With Oman Air set to join Oneworld in June 2025, there’s renewed buzz around its loyalty programme. Sindbad has always flown under the radar, but if you’re chasing elite perks without pledging lifelong allegiance to British Airways, it might be time to give it a proper look. Our review of Oman Air Sindbad dives into how the programme works, what you can earn, and why it might just be your next status side hustle.
Points Earning Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Sindbad uses a spend-based model: Blue members earn 4 miles per US dollar (excluding taxes), Silver get 5 miles, and Gold pick up 6. That’s a tidy 25–50% bonus as you climb the tiers. On top of that, you’ll earn Tier Points by cabin and distance. Long-haul Business is the real earner, with up to 100 points per flight.
How Easy Is It To Redeem Points For Flights?
Redemption is refreshingly simple. Use your miles for flights in Economy, Business, or Oman Air’s ‘Business Studio’ where available. Upgrades are possible too, and Gold members receive two complimentary vouchers each year. Miles can also cover extras like prepaid baggage or seat selection, and even Muscat Duty Free purchases. This Oman Air Sindbad review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning that you can also redeem on partners like Etihad, though availability is more limited.
Introduction To The Status Tiers
There are three tiers: Blue, Silver and Gold. Silver includes lounge access on international flights, extra baggage, and bonus miles. Gold bumps the perks: Business Class check-in no matter your cabin, lounge access with a guest, two upgrade vouchers, and 20kg additional baggage. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s comfortably competitive – especially if it gets you into Oneworld lounges later this year.
Tier Point Accrual Rates On Short, Mid, And Long-Haul Flights
Oman Air awards Tier Points by distance and cabin class. Short-haul in Economy earns around 20–40 points; Business Class long-haul routes offer 50–100. There’s also a bonus structure for every $1,000 you spend, which makes premium cabin travel even more rewarding.
Approximate Cost And Travel Required To Reach Equivalent Oneworld Emerald status
Right now, there’s no direct equivalent to Oneworld Emerald in Sindbad. But with Oman Air’s alliance entry confirmed, all signs suggest Sindbad Gold will map to Oneworld Sapphire. If a higher tier launches post-entry, expect it to demand several long-haul Business Class returns – or a healthy corporate travel budget. For now, our review for Oman Air Sindbad recommends aiming for Gold as your gateway to meaningful benefits.
Sweet-spot for earning status
Oman Air runs competitive fares on Muscat–Bangkok, Muscat–Frankfurt and Southeast Asia routes, especially in Business Class. These are ideal for stacking Tier Points quickly. If you’re eyeing lounge access across the Oneworld network, earning Gold via these sweet spots could be a clever workaround. Keep your ear to the ground fast-track promos around the alliance switch are likely.
Overall Quality Of The Lounges And Cabin Products
Oman Air’s premium product consistently punches above its weight. The Business Class cabin is sleek and quiet, with reverse herringbone seats and strong inflight service. Lounges in Muscat and key hubs are solid too. And with future access to the likes of Qatar, Cathay and Qantas lounges, the value proposition appears to be only going up.
Fleet & Destinations
As of 2025, the Oman Air fleet includes:
- 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners (6 787-9s and 4 787-8s) for long-haul routes. These feature lie-flat Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 or reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout, depending on aircraft subtype.
- 13 Boeing 737-800s / MAX 8s for short- to medium-haul regional routes across the Middle East, South Asia and East Africa.
- 4 Airbus A330s (phasing out or used seasonally) still pop up on some mid-haul routes.
Cabin products are strong, especially in Business Class, with the 787s offering one of the most underrated premium seats in the region.
Oman Air’s network is hub-and-spoke, centred on Muscat International Airport (MCT), connecting passengers between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
- Europe: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Zurich, Istanbul.
- Asia: Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai.
- GCC & Middle East: Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain.
- East Africa: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Nairobi.
- South Asia: Extensive India coverage (10+ cities), plus Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
BG1 Verdict
Sindbad isn’t flashy, but it’s poised for a glow-up. With decent earn rates, easy redemptions, and Oneworld integration on the horizon, this is a programme to watch. For travellers willing to diversify their loyalty game (or unwilling to remortgage their home to chase BA status) Sindbad Gold could unlock more value than you’d expect – especially when lounge access and upgrades are on the table. Our Oman Air Sindbad review lands firmly in the “worth a punt” category.
Where Can I Sign-Up?
Join Sindbad here: sindbad.omanair.com. Registration is free, and with potential status matches or tier promos coming in 2025, now’s the time to get on board.
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