This post outlines the main benefits of earning Platinum Tier status in Etihad Guest.
Platinum is one of four tiers in Etihad Guest, the frequent flyer loyalty programme of Etihad Airways. The four tiers are Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Platinum is the top elite tier in Etihad Guest. As you would expect, it provides the most extensive range of perks and benefits.
It takes a lot of flying to get Platinum status. Unlike Silver and Gold status, there is no fast-track option via a co-brand bank card.
Etihad Guest Platinum Tier benefits
The benefits for Platinum Guest members include:
- Earn 75% bonus Guest Miles on every flight with Etihad Airways (and a handful of partner airlines)
- Etihad Chauffeur on Business and First Class reward bookings
- Dedicated First Class check-in area in Abu Dhabi
- Priority check-in worldwide
- Fast-track immigration and baggage handling
- Priority boarding
- Reserve up to nine standard economy seats for free
- Reserve one extra legroom seat for free
- 50% discount on extra legroom seats for up to nine guest
- Access to the First Class lounge in Abu Dhabi for self plus one guest
- Access to premium lounges worldwide for self plus one guest
- Complimentary excess baggage allowance (20 kgs on weight routes and one extra bag on piece concept routes)
- Nominate a family member or friend for Etihad Guest Gold status for one year
The complete Etihad Guest Platinum Tier benefits list is available on Etihad Guest here.
The big difference compared to Etihad Guest Gold status is access to the First Class lounge in Abu Dhabi and the option to nominate a family member or friend for Gold status the first time you attain Platinum.
The First Class lounge at Abu Dhabi is clearly a lovely space to spend some time before your flight with greater privacy, a la Carte dining and fine wines.
If you travel in Economy with any frequency, the ability to reserve an extra legroom seat for free could also save you thousands of dirhams every year.
Informal Platinum Tier benefits onboard
I no longer have Platinum status. However, I spent a few years with Platinum Guest and noticed several unwritten benefits. This was most obvious when flying in Economy.
Generally, regardless of where I was seated in the cabin, the crew would take my meal order first and then deliver it with the special meals at the start of the meal service.
It was also common to be approached by a crew member after boarding was complete to be offered a better seat in the cabin, such as a bulkhead or an empty row to myself.
This did not happen on every flight but I’d say I could expect it about 70-80% of the time.
Platinum benefits on other airlines
Unfortunately, Etihad Airways is not part of any global airline alliances, so you won’t automatically receive elite benefits on other airlines. However, some airline partners recognize Etihad Guest Platinum Tier status and offer certain benefits to its members. You can find more information on which airlines offer benefits to Etihad Guest elites by visiting this link.
If you think something other than Platinum is best for you, the tier below is Etihad Guest Gold.