The opportunities for transfer bonuses in 2024 has steadily increased over the last month. In that time, BILT had a 150% transfer bonus to Air Canada, Citi has a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, and Avianca LifeMiles has a 15% transfer bonus from American Express. Now, American Express has a 20% transfer bonus to Etihad Guest.

American Express To Etihad Transfer Bonus Details

Between March 4th, 2024 and April 4th, 2024, you can receive a 20% bonus when transferring American Express Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest. Normally, the transfer ratio is 1.0 : 1.0, but with the bonus it becomes 1.0 : 1.2. You must transfer in lots of 1,000 Membership Rewards points, which makes the transfer bonus an exchange of 1,000 Membership Rewards points for 1,200 Etihad Guest miles. While most transfers are instant, some may take up to 48 hours to complete.

Credit. American Express. Etihad Guest Transfer Bonus Details.

Etihad Guest Award Booking “Sweet Spots”

The award chart for Etihad Guest has been severely lacking for “sweet spot” redemptions in recent years. However, Etihad recently announced a “shake-up” for the Guest program with some significant, positive changes. This includes between 25%-30% reductions in the redemption rates for First and Business Class on Etihad operated flights. With that in mind, here are some of the “best” options for those Etihad Guest miles:

Economy Class Deals

• Fly Brussels From The United States To Belgium For 37,500 Points (Normally 45,000 Points)
• Fly Royal Air Maroc From The United States To Morocco For 37,500 Points (Normally 45,000 Points)
• Fly American From The United States To Europe For 50,000 Points (Normally 60,000 Points)
• Fly Air Serbia From The United States To Serbia For 50,000 Points (Normally 60,000 Points)
• Fly Etihad From The United States To U.A.E. For 50,000 Points (Normally 60,000 Points)

Business Class Deals

• Fly American From The United States To Europe For 67,000 Points (Normally 80,000 Points)
• Fly Royal Air Maroc From The United States To Morocco For 67,000 Points (Normally 80,000 Points)
• Fly ANA From The United States To Japan For 84,000 Points (Normally 100,000 Points)
• Fly Air Serbia From The United States To Serbia For 84,000 Points (Normally 100,000 Points)
• Fly Etihad From The United States To U.A.E. For 100,000 Points (Normally 120,000 Points)

First Class Deals

• Fly Etihad From The United States To U.A.E. For 134,000 Points (Normally 160,000 Points)

As with all award bookings, take specific note of the potential taxes and fess. On some Etihad Guest redemptions, the one-way taxes and fees can reach $500+ per person.

Credit. GlobalNews. Etihad First Class “The Apartment.”

Final Thoughts

The redemption rates, even with the recent improvements, for both Etihad operated and partner flights remain poor, especially when compared to partner options such as American Airlines (Etihad) and others. In many cases, the one-way redemption rate with Etihad Guest is the equivalent of a round-trip redemption with another program for the same flight; or the cost of an Economy redemption is equivalent to the cost of a Business Class redemption with another program. However, the one specific instances where booking via Etihad Guest potentially makes sense is for First and Business Class flights on Etihad itself. While Etihad limits the award availability for Etihad operated flights to 30-60 days in advance for partners, the Etihad Guest program has access to a full year award calendar.