Travelling without bags? Etihad will charge you

Passengers travelling without checked-in baggage will now be able to book tickets at lower fares on select Etihad Airways routes.

The airline is trying out a new hand baggage only 'deal fare' on two key routes this winter season, for bookings between October 18 and December 18, allowing travellers to purchase lower fares in economy class if no checked baggage is required.

The trial fare includes a complimentary carry-on baggage allowance of 7kg and is available on flights between Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait for travel until March 31, 2018.

Etihad Airways executive vice president - commercial, Mohammad Al Bulooki, said: "Passenger feedback and travel habits show that many of Etihad Airways' customers, especially those travelling for business, weekend getaways or day trips, don't require checked baggage, so we are testing a new lower fare on these key routes.

"As well as a great proposition for customers, this trial is an effective tool for gauging customer reaction in the real world and testing the product's viability for wider implementation."

This is the first of many trials the airline plans to initiate over coming months, as it looks to increase customer choice and diversify its revenues in line with digital capabilities that enable the airline to customise its products and services according to consumer demand. It follows the successful implementation of several new ancillary products including extra legroom seats, neighbour-free seats and preferred seating.

Source: Khaleej Times