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If you were excited about riding in one of Etihad’s chauffeured Mercedes-Benz vehicles before your next premium-cabin flight, check your ticket. As of April 1, Etihad will no longer offer complimentary chauffeur service for first- and business-class award passengers traveling to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
This is the latest in a string of devaluations to Etihad’s customer experience. Back in 2016, the airline eliminated chauffeur service for all award travel booked through partner airlines. And before July 2017, first- and business-class passengers could receive door-to-door chauffeur service between any Etihad airport and their destination — now, the service has been eliminated everywhere except for its home base in Abu Dhabi.
With this latest move, passengers traveling on award tickets will no longer enjoy the full Etihad experience that was previously expected with premium fare classes. In recent years, the carrier has also terminated or suspended a number of routes to and from the US, citing issues with alliance partners or other obstacles.
Travelers flying in the Residence, however, will still receive complimentary chauffeur pick-ups and drop-offs at all A380 destinations, according to Etihad. Too bad they’re so difficult to score. While the this latest devaluation will be a disappointment for travelers, Etihad still has a lot to offer for its premium customers, including some of the best beds in the skies.
Source: thepointsguy.com