Phê Vé
May 12, 2026 • 3 min read
Qatar Airways has tightened its Avios redemption rules, raising concerns about flexibility for users. New restrictions will affect how members can utilize their rewards points.
New Developments in Qatar Airways' Avios Program
Qatar Airways is tightening its rules around Avios point redemption. While the stated reason is to prevent fraud, these changes also reduce flexibility for members of the Privilege Club.
New Avios Redemption Rules
Previously, you could redeem award tickets from your Privilege Club account for anyone, as long as you provided their full name, passport number, and date of birth. This led to a rise in fraud, with a black market for selling Avios points emerging. However, Qatar Airways has now introduced the "My List" feature, which restricts who can use Avios points.
Under the new rules, a member can add up to four other individuals to their personal redemption list. These individuals must be adults, must accept the invitation, and once added, they will be locked in for six months. Additionally, a member can only participate in one My List at a time, although they can still create their own separate lists.
What Changes in Flexibility?
Since the inception of the Avios program, one of its most attractive perks was the ability to redeem points for anyone: from spouses and parents to friends and colleagues. However, with Qatar Airways’ new policies, this flexibility will be reduced. Qatar previously allowed members to add up to six people to a Family & Friends group, but now, with the new My List feature, Qatar Airways is effectively creating a structure of 6 + 4: six non-Privilege Club members and four members in My List.
Impact on Users
This means that the actual limit on who you can redeem rewards for will now be capped at a maximum of 10 pre-defined individuals. These changes will take effect from June 2026, though the specific date has yet to be announced.
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The flexibility of Avios points has now become more challenging. In the event of an account breach, malicious actors could quickly transfer points and book tickets for third parties. A closed list like My List will make this more difficult, although it does not completely eliminate the possibility of fraud.
The Cost of Safety
When considering account security, Qatar Airways has valid reasons for wanting to protect its system. However, this comes at the expense of reducing flexibility and the program's value for many members. If you have a large family or need to assist friends with award bookings, the Privilege Club program may become less beneficial.
Conclusion: Change or Improvement?
Qatar Airways is building a more secure Avios redemption system by clearly designating who can receive points. This may be an effective measure against fraud, but the sacrifice of flexibility leaves some members feeling that the program's value is diminishing. This is a clear trade-off that those who frequently redeem points for individuals outside their close circle will feel.
What do you think about the changes in Qatar Airways' Privilege Club and Avios program? Is this a step in the right direction or merely a tightening of regulations? Your thoughts could help many others!
Article sourced and edited from: Live and Let's Fly
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