​Senior citizens get the privileged class on Etihad Airways​

Etihad Airways has introduced a first-of-its-kind senior citizens’ package offering enhanced privileges for the over 60s travelling from India to the United States of America.

Senior citizens flying from any of Etihad Airways’ 11 Indian gateway cities can benefit from added value services, including a 24/7 helpline number, pre-flight travel and medical checklist support and special assistance at check-in counters.

Also on offer are fare reductions of up to 10 per cent in Business Class and 5 percent in Economy until 31 August 2016, for travel by 31 December 2016, together with 60 per cent bonus Etihad Guest loyalty miles on every senior citizen ticket booking. The special package is applicable to guests aged over 60 flying in Business and Economy Class on Etihad Airways.

To take advantage of the special offer, guests have several choices to make a booking. Enter the Senior Citizens Package section online at www.etihad.com; book through any Etihad Airways’ reservation office; contact the Etihad Airways call centre on 1800 209 0808/1800 22 3901 which prompts a connection to the Senior Citizens Package hotline; or book the special package through a local travel agent. For those who book the special package, Etihad Airways will contact guests prior to travel to go through any special requirements, assuring them of additional support.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline operates 175 flights a week spread across 11 cities in India – Mumbai, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chennai, Kozhikode, Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad – to its hub in the United Arab Emirates. Flying via the airline’s Abu Dhabi gateway, guests can connect to the airline’s six US destinations – New York, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Along with good connections, Etihad Airways’ guests are able to pre-clear U.S. Immigration and Customs at Abu Dhabi International Airport before boarding their US-bound flights. The first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, the unique facility enables international travellers to arrive as domestic passengers in the USA avoiding lengthy immigration and customs formalities.

Senior citizens are also assured of Indian meals and Indian cabin crew on all flights from India, as well as a large selection of latest and classic Indian movies on all flights from India to the USA.

Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways Vice President Indian Subcontinent, said: “Etihad Airways is all about providing the highest levels of service, and both care and attention that our guests would normally experience at home.

“The profile of our flights from India to the United States of America via Abu Dhabi shows a high percentage of elderly travellers, hence the importance of catering to their needs in the best possible way.

“Reinforcing our commitment to India and keeping in mind the profile of senior citizens of our country, their needs and special requirements, we have created this special package to make sure that they are well looked after right from the moment they book with us until they reach their destination. We hope our senior travellers can make the most of these privileges and experience our fine hospitality.”