Gday
I will write back my experience as a data point for one of the less well known programs in Australia compared to QF, VA, SQ etc.
- Yes you can book a flight for immediate family members even if you are not travelling.
- I transferred some Amex points over. Guide says seven business days. They landed in 24 hours and I was able to book the desired flight straight away, select seat and pay the exhoirbitant surcharges. Got PNR and ticket number email within a matter of minutes.
- Transferred another batch of points the next day from Amex to
Etihad guest for another redemption however it wasn't so smooth. The points landed in the
Etihad Guest account in about 24 hours however when I went to make my booking it said I had zero miles available. Waited another day with multiple attempts but same outcome. Rang their helpline, answered in less than 5 minutes (note QFF) and told my problem to the lady and said can I just book it over the phone. She tried but encountered the same problem. She got the supervisor involved. Came back after five minutes on hold and said try again online in 24-48 hours. 24 hours later I tried and it worked. Thankfully tickets still available and booked. Done. I will note that for economy redemptions you need to pay miles or cash if you want to select your seat.
- Note that both redemptions said you need to provide the credit card used for the booking when checking in. If that is not possible it said you need to send them a copy of your credit card statement at least a couple of days before the flight.
- If you cancel the redemption booking they deduct 10% of the points used for the booking.
Overall my first experience with
Etihad guest and a positive one. Here's hoping the world is open for travel by then and I can actually take the flights.
Pele.