Is Etihad running a scam?
On 30 Sept I booked a flight from Kathmandu to Melbourne (Aust). The booking reference is GFHKWX. On 5 Oct I received notification that the flight was cancelled. The following day I rang to arrange a refund and was told it would take 45 days to process. I have since called 4 more times to follow up my request, and in each of these times I was told that it is being processed and would be in my account shortly. It has been almost 3 months since I requested my refund, well beyond the 45 days of your policy.
I have explained to the call center staff that I am stranded in nepal and currently do not have enough money in my account to pay for another flight home. The last time I rang I was told the refund would be available within 2 to 3 weeks. Three weeks have passed and I still don't have my money. I am using up whatever funds I still have to sustain myself here, but these will not last much longer.
I feel as if I have been caught up in a scam. What you are doing is a criminal activity. You have taken my money to run your business while leaving me here in an extremely vulnerable and desperate situation. You should not be allowed to do this, and certainly should not be allowed to get away with it.
I am sick and tired of ringing your call center only to be given a standard stalling response. I need my money and I want it now! Do not deny me access to my own money.
Desired outcome: Refund of my money now.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Cancelled Flight refund of seats purchased
My name is Eric Dickinson and I was booked onto flights with Etihad airways as part of a Cruise Package on . My e-ticket number was [protected]. I chose to purchase airline seats as some of the flights were overnight and I wanted to ensure I had enough leg room and easy access as I have mobility problems.
The flight was eventually cancelled due to Covid19 (after being re-directed to another country) and I eventually flew direct to Perth Australia with another airline.
The Cruise Company and Travel Operator arranged all the flights, hotels and other bookings but I purchased the flight seats independently.
I had to rebook flight seats (at a further additional cost) with the other airline and although I have been contacting Etihad airlines since April 2020, I have still not receive a refund of the flight seat costs. Etihad advised me that my travel agent would need to request the refund. The travel agent have been trying to obtain the refund since June, and eventually, they received an email from Etihad a few days ago to advise that seats costs were non-refundable.
I really don't think this is the case, as I was not told this on any occasion when I spoke to an Etihad operator, nor was my travel agent advised this, when they also spoke to Etihad. Both myself and the travel agent have spent considerable time and trouble trying to obtain the refund of the flight seats. The flight was cancelled so I do not understand why Etihad will not refund the cost of the seats I purchased when it was not my fault that the flight did not take place.
I believe the amount due is around £75.00. I can check my bank records and advise the exact amount that is due to me or you can check my booking and advise how much is owed.
I have a pdf of my airline booking but I am unable to attach it to this form as I do not know how to convert it to JPEG.
Please advise, my email is eric.[protected]@gmail.com
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Refund issue
I have applied for Etihad credit in my travel bank account ([protected]) on 19-Oct-2020, after lapse of 45 days(max. limit), I could not get any Etihad credit or refund status. My booking reference number is -YLWTOO,
Name - ISHANKUMAR MODI
ROUTE - AHMEDABAD TO TORONTO VIA ABU DHABI
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS - [protected]@gmail.com
I hope my querry got solved soon
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
E-ticket EY [protected] from Dublin to Sydney for 3rd Dec 2020 being cancelled without notificationn
Dear Sir/ Madam,
On 25/09/2020, I booked and paid in total for an Etihad Airlines business class return ticket to Sydney, Australia from Dublin Ireland, through an Irish based travel agency.
My Outward Flight details to Sydney were;-
EY 042 from Dublin to Abu Dhabi on 3rd Dec 2020
EY 454 from Abu Dhabi to Sydney on 4th Dec 2020
E - Ticket EY [protected] for Mrs Erika Helena Kinsella
On Tuesday night, 24th Nov 2020, at approx 8.00 PM Irish time, I rang Etihad Airlines to enquire about the Covid 19 PCR Test they require within 96 hours of travelling.
I gave the Etihad lady who answered the phone my name, flight date, destination etc. We discussed the PCR test locations in Dublin, Ireland and what was needed in the result laboratory documentation. She was very helpful.
I then chatted with this lady by saying something to the effect, that I'd heard there was a change in policy and that the NSW authorities were now deciding which passengers travelled and not the airlines (my husband and I both have Australian Permanent Resident Visas)
The Etihad Lady asked me to hold on a moment while she checked something on the computer. She then proceeded to tell me that my flight for 3rd Dec had been cancelled on the 23rd Nov! I remonstrated with her and said this wasn't true as I had heard nothing from either Etihad nor the Travel Agency. She told me I had been rung up on my irish mobile (obviously her computer indicated this). I received no calls, nor missed calls, from Etihad on the 23rd or 24th Nov 2020!
She told me the next available flight with seats to Sydney was 31st Jan 2021. I asked her to book me a seat on it please, she replied she couldn't, the travel agent had to do it. I said to her that I was an Etihad Guest Gold Member Frequent Flyer, this made no difference the travel agent would have to do it!
Next morning, Wed 25th Nov, I spoke with the travel agency in Ireland, they DIDN'T know my flight had been cancelled! When they investigated and tried to book me on the 31st Jan 2020 nothing was available! The earliest flight that was available was the end of April 2021!
I am extremely disappointed with Etihad and feel very very let down by them.
1. Who "ticked a box" on the Etihad computer that I had been rung on my Irish mobile about the cancellation of my flight when this wasn't true?
2. Why wasn't I allowed to book a seat to Sydney on the evening of Tuesday 24th Nov when seats were available, for the flight on 31st Jan 2021?
3. Why next morning Wed 25th Nov 2020, were no seats available until the end of April 2021?
4. My Etihad Guest no. is [protected] with a guest mile balance of 112, 399 miles. What is the point of a loyalty program when Etihad treats its frequent fliers as above? When Etihad started flying into Dublin their customer care was top class, over the years it has been disimproving with time. (My Etihad flights to Ireland from Sydney on 3rd Sept 2020 were excellent!)
This issue can be resolved by allowing me to book a seat to Sydney on the 31st Jan 2021. It was very unfair that I was not allowed to do so on Tuesday night 24th Nov 2020, in spite of the fact that I had NOT been notified about Etihad cancelling my ticket for the 3rd Dec 2020.
Yours faithfully,
Erika Kinsella.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Not loyal to customer!!
I had a very bad experience with Etihad. I booked ticket in February for flying on May 2020. But etihad itself cancelled the flight. I had requested for full refund but only option I received was credit vouchers. I was in a position to send my family back home immediately and I couldn't travel to abu dhabi (due to covid protocol). I have contacted many times for refund, and they denied.
Finally I have to cancel all 3 tickets (I was struggling financially that time) And Etihad charged me 600/- dhs for cancellation!
I have to say different way of looting during covid, never expect this was from a national airline, even emirates issued full refund in cash (in similar situation) I will never opt for etihad again, and don't recommend for my family even!
Nihad Latheef
[protected]
[protected]@hotmail.com
Unethical behaviour - not honouring refunds
My partner and I were booked to fly with Etihad on 22 March 2020. The flights were purchased on 19 March 2020. The booking references are [protected].
Later on the same day (19 March 2020) Australian border restrictions were announced. Commencing 19 March 2020. It was not possible to fly without exemptions - making these tickets redundant.
Refunds were requested for both (refer to email acknowledgement from Etihad dated 20 March 2020). Instead, travel banks were provided.
At the time, Etihad was flying to Brisbane still and some flights were available so we did not challenge the travel banks, despite having requested refunds in the first instance.
Since then, the travel bank for Ms B. was used to book a flight to Brisbane, reference XLNJHX. This has since been cancelled by Etihad (refer to email from Etihad dated 5 October 2020). As you are no doubt aware, there has been limited availability on Etihad to fly to Australia.
Earlier this month, it became apparent that Etihad was no longer flying to Brisbane, and certainly not from Dublin. It follows that these travel banks are now unable to be used, and the original requests for refunds ought to be honoured. To that end, I have made several attempts by phone, email and social media to obtain a resolution.
On 12 October 2020, in response to one such complaint on social media, I received a phone call from an Etihad supervisor. This phone call occurred at 9:51AM Central European Summer Time. During that call it was explained to me that the refunds requested were approved, however they would not be processed for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the booking. Meaning 19 March 2021 for [protected] and an indeterminate date for XLNJHX (as, despite the flight being cancelled it has yet to be credited to travel bank or be refunded). I requested this decision be reviewed by the legal team and I was assured an email from them would be forthcoming.
On 12 October 2020 I responded to the social media account that had arranged the phone call and complained that the resolution was unacceptable. It was advised to me by *Elle that the reason the refunds were not approved immediately is that the two guests were "no-shows" on the 22nd of March 2020. I presented to *Elle the screenshots refuting this statement to which she responded "you may write to our guest relations team at…. If you wish to submit your complaint".
On the basis that the 22 March 2020 flight was both cancelled within 24 hours of booking via the website, and Etihad is no longer servicing the Dublin to Brisbane route, it is appropriate for the refund to be retrospectively applied and funds be immediately credited to the original method of payment (credit card).
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Refund of a cancelled flight
Hello,
Our flights from Paris to Abu Dhabi due on 16th April 2020 were cancelled due to Covid 19. My booking reference is SXFJUI which was booked directly with Etihad Airlines
I have tried to trace my booking on your site, but it appears as not found. When I call the telephone number on your site I cannot get past the machine. I would like to speak to someone, but it appears to be impossible.
I cannot find out how to get a refund for this booking.
My adresse mail is [protected]@hotmail.fr
Thank you for any help you can provide
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Refund
I've called and dmed on twitter numerous time about my refund that I requested on 26/07/2020 and every time i'm told that ‘an email has been sent to our finance team' and then nothing happens. My booking reference in kxbwxa. I've even complained about my ticket receipt details where the last 4 digits of my card don't match the the ones on the receipt even though I paid with my card. Please help it's been almost 2 months and I need the refund back urgently.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Not refunding the money for cancelled flights
Etihad has cancelled the flights from MAA-JFK supposed to fly on 28th March 2020. Till date they have not refunded the ticket.
Confirmation no : TSORVD
Ticket details are mentioned below
Your ticket(s) is/are:
Raghuraman Rangarajan: [protected] -Latest
Sudhapriya Sampat:[protected] -Latest
Have spoken to Etihad multiple times as well. still no
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Etihad Airways,
I have tried all ways of contacting Etihad
1. By Phone - They always keep mentionong that they are part of the Guest Relations Team and nevre give an update on the Refund status
2. I have reached via Twitter, Direct Message, the updates they provide are useless, they give a vague update mentioning that they are awaiting updates from Refund Team
3. By Email - I have written emails to Etihad, including the emails to the CEO of Etihad Airways, but there is no response to my emails.
Please let me know a channel to reach to Etihad Airways, my refund is pending is for last 6 months now..
Flight from Mumbai 4.05am 01/09/2020 ref 2D3BZP and MD3A4M
How terrible and upsetting such a big operational carrier like yourself not caring for disabled passengers Stranded families with kids all at Mumbai airport .Than getting police to disburse people who are rightfully upset.
You have a duty of care and are ATOL registered. I called Etihad airways for 2.5 hours.
Nobody bothered calling me back or emailing us to let us know why 200 transit passengers were not allowed to board Ethihad flight. Than I was sent email saying that NO SHOW how ridiculous.
I have incurred costs of over £4000
Hotel travel to and from Gujarat, we had been stranded for 5 months in india.
I have to purchase buisness class fares Air india as these were only seats available. Mumbai is on lockdown if we enter city 7 days quarantine
Also we have PCR Covid test expiring in 24hours
I am so upset for you attitude to families and old people left stranded at airport being set on my Indian police as they have now where to go
I expect a response by yourselves you at ATOL registered and have a duty to passengers denied boarding for unreasonable excuse not understood
You allowed passengers going to Abu Dhabi Only
So why would you blame Indian Aviation( the response from your ground staff)
It was clear that you had suspended transit flights or something you are not disclosing.
I was promised a call back, nobody has replied back or bothered to help in anyway. People were crying as they hadn't seen families and kids for 5 months.I have purchased my flight with air india as I was told next flight is 01/10/20
I will be making a claim for my expenses and compensation for your negligence and appalling behaviour .
I had such high expectation, always trusted you.
I am very disappointed and will take this up with UK Courts as my flight was purchased in UK. I wish to give you 14 days to respond to my email.
Rehana Azhar
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
No response from etihad complaint department for my refund
[RQID:781019] - where is my refund ? now 77 days passed ! - WOULD SOMEONE CARE TO SOLVE THIS !
Good Morning All,
Dear Christine and Gadija,
Despite several email assurances from you both, I have no refund reflecting in my Credit Card. I just checked again this morning.
Do you understand that I am paying 24% interest on $800 which comes to AED 528 ! Who will be paying this amount ?
Kindly provide update !
Ref: 781019
8 July 2020
Dear Mr Abbasi,
Thank you for your email.
Our finance team have now completed the refund. Please allow 14 working days to receive it.
Yours sincerely,
Gadija
Guest Relations
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways Centre
P.O. Box 35566, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Flight ticket refund
My flight was booked for March 24, 2020 and South africa entered into a state of disaster on MArch 16, 2020 and full lockdown on MArch 26, 2020. The airline cancelled my flight for MArch 24, 2020 due to the pandemic. Flight number EY603 and EY408. Then the return flight for April 8, 2020. Flight number EY407 and EY 604.
It is now 5 months and I have received no refund or no voucher, despite many emails an many empty promises. It's deplorable.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Flight
Aug 7 Called Etihad and instructed to re-book Aug 8 flight for Aug 10 flight due to delay in COVID testing results
Aug 7-8 Etihad failed to re-book
Aug 9 Called again and instructed to rebook for Aug 10 - Etihad failed to re-book
Aug 9 Called third time and instructed to rebook flight - Etihad rebooked for Aug 10 and charged "Change fee"
Aug 10 - Notified at Raleigh Durham Airport by American Airlines that Etihad had cancelled my American Domestic and Etihad international flight.
Aug 10 - Etihad representatives were unsuccessful in re-booking flight.
Complaint: Etihad does not allow the user to re-book flights at this time. Etihad failed to re-book flight in time to avoid "No Show" fee. Caused approximately 5000.00 USD damages due to lost wages as a result of canceling flight without notification to flight purchaser. Approximately 150.00 USD inappropriately charged for "no-show" fee.
Information provided to customers is inaccurate and inconsistent
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Double payment
So here is the complaint which I have been complaining from 03-03-2020, unfortunately etihad never refunded my money for the double payment they did.
My flight reference number kwvcpy
Ticket number 6072139433510, i'm attaching the complete email chat and I called them so many many times, every time they say they will forward to other departments.
the response from et relations is long back saying we will contact you, but unfortunately no response yet, find the attachment please
Can you please mention exactly where to contact; what exactly do yo mean by `Social media channels`
No refund, and it's been 6 months
I bought a ticket directly from Etihad Airways. Not from a travel agent. the route was Cairo to Abu Dhabi to Washington DC. The airline sent me an email saying that they cancelled the first leg of the flight from Cairo to Abu Dhabi. But the second leg of the flight from Abu Dhabi to Washington DC was still valid. I thought you have got to be kidding? How am...
Read full complaintEtihad guest / Etihad travel bank
Hello - I've cancelled my 5 return tickets on 11may and full amount were credited in Etihad travel bank account due to covid travel restrictions. All tickets full amount were credited in travel bank ac but all bonus eligibles miles (10000 eligible miles pending) are not credited yet to my etihad guest family head account. Several email exchanges were done with etihad guest customer care in last 2 months but no solution till today and a clear irresponsibility from etihad end.
I can produce all details of tickets and email exchanges made with etihad guest / travel bank customer care since 11th May.
Thanks
Etihad - Please don't advice to contact via twitter / facebook page of Etihad to look the matter, as it's already done through those channels aswell but all in vein.
Cancelled flights
Hi
I was due to fly from Auckland to Manchester on 13 July .I booked business class for 2 people, returning on7 sept.The first flight was with virgin Australia to Brisbane on a codeshare the remainder with Etihad. Flight numbers va0156 to Brisbane then ey0485 to Abu Dhabi, both these flights have been cancelled by you, Onward flight to Manchester is Ey0021.As you are now in breach of your contract with me I wanted to cancel my flights only to be told as the flights were booked in New Zealand, I don't qualify for a refund, I doubt that this is legal and would like you to explain how you can do this. As my son lives in Abu Dhabi I use your airline on a reasonably regular basis and find your stance on this unbelievable, you haven't even tried to get me alternative flights, just told me they are cancelled, if I wanted to carry on with this holiday I would have to try and book flights to Abu Dhabi at further expense to myself
Could you look into this and offer me an explanation as to your stance on this
JACK Dunkerley
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
I am complaining about etihad airways customer service...
Dear etihad airways customer service,
"I really shock about your un propositional way of managing the customers."
Last 4th march 2020 7:38 pm I booked tickets for my family (one way) in etihad airways (abu dhabi to chennai - ey [protected] aed/person - the total is 1869 aed)
(ref. Code: - xlmtqw)
Due to covid-19, in 14th april 2020, we planned to change our travel dates & tickets change to on 27th may 2020. With same flight fare (aed 1869 without service cost as per etihad airways covid-19 current service policy.)
(ref. Code: - xlmtqw)
Yesterday I received an email from etihad airways my family ticket has been cancelled.in what reason etihad airways customer service did that?
Also, I checked etihad website today that latest updates about airfare on 27th may 2020 its shows 3263aed. So, I understand why etihad airways cancelled my family tickets.
Here I request you that please re-confirm my family trip with same date & same fare. As soon as possible.
Please maintain your trust with customers.
Thanks
Karthick rajappan
[protected]
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Cancelled flight
On 24th march 2020, etihad cancelled my flight within hours after booking was confirmed! I am holding a fully refundable ticket, yet I am liable for almost 200 euro cancellation fee - I did not cancel - etihad did! The total lack of support, customer service and communication is absolutely shocking! I have complained on numerous social media platforms and will continue doing so until somebody listens and treats me with respect! The level of arrogance from etihad staff is mind blowing to say the least! I had to rebook on klm and kenya airways to get to sa in time before the travel ban! I have been away from my family since october 2019! I will report this to our national credit regulator as etihad is not exempt from this act! I will further lodge a complaint with the minister of transport office who also released a press statement in this regard today!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Refund
On 19 March I was eligible to a full refund as one of etihad agents confirmed me in writting, the next day, Surprise, I wasnt eligible. They temoved the refund option from website and provide an option for credit point. The trick is that the flights have a double price now, that means our curent money are a gift for Etihad. We lose the flight, money and we have to pay the difference if we want to take the credit point solutions. Shame in you, and hopefully you get bankrupt 🙂 for stealing our moneys.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Absolutely agree with you, in the same boat! Shocking and SHAME ON ETIHAD AIRWAYS - NEVER AGAIN
This Etihad Airlines was a scam. Not recommend to buy any flight tickets from Etihad Airline. The staff
didn't keep their promise out here and just denied you with a lot of excuses.
On May, 2023 I booked return ticket from Russia to Koh Samui (Thailand). The booking reference is 3C2LQY.The flight depart from russia on 12 July and arrive Koh Samui on 13th July. the return will depart from Koh Samui on 19th to Russia.
On 19 June, I received notification about the flight was changed. The passenger didn't want to get on this changed flight so that we want to get refund due to the change of flight from Etihad Airlines.
Therefore I contacted the call centre and told him about the whole situation. the staff named Con promised to give us the fully refund but i have to contact the travel agent (trip.com) for arrange the refund.
however, I contacted the travel agent (trip.com) and they said the airline denied to give us fully refund . but before your staff already promised to give us the fully refund.
Then we contacted your call centre again and there were your staff, braveen tried to agrue that they could not sure whether their staff would promise to give you full refund, he said he would listen to the record and replied me after 2 hours. However, i received no reply for more than 2 days.
So where is your promise, Etihad Airlines? Are you proceeding our fully refund?