Etihad airways introduces new baggage policy

Abu Dhabi - The changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards for Etihad Guest loyalty program members.

Etihad Airways has introduced new baggage policy allowing higher allowance on selected routes and cutting cost of excess baggage on the majority of fares.
The new baggage enhancements are in conjunction with the launch of its new fare choices tariff structure, effective for tickets issued on or after September 14.
The policy will address individual customer needs with greater flexibility and to more closely align Etihad Airways partner airlines. The changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards members.
Passengers travelling from the UAE and GCC countries to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, economy class will get 30kg; business class 40 kg and first class will get 50 kg allowance.
On all journeys from and to US, Canada economy class will get 2 bags, up to 23kg each; business class 2 bags, up to 32kg each; and first class 2 bags, up to 32kg each.
Increased allowance for Economy Value and Economy Freedom guests on certain routes from 30 kg to two pieces of baggage at 23 kg per bag - a total allowance of 46 kg.
On selected routes, the Economy Class allowance has been increased for all fare choices from 30 kg to two pieces of baggage at 23 kg per bag.
In premium cabins on certain routes, the allowance has been increased from 40/50 kg to two pieces of baggage at 32 kg per bag.
Etihad Gold and Platinum members will receive one extra piece of baggage at 32kg on piece concept routes, compared to 15kg and 20kg respectively previously.
Etihad Silver members now receive a minimum of 2 bags of 23kg.
"There'll be more incentive to stick with Etihad Airways because some of their routes and baggage allowances of up to 46kg is significantly higher than their rivals," said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based Strategic Aero Research.
He said passengers will feel less threatened by bag fees if they go over their allowance.
Passengers with excess baggage will be charged $52 for second bag up to 23 kg if they book on www.etihad.com. They would be charged $60 per bag if they book through contact centre and $75 if booked at the airport. If their second bag is in excess of 23 kg to 32 kg passengers would be paying extra.
Elaborating the policy, Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer, said: "We are moving to a fair and transparent baggage concept." Most routes will now operate on a piece concept basis, he said which means that customers are entitled to one, two, or three bags, depending on their Fare Choice, route, and Etihad Guest membership status.
He said the cost of excess baggage will be dramatically cut on the majority of fares. On some routes the cost of buying an additional 23 kg 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.
Members of Etihad Guest loyalty program will especially benefit from the new baggage concept, as higher tier members now receive an extra bag or additional weight allowance depending on the market and route.
A frequent traveler, Syed Hamayun Alam, general manger marketing at Al Masaood Automobiles said business travelers should be accommodated according to their miles earned.
"The new policy is primarily being driven by the route and the type of airplane flown on it. "For example, the longer range 777-300ERs and 787-9s will carry more payload and baggage than the A380s, so Etihad Airways is tailoring the baggage weight to the airplane - which in turn means Etihad Airways can control fuel costs more accurately," Saj Ahmed said.
- haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi