You'll now earn more miles when crediting Etihad flights to partners
Etihad Airways is unique in that it has partnerships with nearly two-dozen airlines across multiple alliances. These partnerships unlock a ton of options for earning and redeeming miles on Etihad. And now, they're becoming even more rewarding.
TPG has discovered that the Abu Dhabi-based carrier made adjustments to its fare classes and is now awarding more miles for most flights. Even better, the improvements don't just apply to flights credited to the Etihad Guest program. The airline's partners have also updated its mileage charts to reflect these changes.
Starting today, you can earn up to 150% more miles when crediting economy, business and first-class Etihad flights to partners like American AAdvantage or Air Canada Aeroplan.
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Crediting Etihad flights to Etihad Guest
Before we dive into the partner changes, here's a look at how many miles you'll earn when crediting Etihad flights to Etihad Guest. Earnings are based on a percentage of the distance flown.
| Residence | 400% |
|---|---|
First | 275% |
Choice Plus | 200% |
Choice | 175% |
Value | 130% |
Choice Plus | 100% |
Choice | 75% |
Value | 50% |
Sale | 25% |
Overall, the changes here aren't too significant. Etihad flights always earned between 25% to 400% miles. The biggest differences are that you can now earn up to 200% miles in business class (previously capped at 175%) and you'll earn a minimum of 275% miles in first class (previously 250%). As you'll see, the changes are much more noticeable when crediting Etihad flights to partners.
If you're looking to boost your Etihad Guest balance, keep in mind that you could also transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One or Citi ThankYou.
Related: What airline fare classes tell you about your ticket
Crediting Etihad flights to American Airlines
Over the past year-and-a-half, there have been multiple scares that Etihad Airways might end its long-standing partnership with American Airlines. In 2019, there were rumors that the Abu Dhabi-based carrier would end the partnership in favor of one with United. Then earlier this year, the concerns resurfaced after Etihad was briefly pulled from American’s partner page. However, the two airlines stuck together and just strengthened their partnership.
Here's what American's AAdvantage's earning chart for Etihad looks like now. Note that miles earned with Etihad do not count toward elite status — only as redeemable miles.
| P | 100% | 300% |
|---|---|---|
F, A | 100% | 175% |
J | 100% | 100% |
C, D | 100% | 75% |
W, Z | 100% | 30% |
R | 100% | 10% |
Y, B | 100% | – |
H, K, M, Q | 75% | – |
L, V, U, E, G | 50% | – |
T | 25% | – |
Previously, most economy fares would earn 25%, with B, H and K earning 50%, Y earning 100% and T earning no miles. Now, even Etihad's cheapest fares earn miles, while more expensive ones earn more.
Moving to premium cabins, all business class fares got a boost. American used to only offer a 25% cabin bonus on J, C and D fares. Now, you could earn up to a 100% bonus. First class got the biggest boost. F and P fares now earn a 175% cabin bonus, as opposed to just 50%. "P" (Residence) fares are unchanged.
Eagle-eyed readers may notice that "R" fares dropped from a 50% cabin bonus to a 10% cabin bonus. In reality, this wasn't a devaluation since the fare class was previously used for first class, whereas now it's being used for economy.
Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers
Crediting Etihad flights to Air Canada
In June, Air Canada added the ability to earn and redeem Aeroplan miles on Etihad flights. As with American, you can only earn redeemable miles with Etihad.
Here's how the earnings break down:
| P | 400% |
|---|---|
F, A | 250% |
J, C, D | 150% |
W, Z | 125% |
R | 110% |
Y, B | 100% |
H, K, M, Q | 75% |
L, V, U, E, G | 50% |
T | 25% |
Overall, these changes are a big boost for those crediting Etihad flights to Aeroplan. Previously, Residence flights only earned 250% miles and First just 150%. Business-class flights used to earn 115% to 125% miles, so the earnings still increased, though not as significantly.
Earnings in economy class now match those offered by American AAdvantage, which is a small yet positive development. However, if you're flying in a premium cabin, you'll likely still want to credit to AAdvantage. A better way to boost your Aeroplan balance would be to transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards or Capital One.
Related: The best ways to maximize Air Canada’s new Aeroplan program
Bottom line
It's usually bad news when airlines adjust mileage earning rates, but that isn't the case here. You can now earn more miles when flying Etihad, regardless of your cabin or the program you credit your miles to. The higher the booking class, the more you'll be rewarded. Furthermore, today's changes give some confidence that American's partnership with Etihad is here to stay.
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| 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. |
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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
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- 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.