Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, has made a change to its award system, introducing a fully flexible option for miles redemption across all seats on every flight. The update includes the reward and new designed to increase the value and transparency of award travel for its members.
The program has retired the name ‘GuestSeat,’ replacing it with ‘Saver Award’ to designate the redemption seats offered at low, fixed mileage rates. This change positions the reward structure to align more closely with the airline’s standard commercial fare system, offering members a more intuitive recognition of the value proposition when redeeming fixed mileage rates.
Under the updated structure, every seat on board- across all cabins and flights operated by both Etihad and its global network of more than 26 partner airlines– is now available for purchase using miles. Aligning with commercial fares, members can now select different flexibility attributes when booking, including the option to secure a fully refundable award ticket, a key feature that mirrors the choices available through cash purchases.
A notable enhancement focuses on tier status progression. Members utilizing miles for redemption bookings on Comfort and Deluxe fares can now accrue Tier Miles, a practice previously limited primarily to paid tickets. This adjustment allows members to earn between 25 percent and 50 percent of the required Tier Miles, depending on the fare purchased, facilitating faster advancement through the Etihad Guest tiers.
Furthermore, premium travel has been expanded for select bookings. Guests who book Business Comfort and Business Deluxe awards are now entitled to complimentary Etihad Chauffeur services for use anywhere within the UAE, a perk that is extended irrespective of the member’s tier status.
To offer additional utility, particularly for local customers, the program confirmed that co-branded credit card vouchers issued in the UAE are now accepted for redemption across all available fare brands. This change broadens the range of travel opportunities for UAE residents utilizing their accumulated loyalty value. Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, stated that the program updates were designed to ensure members enjoy flexibility and clarity when redeeming their miles.
