Etihad's' 2-for-1 business class sale isn't all that fabulous

Etihad announced a 2-for-1 business class seats sale yesterday, which requires booking by 24 October 2015, for travel till 18 October 2016. Being a 2-for-1 offer naturally means that you pay for 1 ticket but actually get 2. The reason I find it not-so-wonderful is that the offer is only on select sectors, with the return journey to be performed within 3 months of the onward, and the booking period is rather short.


The important thing about this sale is that the tickets booked will be under the fare class called Business Breaking Deals. Now, the reason this is relevant is that in August 2015, Etihad made some significant changes to its program (dubbed Fare Choices), which means that amongst other things, a booking made under this offer will:
  • be a Z class booking
  • earn 115% of base miles
  • date changes will be permitted for a fee
  • offer no refunds
  • not have the ability to upgrade to first
  • not come with chauffeur service.

The other big thing about this sale is that the available routes vary depending on your city of origin. Here's a sample, and you can access other departures (ex Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram) here at the landing page for the offer.


Here are the other T&Cs you'll find:

1. These fares are valid for booking until 24 October, 2015 and for travel as shown above.
2. This offer is only applicable on bookings with a minimum of 2 guests on adult fares.
3. This offer is not applicable on any Fare Choice in Business Class other than Business Breaking Deals.
4. *Fares are inclusive of applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, the break down will be shown during the online booking process. Fares are correct at the time of publication; however, the levels may vary based on fluctuations in the tax amount.
5. Taxes are applicable on both tickets and are not eligible for the discount.
6. Offers are subject to availability at the time of booking online with Etihad Airways, these are special fares with limited availability.
7. Valid visas and travel documents are the responsibility of our Guests.
8. Please check the individual fare rules for detailed terms and conditions.
9. Flight/Day restriction and Blackout periods may apply.
10. The Airport taxes are subject to change without prior notice and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
11. Weekend surcharges may apply.
12. Other terms and conditions apply.

As an aside, I'm wondering if Jet Airways will launch a similar offer now.

What do you make of this offer? Are you looking to use this for an upcoming travel?

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