Does Etihad Airways Have A Refund Policy?
Etihad Airways has an easy-to-navigate refund policy. This refund policy, however, depends on a vast number of factors, from the cancellation timings to the source of purchase; everything plays an integral role in the refund policy.
Etihad Airways not only refunds money but also pays compensation to customers in certain situations. This blog contains in-depth information regarding Etihad Airways’ Refund Policy, along with the eligibility criteria and expected refunds.
What is Etihad Airways’ Refund Policy?
Etihad Airways does offer refunds, but only under specific conditions. These conditions are elaborately explained below:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy
Etihad’s 24-hour refund policy is highly risk-free. According to this policy, customers are eligible to claim a full refund from the airline irrespective of their fare type. The mandatory conditions which has to be fulfilled by the customers to avail this policy are as follows:
- Refunds can be made only if the cancellation was made within 24 hours of ticket purchase.
- Also, the cancellation must be made 7 days before the day of departure.
- If the cancellation is done within 24 hours after the purchase but not 7 days before the departure, it might be problematic to avail a full refund.
Flight Changes and Cancellations
Etihad Airways offers refunds to passengers for the flight changes and cancellations caused by the company’s end. If a flight is either cancelled or significantly delayed for more than 6 hours, or the airline fails to stop at the scheduled destination or stopover. However, passengers who match these criteria are only eligible for refunds.
- Passengers who have a confirmed reservation for that particular date.
- The ones who have completed the check-in process
- Travellers who were timely present for Boarding
- Passengers who have not been refused carriage for the reasons permitted by the Conditions of Carriage section present on Etihad Airways’ official site.
These passengers are completely eligible to avail the following rights:
- Right to Refund: Passengers are eligible for a full refund if their flight has been cancelled by the airways or is delayed for more than 6 hours by the airline. This refund includes all the add-on charges and taxes paid to the customers.
- Alternative Flights: Another right is that a flyer can board an alternative flight offered by Etihad Airways in the same arrival and departure without paying any extra cost. If the passenger still refuses to choose this option, then they might not be eligible for a full refund. As the airline has fulfilled its responsibility.
- Right to Compensation: Etihad Airways offers compensation to the passenger when flights are delayed or cancelled from their end. These compensation rules differ from one country to another. In most cases, compensations are made for flight delays of 4 hours or more. The amount ranges from $400 to $1000.
Country-Wise Refund Policies
The refund and compensation amounts offered by Etihad Airways vary from one continent or country to another. This difference is often caused due to the unique taxation policies of all the countries. A brief analysis of the country-wise refund policies is given below:
Europe
In Europe, if a flight is delayed for 4 hours or more, or the flight is cancelled by a European Airline, the passengers are eligible for absolute reimbursement of their ticket cost, including all the underlying taxes and fares. Not only this, the travellers also get a compensation amount from the airline. This amount depends with respect to the distance of the flight. It is €uro 400 in respect of all flights between 3,500km or less and €uro 600 in respect of all flights of more than 3,500km.
If the passengers refused to travel in the alternative flight provided by the airline, and the arrival time didn’t exceed 3 hours for all flights within 3,500km or 4 hours for flights of more than 3,500km.
Etihad Airways also makes accommodation arrangements for travellers whose stay becomes necessary for one or more nights. The hotel and transportation cost to reach the hotel is owned by the airline.
Etihad Airways flies prominently to Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Madrid, along many more.
Canada
In Toronto, Canada, Etihad Airways offers full refunds, re-routing, and compensation to the passenger if the flight is cancelled by the airline for reasons under their control. These reasons are also not safety-related. But, in cases where Etihad cancels the flight for reasons not under their control, only rebooking is the option available for the passengers.
The compensation offered to the flyers in Canada depends on the hours of delay as listed below:
- From 3 to 6 hours, the compensation is Canadian $ 400.
- From 6 to 9 hours, your compensation is Canadian $ 700.
- For 9 hours or more, your compensation is Canadian $ 1000.
United States
Etihad Airways refunds a partial amount based on their payment policies to the passengers if a flight has been delayed between 1 to 4 hours or more. The refunds are also made if the flight is cancelled. This refund includes the reimbursement of the optional services fee made by the customer initially. The compensation policies in the US are as follows.
- 1 to 4 hours of arrival delay: 200% of one-way fare
- Over 4 hours of arrival delay: 400% of one-way fare
The buyers of a fully refundable ticket are eligible to receive the whole payment without any reductions.
In the United States, Etihad Airways flies primarily to New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
Philippines
In Manila, Philippines, Etihad’s refund policies are again dependent on the duration at which the cancellation was confirmed by the airline. However, in almost all situations refund is surely provided to the passengers. A brief breakdown of the company policy is presented below:
- More than 7 days Policy: If the airline has informed the passengers more than 7 days before the day of departure. Then the travellers can either opt for a refund of their ticket or choose to rebook a flight of the same price.
- 7 or fewer than 7 days Policy (Unexpected Circumstances): When a flight is cancelled by Etihad due to unexpected circumstances, the travellers will be offered a special replacement flight with no added charges. Flyers can also choose between a refund and rebooking of the flight.
- 7 or fewer than 7 days Policy (Other than Unexpected Circumstances): If a flight is cancelled by the airline when the passenger is already at the airport. The person is eligible to choose a refund, a replacement flight, or rebooking. Etihad also provides refreshments, hotel stays, transportation, and communication assistance.
- 24 hours or less Policy: In case of an extraordinary circumstance, if the flights are cancelled. Flyers can choose between a refund, a replacement flight, or rebooking. Sufficient refreshments or vouchers will also be provided.
Israel
Etihad Airways has set out certain rights for the flyers whose flight is delayed for more than 8 hours or cancelled in less than 7 days of departure. The customers could apply for reimbursement in the amount paid for the flight ticket(including fees, levies, taxes, and other payments). The company also recommends that the flyers re-route their flights on the same date or another date, as per the travellers’ convenience. In Israel, there are certain restrictions regarding compensation amounts.
Oman
In Muscat or Salalah Airport, if a flight is delayed for more than 6 hours and the cancellation notification must be sent to the passengers at least 14 days before the day of departure. The airline provides care and compensation to the flyers. The compensation will be as follows:
- RO 108 for all flights with a distance not exceeding 1,500 kilometres
- RO 173 for all flights with a distance between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres
- RO 260 for all flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres.
Thailand
In Thailand, at Bangkok, Chang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket, Etihad Airways presents compensation and refunds for flight delays and cancellations. This amount depends on the duration of the delay and cancellation. The details for this are written below:
- Delay exceeding 2 hours: Only refreshments and meals are catered to the customers. Along with two complimentary communications.
- Delay exceeding 5 hours: Reimbursement of the unused portion of the ticket is provided, and hotel accommodation and transportation are also taken care of by the company.
- Delay exceeding 10 hours: The airline provides satisfactory compensation to the travellers if the flight is delayed for more than 10 hours. This amount is Thai Bhat 2,000 for a distance up to 1,500 kms, Thai Bhat 3,500 for a distance up to 1,500-3,500 kms, and Thai Bhat 4,500 for distances over 3,500.
Special Circumstances
According to the policies of Etihad Airways, if a passenger has died before boarding the flight, or the passenger’s close relative has died or is suffering from a serious illness. The passengers usually don’t wish to travel in such a case. So, the airline assists the customers with refunds or fee waivers in such situations. However, it is significant for the members to present the documentation before the airline authorities.
Partially Used Tickets
Etihad Airways provides a refund to customers who have partially flown to a particular destination but are not able to carry on the tour according to their itinerary. For such situations, the unused portion of the ticket is refunded. This refund is primarily governed by the fare type at which the ticket was purchased. In some fare types, customers are required to pay the cancellation fees as well.
Etihad Guest Miles and Etihad Credits
The flyers who have booked their flights using the Etihad Guest Miles will get a refund in the above-mentioned situations, as Etihad Guest Miles only. This is also relevant for Etihad Credit, as the passengers who have booked their flight using Etihad Credits will get a refund in the original format only.
Booking through Travel Agents
The individuals who have booked flights through travel agents. They shouldn’t worry in cases of flight cancellations. Etihad Airways has a set of guidelines that state that the flyers must contact their respective travel agents and ask them to file a proper request for a refund. The refund will be transferred to the travel agent’s account along with the compensation, if any.
No Show
Etihad Airways has strict rules and regulations for no-shows. If a passenger is not available onboard, without cancelling the purchased ticket. The company considers this a loss of their ticket. Hence, the passengers have the right to a refund or any sort of compensation.
How to Get a Refund from Etihad Airways?
There are a few convenient ways to apply for refunds from Etihad Airways. These processes include:
- Request a Refund Online through their Manage Booking Section
- Chat or call the concerned authorities
- Contact the Travel Agents if the ticket was purchased through a Travel Agent
How Long Does Etihad Airways Take to Process a Refund?
The refunds made by Etihad Airways are dependent on the mode of payment through which the customers had bought the ticket. These rules are as follows:
- Customers who had made payment through Credit/Debit Card can expect their amount to be refunded to their account within 21 days.
- The payments made through other methods will take at least 45 Business days to reflect in their accounts.
Conclusion
Etihad Airways has a distinctive refund policy. This policy is, however, easy to navigate, but often feels complicated because of the country-wise clauses associated with the same. This blog has broken down all the guidelines and country-wise compensations into the simplest form. Passengers related to Etihad Airways can get more insights on this blog to have more clarity about Etihad Airways’ refund policy.
FAQs
Yes, Etihad Airways charges a cancellation fee.
Etihad Airways’ email ID for refunds is [email protected].
Yes, you will get a refund in the form of Etihad Credits if I have used them to make a flight booking.
You can apply for refunds from Etihad Airways by visiting the official Etihad Airways website, calling customer service, or chatting with a representative.
It takes 21 days to receive refunds if the payment was made through a credit or debit card, and 45 business days to receive refunds if the payment was made through other means.