Currently, no co-branded Etihad credit cards are available to Australian consumers. This means that there isn't a credit card that directly earns Etihad Guest Miles with every purchase.
However, Etihad Airways has partnerships with several credit card rewards programs in Australia. These partnerships allow cardholders to earn Etihad Guest Miles indirectly by first earning reward points with their credit card and then converting those points to Etihad Guest Miles.
For Australians who use credit cards frequently for their daily expenses, this presents an opportunity to accumulate Etihad Guest Miles without necessarily flying with the airline. The most attractive earning rates are typically associated with premium credit cards issued by American Express, Visa, or Mastercard.
However, it's essential to compare the available options carefully:
- Earn rates: The reward points earned per dollar spent can vary significantly between cards.
- Conversion rates: The number of reward points needed to obtain a certain amount of Etihad Guest Miles differs across programs. More favourable conversion rates offer better value.
- Annual fees: Premium, high-earning rate cards often have substantial annual fees. These costs should be weighed against the potential benefits.
- Other features: Additional perks like travel credits, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services can add value and impact the overall cost.
- Terms and conditions: Minimum transfer amounts, conversion fees, points expiry, and other restrictions may apply.
How to redeem Etihad Guest miles
Etihad Guest miles can be redeemed for flights on Etihad Airways and its partner airlines, including Virgin Australia, for domestic travel within Australia. However, booking Virgin Australia flights with Etihad Guest miles requires a phone call and a minimum 14-day advance reservation.
Some notable redemption opportunities include:
- Sydney to Queenstown in Virgin Australia 737 Business Class for 13,800 miles + taxes
- Brisbane to Port Vila (Vanuatu) in Business Class for 13,800 miles + taxes
- Etihad's own Business Class on A380 and 787 aircraft, renowned for its world-class product
- The luxurious First Apartment on A380 flights from Sydney to Abu Dhabi and onward to London, Paris, and New York (requires a substantial amount of miles)
When redeeming Etihad Guest miles, aim for GuestSeat awards rather than OpenSeat awards to maximize value. Note that miles expire after 18 months of account inactivity.
Etihad Guest elite status tiers
Etihad Guest has four elite status tiers, each with progressively more benefits:
Etihad Guest Bronze (entry-level)
This is the free base-level membership and the minimum requirement to earn and redeem Etihad Guest miles for flights and other rewards.
Etihad Guest Silver
Achieve with 25,000 Tier Miles or 20 Tier Segments; maintain with 20,000 Tier Miles or 15 Tier Segments.
- 25% bonus miles on Etihad and selected partners
- Guaranteed Economy Seat at least 48 hours in advance
- Priority check-in and additional baggage allowance
- Access to select lounges for the member
Etihad Guest Gold
Achieve with 50,000 Tier Miles or 40 Tier Segments; maintain with 40,000 Tier Miles or 30 Tier Segments.
- 50% bonus miles on Etihad and selected partners
- Guaranteed Economy Seat at least 24 hours in advance
- Two free Economy Standard seat selections
- Access to Etihad and partner Business Class lounges worldwide with one guest
- Additional baggage allowance and rental car tier match
Etihad Guest Platinum
Achieve with 125,000 Tier Miles or 60 Tier Segments; maintain with 100,000 Tier Miles or 48 Tier Segments.
- Nominate a friend to Gold status
- 75% bonus miles on Etihad and selected partners
- Guaranteed Economy Seat at least 12 hours in advance
- Free Economy Space seat for the member and discounts for other guests
- Access to Etihad and partner First Class lounges worldwide (where available) with one guest
- Highest baggage allowance
Contact Etihad Guest via phone, social media, or online submission form for membership inquiries or flight redemptions. The 24/7 call center numbers are 1300 532 215 (within Australia) and +971 600 555 666 (from overseas).
