Summary

  • Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, Etihad Guest, reaches 10 million members.
  • The program has seen a significant increase in members worldwide, especially from India, the UK, the US, and Australia.
  • The ten millionth member will be upgraded to Platinum status, and a new Diamond tier for the most loyal flyers has been announced.

One of the United Arab Emirates’ dual flag carriers has surpassed 10 million frequent fliers. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways confirmed its loyalty program reached the milestone as the airline celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.

Winner winner

The airline’s frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest, was launched in 2006 and has seen a dramatic increase in new members over the past year. The program includes members worldwide, with the largest share of international members coming from India, the UK, the US, and Australia.

The lucky frequent flyer who became the program’s ten millionth member is set for a surprise when they are notified later this month. Etihad Guest’s managing director, Mark Potter, confirmed the member would be elevated to the program’s highest tier, which requires 125,000 Tier Miles to attain:

“We are going to upgrade them to Platinum status immediately.”

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The recent expansion of frequent flyers follows the airline’s expansion in several key markets. According to Potter, member numbers in the program have increased by a quarter since the beginning of 2023 and continue to grow:

“We are delighted to welcome our 10 millionth member to the Etihad Guest family.

“Today’s landmark moment comes as we activate the programme enhancements we announced earlier this year, offering a diverse range of personalised benefits to guests from the moment they join.”

Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with the aircraft registration A6-BLF is starting on the southern runway 26L of the Munich airport MUC EDDM

The announcement coincides with several significant changes set to roll out over the coming months.

A brand new tier

The entry-level tier, Bronze, includes a set of perks the airline refers to as Core Benefits. These include the ability to transfer miles between accounts and free access to onboard WiFi Chat packages for inflight access to WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger. The airline has now introduced Custom Benefits and Beyond Benefits, which can be chosen from a list of options at which tier best suits each customer.

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Etihad Airways has promised more customization, simpler progression, and personalized benefits for Etihad Guest members.

To reach the Silver Tier, members must earn 25,000 Tier Miles, at least 10,000 of which must come from flying. New core benefits unlocked at this level include bonus Etihad Guest miles, a dedicated check-in desk, free Economy seat selection on all Etihad flights, and Business Class Lounge access.

The Gold Tier is unlocked upon earning 50,000 Tier Miles in a year. Core Benefits at the level include priority check-in, baggage, and boarding. In addition, members can choose four Custom Benefits, such as a 15kg extra baggage allowance or chauffeur service. Upon reaching 75,000 Tier Miles, members also unlock two Beyond Benefits.

Etihad Airways Boeing 777

Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock

Anyone joining the program’s ten millionth frequent flyer in the Platinum tier earns new benefits, including the ability to choose their Etihad Guest number, complimentary upgrades, and the ability to gift Silver Status to a friend or family member.

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The new Diamond Tier was created to reward the airline’s most loyal flyers. While details about the level are still scarce, Simple Flying can confirm that guests must be Platinum members and spend $150,000 over a rolling 12-month period on flights with Etihad Airways. Upon earning Diamond status, guests will be awarded a “wide range of bespoke, valuable benefits curated specially for them.”

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