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The Ultimate Guide to Etihad Miles: Part 1 – Where You Can Fly on Etihad

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    Etihad is known for its exceptional service and comfort.  But Etihad is also great for flying in coach to the Indian subcontinent because they have more award seats available than many other airlines.

    Etihad flies from North America to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and the Maldives.

    You Can Use Miles to Fly Etihad to Mumbai, India!

    Etihad is not part of the oneworld alliance (a group of 13 airlines) or the Star Alliance (a group of 28 airlines).  But they are codeshare partners with 36 airlines.  And you can redeem Etihad miles on those partners!

    However, American Airlines miles are better than using Etihad miles because you can:

    Emily and I used American Airlines miles to fly First Class on Etihad to India.

    The Ultimate Guide to Etihad Miles Index:

    Where You Can Fly on Etihad

    Etihad is an airline based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    From North America, they can be a great option for getting to the:

    You can fly on Etihad to the US in:

    If you fly in First Class or Business Class, you get a chauffeur to and from 25 airports, which can be a great way to begin or end a trip!

    Where Does Etihad Fly in North America?

    Etihad flies the following routes between Abu Dhabi and North America:

    You Can Fly to Abu Dhabi & Beyond From 6 Cities in the US & Canada

    Where You Can Go From Abu Dhabi

    You can fly on Etihad from Abu Dhabi to several destinations in the:

    1.   Middle East

    You can fly from Abu Dhabi to:

    Etihad Can Help You Experience Egyptian History & Lebanese Cuisine

    2.   Indian Subcontinent

    You can fly on Etihad from Abu Dhabi to:

    Etihad’s Indian Subcontinent and Central Asian Destinations

    Etihad also flys to Colombo and Sri Lanka.  But Sri Lanka is not considered a part of India and the Middle East region by American Airlines, which is the main way for folks in the US to fly on Etihad without paying high fuel surcharges.

    It’s relatively easy to book award tickets with points on Etihad.  I’ll explain how to book Etihad awards in future posts.

    I found 2 First Class seats (on routes with First Class), 2 Business Class seats, and 5 coach seats available on almost every single flight!  That said, Etihad doesn’t seem to release award seats as the day of departure approaches and there are unsold seats.

    Many Days Have 2 First Class Seats Available to Abu Dhabi From New York

    You can fly nonstop in Business Class on Etihad from Washington, DC to Abu Dhabi.

    Business Class Seats Are Available on Etihad

    If you need more than 2 award seats, you could fly in coach from, say, Chicago to Abu Dhabi.

    Plenty of Coach Seats If You Fly From Chicago

    Which Miles Can I Use for Etihad Flights?

    Etihad is a mileage partner of American Airlines.  So you can use American Airlines miles to fly on Etihad.

    American Airlines does not charge fuel surcharges on Etihad, so the taxes and fees are very reasonable, ~$30 per person.

    Between North America and India and the Middle East you will pay:

    If you fly solely within India and the Middle East region, you’ll pay the following American Airlines miles:

    Which Countries Are Considered India & the Middle East?

    American Airlines considers the following countries to be a part of India and the Middle East:

    Why American Airlines Miles Are Better Than Etihad Miles

    Using American Airlines miles is better than using Etihad miles because you don’t pay fuel surcharges.  You can transfer Starwood hotel points to Etihad.  But you shouldn’t, because you’ll pay fuel surcharges when you use Etihad miles for flights on Ethad.

    To fly 1-way in coach from Washington, DC using Etihad miles you would pay 64,333 Etihad miles and ~$26.   If you used American Airlines miles, the same 1-way coach from Washington, DC to Abu Dhabi would cost 45,000 American Airlines miles and $5.  Using American Airlines miles you would save 19,333 miles and ~$21!
    You Pay Fuel Surcharges Using Etihad Miles

    You could transfer your Starwood points to American Airlines and then redeem those miles on Etihad.  However, transfers are not instant can can take up to 4 weeks.

    Bottom Line

    Etihad doesn’t belong to an airline alliance but they partner with 36 airlines.

    You can use Etihad miles to fly on partner airlines.  Or you can use partner miles, like American Airlines miles, to fly on Etihad.

    It’s easier to book award tickets on Etihad than on many other airlines.  There are at least 2 seats on every flight from North America.

    American Airlines miles are the best miles to use on Etihad because you pay less miles and no fuel surcharges.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)