The Qatar Airways Privilege Club program is not one that receives much attention, especially since it’s been massively devalued over the years.
As you’ll see below, the airline isn’t always the best choice for most redemptions and passes on fuel surcharges to customers, which can be expensive.
With that said, there’s still value to be found — especially when the revenue cost of a flight is high. This is especially true for partners, as found in the better-than-expected partner award chart.
Table of contents
- Easy Ways to Boost Your Qatar Avios
- The 12 Best Ways to Redeem Qatar Avios
- Fly American Airlines U.S. to Europe: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Finnair U.S. to Finland: 100,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Iberia U.S. to Spain: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Qatar U.S. to Doha: 70,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Qantas U.S. to Australia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- Fly Qatar Airways Europe to Doha: 64,500 Avios in First Class, One-Way
- Fly Japan Airlines North America to Asia: 180,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- Fly Cathay Pacific North America to Asia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- Fly Qatar Airways Doha to Australia: 105,000 Avios in First Class, One-Way
- Fly Malaysia Airlines Malaysia to London: 150,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Royal Jordanian U.S. to Jordan: 120,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Fly Royal Air Maroc U.S. to Morocco: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Booking Award Flights With Qatar
- Using Your Qatar Avios
- Final Thoughts
Table of Contents
- Easy Ways to Boost Your Qatar Avios
- The 12 Best Ways to Redeem Qatar Avios
- 1. Fly American Airlines U.S. to Europe: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 2. Fly Finnair U.S. to Finland: 100,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 3. Fly Iberia U.S. to Spain: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 4. Fly Qatar U.S. to Doha: 70,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 5. Fly Qantas U.S. to Australia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- 6. Fly Qatar Airways Europe to Doha: 64,500 Avios in First Class, One-Way
- 7. Fly Japan Airlines North America to Asia: 180,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- 8. Fly Cathay Pacific North America to Asia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
- 9. Fly Qatar Airways Doha to Australia: 105,000 Avios in First Class, One-Way
- 10. Fly Malaysia Airlines Malaysia to London: 150,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 11. Fly Royal Jordanian U.S. to Jordan: 120,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- 12. Fly Royal Air Maroc U.S. to Morocco: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
- Booking Award Flights With Qatar
- Using Your Qatar Avios
- Final Thoughts
Easy Ways to Boost Your Qatar Avios
Qatar Avios can be transferred from Citi ThankYou Rewards at a rate of 1:1 or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.
Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and transfer those to Qatar at a transfer rate of 3:1. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott points that you transfer, you’ll receive a bonus of 5,000 Qatar Avios.
The 12 Best Ways to Redeem Qatar Avios
With an understanding of some of the ways to earn Avios, below you will find the best ways to use them.
When you are calculating the number of miles required for a flight, it’s important to note Qatar uses both a mileage calculator and partner award chart, both of which are shown below.
1. Fly American Airlines U.S. to Europe: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Use Avios to fly American Airlines business class! Image Credit: Stephen AuAmerican Airlines offers several nonstop flights from the U.S. to cities in Europe.
With 70,000 to 120,000 Avios, you can book a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Europe. Booking an economy award also provides value, with 35,000 to 60,000 Avios required for a one-way flight.
American Airlines flies the following non-stop routes to Europe that you can book with Avios.
- Charlotte (CLT) – London (LHR)
- Charlotte (CLT) – Frankfurt (FRA)
- Chicago (ORD) – London (LHR)
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) – London (LHR),
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) – Madrid (MAD)
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) – Paris (CDG)
- Los Angeles (LAX) – London (LHR)
- Miami (MIA) – Barcelona (BCN)
- Miami (MIA) – London (LHR)
- Miami (MIA) – Madrid (MAD)
- Miami (MIA) – Milan (MXP)
- Miami (MIA) – Paris (CDG)
- New York (JFK) – Barcelona (BCN)
- New York (JFK) – London (LHR)
- New York (JFK) – Madrid (MAD)
- New York (JFK) – Milan (MXP)
- New York (JFK) – Paris (CDG)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Madrid (MAD)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Rome (FCO)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Paris (CDG)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Zurich (ZRH)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Amsterdam (AMS)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Manchester (MAN)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – London (LHR)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Dublin (DUB)
Taxes and fees for a one-way business class flight vary from $93 to $323.
Need help booking an award flight? See our best ways to book American Airlines business class.
2. Fly Finnair U.S. to Finland: 100,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Finnair Airbus A350 business class cabin. Image Credit: Greg StoneFinnair offers nonstop flights from major U.S. gateways to Helsinki (HEL).
With 100,000 to 120,000 Avios, you can book a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Finland. Economy flights also represent decent value at 50,000 to 60,000 Avios for a one-way flight.
You can book Finnair flights to Helsinki (HEL) from:
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
Taxes and fees for a one-way economy flight are around $188, and around $531 for business class.
Bottom Line: Fuel surcharges are steep on Finnair business class flights at $531 each way. It’s important to take this into account when you are determining the value you’re getting for your points and miles.
3. Fly Iberia U.S. to Spain: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Fly Iberia business class to Spain! Image Credit: Stefan KrasowskiIberia flies from these U.S. cities to Spain:
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD)
With 70,000 to 120,000 Avios, you can book a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Madrid (MAD). You can also receive respectable value by booking an economy flight at 35,000 to 60,000 Avios one-way.
Taxes and fees for a one-way economy flight are around $188, and business class fees are around $531.
Bottom Line: Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) requires the least number of Avios for both economy and business class at 35,000 and 75,000 miles one-way, respectively.
4. Fly Qatar U.S. to Doha: 70,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Qatar Airways QSuites features double beds in business class. Image Credit: Alex MillerQatar doesn’t make it cheap to fly in its premium cabin from the U.S. to its Middle East hub.
With 70,000 Avios, you can book a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Doha. Economy award redemptions typically do not offer value since you can usually find affordable economy flights.
However, if economy flights are expensive on your dates of travel and you would prefer to use miles, you’re looking at 35,000 Avios for a one-way economy flight.
Nonstop Qatar flights to Doha (DOH) that can be booked with Avios include:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW)
- Houston (IAH)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Taxes and fees for a one-way economy flight are around $270, and fees for a business class flight are around $643.
Bottom Line: Qatar passes on fuel surcharges for its own and partner airline flights. It’s important to take into account the steep fuel charges on Qatar business class flights since this affects the value of the points and miles you are redeeming.
5. Fly Qantas U.S. to Australia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
Qantas first class is ridiculously spacious. Image Credit: QantasQantas first class is one of the world’s most elusive award redemptions you can make. If you happen to find availability, you can redeem Qatar Avios. What better way to spend tons of Qatar Avios on plane tickets worth $15,000+?
There are 3 specific U.S. Qantas routes on which you can book Qantas first class:
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) – Sydney (SYD) for 255,000 Avios
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Melbourne (MEL) for 225,000 Avios
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Sydney (SYD) for 225,000 Avios
Taxes and fees will range from $60 to $65, which makes this an awesome deal. For these tickets that cost around $10,000 to $16,000 apiece, you can earn a great value of 6 cents per mile.
6. Fly Qatar Airways Europe to Doha: 64,500 Avios in First Class, One-Way
Qatar Airways first class bar. Image Credit: Greg StoneIf you want to try Qatar Airways’ A380 first class and want to fly on a shorter route between Doha and Europe, you can book this award flight for a cheaper mileage cost.
Qatar Airways’ A380 flights are some of the most elusive in the world, and you can find them being flown on these European routes:
- Doha (DOH) – Frankfurt (FRA) for 64,500 Avios
- Doha (DOH) – London (LHR) for 64,500 Avios
- Doha (DOH) – Paris (CDG) for 64,500 Avios
Taxes and fees will run at around $130 one-way per person and $350 to $450 in the reverse direction.
7. Fly Japan Airlines North America to Asia: 180,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER first class. Image Credit: Cherag DubashJapan Airlines flies from nearly as many U.S. destinations as Cathay Pacific.
With 180,000 to 225,000 Avios, you can book a one-way first class flight from the U.S. to Japan. Similar to Cathay Pacific, economy and business class award tickets typically do not yield much value.
If you need an economy or business class flight, Qatar requires 50,000 to 75,000 Avios for economy or 100,000 to 150,000 Avios for business class.
Nonstop Japan Airlines flights to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) that can be booked with Avios include:
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Diego (SAN)
- Vancouver (YVR)
Additional Japan Airlines’ nonstop flights to Tokyo-Haneda (HND) that can be booked with Avios include:
- New York (JFK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
All bolded cities are routes that offer first class.
Taxes and fees for a one-way first class flight are around $351.
Need help booking an award flight? See our best ways to book Japan Airlines first class. and Japan Airlines business class.
Bottom Line: As with Cathay Pacific, we only recommend using this many Avios to fly first class if you already have the Avios and are dead set on flying first.
8. Fly Cathay Pacific North America to Asia: 225,000+ Avios in First Class, One-Way
Cathay Pacific 777 first class is phenomenal. Image Credit: Stephen AuCathay Pacific flies from 8 North American cities to Hong Kong (HKG), which makes finding award space much easier.
Hot Tip: Check out our detailed guide on Cathay Pacific’s direct routes from the U.S. You can use the information here to plan your award flights efficiently.
With 225,000 to 255,000 Avios, you can book a one-way first class flight from the U.S. to Hong Kong. Booking an economy or business class award ticket will likely not result in much value for your points.
If you do end up booking economy or business class, you will need 75,000 to 85,000 Avios for economy or 100,000 to 150,000 Avios for business class.
Nonstop Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong (HKG) that can be booked with Avios include:
- Boston (BOS)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York (JFK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Bolded cities are routes that offer first class.
Taxes and fees for a one-way first class flight vary from $251 to $274.
Need help booking an award flight? See our best ways to book Cathay Pacific first class or Cathay Pacific business class.
9. Fly Qatar Airways Doha to Australia: 105,000 Avios in First Class, One-Way
Qatar Airways A380 first class seat. Image Credit: Greg StoneWant to fly on one of the rarest first class products in the world? Qatar Airways’ rare A380 first class is offered only on a few routes. And if you’re using Qatar Airways Avios, you’ll be able to try Qatar Airways first class on some of its longest flights.
Booking Qatar Airways first class is only possible on its A380 routes, which include:
- Doha (DOH) – Melbourne (MEL) for 105,000 Avios
- Doha (DOH) – Sydney(SYD) for 105,000 Avios
Taxes and fees will be around $200 one-way per person and $350 in the reverse direction.
10. Fly Malaysia Airlines Malaysia to London: 150,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Malaysia Airlines business class is a great way to fly. Image Credit: Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines is one of the most important Oneworld airlines in the world. That’s because it is the fast-growing airline connecting much of the developed world to Southeast Asia, which is one of the fastest-developing regions globally.
If you have future travel involving Malaysia, one of the classiest ways to fly is to try Malaysia Airlines business class. Malaysia Airlines flies its flagship A350 to/from London, and you can book this 13-hour flight with Qatar Airways Avios.
Here’s the exact route:
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – London (LHR) for 150,000 Avios
Taxes and fees in business class will be around $60 one-way per person and $437 in the reverse direction.
11. Fly Royal Jordanian U.S. to Jordan: 120,000 Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Royal Jordanian Airlines business class. Image Credit: Royal Jordanian AirlinesRoyal Jordanian Airlines is the flag carrier of Jordan, one of the safest and tourist-friendly countries in the Middle East. This Oneworld airline offers nonstop flights from the U.S. to Jordan’s capital, Amman.
Although its business class seats are slightly outdated thanks to a 2-2-2 configuration, it still represents a nonstop opportunity to fly to Jordan quickly and efficiently.
Here are the routes you can book:
- Chicago (ORD) – Amman (AMM) for 150,000 Avios
- New York (JFK) – Amman (AMM) f0r 120,000 Avios
Taxes and fees will be around $190 one-way per person or $350 in the reverse direction.
12. Fly Royal Air Maroc U.S. to Morocco: 70,000+ Avios in Business Class, One-Way
Royal Air Maroc’s business class product is a new, unique way to use your Qatar Airways Avios for Oneworld flights. Image Credit: Royal Air MarocOur very last redemption digs into a recent addition to Oneworld: Royal Air Maroc. The flag carrier of Morocco, this airline offers nonstop connectivity between the U.S. and Morocco, which is a niche destination.
Still, if you wanted to fly from the U.S. to Morocco nonstop, this is one of the only ways to do it. Luckily, you can redeem Qatar Airways Avios to Casablanca (CMN) from:
- Boston (BOS) for 70,000 Avios
- Miami (MIA) for 100,000 Avios
- New York (JFK) for 100,000 Avios
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) for 100,000 Avios
Taxes and fees on flights originating in the U.S. will be around $180 one-way per person or $260 in the reverse direction.
Booking Award Flights With Qatar
Our main Qatar Airways Privilege Club page outlines the membership tiers, how to earn both Qpoints and Avios, how to redeem Avios, and more.
If you have a question not answered in this article, you’ll likely find it answered in the Privilege Club section.
Using Your Qatar Avios
Privilege Club is the frequent flyer program of Qatar Airways, and Avios are the miles you earn by flying on Qatar or its partner airlines flights.
Qatar is a member of the Oneworld alliance, and the airline also has partnerships with airlines outside of the Oneworld alliance.
Oneworld Qatar Airline Partners
Hot Tip: For more information about using Qatar’s Oneworld partners, check out our guide to the best ways to search for award availability in the Oneworld Alliance.
Non-Alliance Qatar Airline Partners
Non-Alliance Partners |
Alaska Airlines | LATAM |
Bangkok Airways | Middle East Airlines |
GOL Transportes Aereos | |
Qatar Avios Award Chart
Qatar uses a mileage calculator when flying on its own flights, and this functions as a distance-based award chart.
Flights from the U.S. to Doha price out at the same rate, regardless of the city pairs.
There is a separate award chart when flying Qatar’s partner airlines, which include the Oneworld alliance. The partner award chart is distance-based, so it’s helpful to use Great Circle Mapper to calculate the distance of your itinerary. Awards are priced per segment, which means you cannot get extraordinary value above 12,001 Avios, unfortunately.
Qatar Airways partner award chart. Image Credit: Qatar AirwaysAwards Bookable Online vs. Phone
You can now search for award availability online for Qatar Airways flights — you don’t need Avios in your account to search!
You can also call Qatar at 800-988-6128 to check award availability.
You can book Qatar Airways flights completely online pretty easily, but not all partner flights may show up on the online search engine, which is when you’ll want to pick up the phone and call Qatar Airways.
Award Redemption Rules
Qatar has several rules, indicated on its website, that are important to know before making an award booking:
- Avios are valid for 3 years and will expire in the 6-month period in which the points were earned. For example, points earned between January and June 2021 will expire on June 30, 2024.
- Qpoints are earned for the purpose of your elite tier status.
- Avios are the miles earned that can be used to book award flights.
- Avios can be purchased in blocks of 1,000 Avios starting at $35.
- Qatar imposes an award booking fee of $25 for economy, $50 for business class, and $75 for first class per flight.
- First class award flights on the A380 service to/from London and Doha are not available.
- Business or first class award flights are not available for infants (<2 years).
- Award flights for infants on partner airline flights are not allowed.
- Open jaws are permitted, but stopovers are not permitted.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, the Qatar Airways Privilege Club program isn’t one worth running to for your next redemption, except in niche situations.
The combination of expensive partner redemptions, a clunky search engine (especially for partner searches), and fuel surcharges have us checking out better options. However, the program does provide value if you already have Avios sitting in your account or you’re wanting to fly a specific redemption using your miles.
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