Emirates vs Etihad – conversion to Avios possibilities

[Ned]

Hi. Am just about to start commuting from London to Abu Dhabi. BA doesn’t start direct flights until late April and flying to Dubai in business with BA or indirect to Abu Dhabi with Qatar are both much more expensive than direct to either with Emirates/Etihad respectively.

Wondering if there is a way to earn BA tier points/Avios on either emirates or Etihad? I know of the Qantas codeshare but that seems to be points only when on their website.

Alternatively if I’m stuck (first world problem!) with Emirates or Etihad, which is the better programme for redemption availability, generosity of earning etc?

Thanks

[Super Secret Stuff]

Status isn’t possible as far as I know. In terms of programmes, depends where you want to go. Air Canada Aeroplan earns points from emirates and has a lot of star alliance and non star alliance redemption options.

If Asia and Australia is more your thing, then stick with Emirates or Etihad programmes

[memesweeper]

I have a few thousand in Emirates. The scheme has an unpleasant expiry policy on their miles so I’d be looking to credit any future Emirates flights to a partner unless
I was sure of earning enough to redeem quickly.

Upgrade availability from a cash ticket has been very good on those dates/routes I’ve checked in the past.

[masaccio]

Google shows me direct flights next week with BA LHR-DXB rather than starting April.

[Rob]

Etihad flights can be credited to American Airlines, which lets you redeem for BA flights. You can’t directly mix AA miles with Avios but, for eg, you could a one-way on BA with your AA stash and use Avios to fly back.

[tiberius]

Etihad miles are actually quite versatile with some good rates on conversions here: https://www.etihadguest.com/en/spend-miles/flying.html

[Ned]

masaccio wrote:

Google shows me direct flights next week with BA LHR-DXB rather than starting April.

I meant flying to AUH unfortunately!

[Ned]

Thanks for help/thoughts everyone. Might go for some Etihad flights and try and book ahead to see if that brings down the BA/Qatar costs