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Etihad Guest Miles will no longer expire, airline says

Nov. 15, 2019
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3 min read
Etihad A380 Economy Review AUH - LHR Nicky Kelvin (5 of 41)
Etihad Guest Miles will no longer expire, airline says
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Etihad Airways announced on November 15 that it had revamped its popular Etihad Guest program, adding chauffeur service for select travelers using miles and removing a restriction that caused miles to expire.

The airline now says Etihad Guest Miles will no longer expire and will remain valid as long as at least one eligible transaction is made every 18 months. Previously, Etihad miles expired after 24 months.

Travelers with Gold and above Etihad status can take advantage of complimentary one-way chauffeur service to or from Abu Dhabi International Airport when traveling in Business and First on miles redemption tickets. Platinum members will now have a dedicated contact number for premium guest service agents who are available to assist.

Travelers will also be able to pay, either with miles or a combination of miles and cash, for economy space, extra baggage and insurance. Upgrades and related services, such as excess baggage and taxes, will also be available to be purchased with miles.

Related: Video: Inside the Etihad Residence with TPG

“We are very proud of the Etihad Guest programme and through its well-timed relaunch are striving to deliver new and more innovative ways of rewarding the loyalty of our millions of guests worldwide," said CEO Robin Kamark in a statement, "by removing restrictions wherever possible, and by providing a wider range of superior benefits and products, delivered to them with the style and professionalism they have come to expect from Etihad Guest."

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Etihad Airways is the second-largest carrier in the UAE (behind Emirates) and has its main hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The airline operates more than 1,000 flights per week, flying to over 75 destinations with a fleet of 117 aircraft.

Related: Etihad Guest Miles Continue to Fly Under The Radar

Etihad Guest Miles are relatively easy to collect, making it even more surprising that the program hasn’t become a mainstream strategy.

You can transfer both Citi ThankYou Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest at a 1:1 transfer ratio. There have also been a few transfer bonuses offered by the banks in the past, which sweeten the deal when they happen. You can also transfer the new Marriott points to Etihad, with a 5,000-mile transfer bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer. Etihad miles are worth 1.4 cents each, according to TPG's latest valuations.

Etihad's famous Residence (which TPG himself flew a while back) can be booked for about 2 million Etihad Guest miles -- which is lofty, but makes for a sweet redemption when you compare it to the cash price of $20,000 – $30,000. But if that's too much, there are several partner airlines you can redeem miles with. For instance, you can book a one-way transcontinental flight on American’s A321T in business for 25,000 miles or one-way to Casablanca, Morocco in Royal Air Maroc business class for 44,000 miles.

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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

  • 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.