Etihad Airways Joins Forces with Southwest Airlines to Unlock a New Era of Global Travel Rewards from 2027

Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines will cooperate to extend the benefits of their global travel rewards programs from spring 2027. Their newly established strategic partnership will see Etihad Guest and Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program members earn and redeem miles or points on qualifying flights with either airline. Members can look forward to increased flexibility and travel opportunities across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, as they enjoy the benefit of having access to two of the world’s leading frequent flyer programs.

Beginning in spring 2027, Etihad Guest members will be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on eligible Southwest Airlines flights and use their accumulated miles to book reward travel throughout Southwest’s extensive network, covering the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Similarly, Rapid Rewards members will gain the opportunity to earn points on eligible Etihad Airways flights and redeem them for journeys across Etihad’s growing international network. This includes emerging destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar and Hanoi, offering travellers more options to explore destinations across Asia, Africa and beyond.

Nandika Suri, Vice President Rapid Rewards, Southwest Airlines, said: “Our international loyalty partnership with Etihad Guest will give Rapid Rewards members even more value from their membership and create exciting opportunities to earn and redeem points across Etihad’s global network beginning in Spring 2027. We’re pleased to connect our Members with more destinations and rewarding travel experiences, while welcoming Etihad Guest members to enjoy the Southwest Airlines network providing access to dozens of destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.”

Etihad Guest offers members a broad range of opportunities to use their accumulated miles, including flight bookings, cabin upgrades, hotel accommodation worldwide, holiday packages and products available through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards programme focuses on flexibility and convenience, enabling members to earn points across all fare categories and redeem them for any available seat on Southwest-operated services. The programme also offers no blackout dates and points that never expire, allowing travellers greater freedom when planning and booking their journeys.

Etihad Airways continues to strengthen its North American connectivity, operating direct services to Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C., alongside flights to Toronto, Canada. The airline is also preparing to introduce direct flights to Calgary on 25 October, further expanding its Canadian network. Passengers travelling to the United States through Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi can benefit from the airport’s US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, the only facility of its kind in the region. This service allows eligible passengers to complete US immigration and customs procedures before departure, enabling them to arrive in the United States as domestic passengers. The arrangement helps reduce arrival formalities, saves time and provides a more convenient international travel experience.