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.
