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Etihad introduces free Wi-Fi service onboard
Yet another airline has introduced a free chat service on Wi-Fi. I have always predicted that airline Wi-Fi would become like hotel wi-fi where free becomes the norm. So far this year, it seems to be coming true as airlines like Delta announcing that they will give free wi-fi to loyalty members. Many airlines also give an amount of free wifi in business class too.
The latest to join the trend is Etihad Airways, which has launched new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages.
Everyone flying on Etihad will benefit from complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with an Etihad Guest membership or simply enrolling online before flying to benefit immediately. The free chat feature includes access to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat to name a few.
Passengers wishing to surf, catch up on social media and work while they fly, can also choose to purchase ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight. For flights under 7 hours, the Chat package is $2.99 or free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $9.99. For flights over 7 hours, the Chat package is $4.99 or also free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $19.99. These prices seem pretty reasonable to me and in line with many others.
Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members, as well as guests travelling in Etihad’s First Class cabins will benefit from complimentary Surf Wi-Fly access throughout their flight. Etihad Guest Gold members will receive a 25% discount on the Surf package.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce an added complimentary benefit for Etihad Guest members and welcome everyone to sign up before they fly to take advantage of this benefit immediately. Wi-Fly plans will offer unlimited data and will last the duration of the flight, which means our guests can easily catch up on social media, work or browse as they wish.”
Good hand luggage deal
While browsing for a new carry-on, I noticed a great deal from Level 8 which I have reviewed before here. There is a carry-on with a handy front pocket for your laptop, TSA locks, 4 Wheel Spinner, which is compatible with most airlines’ carry-on size such as British Airways. The dark grey colour is currently on offer for £81.59 versus £120.99 for the black colour. This is a great deal and it’s available for quick delivery to many areas too.
You can find it on Amazon here.
Cheap Abu Dhabi flights and Etihad sale
Etihad has another sale with some good-priced ex-EU flights to Abu Dhabi. The drawback is that they route via Frankfurt on Lufthansa before switching to Etihad for the longer leg. The flights are available in July and August 23 and require a minimum 6 day stay.
To Abu Dhabi per person return in business class
- From Amsterdam €1,343
- From Dublin €1,298
- From Luxembourg €1,391
Book through Lufthansa here or find the cheapest price on line using Skyscanner.
There is also a UK sale for booking by 23 April and for travel between 1 May and 15 June 2023. The Maldives price is pretty good from London. However, these are very restricted travel dates.
The UK sale prices are:
London to
- Mumbai £ 2,199
- Abu Dhabi £ 2,889
- Manila £ 2,199
- Maldives £ 2,099
Manchester to
- Seoul £2099
You can find the Etihad offer page here.
Hyatt free night hotel offers
Hyatt are offering a wide range of free night offers when you book through a Hyatt Privé agent such as our partner GTC. In addition to the free nights, you also get additional perks through Privé on many hotels:
Early check-in priority, based on availability
- Room upgrade priority on availability (excludes non-suites to suites)
- Daily full breakfast credit for two
- Connecting room priority, based on availability
- Welcome amenity – $50 – $100 property credit (valid for certain incidentals)
- Late check-out priority, subject to availability
These hotel perks are available on any of Hyatt’s premium hotels when you book through GTC.
Park Hyatt New York – 3rd Night Complimentary Offer
Book three (3) or more consecutive nights to receive every third night complimentary inclusive of Hyatt Prive benefits. Must book by September 01, 2023 for stays between January 02, 2023 – September 01, 2023
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa – 4th Night Complimentary Offer
Book four (4) or more consecutive nights to receive every fourth night complimentary inclusive of Hyatt Privé benefits. Must book by November 30, 2023 for stays between January 09, 2023 – December 15, 2023.
Park Hyatt Dubai – Stay 4 Pay 3 Offer
Book four (4) or more nights, and receive one (1) night free. Must book by May 15, 2023 for stays between February 15, 2023 – May 15, 2023.
Park Hyatt Bangkok – Buy 2 Nights and Get 1 Night Free
Book two (2) nights to get a 3rd night free, inclusive of Hyatt Privé benefits from now until May 31, 2023. For new reservations only. Must book by May 28, 2023 for stays between December 28, 2022 – May 31, 2023.
Park Hyatt Sydney Stay Pay Offer
Book three (3) nights and get the fourth free. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays between April 01, 2023 – July 09, 2023.
Andaz Bali – Hyatt Privé Stay 5 Pay 4
5th Night Free in a suite or villa. Must book by December 31, 2023 for stays between February 07, 2023 – December 31, 2023.
Andaz Dubai The Palm – Stay 4 Pay 3
Book three (3) nights, and receive the 4th night for free. Must book by August 31, 2023 for stays between January 16, 2023 – August 31, 2023
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Stay between December 16, 2022 and April 30, 2023 and receive an extra $50 food and beverage credit to spend in six (6) different bars and restaurants. Must book by April 30, 2023 for stays between December 16, 2022 – April 30, 2023
Read our review here.
Andaz Singapore Stay 4 Pay 3
Book for four (4) nights or longer on Sea View Deluxe category or Suites and enjoy a complimentary night, USD 100 F&B credit and breakfast for up to two (2) guests, once per stay. Must book by December 20, 2023 for stays between January 02, 2023 – December 20, 2023.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives – Fourth night free
Stay a minimum of four (4) nights and receive a complimentary 4th night along with daily breakfast. Must book by May 31, 2023 for stays between February 17, 2023 – December 20, 2023.
Alila Napa Valley – Hyatt Privé 3rd Night Free
You can use the offer for every third night to be free. Includes Hyatt Prive Inclusions:
- Daily Full Breakfast for Two, PER DAY, Daily full breakfast in Acacia House or through In-Room Dining
- $100 Property Credit, PER STAY, $100 property credit to be used in Spa Alila or Acacia House
- Welcome Amenity, PER STAY, Pre-placed welcome amenity upon arrival
- Suite Upgrade, PER STAY, Confirmable within 24 hours of Travel Advisor request to hotel and subject to forecasted occupancy.
- Early Check-In, PER STAY
- Late Check-Out, PER STAY
Must book by March 31, 2024 for stays between March 10, 2023 – March 28, 2024.
Magma Resort Santorini – fourth night free
Stay for 4 nights and pay only for 3. Must book by April 15, 2023 for stays between April 05, 2023 – October 31, 2023.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas – Hyatt Privé 5th Night Free
When booking five (5) nights or more for stays between January and November 16, 2023, you get
• A complimentary night for each 5th night of the stay
• Hyatt Privé amenities: welcome amenity of a $50 beverage voucher, daily full breakfast for 2 per room at Regatta, $100USD property credit per stay; early check-in, room upgrade, connecting/adjoining rooms
• Access to the new water park, BAHA BAY!
Must book by April 15, 2023 for stays between January 02, 2023 – November 16, 2023
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – 6th Night Free Promotion
Get every sixth night free. Must book by April 30, 2023 for stays between February 24, 2023 – June 30, 2023. Must book by August 15, 2023 for stays between April 25, 2022 – December 25, 2023.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo – Fourth night free
Grand Hyatt Tokyo has a 20th-anniversary special offer for the 4th night free. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays between March 01, 2023 – August 31, 2023
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel New York – Fourth night free
Book four (4) nights, pay for three (3). Includes all Hyatt Privé Amenities. The offer is repeatable so every 4th night of a stay is free. Must book by June 26, 2023 for stays between April 01, 2023 – June 30, 2023
Thompson Madrid – – 3rd Night Complimentary
Book three (3) or more consecutive nights and receive every third night complimentary. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays between January 01, 2023 – August 31, 2023.
Hana-Maui Resort – 3rd Night Free
Free night offer – Stay two (2) nights and receive 3rd night free. Valid towards all guestrooms and suites. Offer is not available on group reservations of 10 or more rooms and based on space. Must book by December 18, 2023 for stays between February 01, 2023 – December 18, 2023
Hyatt Regency Lisbon – 4th Night Complimentary
4th Night Complimentary. Must book by June 30, 2023 for stays between March 08, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort – 3rd Night Free
Book for two (2) nights and enjoy the third night for free. Must book by April 23, 2023 for stays between September 16, 2022 – April 23, 2023.
