UAE airline Etihad launches...

New system also gives travellers comprehensive overview of passport and health requirements prior to booking

Etihad Airways has implemented an online chat feature on its website designed to ensure customers have the latest accurate information regarding required travel documents prior to travel.

To access the feature, passengers must click on the ‘Get In Touch’ section on the Help page of the Etihad Airways website. They should then select the 'Travel Guidelines and Transit Information' in the chat’s menu option.

Users will then be guided through a series of questions before being given a list of the travel documents they need, including visa and passport requirements, and any other necessary information.

Etihad’s Chief Operations and Guest Officer, John Wright said: "We know how important it is for our guests to feel assured that they have the right documents for their journey ahead of travel.

"This online feature is fed automatically by the very latest information supplied by IATA’s Timatic solution, which is the world-leader in providing real-time information on travel document requirements for international air travel, relied on by the travel industry and government authorities worldwide.”

Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Products and Services, added: “Helping guests prepare for their journey is a key element for a smooth travel experience. Etihad’s initiative to provide visa information via chatbot opens a further channel for passengers to check their travel requirements and supports the automation of the travel experience. IATA is proud to enable and assist this great initiative through its new Timatic AutoCheck.”

The introduction of the automated feature relieves the need for guests to invest valuable time scouring the internet or contacting customer service centres to confirm their travel documentation requirements.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com

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