Qatar Airways flight award redemptions using AAdvantage miles will be available starting September 23, according to an American Airlines Facebook post:
This is even earlier than October 1, when Qatar Airways will officially join oneworld. October 1 is also when Qatar award redemptions will be available using British Airways Avios, which could be useful if you have a short flight within the Middle East, since nonstop short haul flights are the sweet spot for Avios awards ever since the British Airways award chart devaluation in 2011.
That said, for long haul premium class award flights, you'll want to use AAdvantage miles.
I've been getting a few questions about Qatar Airways awards, given that it will be joining oneworld so soon, so here's a quick FAQ:
Which Routes Does Qatar Offer First Class On?
Qatar does not offer first class between any U.S. cities and Doha. Qatar offers first class on routes between Doha and:
- London
- Paris
- Cairo
Should I Fly Qatar or Etihad to the Maldives?
If you're flying from London or Paris, I'd try for a Qatar First Class award to Doha, then on to Male in Business Class (no First Class offered into Male). But from the U.S., since Qatar doesn't offer First Class, I'd definitely recommend Etihad. See my Etihad First Class Review Abu Dhabi to JFK.
Can I Include Qatar on an Explorer Award?
Yes, and now that Qatar will be a oneworld member, that's an advantage over Etihad, which is an American AAdvantage partner but not a oneworld member and can't be included on Explorer awards. See American AAdvantage Oneworld Explorer Awards and Rules
How Can I Search Qatar Award Availability?
Unfortunately there's no easy way to search Qatar award availability currently, unless you happen to have Qatar frequent flyer miles. I'm not holding my breath that Qatar award availability will be searchable on the American Web site, AA.com, given that neither Cathay Pacific nor Etihad award space is searchable there. But I'm hoping that it will be searchable on the British Airways site–we'll see.
How is Qatar's Business Class Product?
I had high expectations, since I'd heard so many great things about Qatar Business Class, so I was a bit underwhelmed by the hard product. The bed is lie flat and turn down service (and even pajamas) are provided, but I just couldn't get comfortable on it. Service was very good, and the food was fine but not exceptional–the best part was the dessert. See my full Qatar Airways Business Class Review.
How is Qatar's Doha Premium Terminal Business Lounge?
I liked the Qatar Airways Premium Terminal Business Class Lounge on the whole better than I did the actual flight. Very good food options, even by international business class lounge standards, plenty of room, a dedicated tea bar, massage chairs, showers with Bulgari amenities, etc. See my Review of Qatar Airways' Premium Terminal Business Class Lounge.
Will OneWorld Emerald Members Get Access to Qatar's First Class Lounge in Doha?
Possibly, although not certain. Will update this post once this is known.
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