Etihad price gouging - beware super strict rules on baggage and misleading advertising

Pollycat

vpdbac said:

MeteredOut said:

The website does not advertise a 65% discount. It advertises a "up to 65%" (my bolding) discount. Very poor form, but they'll continue to do it while people fall for what is one of the oldest marketing gimmicks in the world (but many do, and not just with airlines).

See here for what happens if you wait till the airport (though this was booked via Expedia):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6602010/etihad-charged-me-1600-at-the-desk-to-take-3-suitcases-to-australia-how-can-i-get-my-money-back/p1

Did you book direct with Etihad?

Whether anyone accepts it is price gauging or not will not change the outcome I'm afraid.

I have to agree with the OP when they write "this feels like a trap". 

I did not book directly with Etihad this time. TravelTrolley had strong ratings and were significantly cheaper. They have washed their hands of the whole thing.

Of course you have to agree with the OP.
You are the OP!

user1977

Pollycat said:

vpdbac said:

MeteredOut said:

The website does not advertise a 65% discount. It advertises a "up to 65%" (my bolding) discount. Very poor form, but they'll continue to do it while people fall for what is one of the oldest marketing gimmicks in the world (but many do, and not just with airlines).

See here for what happens if you wait till the airport (though this was booked via Expedia):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6602010/etihad-charged-me-1600-at-the-desk-to-take-3-suitcases-to-australia-how-can-i-get-my-money-back/p1

Did you book direct with Etihad?

Whether anyone accepts it is price gauging or not will not change the outcome I'm afraid.

I have to agree with the OP when they write "this feels like a trap". 

I did not book directly with Etihad this time. TravelTrolley had strong ratings and were significantly cheaper. They have washed their hands of the whole thing.

Of course you have to agree with the OP.
You are the OP!

The OP in the thread linked to, not this thread...

daveyjp

So Etihad aren't price gouging.  A third party is advertising a very cheap no frills fare and punters are clicking buy before understanding why it is cheap?

Caz3121

Best to look at the price difference direct on the airline website as they show all the fare types side by side - the Value fare includes 25kg checked baggage and is only £20 more than the Basic fare each way on the random dates I checked...It is usually the case (any airline) that purchasing a fare that includes baggage is less expensive than purchasing the Basic and adding on the baggage fee.

Third parties attract those looking for the cheapest headline price which is not always the cheapest/best option depending on your situation. If looking at third parties, Expedia usually give an option that includes baggage and may be a few £ less than booking direct with the airline.

If there is ANY chance you may need any hold baggage, research first.
Etihad have information on their site re the cost of extra baggage. Although it can vary, for your routing it shows From $44 to $125 per 5kg ...so minimum cost for 25kg would be $220 each way and highest would be $625 each way so looks like your fee was closer to the lower end as the highest price is what they would charge at the airport....your price quoted looks like it was a 55% discount off the airport price. 
don't leave it to sort at the airport as the other poster did!

TheShape

OP, I'd see if you can pack enough in your hand lugage to see you through. 

The weather is such that you'll likely only need light/lightweight clothing most of the time.

That said, the hand-luggage allowance is pretty stingy with Etihad so be sure to check the allowed dimensions/weight.