Etihad Airways Unveils a New Era for its Guest Loyalty Programme

Personalised membership numbers, enhanced rewards, and new elite tiers set to elevate the travel experience for Etihad Guest members

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has relaunched its award-winning Etihad Guest loyalty programme as of June 2024, offering its members a more personalised and rewarding experience. This major overhaul introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at bringing the customer closer to the airline, aligning rewards more directly with the traveler’s individual journeys and preferences.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, emphasized the airline’s commitment to rewarding loyalty in new, innovative ways. “We are excited to announce a new era for the Etihad Guest programme with the experience of being a valued member about to reach new heights,” Potter said. “The more time members invest with us, whether through flying or our lifestyle partners, the more personalized their experiences become, allowing them to journey on their terms.”

Personalised Benefits and Pricing Reductions

Among the standout features of the revamped programme is the option for members to select their own personalised membership numbers, making Etihad the first airline in the region to offer such a benefit. Furthermore, the airline has introduced pricing revisions for its popular GuestSeats, reducing the miles required for both Economy and Business class flights to many destinations. For example, members can now book an Economy Class seat from Abu Dhabi to London for just 30,000 miles, or travel in Business Class from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi for 20,000 miles plus taxes.

Etihad Guest members will also earn the same amount of Tier Miles and Etihad Guest Miles on bookings, allowing frequent travelers to progress faster through the loyalty tiers and unlock additional rewards. Platinum Tier members now enjoy a 100% Bonus on Guest Miles when flying with Etihad or its airline partners, accelerating their path to the next reward.

Customised Privileges and New Elite Tier

In another innovative move, Etihad Guest members can now tailor their benefits based on their individual lifestyle preferences. Silver members can select two custom privileges, Gold members four, and Platinum members five, creating a highly personalised experience. These range from extra baggage allowance to lounge access and beyond.

In recognition of the airline’s top flyers, Etihad has introduced a new elite tier. These members, alongside Platinum members, will have the unique option to select their own personalised membership numbers, a first for any airline in the region.

Beyond Benefits: Gifting Rewards to Loved Ones

The new Beyond Benefits programme allows Gold and Platinum members to gift some of their perks to family or friends, including tier status upgrades and lounge passes. This initiative lets members share their benefits with loved ones, offering them the luxury and convenience that comes with being an Etihad Guest member.

Simplified Tier Progression and Expanded Partnerships

Etihad has simplified the criteria for reaching higher tiers by removing Tier Segments, making it easier for members to track their progress and unlock additional benefits. Members can earn and spend their Etihad Guest Miles across a broad range of more than 150 partners, from restaurants and hotels to car rentals and retailers. The miles’ validity has also been extended by 18 months, giving members more time to redeem them on flights, cabin upgrades, or rewards from the newly relaunched Reward Shop.

With over 3,500 products to choose from, as well as exclusive experiences, the programme offers unparalleled flexibility in how members can redeem their hard-earned miles.

Elevating the Travel Experience

Etihad’s loyalty programme continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its members, from exclusive rewards to new ways of earning and redeeming miles. As Mark Potter concludes, “The enhancements to the Etihad Guest programme renew our partnership with our members globally, creating an experience that is not only rewarding but also deeply personal.”

Etihad Guest’s relaunch marks a new era in loyalty programmes, offering members greater flexibility, more personalized rewards, and a seamless, premium travel experience.