Etihad Airways will let economy passengers coveting more elbow room bid online for adjacent seats as the carrier explores new ways to generate revenue in a tough market. The airline is offering a “neighbour-free seat” option for economy-class passengers allowing them to bid for as many as 3 seats next to their own, Etihad said Thursday. Economy passengers can also pay up to US$250 for access to business-class lounges at the carrier’s Abu Dhabi hub and as much as $75 at airports in Europe, the US and Australia, the company said. “With all the difficulties Etihad is facing with its equity partners, Etihad is looking at lessons from low-cost models to charge for extra services,” one consultant said. Etihad is in the middle of a strategic review that includes an evaluation of its investments in struggling affiliates Alitalia and Air Berlin. <br/>
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Etihad Airways said Thursday it is replacing its complimentary chauffeur service for premium guests with a paid option at negotiated rates in cities other than Abu Dhabi starting July 3. <br/>The carrier said it is amending its chauffeur policy “following a review of usage by premium guests across all major markets.” It said the complimentary service will be retained in Abu Dhabi, but replaced with a paid option in all other cities However, guests travelling in The Residence on-board Airbus A380 aircraft will continue to receive complimentary chauffeur services to all A380 destinations — Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Sydney, and New York. <br/>Etihad is also extending the paid airport transfer option to all guests across all cabins. <br/>