Qatar backs down: you can use card points to book family again, with strings attached

Qatar Airways has rolled back part of a June rule on Avios bookings, but not all the way. You can once again use Avios from credit card and partner transfers to book flights for family and friends, as long as you follow the rules for who can be on your list.

Here is what changed, what did not, and who it helps.

What Qatar did in June

In June, Qatar tightened the rules on booking award flights for other people. According to View from the Wing, members had to credit a flown Qatar flight, or make a transaction on a Qatar co-brand card, before they could use their family and friends lists.

For many people who earn Avios mostly from bank points, that shut the door. They could still book for themselves, but not easily for a spouse, a parent or a friend.

What changed in September

View from the Wing reported on September 14 that Qatar had reversed that requirement. It says Qatar confirmed to MilesTalk that "the restriction has been revised effective from 14Sep."

Head for Points followed on September 16. It reports that any member can now set up a My List or a Family & Friends list, without first flying or spending on a co-brand card. It also says the Family & Friends limit went from six people to nine. View from the Wing's report still gives six, so check the number in your account.

The limits that still apply

This is not a full return to the old rules. Head for Points lists rules that are still in place.

My List:

• Up to four people.
• Each person needs a Privilege Club account that is at least 30 days old.
• Once added, a person must stay on the list for at least six months.
• Each person can be on only one My List.
• Children cannot be on a My List.

Family & Friends:

• Avios are pooled into a shared account.
• Children are allowed.
• Each person can belong to only one list.

View from the Wing adds that Gold and Platinum members are exempt and can book for others over the phone.

What about British Airways?

Many Qatar award flights can still be booked through ba.com with Avios held at British Airways, Head for Points notes. BA has its own rules for booking for other people. If your Avios are at BA, check whether that is the easier path.

Who this helps

• Credit card earners. If your Avios come from bank transfers, you can book for family again once your list is set up.
• Families. A larger Family & Friends list makes it easier to pool Avios for one big trip.
• People who plan ahead. Because new accounts must be 30 days old for My List, set things up well before you need to book.

What to do now

1. Decide whether you need a My List or a Family & Friends list.
2. Make sure each person has a Privilege Club account. Open new ones now if needed.
3. Add people early, since you cannot remove them for six months.
4. Read Qatar's current terms before you book. Rules can change again.

If you are moving bank points in, Qatar is also running a transfer bonus of up to 35% this month.

Where your award trip connects

Most Qatar award trips route through Doha. Business class passengers can use the Al Mourjan Business Lounge (South) or The Garden, and first class passengers can use the Al Safwa First Lounge.

See our Privilege Club page and our Qatar Airways page for more.