Etihad’s New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Etihad Charges 50,000 Miles for Premium Account Numbers Under New Scheme

Etihad Airways has unveiled a revamped loyalty program, introducing an Elite Account Number Scheme that allows members to personalize their benefits. This new structure lets elite members select perks that align with their travel styles, a shift from the traditional tier system. While the new scheme emphasizes personalized choices, it also introduces a potential pitfall: hefty mile charges for specific options. Some choices can cost a significant number of miles – as much as 50,000 – potentially leading to a reevaluation of the value proposition for using miles within the program. While the move towards personalized rewards appears positive, it’s important to consider if the costs associated with these tailored experiences are justifiable for every member. Although a Diamond tier has been added for Etihad's top flyers, this scheme makes it even more critical for Etihad members to carefully weigh the advantages of accumulating and utilizing their miles strategically. This program shift emphasizes a move towards a purely mileage-based structure for elite status, signaling a notable change in how Etihad rewards its frequent flyers.

Etihad's new scheme presents an interesting twist to loyalty programs by allowing members to personalize their account numbers, offering a sense of exclusivity. The allure of a unique, memorable account number, potentially simplifying bookings and adding a touch of individuality, is evident. However, the cost – up to 50,000 miles – is substantial, equivalent to a significant chunk of miles earned through routine travel, particularly for economy-focused travelers.


One might wonder whether the convenience of a personalized account number truly outweighs the potential loss of miles that could be used for actual flights. The decision to use miles in this way could affect the rate at which travelers accumulate miles for future travel, especially those who frequently fly. It highlights a growing trend in the industry: airlines are increasingly finding innovative ways to monetize their programs, pushing the boundaries of what can be purchased with miles.


This tactic, of providing tangible benefits in exchange for a large number of miles, is a smart way for Etihad to leverage the inherent value perception travelers have of loyalty programs and miles. It taps into the human desire for control and personalization. This scheme demonstrates the evolution of loyalty programs towards enhanced customer experience, even if it comes at a hefty mileage price.


However, this approach begs the question: is there truly enough inherent value in a personalized account number to justify the high mileage expenditure? The move makes travelers reassess their strategy when dealing with loyalty programs. Are the benefits offered substantial enough, or should members maintain their miles for future travel plans?


Essentially, Etihad is employing a strategy commonly seen in today's airline landscape: seeking supplementary revenue streams through personalized services. This trend, while enhancing the overall customer experience for some, could change the value proposition of loyalty programs in the future, potentially impacting how airlines balance their profit margins with customer satisfaction.

What else is in this post?

1. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Etihad Charges 50,000 Miles for Premium Account Numbers Under New Scheme
2. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - New Diamond Elite Status Requires $150,000 Annual Spend
3. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Tier Segments Eliminated in June 2024 Elite Status Changes
4. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Custom Benefits Replace Traditional Perks for All Elite Tiers
5. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Award Seat Pricing Drops to 5,000 Miles for Economy Routes
6. Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Partner Airlines Miles Earning Gets Major Update with Virgin Australia and Saudia

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - New Diamond Elite Status Requires $150,000 Annual Spend

Etihad Airways has decided to add a new top-tier status called Diamond, requiring a substantial annual spend of $150,000 on Etihad flights. It's positioned above the current Platinum level, giving members in these elite tiers the ability to select their own account number, a feature that appears to be considered desirable in the UAE. However, what this new Diamond tier actually provides in terms of benefits is still a secret. This move shows a clear change in how Etihad views its loyalty program, focusing more on big spenders and less on those who simply accumulate miles from flying.

For those who fly Etihad regularly and consider themselves serious travelers, this raises the question of whether Diamond status is worth the very high spending threshold. With changes to the entire Etihad Guest loyalty program expected by June 2024, including changes to how miles are earned and spent, Etihad's loyal customers need to evaluate how this may affect their overall travel experience and plan accordingly. It will be interesting to see how the changes impact the value proposition for Etihad frequent flyers.

Etihad Airways has introduced a new top-tier elite status called Diamond, requiring a significant annual spend of $150,000. This places it above the existing Platinum tier and establishes a new benchmark for loyalty within the Etihad Guest program. While this elite status and the ability to customize account numbers are seen as prestigious, especially in the UAE, the costs associated with them are notable.

The new Diamond tier underscores a growing trend among airlines to increase the spending thresholds needed to achieve elite status. Reaching this level requires not only maintaining Platinum status but also meeting the significant $150,000 spending requirement within a rolling 12-month period. This strategy seemingly prioritizes high-spending travelers, potentially altering the dynamics of Etihad's loyalty program.

The changes to the Etihad Guest program extend beyond the addition of a new elite tier. The program, now built around five tiers based on earned miles, is being re-structured around personalized selections. Etihad members can choose from a variety of perks that fit their travel style, but those perks may come with a hefty price tag in miles. Specifically, for the highly coveted personalized account numbers, members can face costs of up to 50,000 miles.

This shift towards personalized options is an intriguing approach to loyalty programs. It creates a more individual experience. But the high mile cost raises concerns for many users. It is a substantial amount of miles to sacrifice for an account number. Some will likely question the practical benefit of a personalized number compared to other travel benefits.

The move appears to align with a trend among airlines – a shift towards programs designed to generate more income. Airlines are increasingly implementing new tactics to generate revenue from their loyalty programs. Whether it's customizing account numbers, adjusting award pricing, or altering mileage accumulation rules, it seems airlines are searching for new avenues to increase profit. This move may cause some to rethink their commitment to Etihad Guest and its associated programs.

The question arises whether Etihad's new strategy will have a lasting impact on the program's long-term appeal. Will this push more travelers toward competing airlines with programs that prioritize travel frequency and earning miles over high spending thresholds? It's a question that will become clearer as members experience the new program and evaluate if the benefits offered are truly substantial or if they merely serve to monetize loyalty programs even further.

Moreover, the move towards a more personalized loyalty program suggests that travel frequency may no longer be the primary determinant for elite status. Spending, and potentially the willingness to spend a substantial number of accumulated miles, may play a more significant role in achieving the most prestigious tiers. This development is certainly a noticeable change in how airlines are approaching customer retention and building loyalty within their programs.

Ultimately, the changes to the Etihad Guest program signify a broader trend: the evolution of loyalty programs into sophisticated strategies that generate more revenue for airlines through tailored, but expensive, options. It will be interesting to observe how this transformation impacts the future of loyalty programs across the industry.

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Tier Segments Eliminated in June 2024 Elite Status Changes

Etihad Airways is making changes to its elite status program, effective June 2024, that emphasize earning miles over simply flying frequently. They're ditching the old system of tracking Tier Segments for elite status and moving to a simpler model where you need 50,000 Tier Miles to qualify, with a significant chunk of those miles (20,000) coming from flying on Etihad itself. While this change seems straightforward, it does suggest that Etihad is prioritizing higher-spending travelers. The introduction of a new Diamond elite status, accessible only to those who drop a minimum of $150,000 annually on Etihad flights, underlines this shift.

It appears Etihad is placing greater importance on big spenders, which could leave some of their more frequent, yet less-spending, travelers feeling like their loyalty isn't as valued. While the core benefits of elite status like priority check-in and complimentary WiFi are expected to remain, the changes could impact how members perceive the value of the program. The shift towards mileage accumulation as the primary driver for elite status presents a new challenge for travelers who may need to re-evaluate their travel plans and how they make use of their earned miles in this revamped system. It’s definitely a noticeable change that's worth considering when choosing an airline for your travel.

In June 2024, Etihad is expected to transition away from the current system of using "Tier Segments" for achieving elite status, opting instead to rely exclusively on "Tier Miles". This change might alter how loyal travelers earn status, potentially leading to unexpected changes in the value proposition of the Etihad Guest program. It seems like they're moving away from simply rewarding frequent travel to rewarding miles earned on Etihad and through their partners.

Etihad is emphasizing individualized benefits in the revamped scheme. This shift could lead to a less uniform loyalty experience compared to the prior structure. While offering customizable benefits, it could introduce a degree of confusion among members as they attempt to optimize their perks given the new mile-based structure.

It will be interesting to see how frequent flyers within the new Diamond elite tier, requiring a very high annual spend, will balance the quest for better benefits with the significant amount of money they need to spend. There is a noticeable shift in focus towards high-spending individuals, which could potentially lead to more fragmentation within the program as it caters to a wealthier subset of travelers while possibly alienating less affluent customers.

This change in direction, ditching Tier Segments, is in line with industry-wide adjustments made by other carriers. Many airlines are actively evaluating their loyalty programs, emphasizing methods to stimulate spending through customized benefits rather than just consistently rewarding travel frequency.

The possibility to personalize your Etihad Guest account number sounds appealing, but it comes at a cost: up to 50,000 miles. This begs the question of whether the practical value of a personalized number outweighs the significant amount of miles it requires. Are travelers willing to pay such a substantial amount of miles, miles they could potentially use for more desirable premium travel options?

As airlines continue to personalize benefits, they risk complicating already complex loyalty program rules. This might lead to greater difficulties for members as they grapple with the intricacies of the revamped program's tier structure and personalized perk selections.


With the increased focus on spending and the potential decrease in importance of travel frequency, Etihad might inadvertently narrow their target audience for their program. This could foster a sense of competition among elite members, pushing them to prioritize higher expenditure over the pure frequency of travel.

This new approach to achieving Diamond status could motivate travelers to seek out other programs offering better conditions for achieving elite status, emphasizing the urgency for Etihad to showcase that the new program and its features are worth the high entry cost.


The elimination of Tier Segments will likely require a recalibration of traveler loyalty strategies. With a focus on miles and the introduction of individualized perks, travelers may find it harder to obtain elite status. This could lead to a change in loyalty towards Etihad and a reduction in member participation in the program.


The costs associated with perks like personalized account numbers demonstrate a broader shift in the airline industry. They're introducing new ways to monetize loyalty programs, effectively shifting the focus from a simple reward system to a structured market where accumulated miles are a currency. The ability to purchase exclusive perks with a large number of miles is likely to change how passengers perceive the value of loyalty programs.


It is going to be interesting to see how these changes will play out within the Etihad Guest loyalty scheme and to see if other airlines start to adapt similar strategies to monetize their passenger base through their loyalty programs.

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Custom Benefits Replace Traditional Perks for All Elite Tiers

Etihad Airways is overhauling its loyalty program, moving away from a traditional tier structure towards a more individualized approach. Elite members now have the option to pick and choose custom benefits that suit their travel needs, replacing the standard set of perks tied to specific tiers. While this shift towards personalization seems positive, it comes with a catch: members can be charged up to 50,000 miles for each custom benefit they select. This can quickly become a significant cost, particularly for frequent travelers who might prefer to save their miles for actual flights.

The idea behind this system is to make the loyalty program more appealing to a wider range of travelers, catering to individual preferences instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. However, this new flexibility introduces a dilemma for members. The decision to spend miles on custom options versus accumulating them for flights requires careful evaluation. The question arises: are the personalized benefits offered genuinely valuable enough to justify spending a potentially large number of miles?


This move by Etihad is in line with a growing trend among airlines – the trend towards extracting more revenue from their loyalty programs. By offering tempting, customizable perks at a hefty mile cost, Etihad is trying to find new ways to generate income. While this may enhance the experience for some, it could also redefine how loyalty programs operate in the future. Will we see more of this shift towards mileage-based purchases of perks? Will it change how frequent flyers view the value of their loyalty programs? It's something to consider, especially with the new system launching in June 2024.

Etihad's recent revamp of its loyalty program signifies a broader shift in the airline industry, one that emphasizes personalization and potentially higher spending over simply frequent flying. By transitioning from traditional perks to a system of custom benefits, Etihad is trying to create a more tailored experience for its customers. However, this comes at a price. The decision to introduce costs – in the form of miles – for certain perks, such as personalized account numbers, is notable. Up to 50,000 miles can be required for a single custom selection, which might seem steep compared to other traditional reward options, like upgrades or free checked bags.

This move hints at a change in the dynamics of loyalty programs. The new Diamond elite tier, requiring a hefty $150,000 annual spend on Etihad, certainly raises eyebrows. This indicates Etihad is shifting its focus towards higher-spending clientele, potentially impacting the value proposition for those who fly frequently but might not be able to meet this spending threshold. It's interesting to think about how this new emphasis on spending might impact traveler behaviors – will more travelers now try to prioritize flying on Etihad to ensure they maximize their chances of earning enough miles for the rewards?

The streamlining of the program through the elimination of Tier Segments, to focus on Tier Miles, may initially seem like a positive change in terms of making things simpler. But the implementation of the customized perk system adds a degree of complexity. Members are now expected to carefully consider which perks they value the most and how to allocate their miles accordingly, which could lead to some confusion and perhaps even a feeling of "choice overload." Furthermore, Etihad's lack of specific details regarding the benefits associated with the new top-tier Diamond status makes it difficult for potential members to evaluate the tangible advantages of this tier, raising questions about the perceived value of such a high spending requirement.

This move highlights the growing trend in the airline industry to seek more revenue from loyalty programs through customized perks. This approach, while certainly designed to enhance customer experience, is also likely to affect the overall value that members perceive. As airlines leverage behavioral psychology to influence traveler choices, it will be interesting to see how this impacts competition among airlines. Will travelers gravitate towards programs that prioritize travel frequency over high spending requirements? Airlines will need to find ways to maintain customer loyalty in a landscape where personalization and revenue generation are increasingly intertwined. This new approach requires airlines to thoughtfully consider how to maintain member engagement and deliver the sense of value that keeps customers loyal to a particular program.

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Award Seat Pricing Drops to 5,000 Miles for Economy Routes

Etihad has made economy award flights more attractive by lowering the mileage cost to just 5,000 miles. This is a notable change that could benefit many frequent travelers seeking more affordable redemption options. The move fits within Etihad's broader revamp of their loyalty program, which now focuses on allowing members to pick and choose benefits based on their preferences. While this increased personalization can be appealing, it comes with a catch. Etihad's new Elite Account Number Scheme enables members to customize their account but requires up to 50,000 miles per selection. This presents travelers with a dilemma: is a personalized account number worth potentially giving up a substantial portion of their miles? The new program creates a clearer picture of how Etihad values its customers, shifting more towards monetizing loyalty programs. It's worth evaluating how these adjustments may affect your future travel plans and whether the personalized options truly offer sufficient value when compared to simply saving miles for flights. Airlines across the board are trying to enhance their loyalty programs to gain more revenue, and the strategy employed by Etihad is a prime example of this new trend. It will be interesting to see how travelers will respond to these new options and if this shift in approach leads to greater member satisfaction or if it diminishes the allure of mileage programs.

Etihad's recent decision to drop the mileage cost of economy award seats to just 5,000 miles is quite intriguing. Historically, airlines have typically set a minimum of 12,500 miles or higher for economy award tickets. This significant reduction, while seemingly beneficial for travelers, could be indicative of a larger trend within the airline industry to make award travel more accessible. It's a move that emphasizes the concept of miles as a currency, making loyalty programs more attractive to a wider audience.

This change in pricing could, however, create some interesting dynamics. While economy class now becomes considerably more accessible, the gap between the miles needed for economy and premium cabin awards might widen, potentially influencing passenger behavior. Flyers might opt for more frequent short-haul trips to quickly accumulate miles for economy awards, rather than saving for longer, premium flights. This could lead to a change in how Etihad's loyalty program is utilized, with passengers focusing on accumulating miles for a higher number of shorter trips.

One could also anticipate potential changes in award seat availability. The reduced cost for economy class awards might increase demand for these seats, possibly impacting overall booking experiences and potentially creating challenges for travelers seeking these options. The success of this strategy might, in turn, influence competitor airlines to adjust their reward programs, thus sparking a new round of competition based on mile redemption rates.

From a behavioral psychology perspective, the lower mileage thresholds could stimulate traveler engagement with Etihad's program. The perception of value can increase when travelers feel they can quickly and easily redeem miles for travel, potentially leading to a heightened sense of loyalty. In this newly evolving landscape, it will be interesting to observe how the elite status tiers, with their personalized rewards and benefits, fare in comparison to these more readily attainable economy awards. The shift could lead to a nuanced understanding of what constitutes valuable loyalty within the Etihad program and how the airline balances accessible travel with elite tier experiences.

Overall, this move by Etihad presents a fascinating case study in how airlines are leveraging loyalty programs. It's a reminder that these programs are not merely rewards for frequent flyers, but tools that can be strategically manipulated to impact traveler behavior and generate revenue. While the changes appear positive for those seeking economy class flights, the ramifications for both passenger choice and Etihad's program as a whole remain to be seen. The airline industry is constantly seeking to refine its approaches to customer loyalty and profitability, and Etihad's initiative is a noteworthy experiment in this ongoing evolution.

Etihad's New Elite Account Number Scheme Costs Members Up To 50,000 Miles Per Custom Selection - Partner Airlines Miles Earning Gets Major Update with Virgin Australia and Saudia

Virgin Australia and Saudia have recently made changes to how members earn miles when flying with partner airlines. This update, primarily affecting Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer program, introduces a new tiered system that allows members to earn bonus points when flying with partners. The higher the member's tier, the more bonus points they can earn.

This change, coupled with Virgin Australia's re-establishment of a number of international partnerships, opens up more avenues for members to accumulate Velocity points. This signifies a movement towards more customized mile-earning structures across the airline industry. However, given the recent trend of airlines seeking innovative ways to monetize their loyalty programs, it's important for travelers to carefully evaluate if this new structure provides sufficient value.

In a landscape where airlines are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their loyalty programs, this update from Virgin Australia and Saudia presents a clear example of how miles earning strategies are evolving. It will be interesting to see how this impacts how travelers view the worth of accumulating miles, especially in light of the growing trend of charging hefty fees in miles for enhanced program features. Ultimately, these changes potentially impact the long-term appeal and perceived value of loyalty programs. It might lead travelers to more closely scrutinize the benefits they receive and determine if they align with their travel goals, especially when considering the costs associated with some perks.

Virgin Australia and Saudia have joined the growing trend of airlines adjusting their frequent flyer programs, mirroring Etihad's recent changes. These shifts suggest a broader industry movement away from traditional tier systems, where status was primarily earned through flight frequency, toward a more personalized, mileage-based structure.

A key aspect of these updated programs is the introduction of a new earning structure, much like Etihad's new scheme. This means that the rate at which you accumulate miles for partner flights is no longer a simple matter of status level. It now becomes more nuanced, contingent on the partnership agreement and the specific airline you fly with. Virgin Australia, for instance, now offers up to 75 bonus points for its Velocity Frequent Flyer members flying with partners, depending on their tier status. For SkyTeam partners, Silver members can expect a minimum of 50 bonus points, Gold members 75, and Platinum members 100, introducing a layered earning structure.

In a way, this reminds us of the debate about whether airlines are emphasizing loyalty as a commitment to a specific airline (i.e., more often flying with the same carrier) or merely the accrual of a currency (miles) that is interchangeable with partners, making it a more flexible system.

The move to a more personalized rewards structure may appeal to some travelers. Virgin Australia has been busy rebuilding their international partnerships after encountering some turbulence in recent years. These expanded partnerships offer greater possibilities for collecting Velocity points through flights on partner airlines, potentially creating more options for travelers. This could be viewed as a clever maneuver by Virgin, since it allows them to offer more flexibility while maintaining their brand in the face of increasing competition from other airlines.

The changes seen in these programs represent an industry-wide shift. Airlines are increasingly looking to tailor programs in a way that generates more revenue, potentially altering the value proposition for frequent flyers. The introduction of custom selections in exchange for a substantial number of miles — a feature also present in Etihad's new system — may make travelers reconsider how they allocate and value their hard-earned miles.

Whether this strategy ultimately drives more revenue or leads to a decline in customer loyalty remains a question. It will be fascinating to observe how these changes affect consumer behavior and ultimately how they impact the loyalty landscape in the coming years. It might very well be a strategic chess move by Virgin Australia and others, attempting to capture more revenue from their loyalty programs in a more refined way. While it might give the illusion of customization for travelers, it may just be another revenue generation engine. It's a complex, evolving system in this era of airlines seeking to enhance their revenue streams through customized customer loyalty programs.