Etihad Guest members to benefit from free chat messaging during flights

United Arab Emirates’ national airline Etihad has launched new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages on board Etihad’s wide-body fleet.

All Etihad passengers can use the complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with Etihad Guest membership or by enrolling with the programme online before flying. The free chat feature includes access to messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat and other platforms.

Passengers 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 seven hours, the Chat package is $2.99 or free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $9.99. For flights over seven hours, the Chat package is $4.99 or also free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $19.99.

Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members and Etihad’s First Class passengers will have complimentary Surf Wi-Fly access throughout their flight and 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.

“Our fleet of modern wide-body aircraft is fitted with the right technology to enable this service and offer our guests an enjoyable connected experience throughout their journey.”

Etihad says its narrow-body fleet continues to offer the current mobile connectivity service for passengers to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and use their data roaming packages as they would on the ground.