Etihad Guest and Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards have announced a reciprocal loyalty partnership, giving members of both programmes the ability to earn and spend points across each other’s networks from Spring 2027.
Under the arrangement, Etihad Guest members will earn miles on eligible Southwest flights and redeem them across Southwest’s network covering the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Rapid Rewards members will earn points on eligible Etihad flights and redeem them for travel on Etihad’s global network, which now includes newer destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar and Hanoi.
“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Southwest Airlines and Rapid Rewards, an exciting addition to our growing portfolio of loyalty partners and Etihad’s presence across North America. We look forward to welcoming Rapid Rewards members onboard Etihad soon, to explore our growing 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 brings together two programmes with a shared focus on rewarding loyalty and giving members greater choice wherever their journeys take them,” Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest said in a statement.
“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,” Nandika Suri, Vice President Rapid Rewards, Southwest Airlines added.
Etihad currently operates direct services to six US cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City and Washington, plus Toronto in Canada. Direct flights to Calgary launch on October 25.
Passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi can also clear US customs and immigration before departure via the preclearance facility, the only one of its kind in the region.
Rapid Rewards points carry no blackout dates and do not expire, and can be redeemed against any available seat on Southwest-operated flights.
Etihad Guest miles can be used for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays and purchases through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Full details of the partnership will be available when it formally launches in 2027.
