Loyalty programs change when members push the limits. Etihad Guest has now drawn a line, but the way it has done so with incredibly punitive cancellation restrictions on award tickets raises important questions.
The carrier now processes award refunds by converting the cash portion of a ticket (taxes and fees) into miles at a fixed value of two cents per mile. That means if you cancel an award, even the tax portion may come back as miles instead of cash. Combined with the new penalties, the result can be a significant loss of value for the member.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
