In July, there was a discreet adjustment in the Qatar Privilege Club: without notice, the Oneworld member introduced a division into peak and off-peak seasons for award flights. As a result, award flights became up to 35% more expensive.
Initially, the change only affected direct flights to and from Doha, so it went unnoticed by most. Now there is another deterioration: as of now, many connecting flights have also become more expensive, such as from Europe to Asia.
The change not only affects bookings in the Qatar Privilege Club but also those through the British Airways Executive Club and presumably Iberia Plus.
Prices during the “peak travel season” are 20% more expensive
We looked at a few examples and compared the prices depending on the season. Apparently, the new prices for the peak season are generally 20% higher than before. Here are a few examples (previously the off-peak price was generally applied):
| Route | Travel class | Price Off-Peak | Price Peak | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe – Doha – Bangkok | Economy | 37,500 | 45,000 | +20% |
| Europe – Doha – Bangkok | Business | 75,000 | 90,000 | +20% |
| Europe – Doha – Bangkok | First | 112,500 | 135,000 | +20% |
| Europe – Doha – Sydney | Economy | 45,000 | 54,000 | +20% |
| Europe – Doha – Sydney | Business | 90,000 | 108,000 | +20% |
| Europe – Doha – Sydney | First | 135,000 | 162,000 | +20% |
| New York – Doha – Bangkok | Economy | 47,500 | 57,000 | +20% |
| New York – Doha – Bangkok | Business | 95,000 | 114,000 | +20% |
| New York – Doha – Bangkok | First | 142,500 | 171,000 | +20% |
In addition, taxes and fees between approximately €100 and €300 are still added. To and from Doha, the percentage increase looks somewhat different, with the cost increase based on our samples ranging between 25% and 35%.
The definition of the peak travel season apparently varies depending on the destination, e.g. for Bangkok, the entire month of April is included, and on almost all routes, the time around Christmas and New Year is also included.
It is not directly apparent on the website which dates fall into the peak and which into the off-peak season. Sometimes it is displayed in the 30-day calendar, but this does not work very well anyway. In the following case, there are economy tickets almost every day, yet it says not available. At least until March 27, the off-peak prices apply:
Otherwise, the prices can also be traced in the points calculator on Qatar’s website. Depending on the date entered there, it will either output the higher or lower prices.
Conclusion
Even the new, higher prices are (due to the absence of high taxes and fees) still somewhat within reason. However, it is already incredibly difficult to find award flights in Qatar’s business class. And if there is anything available, it is often only the Flexi-Awards at double the price.
If now higher prices are added to the thin availability, earning miles with Qatar (as well as BA and Iberia) becomes less attractive again. Especially since award tickets are worthwhile mainly during the holiday season.
Source: YHBU
Cover Picture: Photo by Saif Zaman ( আয়ান ) on Unsplash