Etihad: 5%-10% off flights, 25% off all redemptions, new service standards in all classes

Etihad has three very interesting things going on at the moment which are worth pulling together in one article.

If you are paying cash, get 5%-10% off

Etihad has launched a 5%-10% discount promotion for American Express cardholders.  This is a long-term promotion, valid for bookings until 30th April 2015 for travel by 30th June 2015.

The discount is valid in Economy, Business and First Class, on Saver (5%), Value (5%) and Freedom (10%) fares.  This covers most tickets except for those offered during sale periods.

The discount does NOT cover the taxes and charges element of the fare so it will be less than 5% – quite a bit less on an Economy ticket (where APD etc makes up a higher % of the cost) but not far off 10% for a ‘Freedom’ Business or First Class ticket.

You need to book via a special link on the Etihad website which can be found here.

If you are redeeming, get 25% off

Etihad is also offering a 25% rebate on all Etihad Guest redemptions booked and flown before the end of 2015.  If you are still thinking of getting away for Christmas then this might be an option.

Note that it is a 25% rebate and not a discount, so you need to have the full amount of miles in your account to start with.

You need to book by December 10th and complete your trip by December 31st 2015.

Full details can be found on the Etihad Guest site here.

New service standards in all classes

Finally, to coincide with the launch of their A380 service, Etihad has launched service improvements in all classes with immediate effect.

First Class gains a new throw blanket and cushion, new canapés, the introduction of a pre-dessert course and the introduction of signature cognacs.  New tableware from Nikko Japan,  Studio William and Lucaris is also introduced.

In Business Class, longer flights will gain a turndown service, a separate mattress, new loungewear and slippers.

Economy flights benefits from new blankets, a blanket bag which doubles up as a storage bag for your bits and pieces and a new pillow which converts into a neck rest.

If you have an Etihad flight planned and want to know you, further details are here.

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How to earn Etihad Guest miles from UK credit cards (April 2025)

Etihad Guest does not have a UK credit card.  However, you can earn Etihad Guest miles by converting Membership Rewards points earned from selected UK American Express cards.

Cards earning Membership Rewards points include:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 20,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for your first year and also comes with four free airport lounge passes.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• The Platinum Card from American Express (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 50,000 Etihad Guest miles.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• American Express Rewards credit card (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 10,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for life.

Membership Rewards points convert at 1:1 into Etihad Guest miles which is an attractive rate.  The cards above all earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on your card, which converts to 1 Etihad Guest mile.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card earns double points (2 per £1) on all flights you charge to it, not just with Etihad but with any airline.