Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines announce loyalty partnership

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of the UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways, and Rapid Rewards, the loyalty programme of Southwest Airlines, the leading carrier for nonstop domestic travel in the US, have announced a loyalty partnership allowing members to earn and redeem across both airlines’ networks.

Benefits for Etihad Guest Members
- Earn Etihad Guest Miles on eligible Southwest Airlines flights.
- Redeem miles for travel across Southwest's network in:
- United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean

Benefits for Rapid Rewards Members
- Earn Rapid Rewards points on eligible Etihad Airways flights.
- Redeem points across Etihad's global network, including destinations such as:
- Krabi, Zanzibar, Hanoi

Etihad's View
- Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, said the partnership:
- Expands Etihad's loyalty partner portfolio.
- Strengthens Etihad's North American presence.
- Gives members more travel choices and redemption opportunities.

Southwest's View
- Nandika Suri, Vice President, Rapid Rewards, said the partnership:
- Enhances value for Rapid Rewards members.
- Creates new earning and redemption opportunities on Etihad's international network.
- Expands access to global travel experiences.

Loyalty Programme Features
Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed for:
- Flights, Cabin upgrades, Hotel stays, Holidays, Reward Shop products

Rapid Rewards offers:
- Points on all fare types
- Redemption on any available Southwest seat
- No blackout dates
- No point expiry

Etihad's North America Network
- Direct flights from Abu Dhabi to:
- Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., Toronto
- Calgary services to launch on 25 October.

US Preclearance Advantage
- Passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport can complete US immigration and customs before departure.
- Enables travellers to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, reducing arrival processing time.