Extremely Cheap Etihad Business Class MNL-Italy-SE Asia

[Flashback]

Just picked up $2,400 return in J on Gulf Air for the folks, looks to be MIAT Mongolian Airlines operating the MNL-BAH section which is ........... interesting, so will look forward to hearing all about it when they arrive here. Added bonus is they will bring over my records which I've been waiting for months on delivery

Ah - looks like GF is wet leasing.

Plane Spotters PH | Minima-leased Gulf Air | Facebook

Minima-leased Gulf Air B789 from Monogolian Airlines EI-MGL

www.facebook.com

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Just picked up $2,400 return in J on Gulf Air for the folks, looks to be MIAT Mongolian Airlines operating the MNL-BAH section which is ........... interesting, so will look forward to hearing all about it when they arrive here. Added bonus is they will bring over my records which I've been waiting for months on delivery

Is that AUD?
Where will you credit the miles?

 

[Flashback]

Is that AUD?
Where will you credit the miles?

Not really concerned about miles in secondary programs that will just goto waste, but I think AC was an option.

Yes, AUD. It was around $250 per pax cheaper booking on Trip.com clicked through from Google Flights compared to booking direct on GF. PNR and eTicket received within minutes.

 

[clifford]

Just picked up $2,400 return in J on Gulf Air for the folks, looks to be MIAT Mongolian Airlines operating the MNL-BAH section which is ........... interesting, so will look forward to hearing all about it when they arrive here. Added bonus is they will bring over my records which I've been waiting for months on delivery

I hope they thank you for it.

 

[Flashback]

I hope they thank you for it.

They always do. It's their money, I'm just the TA!

 

[trblvb]

I was disappointed to receive a notification from Etihad today about an aircraft change on my June flight from Manila, which will now be operated by Hi Fly. After checking their website, the 2-2-2 Business Class layout isn’t appealing, it is something I usually avoid. I’m now considering cancelling this booking.

Has anyone flown with Hi Fly and can share their experience?

 

[jase05]

I was disappointed to receive a notification from Etihad today about an aircraft change on my June flight from Manila, which will now be operated by Hi Fly. After checking their website, the 2-2-2 Business Class layout isn’t appealing, it is something I usually avoid. I’m now considering cancelling this booking.

Has anyone flown with Hi Fly and can share their experience?

I wouldn’t cop it.
It’s always a risk with ports like MNL sadly but no way I’d fly with them.
How much is your cancellation fee as that might be a deciding factor for you

 

[clifford]

I wouldn’t cop it.
It’s always a risk with ports like MNL sadly but no way I’d fly with them.
How much is your cancellation fee as that might be a deciding factor for you

Easy to say, but if you have a lot hanging off it in wherever EY is taking you, then it's not a simple decision.

For example, if you've paid for a cruise ex Rome (Civitaveccia), then cancelling the flight might not be the best option. I think the poster may just have to wear the change and be a little more cautious the next time they book such a flight.

 

[jase05]

Easy to say, but if you have a lot hanging off it in wherever EY is taking you, then it's not a simple decision.

For example, if you've paid for a cruise ex Rome (Civitaveccia), then cancelling the flight might not be the best option. I think the poster may just have to wear the change and be a little more cautious the next time they book such a flight.

I agree that circumstances may prevent it but nearly 6 months out still is a lot better than this happening at the last minute. Still gives some time to make the move if that’s the best course of action

 

[Melburnian1]

I was disappointed to receive a notification from Etihad today about an aircraft change on my June flight from Manila, which will now be operated by Hi Fly. After checking their website, the 2-2-2 Business Class layout isn’t appealing, it is something I usually avoid. I’m now considering cancelling this booking.

What flight number?

 

[trblvb]

What flight number?

EY 441

 

[jase05]

EY 441

Looks like EY447 is still Wamos operated until Feb 12th and then both EY 441&447 go back to EY metal until end of March before EY 441 then becomes HiFly. at least until next year.
Have you tried changing to EY447 for your dates or doesn’t it suit?

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

What is Hi Fly?

 

[jase05]

What is Hi Fly?

A mob that specialises in wet leases.
Etihad has wet leased a few of their aircraft and are using them on the MNL route and a couple of Europe ports mainly LIS I believe.
Their aircraft have a far inferior product and frankly it’s quite poor by Etihad

 

[markis10]

What is Hi Fly?

They used to do the ADF charters with an all white A340 ex BNE

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

A mob that specialises in wet leases.
Etihad has wet leased a few of their aircraft and are using them on the MNL route and a couple of Europe ports mainly LIS I believe.
Their aircraft have a far inferior product and frankly it’s quite poor by Etihad

Why is EY that desperate for planes?

 

[trblvb]

Looks like EY447 is still Wamos operated until Feb 12th and then both EY 441&447 go back to EY metal until end of March before EY 441 then becomes HiFly. at least until next year.
Have you tried changing to EY447 for your dates or doesn’t it suit?

I tried to switch my Business flight to EY447 today but was told both on chat and on the phone that any change would attract fees and that the product would be ‘the same’. When I quoted Etihad’s own email stating the flight will be operated by Hi Fly with their crew, limited complimentary F&B and only streaming to personal devices, they became quite defensive and insisted it was equivalent. In my view that clearly contradicts their written communication and it’s disappointing they will not offer a no‑fee rebooking to EY447 or any other genuine EY flight given the downgrade in experience. BTW quote from Chat "The total amount is USD 48,228.80 for 2 guests. Breakdown: Fare difference: USD 23,982.00 for each guest Change penalty: USD 132.00 for each guest"

 

[jase05]

I tried to switch my Business flight to EY447 today but was told both on chat and on the phone that any change would attract fees and that the product would be ‘the same’. When I quoted Etihad’s own email stating the flight will be operated by Hi Fly with their crew, limited complimentary F&B and only streaming to personal devices, they became quite defensive and insisted it was equivalent. In my view that clearly contradicts their written communication and it’s disappointing they will not offer a no‑fee rebooking to EY447 or any other genuine EY flight given the downgrade in experience.

Agree, it’s real poor form by EY and I’ve read about several complaints from those such as yourself. Sounds a lot like they won’t budge and I don’t know what other avenues you have

 

[clifford]

I don’t know what other avenues you have

Vey few (worthwhile ones) I think.

I'm flying out of MNL on EY in J in March and it's supposed to be a 787. If it changes to Wamos or HiFly, too bad . I'l wear it. After all, it is business class (ie not Y).