# Qatar Airways Tightens Avios Redemption Rules for Family and Friends

_Jun 20 15:25_

Tags: American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Avios, Family & Friends, Privilege Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Qatar Airways co-branded credit card, Qatar, loyalty program

As of June 2026, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members must unlock the ability to redeem Avios for others by completing a qualifying flight or co-branded card transaction and waiting 30 days

> **Check before acting.** This offer was last reported 139 days ago, on June 20, 2026. Registration deadlines and bonus windows close. We do not track whether this one is still live, so check the program's own page before acting on it.

## Summary

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

Sources add:
• LoyaltyLobby: Qatar Airways has launched a bonus Avios offer for those who pool their Avios under the Family & Friends program

## Why it matters

Affects 6 airline programs (Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways...). Card-issuer angle via American Express, Chase. Removal of a benefit or service — adjust plans and use any remaining value.

## What each source adds

- **LoyaltyLobby**: Qatar Airways has launched a bonus Avios offer for those who pool their Avios under the Family & Friends program

## Sources cited

- [Prince of Travel](https://princeoftravel.com/news/qatar-airways-avios-redemption-restrictions) — Qatar Airways Is Making It Harder to Redeem Avios for Family and Friends
- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/06/20/qatar-airways-50-to-100-bonus-avios-for-family-friends-travel-until-march-31-2027-book-by-june-25?omhide=true) — Qatar Airways 50% To 100% Bonus Avios For Family & Friends Travel Until March 31, 2027 (Book By June 25)

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