Etihad first redemptions (potentially) no longer available through Velocity?

[stockdot]

This could be getting to conspiracy level - but stay with me here. This all started after reading about Etihad Guest's reward flight cost increases...

Today I attempted to book two F seats from MXP - AUH - SYD on Etihad through Velocity.

Availability is showing across multiple dates on Expert Flyer. The Velocity phone agent was also able to see inventory across multiple dates. After selecting a date with availability and agreeing to part with my 406,000 points + ~$1600, the phone agent processed my booking and attempted to give me my booking reference.

Then they put me on hold for a few minutes and told me that they were having issues booking F tickets with Etihad across a range of dates and routes. To make sure I didn't have a dud operator, I called back twice more and encountered the same issue with two other phone agents.

Anyone else running into this issue? Could it be tied to the Etihad Guest changes?

 

[Mattg]

I don't think this has anything to do with the recent EY changes and I also don't think it's a sign of things to come. This happens with Etihad redemptions from time to time, and not just with VA bookings. I've had similar trying to book with AAdvantage miles.

Hope you have better luck with your next redemption.