Etihad Airways, along with Emirates, is one of the fastest-growing airlines in India. Both airlines are based in the United Arab Emirates and have a strong presence across multiple Indian cities.
Recently, Etihad Airways’ loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, went through a few important changes. The earlier co-branded credit cards issued with SBI Card were discontinued, and new Etihad co-branded credit cards were launched in partnership with BOBCARD.
Soon after this, Etihad Guest announced several new partnerships with popular Indian brands, further strengthening its loyalty programme in India. These partnerships include well-known names such as Swiggy, The Postcard Hotel Collection, Shoppers Stop, and Flipkart.
With these additions, Etihad Guest members in India can now earn miles through everyday spending, not just flight bookings. Frequent Etihad flyers and loyal members are expected to benefit the most from this expansion. Here’s a closer look at Etihad Guest’s new partners in India.
BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Cards Boost Everyday Mile Earning
Recently, Etihad also launched two new co-branded credit cards in partnership with BOBCARD. The BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium Credit Card and the BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Card are positioned at different price points and are best suited for travellers who frequently fly with Etihad and value travel-related benefits.
Both cards offer a range of perks, including airport lounge access and accelerated mile earning on Etihad-related spends, making them attractive options for frequent flyers.
The launch of these two cards is expected to further strengthen Etihad’s brand presence in India. For a limited period, new applicants can also earn a double welcome bonus, adding extra value for those applying during the promotional window.
Interested customers can apply online to start their journey with these Etihad Guest co-branded credit cards.
Etihad Guest Partners With Swiggy
Swiggy is one of India’s most popular food delivery and dining platforms. By partnering with Swiggy, Etihad can reach younger users who may not yet be familiar with air miles or airline loyalty programmes.
Swiggy already has an existing partnership with IndiGo, and this new tie-up with Etihad further expands its presence in the airline rewards space, while giving Etihad Guest access to a much wider and younger audience in India.
Etihad Guest Expands Hotel Rewards With The Postcard Hotel Collection
The Postcard Hotel Collection has launched a new partnership with Etihad Guest, allowing members to earn miles on hotel stays. The partnership covers The Postcard Hotel’s properties across India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Etihad Guest members staying for two or three nights at any Postcard property will earn 2,000 Miles, while those staying for four nights or more will receive 4,000 Miles, along with a complimentary night stay.
As part of a special launch offer, Etihad Guest will award double Miles to members staying at The Postcard Hotel Collection before 28 February. With Postcard Hotels continuing to expand their presence in India, this partnership adds more value for travellers who frequently fly with Etihad and prefer boutique luxury stays.
Etihad Guest Ties Up With Shoppers Stop For Retail Rewards
Etihad has become the first airline to partner with Shoppers Stop India, one of the country’s leading department store chains. As part of this collaboration, existing Etihad Guest members can opt in to receive a complimentary one-year Platinum status under the Shoppers Stop First Citizen loyalty programme.
This limited-period offer, available until 15 February, marks a first-of-its-kind promotion for Shoppers Stop. Going forward, Etihad Guest members will also be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on their spending at Shoppers Stop, making it easier to convert shopping purchases into flight rewards.
Etihad Guest Allows Mile Conversion With Flipkart SuperCoins
Flipkart is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in India and has previously partnered with loyalty programmes such as Marriott Bonvoy. It has now announced a similar partnership with Etihad Guest.
Under this collaboration, customers will be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on their Flipkart purchases and also convert their miles into Flipkart SuperCoins. Given Flipkart’s wide reach across the country, this partnership is expected to significantly strengthen Etihad Guest’s presence in India. The tie-up is likely to go live in the coming weeks.
Bottom Line
With these five partnerships, Etihad Guest is set to significantly strengthen its loyalty programme in India. Travellers flying to the UAE or other popular international destinations can now make better use of their Etihad Guest Miles through everyday spending.
Those interested in air miles or planning to build miles for future travel should link their accounts at the earliest, as this is the first step towards earning additional miles.
Similar earning opportunities are already available through partnerships such as Zomato with Air India, making this an easy way for newcomers to get introduced to airline loyalty programmes.