Etihad Guest and STARLUX COSMILE now work in both directions. On Oct. 29, 2026, Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines announced two-way mileage earning and redemption between their loyalty programs.
Members of either program can now earn miles on the other airline's flights and spend miles on the other airline's award tickets. Etihad says the earning side started on Oct. 28.
What changed
The partnership is not brand new. In August, Etihad Guest members gained the ability to redeem miles on STARLUX flights in business and economy. That was a one-way deal.
The expanded version adds:
- Earning both ways. Etihad Guest members earn miles on eligible STARLUX flights, and COSMILE members earn miles on eligible Etihad flights.
- Redeeming both ways. COSMILE members can book award tickets on Etihad-operated flights. Etihad Guest members keep their access to STARLUX awards.
- More cabins. Etihad says awards are now available in first, business and economy on both networks.
- Retro credit. Members can request retroactive mileage credit for eligible flights, under each program's terms.
Mark Potter, managing director of Etihad Guest, said that from Oct. 28 an Etihad Guest member flying with STARLUX "earns miles on that trip and can spend them on their next journey with us," with the same applying in reverse for COSMILE members.
How the two airlines connect
The loyalty deal builds on a codeshare agreement Etihad and STARLUX signed in June 2025. Etihad also launched Abu Dhabi to Taipei flights in September 2025 on a Boeing 787-9.
That route is the bridge. Etihad's release frames Abu Dhabi as the link between STARLUX's Asia-Pacific network and Etihad's routes across Europe. Taipei becomes a connecting point for Etihad customers heading around Asia. STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai said COSMILE members can now reach more than 120 destinations through Abu Dhabi.
Who should care
Etihad Guest members who fly within Asia, or across the Pacific on STARLUX, now have another place to credit those flights. Before this change, a STARLUX flight did nothing for an Etihad Guest balance. Now it earns miles you can use on Etihad.
COSMILE members in Taiwan gain a way to use miles on Etihad's network to the Middle East and Europe. That is new, since COSMILE members could not previously redeem on Etihad.
Award bookers get more options. Booking STARLUX business class with Etihad Guest miles was already possible. The addition of first class to the partnership is worth watching, though Etihad's release does not say which routes or aircraft offer it.
What we don't know yet
The release does not publish earn rates by fare class, award prices or partner award charts. It also does not say whether there are fuel surcharges on partner awards. Check both programs' partner pages before you credit a flight or transfer points.
Also, choose where to credit a flight before you fly. Retro credit is allowed, but it depends on each program's terms and deadlines.
Etihad Guest has been busy. It is also working on a link with Southwest Rapid Rewards, which we covered in what Etihad Guest and Rapid Rewards members will get in spring 2027.
Sources
- Etihad: Etihad Guest and STARLUX COSMILE expand frequent flyer partnership
- STARLUX COSMILE program page