Qatar Airways to adopt Avios as its loyalty currency, and free 2,500 Avios for everyone

Qatar Airways, out of nowhere, has announced its decision to switch its loyalty program currency from Qmiles to Avios.

[Implications]

There are currently four airlines using Avios as their currency:

• British Airways
• Aer Lingus
• Iberia
• Vueling, which is a subdivision of Iberia

Although no more details are disclosed yet, we believe that Avios will work in a similar fashion with Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways will have its own partners and rates for earning / spending Avios, but a member’s accounts between all airlines can be linked and Avios can be transferred between them. Otherwise it makes no sense to have one Avios program totally separated from the others.

Existing Qmiles will become Avios at 1:1 ratio. Qpoints and Qcredits will remain in place.

The new move benefits us in four ways:

First, Qatar Airways has a few airline partners that aren’t part of Oneworld. You’ll soon be able to redeem your Avios on flights with:

• Bangkok Airways
• JetBlue
• MEA
• Oman Air
• RwandAir

Second, Qatar Airways has a different redemption chart with British Airways, and redemptions on certain route may be considerably cheaper. You could move your Avios over from BA and save, like what many are already doing with Iberia’s MAD-JFK route.

Third, Qatar Airways also has some exclusive non-airline partners. For example, you could convert Qmiles to Acoor points, although the ratio isn’t appealing.

Last, if you fly a lot with Qatar Airways, you may want to credit your flights to their Privilege Club instead of BA’s Executive Club to enjoy better benefits, while still earning Avios.

[Promotions]

If you are not a member of the Privilege Club yet, register using this link gives you 2,500 Qmiles straightway, which will become 2,500 Avios at some point. You’ll earn an additional 5,000 Qmiles if crediting an eligible QR flight by September 30.

If you are a student, don’t forget to participate in their Student Club program, which offers up to 20% discount on air fares, plus other benefits including additional check-in allowance and fast track status.