Quantcast

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

Qatar Airways devalues short-distance American Airlines and Alaska awards without notice
Research
Webp p18pueyozwbyaegyt1fzg7i1qaau
View from the Wing | View from the Wing

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 This chart is unpublished but the following changes have been noted: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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

- 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.

### Breakline ###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group has announced the retirement of Armando de Santiago after 11 years of service at its Denver facility, as said in a LinkedIn post.

Aug 4, 2025

Emirates will introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick starting 8 February 2026.

Aug 4, 2025

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025