Depending on availability, Etihad Guest members can now redeem their miles for an instant upgrade award to Pearl business class before they fly from any of the 50 airports in the Etihad network. Gold members may upgrade from Pearl business class to Diamond first class as well. To avoid disappointment, members can choose to upgrade using miles 48 hours prior to departure, depending on availability, through the Etihad Guest service center.

New partners in the Etihad Guest program include SriLankan Airlines where members in both programs can earn and redeem miles on each program; Royal and Sun Alliance, an insurance partner where members can earn one mile for every AED 2 spent on purchasing a policy and a new Etihad Guest American Express co-branded credit card. Residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can now apply for the Etihad Guest American Express credit card. There are two versions of the card, Gold and Platinum, with Gold cardmembers earning two Etihad miles for every US$3 spent and Platinum cardmembers earning one mile for every US$1 spent. Other benefits include up to a 50 percent faster mileage earn rate, fast track to elite status, global airport lounge access, travel accident insurance and more. Apply at http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?1504