Booking Award Flights on Etihad - First time

[lovetravellingoz]

Hi all,

I have not booked an Etihad Award before.

As they are an Amex flight Award Partner I can move sufficient points there. So am considering it for a trip.

Looking on-line it seems easy enough, and they seem to have quite good availability, And taxes and charges are very low
- Though it seems to always 2 tickets left. Is 2 the limit per flight, or is just that a marketing ruse to suggest urgency (ie is there really more award capacity than it may suggest)

I am looking to book 2 J tickets.

QUESTIONS

• For those have booked award flights, is it as easy as it looks.
• I assume Amex points move over in a day or two? Or does it take longer?
• Are there any tips or tricks or traps?

Thanks.

 

[zainman]

If the route you are searching for can be searched on Velocity, example MEL-AUH-LHR, you can use that to find out if there are more than 2 seats available. You won't be able to check F that way though.

It is very easy and yes taxes/fees are incredibly low so it's great!

Never transferred through AMEX so can't help you there.

 

[Atleastonce]

Recently booked Etihad flights on points through velocity platinum line. Very easy.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Recently booked Etihad flights on points through velocity platinum line. Very easy.

Interestingly enough it looks like it would be cheaper to redeem Etihad via Virgin, than direct.

 

[zinkle]

Don't know what the redemption rate is with EY, but redeemed VA return J reward SYD to Europe on mixed EY/VA flights for 250,000 points + taxes (~$160)

 

[quokka77]

You can also book 'em with AA miles I think. Might be a cheaper way, but you'd have to shuffle your Amex points via SPG. Someone else might be able to help you (and me) with more info on this, as I'd be interested to compare this (EY booked with AA miles) with other good value Amex redemptions to Europe (such as MH, CX, SQ).