Qatar Airways Tightens Privilege Club Rules for Miles & Reward Ticket Bookings

Qatar Airways has introduced new changes to its frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, tightening the rules around how members use and redeem miles for reward tickets.

The airline’s updated policy is mainly aimed at preventing the commercial resale of miles, a growing concern in the aviation loyalty space. However, the changes will also impact everyday travelers who often use their miles to book tickets for family and friends.

✈️ New Rules for Reward Bookings

Under the new regulations, Privilege Club members can now only issue reward tickets in their own name when they first join the program. To unlock the ability to book for others, the account must meet certain conditions:

• The membership must be active for at least 30 days

• At least 1 Avios point must be credited after a flight

Alternatively, members can also qualify if they earn Avios through a Qatar Airways-linked credit card.

👨‍👩‍👧 Changes for Family & Friends

Another major update affects how miles can be used for other people. Members will now need to pre-add individuals to their “My List” or “Family & Friends” section before being able to redeem reward tickets for them.

This adds an extra layer of control and verification when transferring benefits to others.

🔍 Why Qatar Airways Made This Change

Industry experts suggest these updates are designed to reduce mileage trading and unauthorized resale of reward tickets. While this helps maintain program integrity, it also introduces more structured limits for loyal customers who regularly book flights for loved ones.

Overall, the changes signal a shift toward tighter control and more secure usage of airline loyalty rewards.

Reopening Skies: Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan Resume Civilian Flights Amid Israel-Iran Strain

In response to Iran's recent UAV and missile assaults on Israel, neighboring countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan swiftly shut down their airspace as a precautionary measure. The heightened tensions led to temporary closures, disrupting air travel across the region. However, following Israel's response and efforts to de-escalate the situation, these nations have made the decision to reopen their skies to civilian flights. This move signals a cautious step towards normalizing air travel operations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As the situation continues to evolve, international travelers are advised to stay informed about any updates or developments impacting regional air travel.

United Airlines to Expand International Flight Capacity with New Non-Stop Services to California from Queensland

In a major announcement today, United Airlines revealed plans to significantly increase its international flight capacity in Queensland, Australia. The airline will introduce new non-stop services from Brisbane to San Francisco, California, starting from December 2023.

The new flights will operate three times a week, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which has a capacity of up to 290 passengers. The service will provide convenient connections for passengers travelling from Queensland to the west coast of the United States, as well as to other destinations across North America.

The announcement is part of United Airlines' strategy to expand its network and increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The airline already operates flights from Brisbane to Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as from Sydney and Melbourne to San Francisco.

Commenting on the announcement, United Airlines' Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Jake Cefolia, said: "We are excited to continue growing our presence in Queensland and providing customers with more choice and convenience when travelling to the United States. With the new non-stop service to San Francisco, we are making it easier than ever for passengers to reach some of the most popular destinations in North America."

The news has been welcomed by Queensland's tourism industry, which is hoping to attract more visitors from the United States. The state's Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe, said: "United Airlines' decision to increase its international flight capacity in Queensland is a significant boost for our state's tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from the United States and showcasing all that Queensland has to offer."