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Etihad has made widespread read changes to its Etihad Guestest programme. From October ber 8, members who gain silver, r, gold or platinum status will now retain it for only one year, insteadd of two years for higher tiers under the previous set-up.

Before, members who flew with any partner airline for the first time received 500 welcome bonus miles. This is now restricted to those whose first flight is with Etihad, Air Serbia or Air Seychelles.

Gold members flying on Etihad-operated flights will be eligible to use the airline’s business class lounge in Terminals 1 and 3 at Abu Dhabi International, while previously gold members travelling in economy have only had access to the Al Reem lounge.

The number of reward miles has increased on two fare classes – “J” in business will go to 200 per cent and “F” in first to 275 per cent. From January 15, the number of Guest miles required for a “guest seat” (reserved for members and available at reduced fares with fixed mileage cost) will decrease on certain routes but increase on others.

There will also be an increase in the miles required for upgrades. Etihad says: “There will be an increase of US$50 on the carrier surcharge across some of our business and first class routes.” etihad.com