In a move meant to provide more choice and clarity when booking flights, Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways will implement a new fare structure from 14 September 2015.
A total of eight new ‘Fare Choices’, which differ in baggage allowance, flexibility and included benefits that otherwise need to be purchased separately will be introduced. Additionally, an adapted baggage policy will provide guests with a more standardised baggage allowance structure across the Etihad Airways Partner network, while also reducing the price for excess baggage charges on most routes. The other members of the Etihad Airways Partner network are Air berlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI.
All bookings ticketed from 14 September 2015 will be split into distinct fare choices. First Class will have one fare family – Freedom; Business Class boasts of Business Breaking Deals, Business Saver and Business Freedom fare families while Economy Class includes the Economy Breaking Deals, Economy Saver, Economy Value and Economy Freedom family.
Apart from that, a new baggage policy has also been announced with the aim of enabling the airline to respond more flexibly to individual customer needs and to better align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines. The cost of excess baggage will be dramatically cut on the majority of fares as part of the new policy. On some routes the cost of buying an additional 23kg piece of baggage will be reduced by up to 90 per cent, with a further reduction of up to 30 per cent if pre-purchased directly with Etihad Airways up to 24 hours before travel. The new baggage policy will also come into effect for bookings on or after 14 September
The new flexible fare structure will be available through all of Etihad Airways’ booking channels, including its website (etihad.com), retail outlets and global contact centre, as well as travel agencies.