Is Qatar Airways Privilege Club Worth It for Travelers?

What is Qatar Airways Privilege Club?

How to Earn Avios with the Qatar Airways Privilege Club?

• Flying Qatar Airways: This is the most direct method. The number of Avios earned depends on your fare class, distance and booking channel. Booking through the Qatar Airways website or app can earn more than using third-party sites.

• Flying Partner Airlines: Qatar Airways lets you earn Avios on airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more as a member of the oneworld alliance.

• Credit Card Spending: Qatar Airways partners with banks in various countries to allow members to earn Avios through co-branded credit cards. Daily spending can help you rack up miles even if you don’t fly regularly.

• Hotel, Car and Lifestyle Partners: Qatar Airways Privilege Club partners with global hotel chains, rental car companies and shopping platforms. Linking accounts lets you earn Avios on stays, rentals and purchases.

• Avios Transfers: You can transfer your earned Avios freely to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 1:1 ratio if you have earned them with British Airways Executive Club or Iberia Plus or AerClub.

How Can You Spend Avios?

• Award Flights: Use Avios for free or discounted flights on Qatar Airways and partner airlines. Award availability varies but redemption rates can be excellent especially on long routes.

• Upgrades: Upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class with Avios. This usually gives the best value.

• Cash + Avios: Reduce the cash cost of tickets by paying partially with Avios.

• Shopping: Use Avios for duty-free purchases at Hamad International Airport in Doha or through select partners.

• Hotels and Cars: Redeem Avios for hotel stays and car rentals though this usually offers less value than flights.

What Are the Membership Tiers of Qatar Airways Privilege Club?

Burgundy (Entry Level)

• Earn and redeem Avios
• Limited benefits beyond points collection

Silver (oneworld Ruby)

• Lounge access at Hamad International Airport for members only
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Extra baggage allowance
• 25% bonus Avios

Gold (oneworld Sapphire)

• Access to Qatar Airways and oneworld business class lounges
• Priority security and check-in lanes
• Advance seat selection
• 75% bonus Avios
• Family member enrollment privileges

Platinum (oneworld Emerald)

• Access to Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge
• First class check-in desks
• Additional Qatar Baggage Allowances
• 100% bonus Avios
• Complimentary companion Gold card for a friend or family member

How to Reach Higher Tiers in Qatar Airways Privilege Club?

• Silver: 150 Qpoints
• Gold: 300 Qpoints
• Platinum: 600 Qpoints

Is Qatar Airways Privilege Club Worth Joining?

• Competitive redemptions compared to other programs

• Access to the world’s best lounges in Doha

• Strong family benefits, allowing pooling of Avios

• Flexibility with Avios transfers across other airline programs

How Does Qatar Airways Privilege Club Compare to Other Programs?

• Emirates Skywards: Skywards offers wide earning potential but often requires more miles for redemptions. The Qatar Airways Privilege Club has better value on upgrades and business-class awards.

• Etihad Guest: Etihad’s program is flexible but more complex with multiple award charts. Privilege Club is more streamlined and benefits from its Avios integration.

What Role Does Hamad International Airport Play?

• Access to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge or the Al Safwa First Lounge depending on status and travel class

• Priority lanes for check-in, security and boarding

• Seamless transfer services for connecting flights

• Lounge access is the crown jewel of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club membership for many travelers. The Al Mourjan lounge is frequently rated among the best in the world with quiet spaces, fine dining and even private rooms for rest.

Can Families Benefit from Qatar Airways Privilege Club?

Conclusion