Qatar Airways has emailed members of its Privilege Club loyalty programme with news of upcoming changes to its Qcredits system.
Currently members attaining Gold or Platinum status receive 40 or 60 Qcredits respectively, which can then be redeemed against flight upgrades and airport lounge passes, or to pay for excess baggage or award ticket fees.
Qatar Airways said that Qcredits will soon be replaced by ‘Keys’, which will “unlock availability to the award flights and upgrades of your choice”.
The email adds that “Once you reach the Gold or Platinum tier, you will receive Keys that give you the chance to spend Avios on award flights to remarkable destinations, or upgrades to indulge in ultimate luxury”.
Business Traveller understands (from emails received by members with status within the Privilege Club programme) that Gold members will receive one Key, while Platinum members will receive two Keys.
No further information has been published on the changes as yet, and there are several questions, including:
- What exactly can Keys be used for? Some have suggested that the wording above means members will be able to use their Keys to “unlock” the option to redeem Avios against seats which would otherwise not usually be available for redemptions – similar to a benefit given to BA Executive Club Gold Guest List members.
- When will the change take effect, and will Privilege Club members with existing balances of Qcredits be given time to use these before they disappear?
Business Traveller has requested more information on Keys, and will post any response here.
