Etihad Expands TAP Partnership — Is Star Alliance Next?

Etihad Airways has launched a frequent flyer partnership with TAP Air Portugal — and while that may sound like just another loyalty tie-up, this move raises some intriguing questions about Etihad’s long-term strategy. Could the partnership be the first sign that Etihad is inching closer to joining Star Alliance?

Let’s break down what this new partnership means — and why it might matter much more than it appears.

Etihad Guest and TAP Miles&Go Members Now Enjoy Mutual Benefits

Starting today, May 14, 2025, members of Etihad Guest and TAP Miles&Go can now earn and redeem miles across both airline networks. This signifies the following:

• Etihad Guest members can earn miles flying TAP and redeem them for flights, hotels, vacations, and retail items from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.
• TAP Miles&Go members can earn and spend miles on Etihad flights and enjoy a range of redemption options, including TAP Store products.

This is a significant expansion of the carriers’ 2023 codeshare agreement, which already allowed for greater network connectivity. Now, the benefits run deeper into the loyalty side — always a key sign of strategic alignment.

Does This Mean Etihad Is Inching Closer to Joining Star Alliance?

TAP Air Portugal is a full member of Star Alliance, alongside carriers like Lufthansa, United, and Singapore Airlines. Etihad (and its main rival Emirates), meanwhile, has always operated independently — steering clear of the major alliances and instead forming individual partnerships and former equity stakes (such as with Air Serbia and Air Seychelles).

But this deeper integration with TAP’s loyalty program feels like a shift. It’s reminiscent of the steps Qatar Airways took before eventually joining the Oneworld alliance — first expanding codeshares, then aligning frequent flyer benefits, and finally joining an alliance.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For frequent flyers, this is good news no matter what. Etihad Guest members now get better access to Europe and North and South America via TAP’s strong network. TAP members gain easier access to Asia and the Middle East via Etihad.

More earning and redemption options equate to more flexibility and potential value for travelers. For example, when you compare award charts between the 2 programs, you’ll see there are ways to find better value on the same route. TAP often offers lower off-peak redemptions between Europe and the U.S., while Etihad Guest miles can be more valuable on Middle East or Asia routes.

Also, the ability to earn Etihad Guest miles with an additional airline is especially interesting to anyone with plans to redeem points for Etihad’s suite of top-tier premium experiences, such as its First Class Apartment, the industry-leading Residence, or even its business class.

However, there could be more to this story. If Etihad is warming up to Star Alliance — either officially or via deeper bilateral deals — travelers could see more seamless global connectivity in the near future.

If Etihad were to join Star Alliance in the future, we can hypothesize that it would be great news for United Airlines elite members. They would likely enjoy status perks and benefits, as well as the ability to earn miles and PQPs, when flying the UAE-based carrier.

Another thing to remember, though, is that United already has a partnership with Dubai’s Emirates, so Etihad’s theoretical entry into Star Alliance would likely complicate that existing relationship.

Final Thoughts

While this new partnership between Etihad and TAP Air Portugal is a clear win for frequent flyers, it may also hint at something bigger brewing behind the scenes.

Etihad’s move to integrate loyalty benefits with a Star Alliance member goes beyond simple codesharing— it suggests a growing openness to deeper alignment. Whether this is a step toward eventual Star Alliance membership or simply part of a broader network expansion strategy remains to be seen.

For now, travelers can enjoy enhanced mileage opportunities and expanded route access, and industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on Etihad’s next move.