American AAdvantage has many airline partners. Most of them belong to oneworld, while they also have some non-oneworld partner airlines.
One of my favorite non-oneworld partner airlines is Etihad Airways, thanks to the fact that they have great first class and business class products, and generally release a good amount of award space.
While Qatar Airways is now also part of oneworld, they don’t offer a first class product on their longhaul routes, and their business class isn’t as good as Etihad’s either.
Etihad Airways first class
However, since late May, American hasn’t had access to Etihad award space, due to direct access availability issues. I’ve received quite a few questions as to whether or not this has been fixed, and unfortunately it hasn’t been. American AAdvantage miles still can’t be redeemed for travel on Etihad Airways.
JonNYC shared the following update on TravelingBetter a few days ago:
Etihad Airways Award Availability
Update 1255CT/10JUN HDQMJ0
We continue to have Direct Access availability issues with Etihad Airways (EY). For example, when displaying availability for EY flights, you may receive availability for Jet Airways (9W* operated by Etihad Airways) instead. This issue continues to be investigated. Once resolved and until further notice, please offer our apologies to customers wanting to book award flights on EY and advise to call back.
So unfortunately Etihad Airways award space continues to not be bookable using American AAdvantage miles.
My understanding is that the issue is on Etihad’s end and not American’s, so apparently there’s not much American can do. Still, this is quite disappointing, given what a key partner they are for travel to the Middle East/India.
While I’m far from an IT expert, I don’t get how it can take over two weeks to “fix” this issue.
Though I suppose in reality it’s not that it’s taking over two weeks to fix it, but rather that it’s taking them over two weeks to even get to it…
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.