Etihad Airways introduces baggage policy enhancements

Source: Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways will introduce new baggage policy enhancements in conjunction with the launch of its new Fare Choices tariff structure, effective for tickets issued on or after 14 September 2015. The changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards for Etihad Guest loyalty programme members, the airline said. 

The new policy has been introduced to respond to individual customer needs with greater flexibility and to more closely align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “In line with industry best practice, we are moving to a fair and transparent baggage concept. Our new Fare Choices are an easier way for guests to understand what they are paying for, offering clearer pricing, and the flexibility which best suits their travel plans. This also applies to their baggage requirements.”

Most routes will now operate on a piece concept basis. This means that customers are entitled to one, two, or three bags, depending on their Fare Choice, route, and Etihad Guest membership status. As part of the policy change, the cost of excess baggage will be dramatically cut on the majority of fares. On some routes the cost of buying an additional 23kg piece of baggage will be reduced by up to 90%, with a further reduction of up to 30% if pre-purchased directly with Etihad Airways up to 24 hours before travel.

Higher tier Etihad Guest members now receive an extra bag or additional weight allowance depending on the market and route. 

New baggage policy highlights include:

· Increased allowance for Economy Value and Economy Freedom guests on certain routes from 30kg to two pieces of baggage at 23kg per bag – a total allowance of 46kg.

· On selected routes, the Economy Class allowance has been increased for all fare choices from 30kg to two pieces of baggage at 23kg per bag.

· In premium cabins on certain routes, the allowance has been increased from 40kg to 50kg to two pieces of baggage at 32kg 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.

· For piece concept markets, Etihad Silver members now receive a minimum of two bags of 23kg.

Interested?

More information on Etihad Airways’ baggage policy 

New Air China rules for flights departing from Beijing

Air China passengers departing from Beijing are advised to reach the airport early. Air China has changed the check-in closing time for domestic flights at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport. Prior to August 20, 2015, passengers were allowed to check in 30 minutes before departure. Since August 20 passengers have to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

The check-in closing time for international flights is 60 minutes prior to departure.

Additional time should also be factored in for checked baggage inspections. According to the airline, the following items are not accepted in checked baggage on flights departing from Beijing Capital International Airport. Items in the following list suspected to be present during the security check, will require the passenger's baggage* to be opened for inspection, after which the items will be confiscated:

(1) Bullets, ammunition, weapons, knives, crossbows, and other arms and dummies
(2) Items of an explosive nature
(3) Inflammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive and radioactive materials
(4) Lithium batteries, mobile chargers, lighters and matches
(5) Other prohibited items specified by the state

The airline has also updated its rules on lighters and matches on its flights departing from all airports. Passengers are not allowed to carry either item with them on Air China flights, whether in carry-on baggage or in checked-in luggage. The rule applies whether passengers purchase Air China tickets from the official website, via a distributor or through retail agents.

*Baggage may not be loaded onto a flight if it is delayed because of inspection procedures.

Etihad revamps baggage policy, fare structure

Source: Etihad.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will implement a new fare structure from 14 September 2015 to provide more choice and clarity when booking flights.

A total of eight new Fare Choices will be introduced, allowing travellers to tailor their bookings to their individual needs more closely. The Fare Choices are transparent and differ in baggage allowance, flexibility and included benefits that would otherwise need to be purchased as separate options. Additionally, an adapted baggage policy will provide guests with a more standardised baggage allowance structure across the Etihad Airways Partner network, while also reducing the price for excess baggage charges on most routes.

All bookings ticketed from 14 September 2015 will be split into distinct fare choices. The structure for Economy Class includes Economy Breaking Deals, Economy Saver, Economy Value and Economy Freedom. Business Class includes Business Breaking Deals, Business Saver and Business Freedom, while in First Class there will only be one fare family – Freedom.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Ultimately, this is about providing choice. In most industries there is a move towards allowing customers to tailor and customise their experience, and ours is no different. When it comes to booking a flight, not everyone’s needs are the same. Some guests want to travel light and on a budget, whilst others want to be able to make last-minute travel decisions, carry extra baggage or earn more miles. For example, if a guest wants more flexibility, more luggage, and priority check in, they can select our Economy Freedom Fare Choice.”

A new baggage policy has also been announced to more flexibly respond to individual customer needs and to better align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines.

As part of the policy change, the cost of excess baggage will be dramatically cut on the majority of fares. On some routes the cost of buying an additional 23kg piece of baggage will be reduced by up to 90%, with a further reduction of up to 30% if pre-purchased directly with Etihad Airways up to 24 hours before travel. The new baggage policy will also come into effect for bookings on or after 14 September.

The new flexible fare structure will be available through all of Etihad Airways’ booking channels, including its website, retail outlets and global contact centre, as well as travel agencies.

Interested?

Read more on Etihad Airways’ new Fare Choices and baggage policy