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Qatar Airways devalues short-distance American Airlines and Alaska awards without notice

Qatar Airways devalues short-distance American Airlines and Alaska awards without notice
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Qatar Airways has historically offered favorable award pricing for short-distance travel on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with points that are relatively easy to acquire. The airline has a U.S. credit card and is a transfer partner of American Express and Citibank. Additionally, points from British Airways, Aer Lingus, Finnair, and Iberia can be moved into Qatar's program, allowing for transfers from Chase, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Bilt through these intermediaries.

However, as highlighted by Dan’s Deals, Qatar Airways has recently devalued these redemptions without prior notice. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have their own separate award chart distinct from other oneworld redemptions (and also separate from Qatar’s own flights and JetBlue). This chart is unpublished but the following changes have been noted:

- For distances of 1-650 miles: Coach class increased from 6,000 to 9,500 points; Business class increased from 12,500 to 20,000 points.

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- For distances of 651-1151 miles: Coach class increased from 9,000 to 13,000 points; Business class increased from 16,500 to 27,000 points.

- For distances of 1152-2000 miles: Coach class increased from 11,000 to 14,500 points; Business class increased from 22,000 to 34,000 points.

- For distances of 2001-3000 miles: Coach class increased from 13,000 to 16,000 points; Business class increased from 38,750 to 43,000 points.

Despite these increases in redemption rates making them less competitive than before compared to British Airways charges an arbitrage opportunity still exists. Nonetheless the value gap has narrowed.

Dan notes that booking American regional jet flights via Qatar hasn't been supported. However mainline bookings with regional segments can be changed by Qatar for a $25 fee.

"You might technically be able to book AA awards within the contiguous U.S. and Canada for just 11K Finnair Avios in economy or 30K in first class," Dan observes though he acknowledges that successfully booking these awards through Finnair has proven difficult.

The lack of notice for these unpublished changes is seen as disappointing by some frequent travelers.

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Organizations Included in this History
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