Gulf carrier Etihad is to start charging for some items in economy class — but there’s no need for clanging alarm bells.
Instead of the usual tack of charging for goods or services that were once free, Etihad is giving economy passengers the opportunity to buy a few extra comforts.
All the free stuff in Etihad economy — including complimentary meals and drinks — will remain but passengers will now be able to sample some of the good things usually reserved for people at the pointy end.
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This includes male or female Christian Lacroix amenity kits with exclusive Omorovicza skin care, products, Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut NV champagne or Christian Lacroix cotton sleepwear.
Those wanting to chug down a Planet Coffee cold brew coffee will also be able to do so and in 2018 the airline will be selling what was once known as selection boxes containing sweet or healthy treats.
The move comes as the Gulf carrier has been selling other “enhanced services” to passengers, including pay-for-lounge access and chauffeur transfers at some airports as well as neighbor-free and extra-legroom seats.
It intends to keep a close eye on sales to see what other items it may be able to sell to passengers.
“Etihad Airways is always looking at new ways to give our guests more power and control over their experience, through options to customize and personalize their journey,’’ vice president guest experience and delivery Linda Celestino said in the airline's announcement.
“In addition to providing extra comfort and choice in the air, some of the items are great gift ideas, particularly in the run-up to the holiday season. We will monitor guest satisfaction and aim to expand the range of items for sale in the future.”
The new products, with the exception of the snack box, will be available for Christmas but there are some differences in terms of routes and availability.
The coffee ($US4) is only available on London, Paris and Australian routes.
The sleepwear ($US35) and amenity kits ($US22) are available on ultra-long-haul routes (other than those to and from the US) and will be joined by the snack box.
Everybody on long-haul and ULH routes can buy the champagne for $US8 a glass.
Etihad in July posted a headline-grabbing $US1.87 billion annual loss for 2016, caused mainly by a fleet write-down and one-off charges related to troubled airline investments.
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