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

vpdbac

Definitely a case of buyer beware and understanding exactly what is being purchased.  I guess the OP assumed bags can be added for a reasonable flat fee but it's not how Etihad work. 

Exactly this. If bags are so cheap to add at the time of booking, why are they so expensive to add after. I feel like they set a trap for me and I walked into it of my own free will and can do nothing about it. 

Charging more than the actual cost of the ticket, for a 20kg bag, feels unethical and exploitative. 

Pollycat

vpdbac said:

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 of the thread that was linked in the post that I was replying to. 

You're as good at reading small print as I clearly am!

But I've never booked a flight without being fully aware of what baggage I need... just to grab a bargain. 🤔
So, no, I won't ever make the same mistake you did when you 'figured' you could add a bag after booking.

Where money is concerned, I do read the small print.
I read it very carefully before clicking on 'pay'.

However, I hope other people will take notice of your warning about 'super strict rules on baggage'.

MeteredOut

vpdbac said:

Definitely a case of buyer beware and understanding exactly what is being purchased.  I guess the OP assumed bags can be added for a reasonable flat fee but it's not how Etihad work. 

Exactly this. If bags are so cheap to add at the time of booking, why are they so expensive to add after. I feel like they set a trap for me and I walked into it of my own free will and can do nothing about it. 

Charging more than the actual cost of the ticket, for a 20kg bag, feels unethical and exploitative. 

I don't think anyone would really argue that their post-booking baggage cost for this ticket type is extortionate, but most would also realise the onus is on the buyer to chose the right product for them, and unfortunately you failed to do that. It's not as if Etihad changed the rules after you booked.