Qatar Airways has quietly gone about making some new changes to their frequent flyer programme, which I would actually categorise as real enhancements for their Platinum members. I figured this begets a post, so here it goes.

Al Safwa Lounge Access on Business Class tickets is now free.

Qatar Airways‘ Al Safwa Lounge is a limited-access facility, and exclusive to the airline’s own First Class passengers. There is a sit-down restaurant with white-glove service, a nap room, a spa and a games room amongst other stuff. If you are flying business class, you used to shell out Qatari Riyal 600 (~INR 12000) to access the First Class Lounge. Even the latter option only came in February 2019.

From now on, Platinum members of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club, who are flying Business Class, would be able to access this lounge free of charge. For eligible travellers, they are going to be able to bring in two guests along as well, who also should be travelling in Business Class as well.

Remember, this change only applies for only Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club Platinum members, not for oneworld Emerald members on other programmes such as British Airways Gold or American Airlines Executive Platinum.

Extra QCredits for Platinum members

QCredits are a reward benefit awarded to Gold and Platinum members which can be redeemed for a selection of services such as award upgrades, excess baggage on Qatar Airways, payment of award fees and guest lounge access. Another change made with effect from yesterday is that Privilege Club Platinum members will receive bonus QCredits.

They earlier received 60 QCredits for (re)qualifying for Platinum status, however, now on Qatar Privilege Club will offer an additional 10 QCredits for every 100 QPoints they earn over the 600 QPoints they need to earn to retain the status within the 12-month window.