5000 AS miles made for a nice Round The World Trip.
Although I might be getting in a rut . Safe travels!
The cancellation policy is killer to basically anyone in this hobby. I'm just glad I got to fly F using aeroplan certificates before they shut that down. It was a lovely experience.
Just wish they would fly to ATL. :/
Just wish they would join SkyTeam and the Flying Blue currency.
Will a partner flight credited to Etihad count to extend points expiration?