Etihad Airways has enhanced its upgrade system, enabling members of its frequent flyer programme, Etihad Guest, to use miles as a form of payment to bid for a seat in a higher cabin class. This is in addition to the existing credit card option.
Guests will be able to see real-time notifications of their bid, allowing two or more individual bids at the same time. Regular email and SMS updates will also be sent to notify them of the status of their bid.
The auction will take place from 48 to six hours prior to flight’s departure. Once the auction closes, the successful bidder will be notified immediately.
The bidding guests are encouraged to still check in online up to 48 hours prior to departure on the Etihad Airways Mobile App or Etihad.com via the Self Service Hub. If an upgrade is accepted, a new boarding pass will automatically be available on the Etihad Airways App or provided at check-in
Future enhancements will enable Etihad Guest members to bid with their miles on Neighbour-Free seats as well as allowing them to combine cash and miles for bidding.
