Etihad Airways has modified the ticket structure for Business Class bookings and is now following a select service concept for its cheapest Value Fares, cutting complimentary seat reservations and lounge benefits.
With this latest move, Etihad is following other airlines that have already cut essential “luxury” perks from their business class fares which passengers have so far expected as normal inclusions for Business tickets.
You can access Etihad’s website here.
When you book a Business Class ticket then the association is that you can enjoy elevated services from the time you step up to the check-in counter to the moment you land at your final destination.
While that is generally true and the core product on board is the same, airlines are now tightening the screws on their lowest premium fares which sees some of these elite services removed.
Etihad is now the latest carrier who jumped on the bandwagon and all Business Class Value Tickets issued from March 4, 2025 will no longer feature lounge access, complimentary seat reservation as well as the Chauffeur service.
Here are the fares for a ticket from Bangkok to Frankfurt on Etihad:
As outlined in the Etihad fare description, the value ticket which is only $25 cheaper than the comfort fare, but the following features have been cut:
- Refund ability
- Seat reservations
- Lounge access
- Chauffeur Service at Abu Dhabi Airport (only applicable to stopovers and AUH origin/destination)
This applies to all tickets booked OR REISSUED after March 4th, which means even if you change your date, the ticket automatically loses all privileges that it previously included.
It makes no sense to book value fares for such a small difference as displayed here. The 100% vs 200% miles alone plus the lack of lounge access makes this a no-brainer.
All details are available from this matrix on the Etihad website.
If I remember right, the Chauffeur service was previously excluded on the Value fares as well and either way, Etihad doesn’t offer this service at any destination other than Abu Dhabi. This means passengers who don’t exit in AUH at all won’t enjoy this transfer perk anyway.
Etihad isn’t alone. Qatar Airways also limits their fares in what is available to Business Class Saver passengers or those who upgrade for cash. So does Finnair and it’s really annoying.
Conclusion
Etihad Airways passengers have to be really careful about the fare they book, especially if the passenger doesn’t have status. The “Value” fares will now no longer include complimentary seat reservations and no lounge access either.
These saver fares aren’t always a lot cheaper than the next higher “Comfort” category so it might be worthwhile to compare it properly before booking. It’s especially difficult when you book through an OTA where you can’t see what category your ticket will book into. Usually OTA’s throw out the cheapest fare without giving you a choice.
I don’t like these select service concepts for Business Class tickets. Airlines shouldn’t be cheap and try to lowball their premium customers. It’s not like tickets suddenly get cheaper because of this, it’s a cutback!
