Guide to Etihad Guest: Redeem reduced GuestSeat fares, upgrade to The Residence and more
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
Though Etihad is not part of the three major airline alliances — SkyTeam, Oneworld and Star Alliance — the carrier has individual partnerships, making its loyalty program valuable for award redemptions. Plus, its luxurious three-room suite known as The Residence on its A380 aircraft is a dream-worthy splurge for any traveler.
In March 2023, Etihad's loyalty program, Etihad Guest, introduced a consolidated award chart for partner flights. With all partners following a single award chart, the sweet spots we formerly loved instantly disappeared. Then, in February 2024, Etihad announced major changes to its award redemptions in addition to silently devaluing its partner award chart.
Let’s look at what you need to know about Etihad Guest to decide if it’s a program worthy of your hard-earned transferable points.
How to earn Etihad Guest miles
There are many ways to earn Etihad Guest miles. Here are some popular options.
Earn with a credit card
Etihad doesn’t have a U.S.-based cobranded credit card. For a quick influx of Etihad Guest miles, you can transfer rewards from the following programs at a 1:1 ratio:
In our tests, transfers from these programs to Etihad Guest are generally instantaneous.
Remember, for fully transferable Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou Rewards points, you’ll need to have select credit cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and the Citi Prestige® Card.
Check out our guide to the best travel credit cards for more options.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Earn by flying
You can earn Etihad Guest miles by flying Etihad or any of its 24 partner airlines. Its North American partners include Air Canada and American Airlines.
Earn by staying in hotels or renting cars
Etihad Guest has its own hotel and car rental portals.
You’ll earn at least 1,000 miles per night stayed at over 300,000 hotels. A three-night weekend stay in July at the Kimpton George Hotel in Washington, D.C., earns 8,900 miles.
If you book this way, be prepared to not receive IHG One Rewards elite status benefits. You also won't earn points and elite nights when booking through Etihad Guest. Because of this, we generally don’t recommend booking this way.
On the car rental side, you’ll earn at least 250 miles per rental day, but don’t expect to earn rental car rewards or elite benefits if you book through Etihad Guest. Compare rental car prices to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.
You can also convert Marriott Bonvoy points to Etihad Guest miles at a 3:1 ratio. Marriott gives you 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.
Earn by buying miles
You can buy up to 100,000 Etihad Guest miles per calendar year at 2 cents apiece. Platinum members can buy up to 150,000 miles per year.
Related: Buy bonus points and miles with these promotions
How to redeem Etihad Guest miles
The loyalty program has an award calculator for Eithad, American Airlines and Virgin Australia flights. Often, the award rates shown on the calculator are far less than what you’ll actually need to spend for an award flight.
Redeeming on Etihad
In February 2024, Etihad reduced GuestSeat fares by up to 30% on economy, business- and first-class award tickets. Most notably, you can now book a first-class ticket from New York to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Etihad's 787-9 plane starting at 160,000 Etihad Guest miles. However, if you're looking to fly on Etihad's A380 plane, which features ultra-luxurious first-class Apartment seats, a one-way ticket will cost you at least 200,000 miles.
Here’s a look at Etihad’s published one-way award chart, including the recent changes the introductory mileage rates underwent in February 2024.
| Zone | Distance | Economy (before Feb. 22/now) | Business (before Feb. 29/now) | First (before Feb. 29/now) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0-500 | 7,000/5,000 | 20,000/15,000 | 40,000/30,000 |
2 | 501-1,000 | 11,000/10,000 | 25,000/20,000 | 50,000/40,000 |
3 | 1,001-1,500 | 13,000/13,000 | 30,000/30,000 | 60,000/55,000 |
4 | 1,501-2,000 | 17,000/15,000 | 45,000/35,000 | 90,000/80,000 |
5 | 2,001-2,500 | 22,000/20,000 | 50,000/45,000 | 100,000/90,000 |
6 | 2,501-3,000 | 27,000/25,000 | 60,000/60,000 | 120,000/110,000 |
7 | 3,001-4,000 | 32,000/30,000 | 70,000/70,000 | 140,000/120,000 |
8 | 4,001-5,000 | 37,000/37,000 | 75,000/75,000 | 150,000/135,000 |
9 | 5,001-6,000 | 45,000/45,000 | 100,000/95,000 | 200,000/140,000 |
10 | 6,001-plus | 60,000/60,000 | 120,000/120,000 | 220,000/160,000 |
Remember, the above chart shows introductory mileage rates. For example, we've found wide-open availability flying from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Etihad's 787-9 first class for 160,000 miles.
If you're looking to fly in Etihad's Apartment first-class seats, make sure to check the details of your flight to confirm you're flying on the A380. We've found one-way award flights starting at 200,000 miles, but keep in mind that on some days, the amount of miles needed to fly in these seats can cost up to 1 million miles.
Redeeming on partner airlines
According to Etihad's website, members can directly book an award flight on American Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Royal Air Maroc and Virgin Australia through Etihad's site using miles. For other partner airlines, bookings can be made through the airline's call center.
In 2023, Etihad began using the following single partner chart for all partner flight redemptions.
| Distance (in miles) | Miles needed in economy | Miles needed in premium economy | Miles needed in business class | Miles needed in first class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0-500 | 6,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 | 14,000 |
501-1,000 | 12,000 | 13,000 | 20,000 | 27,000 |
1,001-1,500 | 15,000 | 19,000 | 30,000 | 40,000 |
1,501-2,000 | 23,000 | 25,000 | 40,000 | 54,000 |
2,001-2,500 | 28,000 | 31,000 | 50,000 | 67,000 |
2,501-3,000 | 34,000 | 37,000 | 60,000 | 80,000 |
3,001-4,000 | 45,000 | 49,000 | 80,000 | 107,000 |
4,001-5,000 | 60,000 | 62,000 | 100,000 | 134,000 |
5,001-6,000 | 67,000 | 74,000 | 120,000 | 160,000 |
6,001-plus | 75,000 | 90,000 | 140,000 | 200,000 |
However, Etihad silently released a new partner award chart that shows an increase in one-way business- and first-class award tickets. Remember, this chart shows introductory one-way rates, so the miles needed could be significantly more. Check out the 2024 partner award chart below.
Etihad increased its business and first-class award prices for most of its short-haul flights. For example, in 2023, flights in first class that were under 500 miles would start at 14,000 Etihad Guest miles. Now, with the latest devaluation, first-class flights under 500 miles start at 35,000 miles; this is a 150% increase. Luckily, long-haul flights, as well as economy and premium economy partner flights, did not increase in price.
For those looking to book The Residence, which features a private bedroom, a separate living area and an ensuite shower room, Etihad members can now upgrade their first-class ticket on the A380 and book this three-bedroom suite with either cash or miles.
Before transferring your miles to Etihad Guest, you’ll want to confirm award space availability and pricing.
Other redemption activities
You can redeem Etihad miles for hotels and car rentals. While your redemption rate may vary, expect around 0.7 cents per mile if you use this option. That’s significantly below TPG’s valuation of Etihad miles at 1.2 cents apiece.
Other uses of Etihad Guest miles include online raffles and Pointspay purchases. Pointspay lets you redeem miles for online shopping. Note, though, that many of the participating merchants are located in Abu Dhabi.
Depending on the day of travel, you can redeem your miles for access to Etihad's business-class or first-class lounge at AUH, though you’ll have to speak with the lounge staff for pricing and availability.
Lastly, you may be able to pool up to 50,000 miles each year at no cost. This can be helpful when you have multiple family members with Etihad Guest miles and want to consolidate miles into one account for an award ticket.
Related: Your ultimate guide on how to search award availability for the major airlines
Bottom line
With the changes Etihad made to its program by reducing GuestSeat fares by up to 30% on economy, business- and first-class award tickets, members can try to maximize their Etihad Guest miles on popular long-haul flight routes, such as New York to Abu Dhabi.
If you want to fly in Etihad's luxurious first-class Apartment or book an upgraded ticket in The Residence, be ready to spend a lot of miles for its world-famous product and hospitality.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.