If you have been stashing away those Etihad Guest Miles, time to use them or lose them. Etihad has sent out a notice to members last evening, setting the clock ticking on a potential devaluation, which will take effect from June 30, 2018, onwards.
Etihad Apartments, Etihad’s First Class on their A380
We don’t have too many details at the moment, but it looks like this will be a change that will swing both ways, or at least that is what Etihad Airways would like to have us believe.
What’s changing? Well, saver award rates are. Etihad refers to them as GuestSeats, and they will only valid for award flights booked till June 30. After that, GuestSeats award rates will move from a fixed rate around the year to a dependence on fares. The rates for non-saver redemptions, known as OpenSeats and mileage upgrades won’t be impacted by the change. The mailer did not refer to First Class, so we don’t know if First Class is being spared the change or not. In a nutshell, expect
- Business class awards to be less expensive during off-peak and lower-demand periods and more expensive on flights in stronger demand or when booking closer to departure.
- Economy class awards to be cheaper booked farther out and more expensive for those who book last-minute or on flights with higher demand.
Again, the changes are being made to Etihad Airways‘ own flights, and not Etihad Airways Partner redemptions. Which means, Jet Airways redemptions for premium cabins still remain at present levels.
How to Get Etihad Guest Miles
If you are in the need for some Etihad Guest miles to top off your account and make a booking before the change comes in, you have a choice of moving miles from Citibank PremierMiles, Citi Prestige, American Express Gold, American Express Platinum and American Express Platinum Reserve Cards. You can also transfer from SPG or Marriott Rewards.
Bottomline
If you’re looking to book up an Etihad Airways redemption using Etihad Guest miles, stop procrastinating and start acting. You have 30 days before you can’t get them at the current rates anymore.
Do you think there is a bigger Etihad Guest Devaluation that will happen after this? Or this is it?
I gues this would be end of miles advantage regime. Over the period more airlines would adopt this dynamic thing.
So earn on revenue and awards too on revenue.
Rather say it a membership program like any other apparel brand. Not a miles game of past. In next 3-5 years party is over.