Qatar Airways Tightens Avios Redemption Rules for Family and Friends

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has implemented a new rule requiring members to 'unlock' the ability to redeem Avios for other people. Previously, any member could book awards for others; now, the account must meet three criteria: the member must be at least 18, the account must be at least 30 days old, and it must have one qualifying activity (a flight credited to Privilege Club on Qatar or a oneworld partner, or a transaction on a Qatar Airways co-branded credit card). Transferring Avios from a points program no longer counts as a qualifying activity. Once unlocked, members can use 'My List' (up to four adults, no pooling) or 'Family & Friends' (up to six people, pooled Avios). The change significantly impacts Canadians, who lack a local Qatar Airways co-branded card, forcing them to book a qualifying flight on a partner airline (e.g., American Airlines) to unlock the feature