Etihad Airways is joining the move to ‘unbundled’ business class fares which axe long-standing perks like airport lounge access.
Etihad passengers purchasing a Business Value ticket – which is the Gulf carrier’s entry-level premium fare – no longer enjoy lounge access or free seat selection.
The airline has advised that Business Value tickets purchased before March 4 still include lounge access and free seats election, but new tickets – and rebookings – will now be ‘unbundled’ packages.
Both lounge access and seat selection will cost extra, rather than be included in the airfare; the airline charges AED590 (AUD260) for access to its flagship Abu Dhabi business class lounge for a period of up to four hours.
The good news for frequent flyers is that lounge access and seat selection remain as status inclusions for Etihad Guest Gold and Platinum members.
Etihad Guest Silver members can also visit Etihad’s business lounge at Abu Dhabi, but not any overseas lounges.
Also axed from Business Value fares is the ability to cancel your flight and receive a refund after paying a fee.
At the time of writing, there’s very little difference between the price of a Business Value and Business Comfort fare.
Looking at Sydney to Paris in the middle of 2025, for example, the now-unbundled Business Value fares range from AUD4,000 to AUD6,000, while all-inclusive Business Comfort tickets cost a mere AUD52-AUD69 extra.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Finnair have all rolled out unbundled business class fares over recent years, with US carrier Delta Air Lines reported to follow this year.
Source: https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/etihad-unbundled-business-class
