Etihad and Southwest link frequent flyer programmes in reciprocity deal

Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines have announced a reciprocity agreement that will link their loyalty programmes, with the benefits scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

Under the arrangement, members of Etihad Guest, the frequent flyer programme of the United Arab Emirates carrier, will be able to earn miles on eligible Southwest flights and redeem them for travel across the US airline's network, which covers the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Members of Southwest's Rapid Rewards will be able to earn points on flights operated by Etihad and redeem them across the UAE carrier's global network, including destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar and Hanoi.

Mark Potter, managing director of Etihad Guest, said the partnership brings together two programmes with a shared focus on rewarding loyalty and giving members more options. He said Rapid Rewards members would be welcomed on board Etihad to explore its expanding network, while Etihad Guest members gain broader access to destinations in the United States, Central America and the Caribbean.

Southwest is the largest operator of nonstop domestic flights in the United States, according to the announcement. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed in the source material.