Your Etihad Guest miles just got more useful in Asia, and STARLUX flyers just got a new way into the Middle East and Europe. Etihad Airways and Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines have expanded their loyalty partnership so members of both programs can now earn and redeem miles on each other's flights. Award seats are available in First, Business and Economy.
Etihad announced the change on October 29, 2026, and says earning on partner flights began on October 28. You can read Etihad's announcement for the full release.
What changed
Until now, the deal only ran one way. In August, Etihad Guest members gained the ability to spend miles on STARLUX Business and Economy flights. Earning miles on the partner airline, and COSMILE redemptions on Etihad, are what the new deal adds.
Under the expanded deal, according to Etihad:
- Etihad Guest members can earn miles on eligible STARLUX flights and book STARLUX award tickets.
- COSMILE members can earn miles on eligible Etihad flights and book Etihad award tickets.
- Awards in all three cabins. Etihad says award tickets are available in First, Business and Economy.
- Retro credit. Members can ask for missing miles on past eligible flights, under each program's own terms and conditions.
Etihad has not published earning rates, award prices or the cutoff date for retroactive claims in the release. Check the Etihad Guest and COSMILE websites for those details before you book or file a claim.
Why it matters
The two airlines are building a bridge between Asia and the Gulf. Etihad and STARLUX signed a codeshare agreement in June 2025, and Etihad started flying from Abu Dhabi to Taipei in September 2025 on its Boeing 787-9.
Etihad says the partnership turns Abu Dhabi into a gateway between STARLUX's Asia-Pacific network and Etihad's routes across Europe. It also makes Taipei a connecting point for Etihad customers heading around Asia. STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said COSMILE members can now reach "more than 120 destinations worldwide" through Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub.
"From 28 October, an Etihad Guest member flying with STARLUX earns miles on that trip and can spend them on their next journey with us, and COSMILE members enjoy the same in reverse," said Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest.
For Etihad Guest members, the biggest news is the First option on STARLUX. Before this, Etihad Guest could only be used in STARLUX Business and Economy. Award space on any premium cabin is usually limited, so it is worth searching early.
How this fits with other STARLUX partners
STARLUX has been adding partners one airline at a time. American Airlines is another example: we covered how American's STARLUX codeshare works for AAdvantage earning and lounges.
Etihad is also adding loyalty partners, including Southwest, which we wrote about in our story on the Etihad Guest and Southwest Rapid Rewards tie-up.
The release does not mention lounge access for elite members flying the partner airline. Until either airline says otherwise, do not assume your Etihad Guest or COSMILE status gets you into the other carrier's lounges.
What to do now
If you have an upcoming STARLUX or Etihad trip, add your frequent flyer number to the booking so miles post to the program you want. If you flew the partner airline recently, check each program's terms for retroactive credit and request your miles.
You can find more on both carriers on our Etihad page and STARLUX page, including where their lounges are.
