The deal is open to residents in Australia, the US and others, but just because you’re already Gold with another airline doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get Gold with Etihad – you’ll need to submit your frequent flyer history in the form of previous statements or account screenshots to get your foot in the door, and Etihad will have the final call on who meets their quota of applicants.
Although the offer says Gold cardholders from other airlines will only be considered, I can only assume higher tier members would also be eligible. Definitely worth a shot if you’re a Qantas or other airline Gold or above elite and see yourself flying on Virgin Australia, Etihad or Air Berlin in the near future.
It’s a simple application process – just email a picture of your existing frequent flyer card and the supporting statements, along with your existing Etihad Guest account number. All the details are on the promotion page, and this will need to have been done by 15th March – but I’d recommend getting it in sooner, given Etihad runs these promotions on a quota-basis.
I’ve applied – will be interesting to see if I meet their criteria. Report back if they let you in too!
They mucked up her DOB when setting up her account though so we can’t register her for an online account because her details don’t match. Two calls to their call centre and a promise that a change would take 24 hours to update in the database haven’t come to fruition.
My DOB was ok, although the account came through as normal Etihad Guest and was only upgraded after an email.
So, hardly a smooth process, but we’re almost there.
Also, I’m looking at going to Europe next year and can see that Velocity charge significantly less miles/points than what Etihad are charging for the same EY flights. Is that right or am I missing something? Is there any disadvantage to booking EY flights via Velocity (and adding my Etihad Gold number) or do I need to take the hit on MR points and just book via Etihad Guest?
If Velocity pricing is much cheaper for what you’re after than Etihad, then go for it – nothing to lose. You should be booked on EY coded flights, so with status you should get looked after the same as if you booked directly.
Where are you headed?
I’m going to visit the in-laws in Yorkshire, hopefully taking our first child who is due in ten weeks. My wife is going early with the baby (probably in EY J using Velocity points transferred from Amex) then I’m going over later. I was going to try and get them QF F but it seems that the bassinets in J are better, although the J redemptions are a lot harder to get on QF9. She got the EY Gold match too so I think we’ll give them a go having never flown them. Plus, the VA price is very good and a decent use of points. AA charge for a child redemption so that makes that a no-no.
I’m tossing up booking myself in F on QF9 again using AA miles or doing some kind of status run via HNL and then all over the US on the way to LHR to try and re-qualify for QF Platinum as I might struggle next year and I’m closing in on LTG so every flight helps to get closer and tick it off asap.
I’m then keen on a side trip to BOD because its one of the places I missed having lived in the UK for ten years. That’ll be a cheap avios return on BA.
Then we’re visiting family in DOH on the way back, so I’m tossing up getting to MUC from MAN with SQ in Y on their tag flight on the 773-ER (using SQ miles from Amex and the 5k bonus from the recent sign-up offer), or a simple avios LHR-MUC with BA J, and then connecting straight on to the QR 787 in J using avios again (and avoiding the dreaded UK APD).
A few days in DOH, then a hop with QR or EY to AUH for a few days more R&R to pick up J to MEL with EY on the 777 – or A380 F Apartments to SYD and VA to MEL and home if I feel rich (again using Amex MR’s). I like that EY prices in the baby fare for redemptions, something that SQ don’t do and something that I’ve been trying to work out who does best.
So, quite a mixed bag, but I’ve got a stash of miles all over the place and plenty of MR to target the right redemptions as they present. I’m always amazed at the discrepancy between programs for the same seat i.e. QF 192k and $620 versus AA 60k and $80 for QF F MEL-LHR. Ridiculous really, but all part of the game.
The one thing that I haven’t really properly researched is using CX miles to book the OW flights. I know what the mileage costs are but I’m unsure of the taxes etc, for instance on the QR MUC-DOH or even DOH-MEL flights if they come up which would mean I wouldn’t go to AUH. I have HSBC and MR points that I can send to CX if the numbers stack but using their website is tough for partner redemptions and the call centre means a long time on hold. I have lodged a few requests but haven’t heard back.
So, there you go. The booking windows open soon. Wish me luck in getting the seats!
Love the blog too. The aussie perspective is fantastic and I’ve learned quite a bit over the year or so I’ve been reading. Keep it up!
I’ll let you know how we go.