Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines have announced a partnership between Etihad Guest and Rapid Rewards, allowing members to earn and redeem miles and points on eligible flights operated by both airlines from spring 2027.
According to an announcement on Etihad’s website, Etihad Guest members will earn miles on eligible Southwest flights and redeem them for reward tickets across the US carrier’s destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Rapid Rewards members will be able to earn points on eligible Etihad flights and redeem them for tickets across the UAE airline’s network, including destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar and Hanoi.
Etihad Guest Managing Director Mark Potter said the partnership expanded members’ North American travel options through Southwest’s network.
He added that it also gave Rapid Rewards members access to Etihad destinations as part of efforts to develop the loyalty programme and expand its partners.
Nandika Suri, Southwest’s vice president of Rapid Rewards, said the agreement created new opportunities for members to earn and redeem points on Etihad from spring 2027.
She noted that Etihad Guest members would also benefit from Southwest’s network in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Etihad Guest and Rapid Rewards benefits
Etihad Guest members can redeem miles for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, holidays and products through the programme’s rewards store.
Rapid Rewards members earn points across all Southwest fare categories and can redeem them for any available seat on the airline’s flights, without blackout dates. Points do not expire.
Etihad’s North American destinations
Etihad operates direct flights to six US destinations—Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York and Washington—as well as Toronto in Canada.
Direct Abu Dhabi–Calgary flights are scheduled to begin on October 25, 2026, as part of its North American expansion.
US-bound travellers through Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi can use US Customs and Border Protection preclearance to complete immigration and customs procedures before departure.
This allows passengers to arrive in the United States without repeating those entry procedures on arrival.
Further partnership details and conditions for earning and redeeming miles and points will be announced at www.etihad.com following the spring 2027 launch.
