Etihad Airways has begun offering its regular customers the opportunity to upgrade their seats at the airport before they fly.

Members of Etihad Guest, the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s award-winning loyalty programme, can now use their Etihad Guest miles to upgrade from economy class to business class at any airport on the Etihad global network before they fly. Etihad Guest Gold members can redeem miles to upgrade from business class to first class.

With the introduction of ‘instant upgrades’, passengers have the opportunity to upgrade to a higher class at the airport as long as passengers have the required number of miles, there is sufficient time before a flight departs and seats are available.

Barry Green, Etihad Airways’ head of customer relationship management and loyalty, said customers enjoy the experience of being upgraded.

"This facility is one which people can choose to use as and when they feel like it and is a reward for the loyalty they have shown Etihad Airways.”

Passengers travelling out of Abu Dhabi in economy who wish to use their miles to upgrade to business class, can do so by visiting the Etihad Airways ticketing counter at the airport terminal.

Etihad Guest Gold members can check-in for flights as normal and then proceed to the Etihad lounge where an Etihad staff member will assist with upgrade requests.

At all other airports, passengers can submit their requests to upgrade using miles at the check-in counter.

Etihad passengers can also secure an upgrade up to 48 hours before their flight by using the Etihad Guest Service Centre.