Etihad Guest Redemption – the ULTIMATE guide (Part 3 of 3)

A RECAP

In the previous posts – Part 1 and Part 2, I had covered the value of Etihad miles if used for upgrade or direct redemption on Etihad.

In part 3 of the series, let us look at the third option i.e. using your miles for redemption on Etihad partner airlines. Etihad has a total of 24 partners on which your miles can be redeemed.

Yes that is right 24! That itself makes Etihad miles one of the most versatile miles to hold. It means, that every route you want to take anywhere in the globe, can potentially be booked using Etihad miles.

All partner redemption can only be done over a phone call. Thankfully, it does not take too long to connect and the call center has improved by leaps and bounds.

American Airlines

It is well-known that Etihad miles are one of the most attractive ways to book AA flights. Similar to Jet Airways, Etihad redemption rates are cheaper than AA’s own chart.

How to check for available inventory?

Routes are miles required can be found here.

You need to find SAAver award seat availability on AA website.

Attractive routes

Business/ First redemptions are extremely attractive. Availability is the only issue here

Any AA destination within continental USA for 25,000 miles in business class (transcontinental flights included) and Hawaii for 37,500 miles

North America to Europe for 50,000 miles in Business and 62,500 miles in First

Oman Air

Some great redemption available here for folks with less Etihad miles. Oman Air is particularly attractive for economy redemption.

How to check for available inventory?

Check availability on https://www.omanair.com/ and choose miles instead of cash.

Attractive routes

Dubai to Muscat to Male for 14,000 miles one-way (on Emirates it costs upwards of $500)

Dubai to Muscat only for 3,000 miles

Jet Airways

Etihad is a significant stakeholder in Jet Airways since 2011. Jet Airways is in financial doldrums and there are strong market rumors of Etihad investing additional funds as well as taking operational control of the airline. Additionally, Etihad owns majority stake in Jetprivilege – the frequent flyer program of Jet Airways.

How to check for available inventory?

Routes and miles required can be found here. Note that the table isn’t updated. For example, Jet Airways no longer flies to Brussels as a second-hub but to Amsterdam.

Availability of reward seats can be checked on Jetprivilege website (login required).

Attractive routes

Entire network of Jet Airways is at your disposal. There are some absolute steals here. Some example below

Dubai to Mumbai –21,000 miles for Business (Usual fare – $300 to $440)

Mumbai to Goa – 5,500 miles for Economy

Kolkata to Bangalore – 10,550 miles for Economy

Mumbai to Singapore – 19,000 miles for Economy, 36,000 for Business (Usual fare – $900 to $1,300)

Smart bookings would give you a return of 2-4 cents per mile.

Air Seychelles

Etihad owns 40% stake in Air Seychelles and shares the loyalty program.

How to check for available inventory?

Not possible. Please call Etihad for inventory availability

Attractive routes

Redemption available only on 4 routes – Abu Dhabi, Bombay, Johannesburg and Mauritius. Business class redemption for a holiday in Seychelles would give great value for your miles.

Abu Dhabi to Seychelles roundtrip is typically $2,500 ($ 3,200 in the holiday season) and costs 51,832 miles

Mumbai to Seychelles roundtrip is typically $1,200 and costs 52,013 miles

Bangkok Airways

Redeeming Etihad miles is a great option for domestic flights within Thailand, which can be expensive during holiday season. All routes from Bangkok or Samui can be booked for 10,000 miles round-trip. Redemption chart here.

How to check for available inventory?

Not possible. Please call Etihad for inventory availability

Attractive routes

Domestic travel within Thailand

Air New Zealand

I didn’t find great value except in short distance business class travels like Sydney to Auckland.

Alitalia

Could be useful for one-way business redemption. Becomes unattractive for round-trip journeys.

Redemption table available here.

Sri Lankan Airlines

I didn’t find it to be a very attractive option except for the short trip to Maldives – which can be expensive during peak season. Here it goes for 5,000 miles.

Other redemption options can be found here.

Others

For other airlines like ANA, Asiana, Brussels, Czech, Royal Air Maroc and Virgin Australia, I would recommend reading Richard Kerr’s post here.

I did not evaluate – Air Serbia, Air Europa, Flybe, Garuda Indonesia, GOL, Hainan, Korean, Malaysia Airlines and SAS. They didn’t seem very attractive as per the charts posted. If readers have had a great deal booking these please let me know.