How to Fly Qatar Airways for Nearly Free Using Points

Qatar Airways is often associated with luxury thanks to its world-famous Qsuites, but its economy class is also considered one of the best in the world. The problem? A round-trip economy ticket to destinations like Bali or Southeast Asia can easily exceed $2,500.

The good news? You don’t have to pay those prices. By using points and miles, Qatar Airways flights can be booked for just a few hundred dollars in taxes and fees. Here’s exactly how to make that happen.

Step 1: Understanding Qatar Airways’ Reward Program

Qatar Airways uses Avios as its loyalty currency, which is the same award currency used by British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Finnair Plus.

This means Avios can be transferred between these programs. If award availability is scarce in Qatar Airways Privilege Club, try checking British Airways’ website — then transfer your Avios over to Qatar Airways to book.

Why Avios Makes Booking Easier

More transfer partners: Qatar Airways has limited direct transfer partners, but British Airways allows transfers from American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Bilt Rewards.

Flexibility: If Qatar Airways Privilege Club does not have availability, check British Airways, book the flight there, and transfer the Avios instantly.

Same Award Pricing: Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways both charge the same number of Avios for the same flights.

Step 2: Best Ways to Earn Qatar Airways Avios

Earning Avios is easy because they can be transferred from many major bank programs. Here are the best ways to rack up points quickly:

Top Credit Card Transfer Partners

With frequent transfer bonuses, it's possible to book these flights for even fewer points.

Step 3: How Many Points Do You Need for Qatar Airways Economy?

The cheapest way to book Qatar Airways economy class is through Avios, and the redemption rates depend on your departure and destination.

Example Award Rates

For 75,000 Avios and about $270 in taxes, a $2,500+ ticket is looking a lot sweeter.

Alternative Booking Options

Qatar Airways is part of the Oneworld Alliance, so you can also book these flights using:

• American Airlines AAdvantage (40,000 miles + $35 one-way from the U.S. to Doha)

• Alaska Mileage Plan (42,500 miles + taxes)

• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (45,000 miles + taxes)

Each program has different pricing, so checking multiple options before booking can lead to huge savings.

Step 4: Finding Award Availability

Finding Qatar Airways award availability can sometimes be tricky. Here’s the easiest way to check:

1. Use British Airways’ website. It often shows more availability than Qatar Airways’ site.

2. Check award availability using point search tools. Websites like Daily Drop Pro scan multiple loyalty programs to find the best redemption options.

3. Be flexible with dates. Award space fluctuates daily, so checking multiple travel dates can increase your chances of finding a seat.

Step 5: Booking the Flight

Once you’ve found some award availability, follow these steps:

Step One: Transfer points from Amex, Chase, or Capital One to British Airways if Qatar Airways does not show availability.

Step Two: Link British Airways and Qatar Airways accounts and transfer the Avios.

Step Three: Book directly on Qatar Airways Privilege Club for lower taxes and fees.

Step Four: Pay any remaining taxes & fees (~$270 for a U.S. to Bali itinerary).

The entire transfer and booking process takes less than 15 minutes and saves thousands on airfare.

Is Qatar Airways Economy Worth Booking with Points?

Booking Qatar Airways economy with miles and points is one of the best-value redemptions in the travel rewards world. For under 100,000 Avios and a few hundred dollars, a flight that normally costs $2,500 can be yours.

• Best for long-haul travel to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond

• Easy to book with Avios and transfer partners

• A solid economy experience that includes good food, service and entertainment

For people looking to maximize their points and miles, Qatar Airways remains one of the best options for economy and business class travel. If Qsuites isn’t in the budget, this is still one of the best ways to fly affordably and comfortably. But you should definitely add Qsuites to your list!