Abu Dhabi’s Etihad launches hand-baggage only fare to certain cities

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has launched a new hand baggage only fare to certain cities, following a similar promotion launched last year.

The ‘deal fare’ includes a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance of 7kg and is available to economy class passengers on flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Azerbaijan.

Members of the airline’s loyalty programme Etihad Guest will be given free checked baggage allowance (Silver – 10kg, Gold – 15kg and Platinum – 20kg).

Those looking to add checked baggage after buying a deal fare ticket can also purchase extra allowance online in advance (with a 20 per cent discount) or at check-in.

The new fare will be available on regular basis from Sunday, September 2, a spokesperson confirmed.

Robin Kamark, Etihad Airways CCO, said: “After a successful trial of the ‘Deal Fare’ late last year, purchasing behaviour demonstrated guests appreciate having more choice and like to be able to select the travel option that best meets their needs.

“We are enhancing our product offering to align with customer feedback. Guests travelling for business, weekend getaways or day trips who like to travel light can now avail cheaper fares.”

Etihad introduced the cheaper fare on a trial basis in October last year on flights between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait for travel.

Read more: Etihad launches trial for hand-baggage only deal fare

The airline has been introducing several new ancillary products in recent months including extra legroom seats, neighbour-free seats and preferred seating to diversify its revenues.

Etihad is currently in the middle of a restructuring linked to a slowdown in passenger growth and failed investments in foreign airlines like Air Berlin and Alitalia.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways announces leadership changes, job cuts expected

The airline posted a $1.5bn annual loss in June and said last month it expected to cut staff after announcing a series of leadership changes.

The carrier is expected to continue making losses through to 2022, a recent report by ratings agency Fitch found.

Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to continue losses through 2022 – Fitch