Etihad Insurance: Buying Guide For Your Next Flight

Etihad Airways offers flexibility to its customers by allowing them to change or cancel their flight bookings. However, it is important to note that Etihad typically charges a change flight fee, which is usually a flat $30 plus any fare difference, depending on the fare type and route. This fee also applies to new reservations, ticket modifications, and refunds. To save time and money, it is advisable to understand the flight change policy and purchase travel insurance to cover cancellations, alterations, and emergency medical treatment. This insurance can be bought when booking the ticket, and it is recommended to get in touch with your Travel Guard to update your insurance. Etihad Airways provides a `manage my booking` feature on its website, where customers can make changes to their bookings, including the flight date, time, and destination. Changes can be made online or by contacting Etihad's customer service.

Cancelling an Etihad flight ticket

Step 1: Review the Etihad Cancellation Policy

Before initiating the cancellation, it's crucial to understand the Etihad Airways cancellation policy. The airline offers various fare types, including Economy, Business Class, and First Class, each with its own set of cancellation rules and fees. Familiarize yourself with these rules and any applicable fees to avoid unexpected charges.

Step 2: Timing of Cancellation

Etihad Airways allows passengers to cancel their flights within 24 hours of booking without incurring a penalty. However, if you cancel after this period, you may be subject to cancellation fees, which can range from $100 to $500, depending on the fare class and timing of the cancellation. Keep in mind that refunds may take between 7 to 45 days to process and appear on your statement.

Step 3: Check Ticket Refundability

Not all Etihad Airways tickets are refundable. Some may be non-refundable, while others may be partially or fully refundable, depending on the fare rules. Make sure to check if your ticket is refundable before initiating the cancellation process. Additionally, refunds will only be issued to the original form of payment.

Step 4: Gather Booking Information

Before proceeding, ensure you have all the necessary information related to your flight reservation. This includes your booking reference, passenger details, and any other relevant documentation.

Step 5: Initiate the Cancellation

You can cancel your Etihad Airways flight online through the website, mobile app, or by contacting their customer service. To cancel online, log in to your Etihad account, go to "Manage Your Booking," review your flight details, and follow the prompts to cancel your reservation. Alternatively, you can contact Etihad's customer service by phone, email, or in-person at a ticket office or airport location.

Step 6: Confirm and Receive Cancellation

After reviewing the cancellation details, fees, and refund/credit information, confirm the cancellation by agreeing to the terms and conditions. You should then receive a confirmation email from Etihad Airways, acknowledging your cancellation.

Step 7: Follow Up on Refunds or Credits

If your ticket is eligible for a refund or travel credit, keep track of its status. Etihad typically processes refunds or credits promptly, but you can always contact customer service for an update. Remember that refunds may take some time to appear on your statement, and there may be additional processing fees charged by your bank.

Changing an Etihad flight ticket

If you need to change an Etihad flight ticket, the process is relatively straightforward. Firstly, it is important to note that Etihad Airways allows you to change your flight date. You can make changes to your booking online or offline.

To change your flight ticket online, visit the Etihad website and log in to your account. Go to the "Manage My Booking" or "Manage Your Booking" feature, where you can make changes up to two hours before your flight. Here, you can update your contact information, passport details, and extra services like seat selection and baggage.

If you need assistance or are making last-minute changes, you can contact Etihad's customer service. Give them a call at +1 (571) 378-7016, and they will guide you through the process.

It is important to be aware of the fees associated with changing your flight. Etihad typically charges a change flight fee of $30, plus any fare difference, which varies by fare type and route. Certain circumstances, like a family death, may result in a waived fee with the necessary documentation. Additionally, changes within 96 hours of departure can incur an additional 10% fee, and no-show fees may apply.

When changing your flight, keep in mind that certain aspects, like flight details, extra miles, and baggage weight, may be challenging to modify. Also, ensure your contact details are up to date, so you receive notifications about any changes to your trip.

Using the manage my booking feature

Using the "Manage My Booking" feature, you can make changes to your bookings without much hassle. This feature is available on the Etihad Airways website and allows you to make changes to your flight bookings, including updating your contact details, booking extras like additional baggage or selecting your seats, checking in, downloading your boarding pass, and making additional requests for meals or special assistance.

To access the "Manage My Booking" feature, go to etihad.com/manage and log in to your account. From there, you can view and manage your bookings. Keep in mind that the availability of certain changes and the associated fees may depend on the fare type and route of your booking. Some fares offer free and flexible changes, so it is always good to check before you book.

You can make changes to your flight or even cancel it using this feature up to two hours before departure. However, if you are cancelling a booking, remember that you can only withdraw refunds from refundable tickets that have not been partially used. Also, note that once a cancellation or refund is processed, it cannot be reversed.

Additionally, if you need to make last-minute changes less than 96 hours before your flight departure, an additional 10% fee may apply on top of the standard change fee. In special circumstances, such as a family death, Etihad may waive the change fee if you provide the necessary documentation.

Contacting Etihad's customer service

Etihad Airways offers two levels of travel insurance cover, FlySafe and FlySafePlus, provided by AXA and its business partners in some countries. You can purchase travel insurance when you book your flight on the Etihad website.

If you need to contact Etihad's customer service team, you can do so via phone, SMS, email, or in person at the airport.

Phone

• For general enquiries, the Etihad Airways Contact Centre number is +1 (0) 877 690 0767.
• For last-minute changes to your booking, contact reservations on +1 (571) 378-7016.
• For issues regarding a delayed or lost bag, contact the local baggage services company on a daily basis for updates. If your bag is not located and returned within 21 days, the claim will be transferred to Etihad Airways headquarters, and a representative from the baggage claims department will manage your query.
• For issues regarding a refund, contact your bank first. If you don't receive your refund after 45 business days, call Etihad, and they will credit the amount to your Etihad Credit account.
• For medical issues, Italian-speaking doctors are available by phone from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays. You can request a callback or speak to them via the app.
• For claims, contact AXA (and its business partners in some countries) over the phone. Make sure to have your policy details and Etihad Airways booking confirmation to hand.

SMS and Email

Etihad Airways sends phone call/SMS and email alerts to guests who provide that contact information directly to them.

In-Person

If you are at an airport in the United States, an Etihad airport team member or third-party ground handling agent employee will be available to assist you and answer your questions.

Avoiding extra fees

When it comes to purchasing insurance for your Etihad flight ticket, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid paying extra fees. Firstly, understand the difference between basic flight insurance and trip cancellation insurance. Basic flight insurance typically covers the cost of your non-refundable plane ticket if you need to cancel your trip, while trip cancellation insurance covers 100% of your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, including tours, excursions, and hotel stays, as long as the reason for cancellation is listed in your policy.

To avoid unnecessary fees, assess your specific needs. If you only require protection for your airfare, a refundable ticket from the airline might be a better option. This provides 100% reimbursement when you meet the airline's policy requirements. However, if you have other non-refundable trip expenses, such as prepaid excursions and accommodations, a comprehensive travel insurance policy might be more suitable.

Additionally, be cautious of hidden fees. Some airlines may offer cheap initial ticket prices but charge extra for services like checked baggage, specific seats, or meals on board. To avoid surprises, carefully review the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase, paying close attention to any potential extra service fees. It is also worth checking if you already have travel or cancellation insurance through your bank or home insurance provider before purchasing additional coverage.

To manage your booking effectively and avoid extra fees, utilize the "`manage my booking`" feature offered by Etihad Airways. This feature allows you to make changes to your bookings, including cancellations, refunds, and flight date changes, without incurring unnecessary charges. Keep in mind that some changes, such as flight details, extra miles, and baggage weight, may be difficult to modify. Therefore, understanding the airline's change flight policy and fare rules is crucial to making cost-effective adjustments.

By being mindful of your specific needs, comparing insurance options, and staying vigilant about hidden fees, you can effectively avoid paying extra fees when purchasing insurance for your Etihad flight ticket.

Frequently asked questions