DOHA— Qatar Airways (QR) has introduced Privilege Club Pro, a subscription service providing members with monthly Avios and Qpoints accrual opportunities. The program is accessible globally, including through Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
With subscription plans ranging from USD 50 to USD 350 monthly, travelers can earn up to 240,000 Avios and 60 Qpoints annually. While this model targets frequent flyers, its pricing competes closely with Qatar’s periodic Avios sales, raising questions about overall value.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways Privilege Club Pro Plans
Privilege Club Pro offers four subscription tiers designed to provide consistent Avios accrual, with an added Qpoints benefit at the highest level. Here are the options available:
| Access | 2,500 | 0 | USD 50 | USD 500 |
| Select | 7,500 | 0 | USD 130 | USD 1,300 |
| Exclusive | 15,000 | 0 | USD 240 | USD 2,400 |
| Ultimate | 20,000 | 5 | USD 350 | USD 3,500 |
Subscribers choosing an annual plan receive two months free, saving approximately 17%. However, Avios and Qpoints are credited monthly — there is no upfront allocation even for annual subscribers. A minimum three-month commitment applies to monthly plans.
Cost per Avios varies by tier and payment method, averaging between 1.33 to 2 US cents per Avios. Comparatively, ad-hoc sales by Qatar Airways often reduce this cost to around 1.35 to 1.53 US cents, sometimes making one-time purchases more economical.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysAre the Avios Subscription Costs Worth It?
While Privilege Club Pro provides predictable monthly Avios accrual, the pricing structure may not offer the best value, says Milelion:
- Ad-hoc Promotions: Qatar Airways frequently offers bonus Avios sales, occasionally reducing the per-Avios price lower than the subscription equivalent.
- Citi PayAll and Cards: Through promotions like Citi PayAll, members can indirectly buy Avios for around 1.1 to 1.44 US cents each, without any subscription obligation.
- Purchase Limits: A maximum of 240,000 Avios per year can be acquired via the subscription, distinct from the 250,000 Avios cap on ad-hoc purchases.
Additionally, the monthly “drip-feed” model may hinder members needing larger Avios balances for spontaneous redemptions. There’s also an inherent risk due to Qatar Privilege Club’s history of unannounced devaluations, which can affect the future value of accrued Avios.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysQpoints: A Modest Status Boost
The Ultimate tier of Privilege Club Pro awards 5 Qpoints per month, totaling 60 Qpoints annually. These Qpoints contribute to status levels within the Privilege Club:
| Burgundy | 0 | 0 |
| Silver | 150 | 135 |
| Gold | 300 | 270 |
| Platinum | 600 | 540 |
However, since Platinum status requires 600 Qpoints in 12 months, the 60 Qpoints from the Ultimate subscription barely impact elite qualification. Therefore, Qpoints via subscription primarily benefit those already close to retaining or upgrading status.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysBest Credit Cards for Subscription Payments
Subscriptions are processed via Points.com under MCC 7399 (Business Services Not Elsewhere Classified), often in USD. Optimal cards for earning additional miles on these purchases include:
- Citi Rewards Card: 4 mpd, capped at S$1,000 per statement month.
- DCS Imperium Card: 4 mpd, uncapped with S$4,000 foreign currency spend.
- UOB Visa Signature: 4 mpd, min S$1,000 to max S$2,000 foreign currency spend.
- StanChart Beyond Card: Up to 4 mpd, no cap.
Note: Cards like HSBC and DBS Woman’s World Card do not offer bonus points on MCC 7399 transactions.
Bottom Line
Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club Pro introduces a structured way to accumulate Avios and Qpoints, but the financial advantage is limited when compared to periodic Avios sales or credit card-linked avenues like Citi PayAll.
Moreover, the monthly accrual model may not suit travelers seeking immediate Avios access for award flights.
Adding non-monetary benefits, such as waived change or cancellation fees on award bookings, could significantly improve the subscription’s appeal, aligning with competitor programs like LifeMiles.
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The post Qatar Airways Launches New Privilege Club Pro, What is It? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
