UAE carrier Etihad introduces credit to ease travel plans

UAE carrier Etihad Airways has introduced Etihad Credit to offer its travellers the choice to delay their travel plans to a later date, it announced on Thursday, March 19.

Passengers can defer their plans by cancelling their bookings for free, and use the original value of their booking as credit towards their next trip, a statement said.

Measures such as these will help ensure maximum flexibility and allow travellers to travel safe and conveniently.

“In these unprecedented times, we understand that some of our guests are either unable to, or choose not to travel and it is our responsibility to help them as much as possible,” said Robin Kamark, chief commercial officer, Etihad Aviation Group.

“Now, more than ever, there is a global effort to care for one another and halt the spread of Covid-19 and under these challenging circumstances. Etihad Credit is our way of helping to relieve some of the unnecessary burden many of our customers are facing.”

Etihad Credit is available for all guests who are booked to travel before June 30. However, guests have until September 30 to rebook their trip, for travel until December 31.

The ease is applicable on any ticket, any fare type, and any Etihad destination, the statement said.

However, any fare difference from the original ticket price will be charged. Additionally, Etihad Guest Members will be gifted monthly bonus tier miles from March 31  for three months to help them maintain their tier status.

Etihad continues to work closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Prevention, International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as other relevant bodies to facilitate guests with essential travel requirements.

The UAE announced that the entry of all its valid visa holders, including residents who are currently abroad, will be suspended for a renewable period of two weeks, beginning 12pm on Thursday, March 19.

Read: UAE suspends entry of residency visa holders abroad, stops issuing work permits

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement notifying Emirati nationals not to travel abroad, effective on Wednesday, March 18 itself, until further notice.

Read: UAE orders all passengers to self-quarantine, bans citizens from travelling abroad