Etihad Airways offers 'unaccompanied baggage' service on Gulf-India sector
16 Aug 2008
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi-based United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, Etihad Airways, has launched a new service which allows passengers to send heavy or excess quantities of baggage ahead of their travel. The 'unaccompanied baggage' service will allow passengers to avoid paying excess baggage fees, an airline statement said.
"We anticipate this service will become extremely popular with our customers, especially members of the expatriate community in the UAE flying back home," said Des Vertannes, the airline's executive vice-president for cargo.
"All customers need to do is to fill in the required documentation and they will then be issued with a reference number for tracking and tracing their baggage. The entire process takes just 10 minutes and customers are kept informed about the arrival time of their baggage once it is booked as cargo on an Etihad flight or with one of our interline partners," he added.
Along with other Gulf-based carriers, the airline seeks to serve around 1.5 million expatriate Indians in the UAE. Etihad flies to six destinations in India.
The new service is being offered by the airline's cargo division, Etihad Crystal Cargo, with customers benefiting from special rates that are cheaper than the excess baggage fees they would normally have paid, according to the airline statement.
Under the service, only baggage from customers travelling on an Etihad flight and containing personal effects is eligible for the service. Baggage must also meet standard check-in baggage regulations regarding dimensions and weight.
As of now, unaccompanied baggage can be checked in at the Etihad customer service and ticket desk in the check-in area at Abu Dhabi airport's Terminal 1.