Aussie couple outraged by $3,500 fee Eithad airline charged to postpone Middle East flight — days removed from war in the region
When an Australian couple tried postponing a trip to the Middle East, citing the ongoing tension in the region, they were told it was cost them an extra $3,500.
Sharon Latour and her husband were set to fly through Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways this Wednesday.
However, their business class flight has not been cancelled or postponed, and will take off as scheduled — conflict or no.
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3 The couple are 'genuinely scared' to fly through Abu Dhabi this week.
Mike Campbell/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Etihad representatives said in order to switch their trip to sometime in 2026, they'd need to fork over another $3,500.
'I kept repeating over the phone: 'We're genuinely scared, we're not making this up.' [But] not a care in the world,' Latour told The Guardian. 'They're just like, 'Well, pay the [fee].''
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3 People sit at Hamad International Airport after Qatar reopened its airspace following Iran's missile attack
REUTERS
The Australian government has been warning travelers to avoid the region after Israel and Iran spent 12 days at war this month.
Now, officials are saying stronger protections are needed for Australian passengers.
Unfortunately, Latour booked the flights while in Malaysia. Had she done so in Australia, she at least would've had some legal standing to challenge the fee.
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3 The airline only rebooks or reschedules flights they are forced to cancel.
Mike Campbell/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
'Etihad flights are operating normally and to schedule,' the airline said Friday night. 'The airline only operates through approved airspace and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.'
The airline permits re-bookings and offered refunds if they are forced to cancel a flight.
Latour told The Guardian she will not be boarding her flight Wednesday.
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New York Post
19 hours ago
- New York Post
Aussie couple outraged by $3,500 fee Eithad airline charged to postpone Middle East flight — days removed from war in the region
When an Australian couple tried postponing a trip to the Middle East, citing the ongoing tension in the region, they were told it was cost them an extra $3,500. Sharon Latour and her husband were set to fly through Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways this Wednesday. However, their business class flight has not been cancelled or postponed, and will take off as scheduled — conflict or no. Advertisement 3 The couple are 'genuinely scared' to fly through Abu Dhabi this week. Mike Campbell/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Etihad representatives said in order to switch their trip to sometime in 2026, they'd need to fork over another $3,500. 'I kept repeating over the phone: 'We're genuinely scared, we're not making this up.' [But] not a care in the world,' Latour told The Guardian. 'They're just like, 'Well, pay the [fee].'' Advertisement 3 People sit at Hamad International Airport after Qatar reopened its airspace following Iran's missile attack REUTERS The Australian government has been warning travelers to avoid the region after Israel and Iran spent 12 days at war this month. Now, officials are saying stronger protections are needed for Australian passengers. Unfortunately, Latour booked the flights while in Malaysia. Had she done so in Australia, she at least would've had some legal standing to challenge the fee. Advertisement 3 The airline only rebooks or reschedules flights they are forced to cancel. Mike Campbell/NurPhoto/Shutterstock 'Etihad flights are operating normally and to schedule,' the airline said Friday night. 'The airline only operates through approved airspace and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.' The airline permits re-bookings and offered refunds if they are forced to cancel a flight. Latour told The Guardian she will not be boarding her flight Wednesday.
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