Qatar Airways is one of the world’s best airlines, known for excellent service, comfortable seats, and top-notch amenities. It offers an array of facilities for all economy, business, and first-class, passengers. And if you’re on the lookout for cheap plane tickets or ways to save on multi-city flights for your international travel, here’s everything you need to know.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar, based at Hamad International Airport in Doha. This airline is part of the Oneworld Alliance, which means it partners with many airlines worldwide, making it easier to connect to other flights. Qatar Airways flies to more than 170 destinations across 80+ countries, including major cities in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Classes and Fare Options
Qatar Airways has three main travel classes: Economy, Business, and First Class. Within each class, there are also different fare levels. Each level comes with its own benefits.
- Economy Class
- Qatar Airways economy class is comfortable, with good seat space and entertainment options. Within the economy, there are four fare types: Lite, Classic, Convenience, and Comfort. Here’s a quick look at what each includes:
- Lite: Limited options, with fewer baggage benefits.
- Classic: Basic options with a little more baggage.
- Convenience: More flexibility and extra baggage.
- Comfort: Most flexible and includes seat selection and full baggage allowance.
Business Class
- Business class on Qatar Airways is highly rated, and often called the best in the world. It’s perfect for those who want extra comfort and space. Business fares come in four types: Lite, Classic, Comfort, and Elite. Benefits increase as you go up the fare levels, including more flexibility, lounge access, and higher Avios earnings
First Class
- Qatar Airways’ first-class option is very luxurious, but it’s only available on a few aircraft. With first class, you get the highest level of comfort, along with full flexibility, premium lounges, and additional perks.
Baggage Policies
Baggage allowances depend on your fare type and class. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:
- Economy Class: You can carry one or two checked bags, with weights ranging from 44 to 77 pounds (20 to 35 kilograms).
- Business and First Class: You can bring two checked bags, each weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
- Carry-on Bags: Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms), while Business and First-Class passengers can bring two bags weighing up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms) in total.
Always check your ticket details before traveling, as baggage policies may vary by route or fare type. If you are looking to book flight tickets at cheap fares, check our blog titled – comprehensive guide to book cheap air tickets.
Seat Selection
Qatar Airways offers free seat selection in some fare types. In Economy, “Comfort” fares include free seat selection at any time, while lower fare types may only offer seat selection during check-in. Business and First-Class tickets usually come with free seat selection.
How to Earn and Use Avios with Qatar Airways
Avios is the rewards currency for Qatar Airways Privilege Club, its loyalty program. When you fly with Qatar or its partner airlines, you earn Avios, which you can use to book flights, upgrade seats, or access other services.
There are several ways to earn Avios:
- Flying with Qatar Airways or Oneworld Partners: Earn points based on the distance traveled and fare type.
- Transferring Points from Credit Card Programs: Some credit cards like American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to Qatar Airways Avios.
- Staying at Partner Hotels or Renting Cars: You can also earn Avios by staying at certain hotels or using specific car rental companies.
Privilege Club Elite Status
Privilege Club has four membership levels: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level offers different benefits.
- Burgundy (Entry Level): Basic membership with no extra benefits.
- Silver: Includes lounge access, extra baggage, and priority check-in.
- Gold: Offers all Silver benefits plus free seat selection and better rewards.
- Platinum: The highest level with the most perks, including top priority for upgrades, boarding, and check-in.
To earn higher status, you need Qpoints, which you get by flying with Qatar or other Oneworld airlines. You have a 12-month period to reach a new status, and once you do, it’s valid for one or two years.
In-flight Amenities
No matter which class you’re in, Qatar Airways provides excellent amenities.
- Economy Class: Passengers have personal screens with a wide range of movies, music, and games. Meals are included, and they’re often praised for quality.
- Business Class: Passengers get fully flat beds, gourmet meals, and access to the latest entertainment options. Business passengers also receive a luxury amenity kit.
- First Class: First-class passengers get the most space, privacy, and gourmet food choices. Qatar Airways First Class also has premium amenity kits with high-end skincare products.
Lounges
If you’re flying Business or First Class, or have elite status, you can use Qatar Airways lounges. The airline’s Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha is one of the best lounges in the world, with high-end dining, showers, and private areas to rest.
Popular Routes and Destinations
Qatar Airways flies across the globe. In the U.S., the airline has flights to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. From its hub in Doha, Qatar Airways connects travelers to places like London, Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Booking Tips for Qatar Airways
Here are some tips for booking flights with Qatar Airways, especially if you’re hoping to find cheap international flights or need flexible ticket options:
- Use Credit Card Points: If you have AmEx Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points, consider transferring them to Qatar Airways to book award flights.
- Look for Deals: Qatar Airways often has promotions on its website. Checking for sales can help you save on flights.
- Choose Fare Carefully: Pick a fare family based on your needs. If you need extra flexibility, consider a higher fare type like “Comfort” in economy or “Elite” in business.
- Consider Stopover in Doha: Qatar Airways has a stopover program that lets you spend a few days in Doha, Qatar, often at a low cost. This is a great way to explore a new city before reaching your destination.
Qatar Airways is known for its quality and service, making it a top choice for international travel. Whether you’re flying economy or first class, Qatar Airways offers excellent options for comfort, entertainment, and perks. By joining the Privilege Club, you can earn Avios for future trips, making it easier to travel the world. So, if you’re looking to fly in style, Qatar Airways is a great option.
