Etihad Airways has announced the airline will implement a new fare structure starting September 14.
The new structure will have eight new "Fare Choices," which the airline says will allow travelers to tailor their bookings individually. The choices differ in baggage allowance, flexibility and included benefits that otherwise need to be purchased separately.
Additionally, the airline is launching an adapted baggage policy aimed at providing guests a more standardized baggage allowance structure across the Etihad Airways Partner network, while also reducing the price for excess baggage charges on most routes.
In terms of the new fares, Economy Class will be split into 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.
For the new baggage policy, Etihad has said it will cut the cost of excess baggage 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 percent, with a further reduction of up to 30 percent 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 September 14.
The new flexible fare structure will be available through all of Etihad Airways’ booking channels, including its website (etihad.com), retail outlets and global contact centre, as well as travel agencies.