There’s big (and possibly bad) news coming from Etihad guests. Although the loyalty program is famous for its insanely attractive discounted prices on its own flights (think 1 million miles from the US to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in class). merchant), it also has some great benefits. sweet spot partner.
In Monday, One mile at a time And Loyalty Lobby Etihad Guest reports plans to simplify award rankings between its partners and offer online award bookings for American Airlines and Virgin Australia. TPG has reached out to Etihad for confirmation but has yet to receive a response.
The new simplified prize chart goes into effect on March 10, although you won’t want to wait until the last minute to make any final redemptions using the current chart. Here’s what these changes mean for you.
Etihad Guest’s New Award Rankings
Etihad Guest currently has a different award ranking for each of its partners. With the new regional award chart, prize pools will be the same across all Etihad partners. In other words, if you’re traveling from New York to Europe, you’ll consume the same mileage if you choose American Airlines or Brussels Airlines (both Etihad Guest Partner).
In principle, it makes sense to have a single region-based award ranking that applies to all Etihad Guest partners.
But with a single region-based award ranking, Etihad Guest’s partner attractions are in jeopardy. Through Etihad Guest, I booked a one-way, first class ticket American Airlines Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney only 62,500 miles. Other partner attractions Etihad customers include Brussels Airlines flights from the US to Brussels for only 44,000 miles one way in business class.
We already know Etihad Guest can charge exorbitant prices for many of its own premium cabin awards, which makes us pessimistic about the upcoming simplified awards chart.
Etihad’s systems will be down as of 8 March. So make sure you make any bookings using the current award leaderboard by 8 March.
Related: 9 amazing first class seats that you can still book with points and miles
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Online partner booking
As part of the changes, Etihad Guest will soon allow you to book American Airlines and Virgin Australia flights on its website. This would be a welcome addition, as calling for a book award is more of a hassle and can increase the likelihood of mistakes (such as misspelled names).
However, you will still need to call and speak to an Etihad Guest phone representative to redeem Etihad Guest miles for other partner flights.
Related: Sweet Spot Sunday: Fly to Europe in American Airlines Flagship First for 62,500 miles
bottom line
Starting March 10, Etihad Guest will use a new regional award leaderboard for all partner awards. It’s unclear what this awards ranking will entail and how it will affect some of our favorite Etihad Guests sweet spots.
My advice: If you have Etihad Guest miles, consider booking one or more partner award tickets now before new rewards rankings go live. Check out our article on Strategies for Etihad Guest Miles for ideas.
Two months ago, I moved Capital One mile to Etihad Customers to close the redemption of 17.3 cents on Capital One Mile for one American Airlines’ first flight to Australia. I will definitely be looking for high value partner flights to book with Etihad Guest before the changes take effect on 10 March.
If you need to top up your Etihad Customer account to redeem your gift, know that transferring from American Express Membership Rewards, capital one And Citi Thank You Bonus usually instantaneous.
