Get your accomplice bookings in now: Etihad Visitor to simplify its award chart
There’s huge (and sure dangerous) information coming from Etihad Visitor. Whereas the loyalty program is infamous for astronomical dynamically priced award charges by itself flights (assume 1 million miles from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in enterprise class), it additionally has some incredible accomplice candy spots.
On Monday, One Mile at a Time and LoyaltyLobby reported Etihad Visitor plans to simplify award charts throughout its companions and make American Airways and Virgin Australia award bookings accessible on-line. TPG reached out to Etihad for affirmation however has but to get a response.
The brand new simplified award chart will go into impact on March 10, though you will not need to wait till the final minute to make any closing redemptions using the present chart. Here is what these adjustments may imply for you.
New Etihad Visitor award chart
Etihad Visitor at present has a unique award chart for every of its companions. With a brand new zone-based award chart, award charges would be the similar throughout all of Etihad’s companions. In different phrases, for those who’re touring from New York to Europe, count on to spend the identical variety of miles if you choose American Airways or Brussels Airways (each of that are Etihad Visitor companions).
In precept, it is logical to have a single zone-based award chart that applies to all of Etihad Visitor’s companions.
However with a single zone-based award chart, Etihad Visitor’s accomplice candy spots are in jeopardy. It was by way of Etihad Visitor that I booked a one-way, first-class American Airways flight from Los Angeles to Sydney for simply 62,500 miles. Different Etihad Visitor accomplice candy spots embody Brussels Airways flights from the US to Brussels for simply 44,000 miles one-way in enterprise class.
We already know Etihad Visitor can cost exorbitant costs for a lot of of its personal premium-cabin awards, which makes us pessimistic concerning the upcoming simplified award chart.
Etihad’s methods will probably be taken offline beginning March 8. So, make sure you make any bookings utilizing the present award charts earlier than March 8.
Associated: 9 superb first-class seats you’ll be able to nonetheless e book with factors and miles
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Companion bookings on-line
As a part of the adjustments, Etihad Visitor will quickly assist you to e book American Airways and Virgin Australia flights on its web site. This will probably be a welcome addition, as calling to e book awards creates extra problem and may improve the probabilities of errors being made (like spelling a reputation incorrectly).
You will nonetheless have to name and communicate with an Etihad Visitor cellphone consultant to redeem Etihad Visitor miles for different accomplice flights, although.
Associated: Candy Spot Sunday: Fly to Europe in American Airways Flagship First for 62,500 miles
Backside line
Beginning March 10, Etihad Visitor will use a brand new zone-based award chart for all accomplice awards. It is unclear what this award chart will entail and the way it will have an effect on a few of our favourite Etihad Visitor candy spots.
My recommendation: When you have Etihad Visitor miles, think about reserving a number of accomplice award tickets now earlier than the brand new award chart is launched. Take a look at our put up on methods for Etihad Visitor miles for concepts.
Two months in the past, I transferred Capital One miles to Etihad Visitor to lock in a redemption of 17.3 cents per Capital One mile for an American Airways Flagship First flight to Australia. I am going to actually be in search of high-value accomplice flights to e book with Etihad Visitor earlier than the adjustments go into impact on March 10.
If you want to prime off your Etihad Visitor account for a redemption, know that transfers from American Categorical Membership Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards are often instantaneous.
