Etihad Guest and STARLUX COSMILE open two-way miles exchange

Members of both frequent flyer programmes can now earn and redeem miles across each other’s networks in all cabin classes from October 28

Staff Writer
Etihad Guest and STARLUX COSMILE expand frequent flyer partnership
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Article summary

AI Generated

Etihad Guest and STARLUX's COSMILE have opened two-way mileage earning and redemption across both airlines' networks, effective 28 October. The update expands a partnership launched in August and gives members access to all cabin classes on partner-operated flights.

Key points

  • Etihad Guest and COSMILE members can now earn and redeem miles on both airlines
  • Award tickets available in First, Business, and Economy cabins
  • Partnership follows June 2025 codeshare and September 2025 Abu Dhabi–Taipei launch

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Etihad Airways and Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines have expanded their loyalty partnership to allow full two-way mileage earning and redemption between Etihad Guest and COSMILE, the carrier’s frequent flyer programme.

From 28 October, Etihad Guest members flying on STARLUX-operated flights can earn miles and redeem them on subsequent Etihad journeys. COSMILE members flying on Etihad benefit from the same arrangement in the other direction. Both programmes cover First, Business, and Economy cabins, and members can also request retroactive mileage credit on eligible flights.

The update extends a loyalty agreement launched in August, which had only allowed Etihad Guest members to redeem miles on STARLUX flights. The expanded arrangement adds earning capability and opens both networks in both directions.

“Every step in our partnership with STARLUX has been about making travel between our networks more rewarding for our members, and giving members the opportunity to now earn as well as redeem miles on both airlines further enhances the partnership and value for members. From 28 October, an Etihad Guest member flying with STARLUX earns miles on that trip and can spend them on their next journey with us, and COSMILE members enjoy the same in reverse. It is a simple promise that makes every flight with either airline count,” Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest said in a statement.

“STARLUX Airlines is committed to continuously enhancing the travel experience for our members by deepening our partnerships with international airlines and creating more diverse travel opportunities. The expansion of our partnership with Etihad Airways marks an important milestone in our collaboration. By combining our networks and frequent flyer programmes, COSMILE members can enjoy greater flexibility in using their miles and extend their journeys to more than 120 destinations worldwide via Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to enhancing the benefits and value of the COSMILE programme through this partnership. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with airline partners to deliver greater convenience and more rewarding experiences throughout every journey,” Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines added.

The loyalty expansion sits alongside a broader commercial relationship between the two carriers. Etihad and STARLUX signed a codeshare agreement in June 2025, and Etihad launched its Abu Dhabi–Taipei route in September 2025, operated by the Boeing 787-9. The arrangement positions Abu Dhabi as a transit point between STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network and Etihad’s routes across Europe.

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