Etihad Airways review: Flight delay by 18 hours without compensation

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the travel experience I recently had with Etihad Airways. As a newly enrolled international student en route from Bangalore to JFK via Abu Dhabi on August 24th, 2023, I encountered significant challengess that have had a substantial impact on my journey and academic commitments.

To provide an overview of the situation:

My flight, EY217 (Guest: Ms Shubha U Gowda , Booking reference: LB9A59 , Ticket number: 607 [protected]) was scheduled to depart from Bangalore at 4:45 AM on August 24th. Unfortunately, the flight was subjected to a 2-hour delay in takeoff, leaving me stranded at the airport for about 5 hours without access to food or proper facilities.

Regrettably, this delay caused me to miss my connecting flight in Abu Dhabi, despite the fact that boarding was still in progress when I reached the gate. The personnel at the transit desk were less than accommodating, and there seemed to be a lack of flexibility in addressing the situation. Despite the delay being beyond my control, I was informed that the connecting flight to JFK could not be adjusted by an hour to accommodate passengers facing this issue.

I was forced to pay 30 USD for a transit visa at Abu Dhabi else I would have to wait in the airport for the next flight which was 3.15 AM on August 25(18 hours from the time we landed at Abu Dhabi). Later we were sent to a hotel.

This disrupted my travel plans, causing me to miss a very important orientation program for new international students at my university. This program was intended to provide critical information about course materials, resources, banking procedures, safety measures, and transportation options – all of which are vital for students transitioning to a new academic environment. Additionally, the accommodation arrangements that I had made in New York and the travel arrangements from New York to my college were nonrefundable and have been an added financial burden considering I am a student.

The consequences of missing the orientation were profound. Not only did I lose access to crucial information that would have facilitated my integration into the university community, but I am also encountering difficulties in navigating the campus, familiarizing myself with the available services, and establishing initial connections.

The ordeal resulted in me traveling for nearly 48 hours without sleep and deprived me of the opportunity to adequately prepare myself for the programs ahead. The physical exhaustion and mental stress of the journey has taken a toll on my well-being and hindered my ability to start my studies on the right foot.

Given these circumstances, I kindly request for a compensation amount. This sum is intended to cover the financial burdens I incurred due to the additional expenses and missed commitments. I understand that travel disruptions can occur, but I believe there should be mechanisms in place to address the consequences they have on passengers. As a student embarking on my academic journey, I am operating within limited financial means, and the financial strain imposed by the unexpected costs is genuinely overwhelming.

I believe that Etihad Airways has a responsibility to acknowledge the inconveniences and hardships faced by a first-time traveler and international student. Providing compensation in this situation would not only alleviate my immediate financial concerns but also exemplify the airline's commitment to passenger satisfaction.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a prompt resolution. If additional information or documentation is required to process my request, please let me know, and I will provide it as soon as possible.