Qatar Airways introduces a frequent flyer program for students

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (November 19, 2020): Qatar Airways launches a student loyalty program

Frequent flyer programs are used by many airlines across the world to foster a sense of loyalty among passengers, who can earn points or miles that are redeemable for free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals or shopping. Everybody should participate in these programs as they can save you tons of money by traveling (almost for) free as well as offer you many other perks (signing up is free of charge and truly a no-brainer). The ‘best’ frequent flyer program will depend on your own travel behavior, your location, your credit card spending, and your expectations (loyalty benefits, easy award bookings, or number of airline partners). I have previously published on my travel blog reviews (with pros and cons) of the world’s major loyalty programs in the world:

• AAdvantage (American Airlines)
• Executive Club (British Airways)
• Flying Blue (Air France & KLM)
• KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)
• Mileage Plan (Alaska Airlines)
• Miles&More (Lufthansa)
• SkyMiles (Dellta Air Lines)

Now, Qatar Airways is taking it a step further. The Doha based carrier has launched a new program exclusively for students, known as Student Club. The unique program is dedicated to students around the world, offering them savings and more so they can aim for the skies throughout their educational journey. I also might be an opportunity for students to fly Qatar Airways’ amazing Qsuite, the best Business Class product in the world (which I reviewed here).

Student Club members will receive the following benefits:

• Discounts on flights: Students can save more with every booking, enjoying 10% off the first booking, 15% off the second and 20% off the third trip.
• Extra baggage allowance: Burgundy Student Club members can take an additional 10 kgs or an additional piece of baggage on flights, depending on the route.
• Complimentary Super Wi-Fi: Students will get complimentary Super Wi-Fi to stay connected on board with the fastest high-speed broadband in the skies.
• Privilege Club tier upgrade on graduation: Students who travel at least once a year as a Student Club member will receive a Privilege Club tier upgrade when they graduate.
• Enhanced flexibility: Students will benefit from enhanced flexibility, including one complimentary date change.

Student Club members will receive a digital card, which can be stored in their mobile wallet or Qatar Airways mobile app, indicating their membership tier. All students in full- and part-time education aged between 18 and 30 years are eligible to join the programme. As members of Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer program Privilege Club, students will earn Qmiles when travelling with Qatar Airways, Oneworld airlines, or any of the airline’s partners. Students can also earn Qmiles by using Qatar Airways credit cards and when shopping with Privilege Club retail and lifestyle partners. Qmiles can be redeemed for a range of exciting benefits including award flights, upgrades or extra baggage on Qatar Airways, shopping in Qatar Duty Free as well flights and hotel stays with partners.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our brand new Student Club is designed specifically with students’ needs in mind. Travel is an important part of their life, with many choosing to study abroad for the duration of their university career or for a semester. We also know that the long university vacations are a wonderful opportunity for students to visit family or friends or simply to explore the world. Having listened to the needs of our current student passengers, we are delighted to help them to aim for the skies with our Student Club.”

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times.

In addition to offering excellent service for passengers, Qatar Airways is also focused on the sustainability of its operations. The airline’s variety of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft – particularly its fleet of 52 Airbus A350s and 30 Boeing 787s – reduces its carbon dioxide emissions. Due to COVID-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has grounded its fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not environmentally justifiable to operate such a large aircraft in the current market. Qatar Airways has also recently launched a new programme that enables passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions associated with their journey at the point of booking.

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