Etihad Airways has announced a series of changes affecting passenger services on the ground and in flight. The airline is amending its chauffeur policy following a review of usage by premium passengers across all major markets. The complimentary chauffeur service will be retained at Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub and replaced with a paid option at specially negotiated rates in all other cities. The changes will be implemented from 3rd July 2017.

The airline will also extend the paid airport transfer option to all passengers across all cabins and allow Etihad Guest members to accrue miles on their chauffeur bookings.

Passengers travelling in The Residence onboard the flagship Airbus A380 fleet will continue to receive complimentary chauffeur services at all A380 destinations – Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Sydney and New York.

First and Business Class tickets issued prior to 3rd July 2017 will not be affected by these changes and will receive complimentary chauffeur service across destinations where the service is currently offered.

Etihad Airways will also offer Economy Class passengers paid access to its growing portfolio of dedicated lounges around the world, including its Premium Lounges in Abu Dhabi, London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington D.C., New York JFK, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles.

Passengers travelling on Etihad Airways Business Class tickets can now also pay and upgrade to the airline’s flagship First Class Lounge & Spa when flying from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi.

In flight, Etihad Airways has introduced a ‘Neighbour-Free Seat’ option in Economy Class. The service provides passengers with the option to ‘bid’ for up to three empty seats next to their original seat, subject to availability and  cabin configuration. Passengers can bid at the time of booking online. Successful bids will be confirmed 30 hours prior to departure.