Starting from July, Economy Class passengers will be able to experience the luxurious services and facilities at Etihad's lounges for a fee.

The changes, effective on July 3, come amid a strategy review for new ways to boost revenues as well as improve its value proposition for guests.

Economy class guests will be given paid access to the carrier's growing portfolio of dedicated lounges around the world, including its Premium lounges in Abu Dhabi, London, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, Washington DC, New York JFK, Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles.

The fee for economy passengers to access the business class lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport will start from Dh370 ($100.7) and will be charged according to the time spent in the lounge.

Guests travelling on Etihad Airways Business Class tickets can also pay and upgrade to the airline’s luxurious flagship First Class Lounge & Spa when flying from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi, whilst its complimentary chauffeur service will be replaced with a paid option in all other cities except in Abu Dhabi.

Guests 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.

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

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

Mohammad Al Bulooki, executive vice president commercial for Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is constantly looking at ways to improve its value proposition for guests, focusing on the service elements that are most important to them. This change is being put in place as the airline looks to evolve its product proposition while continuing to match individual customer requirements. Following a review, the chauffeur services we offer will be amended globally, with the exception of Abu Dhabi, where there are a high number of users of the service.

“Many customers prefer to make their own ground transportation arrangements. The decision by Etihad Airways to change its offering has been taken to provide increased choice and to ensure fares remain as low and as competitive as possible, while retaining best-in-class service for all guests, in all cabins.”

Inflight, Etihad Airways has introduced an innovative new ‘Neighbour-Free Seat’ option in Economy Class. The service provides guests with the option to enhance their flying experience by ‘bidding’ for up to three empty seats next to their original seat -  subject to availability and cabin configuration.

This gives guests the opportunity for increased space, comfort and privacy, at a price that is affordable. Guests can bid at the time of booking online. Successful bids will be confirmed 30 hours prior to departure. - TradeArabia News Service