Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways’ award-winning loyalty program, Etihad Guest, has expanded its highly popular global competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, following overwhelming demand from members around the world. With a staggering 20 million Etihad Guest Miles now up for grabs, phase two of the challenge introduces new milestones, wider participation, and more chances to win life-changing travel rewards.
After the success of phase one—where travelers raced to explore Etihad’s newest destinations—the airline has doubled down on its commitment to rewarding loyalty and wanderlust. The competition, running until May 25, 2026, is now open to all Etihad Guest members, both new and existing.
A Race to Discover the World
Initially, The Extraordinary Challenge offered massive prizes to the first participants to visit 15 new Etihad destinations, with the grand prize set at 5 million miles. Second and third-place winners would receive 3 million and 1 million miles respectively. But the exceptional global response has inspired Etihad Guest to expand the prize pool to include an additional 12.5 million miles, opening the door to more than 200 potential winners.
“We’ve seen phenomenal engagement since the launch,” said Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest. “To match that enthusiasm, we’ve enhanced the challenge with new prize milestones and more opportunities to win.”
Introducing ‘The Extraordinary Milestones’
Phase two of the competition introduces a new category—The Extraordinary Milestones—which rewards members not just for reaching the top, but for hitting specific achievement goals along the way.
- The first 100 members who visit five new destinations will receive 25,000 Etihad Guest Miles.
- Those who reach 10 new destinations will be rewarded with 100,000 miles.
- Participants who complete all 15 destinations first still stand a chance to win the expanded grand prize of up to 5,125,000 miles.
These milestone incentives offer greater flexibility, allowing more travelers to benefit without completing the full challenge—perfect for leisure travelers, business flyers, and adventure seekers alike.
Where the Journey Takes You
Eligible destinations in the challenge reflect Etihad’s recent global expansion. New routes include vibrant cities and emerging travel hubs such as:
Addis Ababa, Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Peshawar, Phnom Penh, Prague, Sochi, Taipei, Tunis, and Warsaw.
From the ancient alleys of Tunis to the futuristic skyline of Taipei, these destinations open doors to a range of cultural, historical, and natural wonders—all accessible via Etihad Airways’ expanding network.
How the Challenge Works
Participants register online and track their progress through an interactive dashboard, which features:
- A real-time leaderboard to compare standings anonymously
- A digital passport that collects destination stamps
- The option to share progress via social media using #EYextraordinarymiles
Travelers accumulate digital stamps by checking in at participating airports, automatically registering their flights to count toward the challenge.
Tie-breaking rules ensure fairness, prioritizing the earliest departure time for the final qualifying flight, followed by time stamps for the 14th, 13th, and so on if needed.
Travel Rewards with Real Impact
The rewards on offer are not just symbolic—they represent real value for frequent flyers. Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed for:
- Flights across all cabin classes
- Luxury hotel stays and holidays
- Retail products via the Etihad Guest Reward Shop
For context, the 5 million-mile grand prize can be used to book:
- 40 First Class flights
- 70 Business Class journeys
- Over 500 Economy Class tickets
Whether upgrading a family trip or funding a bucket-list adventure, the challenge offers something extraordinary for every type of traveler.
Etihad Guest: Elevating Loyalty
Etihad Guest has consistently set benchmarks for loyalty programs in the aviation industry, offering members a blend of flexibility, premium rewards, and global recognition. This expanded competition cements its status as one of the most innovative and traveler-focused programs in the Middle East and beyond.
Even outside of the challenge, members continue to earn miles for each Etihad flight they take—making every journey count, both toward the competition and toward future redemptions.
Travel Smarter: How to Join and Win
Quick tips for maximizing your journey:
- Join Etihad Guest – Free for all travelers via Etihad’s website.
- Register for the Challenge – Log in and activate your entry via the competition portal.
- Plan multi-city routes – Optimize your travels by linking eligible destinations.
- Track and share – Use the dashboard and social media to stay motivated.
- Book early – Flights booked earlier count stronger in tiebreakers.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, your next flight could put you on the path to becoming a multi-million-mile winner.
The Future of Travel Loyalty
With The Extraordinary Challenge, Etihad Airways isn’t just encouraging travel—it’s redefining the loyalty experience. Through an ambitious, gamified approach, the airline rewards curiosity, commitment, and global exploration with real, meaningful benefits.
In a world where travelers seek more from their journeys, Etihad Guest has made it clear: the sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning.
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