Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines Sign Strategic Loyalty Program Partnership
Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines have announced a reciprocal agreement linking their respective loyalty programs.
Scope of the Agreement: Cross-Accrual and Redemption
Starting in spring 2027, members of Etihad Guest—the frequent flyer program of the UAE flag carrier, Etihad Airways—and members of Rapid Rewards, operated by Southwest Airlines (the largest point-to-point domestic carrier in the United States), will enjoy reciprocal benefits on eligible flights:
- Etihad Guest Members: Will be able to earn miles on qualifying Southwest Airlines routes and redeem them across the U.S. carrier’s network, spanning the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Rapid Rewards Members: Will have the opportunity to earn points on Etihad Airways–operated flights and redeem them across the Emirati airline’s global network, including newly launched international destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar, and Hanoi.
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Leadership from both carriers highlighted the impact this partnership will have on their respective passenger experiences:
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Southwest Airlines and Rapid Rewards—an exciting addition to our growing portfolio of loyalty partners and to Etihad’s footprint in North America. We look forward to welcoming Rapid Rewards members aboard Etihad very soon to explore our expanding global network and experience our signature hospitality, while offering Etihad Guest members greater access to destinations across the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. This partnership unites two programs with a shared focus on rewarding loyalty and delivering expanded choice wherever our members’ travels take them.”
— Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest.
Meanwhile, the U.S. carrier emphasized the international reach this collaboration delivers to its loyalty program:
“Our international loyalty partnership with Etihad Guest will bring Rapid Rewards members even greater membership value and create compelling opportunities to earn and redeem points across Etihad’s global network starting in spring 2027. We are thrilled to connect our members to more destinations and rewarding travel experiences, while welcoming Etihad Guest members to enjoy Southwest Airlines’ network, unlocking access to dozens of destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.”
— Nandika Suri, Vice President of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines.
Loyalty Program Key Features
Both frequent flyer schemes will retain their existing benefits and redemption structures for travelers:
Etihad Guest
- Mile redemptions for flight bookings and cabin class upgrades.
- Access to worldwide hotel stays and holiday vacation packages.
- Merchandise procurement via the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.
Rapid Rewards
- Flexibility to earn points across all published fare classes.
- Reward seat redemption on any available seat on Southwest Airlines–operated flights.
- No blackout dates and points that never expire.
Etihad Airways’ North American Footprint and Connectivity
Etihad Airways currently operates nonstop services from its hub at Zayed International Airport to six key U.S. gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, and Washington. In Canada, the carrier offers direct flights to Toronto and is scheduled to inaugurate direct service to Calgary on October 25.
A key strategic differentiator for U.S.-bound travelers departing via Zayed International Airport is the Abu Dhabi U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility—the only one of its kind in the Middle East. This operational advantage allows passengers to complete all U.S. customs and immigration formalities prior to departure, enabling them to arrive stateside as domestic passengers and streamline their arrival process.
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