Nov 19, 2013, 3:20 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Covid-19 Update:
For further information on AA awards see:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver Award Availability - Help, Assistance & Discussion
and
AA oneworld and Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (2015 on)
N.B. Upgrades on QR book into fares not granted EQD/EQM by AA. If you're upgraded on QR, be prepared for pushback from some AA agents. You may have to submit a formal request with accompanying documentation reflecting you purchased an eligible fare class.
NOTE:AA has removed most EY and QR award access from aa.com due to a glitch booking these:
If you experience difficulties with the AA reservations system, you may be able to book by calling AA Australia (+61 2-9101-1948 ) then press 4 - or the New Zealand number (+64 09-308-4014) as an alternative - although the call center is actually in Suva, Fiji (South African agency Mindpearl) - as they can often see the inventory more reliably, and you can book.
NOTE: USA Canada travel on QR will earn EQ miles etc. in accordance with the fare class purchased.
Links:
Link to AA.com Qatar miles earning etc.
AA miles earning on QR changed 1 May 2016 (Link):
Minimum miles guarantee applies.
Checking QR award availability:
You can check QR availability on AA's site, BA's site, QF's site, www.awardnexus.com (which pulls from BA and/or QF), or the KVS tool. (A certain number of searches are free to FlyerTalk members at AwardNexus; click the "more signup options" link under the green Purchase button to sign up as a FlyerTalk member.)
When checking QR award availability, you have to check each segment individually. Both BA and QF can generate very misleading information if you try to check QR award availability all the way through [xxx-(DOH)-yyy] in one step. Be aware AA can only book 330 days out, even if you see availability farther out.
Awards on QR may not be visible to AA agents if a multi-segment itinerary is requested; broken into individual segments will generally reveal availability, however.
As well, AA Australia or New Zealand (actually MindPearl in Fiji) can often see and book AA awards on QR US-based ones might not be able to.
From danger: For AA awards, Economy is X, Business is U, First is Z. NOTE: Those with Z (First) awards may see "Z (Business Class)" shown on the QR website; this is a known glitch.
As well, QR sells intra gulf two class service as First and Economy, as AA does domestically. This can cause some issues with a Business flight including a Gulf "First" flight potentially incurring an F award redemption.
From hotelmotel: "Got my QR PNR from AA. Popped over to QR and selected seats." (AAdvantage award.)
Days of the week: To/from the USA, especially in business class, Qatar often only offers awards seats for Mon..Thu departures, not Fri..Sun departures. So makes sure you check different parts of the week, and not just always weekends (if you're not finding anything on weekends).
NOTE: At DOH / Hamad International Airport, lounges as follows:
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge (not a oneworld lounge): only accessible to those flying First Class on Qatar or oneworld airlines and QRPC Platniums flying in ticketed Business (not oneworld Emeralds flying other lower classes of service)
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge (not a oneworld lounge): only accessible to those flying Business Class on Qatar or oneworld (not oneworld Sapphire flying lower classes of service)
Oryx Lounge: Third party lounge.
Qatar Airways HIA First Class Lounge (oneworld lounge): First Class ticketed customers, Emerald members, as well as their accompanying guests, travelling on Qatar Airways and other oneworld member flights.
Qatar Airways HIA Business Class Lounge (oneworld lounge): First and Business Class ticketed customers, Emerald and Sapphire members, as well as their accompanying guests, travelling on Qatar Airways and other oneworld member flights.
Arrivals Lounges (not oneworld lounges): only accessible to those arriving in First or Business Class on Qatar Airways (not oneworld Sapphire flying other oneworld airlines or other classes of service)
See FT: QR Lounges at HIA
Selecting Qatar Airways Seats
If you want to assign a seat after booking an award, you should first try the Qatar website or app. If you experience issues, please try a partner site like Royal Jordanian, Malaysia Airlines, or Sri-Lankan. You can also reach out to the QR Twitter team to fix your record in order to be able to select seats on their own site.
- Sapphire+ status pax are temporarily allowed to use the Al Mourjan Business Lounge
- Only tickets issued on QR 157 stock are eligible for the Extending Our Commitment (EOC) rebooking policy
For further information on AA awards see:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver Award Availability - Help, Assistance & Discussion
and
AA oneworld and Other Airline Partner Award information, rules (2015 on)
N.B. Upgrades on QR book into fares not granted EQD/EQM by AA. If you're upgraded on QR, be prepared for pushback from some AA agents. You may have to submit a formal request with accompanying documentation reflecting you purchased an eligible fare class.
NOTE:AA has removed most EY and QR award access from aa.com due to a glitch booking these:
From One Mile at a Time (link)
Bottom Line
For the time being you’ll have to call American if you want to ticket AAdvantage awards on Etihad & Qatar that aren’t for travel to & from the US or Canada. It makes sense that American took these awards “offline,” and now it also makes sense why so many passengers have been having issues with checked bags on awards.
Bottom Line
For the time being you’ll have to call American if you want to ticket AAdvantage awards on Etihad & Qatar that aren’t for travel to & from the US or Canada. It makes sense that American took these awards “offline,” and now it also makes sense why so many passengers have been having issues with checked bags on awards.
NOTE: USA Canada travel on QR will earn EQ miles etc. in accordance with the fare class purchased.
Links:
Link to AA.com Qatar miles earning etc.
AA miles earning on QR changed 1 May 2016 (Link):
Minimum miles guarantee applies.
Checking QR award availability:
You can check QR availability on AA's site, BA's site, QF's site, www.awardnexus.com (which pulls from BA and/or QF), or the KVS tool. (A certain number of searches are free to FlyerTalk members at AwardNexus; click the "more signup options" link under the green Purchase button to sign up as a FlyerTalk member.)
When checking QR award availability, you have to check each segment individually. Both BA and QF can generate very misleading information if you try to check QR award availability all the way through [xxx-(DOH)-yyy] in one step. Be aware AA can only book 330 days out, even if you see availability farther out.
Awards on QR may not be visible to AA agents if a multi-segment itinerary is requested; broken into individual segments will generally reveal availability, however.
As well, AA Australia or New Zealand (actually MindPearl in Fiji) can often see and book AA awards on QR US-based ones might not be able to.
From danger: For AA awards, Economy is X, Business is U, First is Z. NOTE: Those with Z (First) awards may see "Z (Business Class)" shown on the QR website; this is a known glitch.
As well, QR sells intra gulf two class service as First and Economy, as AA does domestically. This can cause some issues with a Business flight including a Gulf "First" flight potentially incurring an F award redemption.
From hotelmotel: "Got my QR PNR from AA. Popped over to QR and selected seats." (AAdvantage award.)
Days of the week: To/from the USA, especially in business class, Qatar often only offers awards seats for Mon..Thu departures, not Fri..Sun departures. So makes sure you check different parts of the week, and not just always weekends (if you're not finding anything on weekends).
NOTE: At DOH / Hamad International Airport, lounges as follows:
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge (not a oneworld lounge): only accessible to those flying First Class on Qatar or oneworld airlines and QRPC Platniums flying in ticketed Business (not oneworld Emeralds flying other lower classes of service)
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge (not a oneworld lounge): only accessible to those flying Business Class on Qatar or oneworld (not oneworld Sapphire flying lower classes of service)
Oryx Lounge: Third party lounge.
Qatar Airways HIA First Class Lounge (oneworld lounge): First Class ticketed customers, Emerald members, as well as their accompanying guests, travelling on Qatar Airways and other oneworld member flights.
Qatar Airways HIA Business Class Lounge (oneworld lounge): First and Business Class ticketed customers, Emerald and Sapphire members, as well as their accompanying guests, travelling on Qatar Airways and other oneworld member flights.
Arrivals Lounges (not oneworld lounges): only accessible to those arriving in First or Business Class on Qatar Airways (not oneworld Sapphire flying other oneworld airlines or other classes of service)
See FT: QR Lounges at HIA
Selecting Qatar Airways Seats
If you want to assign a seat after booking an award, you should first try the Qatar website or app. If you experience issues, please try a partner site like Royal Jordanian, Malaysia Airlines, or Sri-Lankan. You can also reach out to the QR Twitter team to fix your record in order to be able to select seats on their own site.
Qatar Airways / QR: Redeem AA Miles for Award (master thd)
Aug 21, 2020, 4:56 pm
#1293
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
I have 300 days so there indeed is no hurry. I deleted my messages and was going to wait a week and see. I was also thinking about calling the QR local reservation number. It appears that the US reservation center is at/around ORD. Otherwise I'll Skype the Doha call center.
Aug 21, 2020, 4:57 pm
#1294
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
I have no idea. It is what I found searching FT.
Update:
Qatar responded on twitter 8+ days after initial request. Everything take care of. There is a fair amount of chatter on the QR forum about a temporary overload in their customer support area. maybe this has something to do with the delay.
Update:
Qatar responded on twitter 8+ days after initial request. Everything take care of. There is a fair amount of chatter on the QR forum about a temporary overload in their customer support area. maybe this has something to do with the delay.
Last edited by cheltzel; Aug 22, 2020 at 10:23 am
Aug 27, 2020, 2:23 pm
#1295
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 159
I'm looking to book J for 2 peoeple from JFK-DOH-MLE in oct 2020. I can find award availability on JFK-DOH, but nothing for DOH-MLE, not even in economy. weirdly, there is economy available everyday in september, and a few days available last week of october, but not for the rest of october. Does anyone know why? Is it due to them not loading the october 2020 schedule yet or something?
Also likelihood that it opens up in J?
Thanks!
Also likelihood that it opens up in J?
Thanks!
Sep 3, 2020, 8:32 am
#1296
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA, QR, SQ, BA, Marriott, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 30
Looking to book a PHL - DOH - SIN to fly in the next couple of months but similar to miss_travel, can only find award space on the return leg: SIN - DOH (40K) and DOH - PHL (70K). When I called, agent mentioned it's because I'm forcing over Atlantic which is a longer distance (vs. Pacific). Any way around this to book as 1 segment or do I have no choice and need to book 2 segments?
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
Sep 3, 2020, 10:20 am
#1297
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
I have 300 days so there indeed is no hurry. I deleted my messages and was going to wait a week and see. I was also thinking about calling the QR local reservation number. It appears that the US reservation center is at/around ORD. Otherwise I'll Skype the Doha call center.
However, it looks like the "change seats" option does not show anymore on the QR "Manage my booking" page. Perhaps they dont want award tix to be able to change seats?
No idea.
Anyways, seats assigned. Able to view special meal requests, mobility requests, etc.....
Sep 3, 2020, 10:24 am
#1298
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
Looking to book a PHL - DOH - SIN to fly in the next couple of months but similar to miss_travel, can only find award space on the return leg: SIN - DOH (40K) and DOH - PHL (70K). When I called, agent mentioned it's because I'm forcing over Atlantic which is a longer distance (vs. Pacific). Any way around this to book as 1 segment or do I have no choice and need to book 2 segments?
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
If you fly through Japan / HongKong for example, then this can be priced as one award for a cheaper total price.
In these COVID times, separate tickets are generally not recommended and more so if you plan to check luggage.
Qatar airways is very good about checking luggage through if you have two separate Qatar airways tickets, for example. However, for PHL-DOH, they may consider you as a passenger going to DOHA (and not SIN). That may / may not cause problems at check-in in these times.
You are probably aware of this - Singapore is still quite restricted with respect to who can enter the country at this moment. Hopefully you have entry rights, etc.
Sep 3, 2020, 10:48 am
#1299
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA, QR, SQ, BA, Marriott, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 30
With AA awards, if you fly PHL-DOH-SIN (or SIN-DOH-PHL) - it will price as two separate awards (PHL-DOH plus DOH-SIN). So, you will pay more miles in that case.
If you fly through Japan / HongKong for example, then this can be priced as one award for a cheaper total price.
In these COVID times, separate tickets are generally not recommended and more so if you plan to check luggage.
Qatar airways is very good about checking luggage through if you have two separate Qatar airways tickets, for example. However, for PHL-DOH, they may consider you as a passenger going to DOHA (and not SIN). That may / may not cause problems at check-in in these times.
You are probably aware of this - Singapore is still quite restricted with respect to who can enter the country at this moment. Hopefully you have entry rights, etc.
If you fly through Japan / HongKong for example, then this can be priced as one award for a cheaper total price.
In these COVID times, separate tickets are generally not recommended and more so if you plan to check luggage.
Qatar airways is very good about checking luggage through if you have two separate Qatar airways tickets, for example. However, for PHL-DOH, they may consider you as a passenger going to DOHA (and not SIN). That may / may not cause problems at check-in in these times.
You are probably aware of this - Singapore is still quite restricted with respect to who can enter the country at this moment. Hopefully you have entry rights, etc.
Bummer that AA will price it as 2 separate awards but I guess that's just how it is. Good to hear that QR is good on checking it through but I too have similar concerns if the separate ticket would hold as well, due to no visitors in DOH right now. Will look at going through Japan or Hong Kong in that case and do it as a single ticket/award.
Yup, aware of SIN restrictions but I'm cleared so just a matter of finding the appropriate flights.
Sep 3, 2020, 10:56 am
#1300
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA, QR, SQ, BA, Marriott, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 30
With AA awards, if you fly PHL-DOH-SIN (or SIN-DOH-PHL) - it will price as two separate awards (PHL-DOH plus DOH-SIN). So, you will pay more miles in that case.
If you fly through Japan / HongKong for example, then this can be priced as one award for a cheaper total price.
In these COVID times, separate tickets are generally not recommended and more so if you plan to check luggage.
Qatar airways is very good about checking luggage through if you have two separate Qatar airways tickets, for example. However, for PHL-DOH, they may consider you as a passenger going to DOHA (and not SIN). That may / may not cause problems at check-in in these times.
You are probably aware of this - Singapore is still quite restricted with respect to who can enter the country at this moment. Hopefully you have entry rights, etc.
If you fly through Japan / HongKong for example, then this can be priced as one award for a cheaper total price.
In these COVID times, separate tickets are generally not recommended and more so if you plan to check luggage.
Qatar airways is very good about checking luggage through if you have two separate Qatar airways tickets, for example. However, for PHL-DOH, they may consider you as a passenger going to DOHA (and not SIN). That may / may not cause problems at check-in in these times.
You are probably aware of this - Singapore is still quite restricted with respect to who can enter the country at this moment. Hopefully you have entry rights, etc.
Sep 3, 2020, 4:11 pm
#1301
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
I am not sure if that will work if your ticket was issued with AA miles.
You can ask the question in this master thread:
Covid-19: Book with Confidence QR Policy
Sep 3, 2020, 5:30 pm
#1302
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
I think you are asking about Qatar's "Book with Confidence" Policy.
I am not sure if that will work if your ticket was issued with AA miles.
You can ask the question in this master thread:
Covid-19: Book with Confidence QR Policy
I am not sure if that will work if your ticket was issued with AA miles.
You can ask the question in this master thread:
Covid-19: Book with Confidence QR Policy
Sep 3, 2020, 8:23 pm
#1303
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Looking to book a PHL - DOH - SIN to fly in the next couple of months but similar to miss_travel, can only find award space on the return leg: SIN - DOH (40K) and DOH - PHL (70K). When I called, agent mentioned it's because I'm forcing over Atlantic which is a longer distance (vs. Pacific). Any way around this to book as 1 segment or do I have no choice and need to book 2 segments?
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
To my understanding, the QR Book with Confidence policy only applies to tickets issued by QR. If you book QR flights with AA, then any changes will be up to AA to make. For making voluntary changes on an award itinerary, the QR and AA policies are effectively the same: there will be no change fee, but you need original booking inventory on the new flights. For that reason, you're better off booking what you want from the start, as the cost in AA miles will be the same and you'll need award inventory anyway.
Sep 3, 2020, 11:19 pm
#1304
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,042
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and advice!
Bummer that AA will price it as 2 separate awards but I guess that's just how it is. Good to hear that QR is good on checking it through but I too have similar concerns if the separate ticket would hold as well, due to no visitors in DOH right now. Will look at going through Japan or Hong Kong in that case and do it as a single ticket/award.
Yup, aware of SIN restrictions but I'm cleared so just a matter of finding the appropriate flights.
Bummer that AA will price it as 2 separate awards but I guess that's just how it is. Good to hear that QR is good on checking it through but I too have similar concerns if the separate ticket would hold as well, due to no visitors in DOH right now. Will look at going through Japan or Hong Kong in that case and do it as a single ticket/award.
Yup, aware of SIN restrictions but I'm cleared so just a matter of finding the appropriate flights.
Looking to book a PHL - DOH - SIN to fly in the next couple of months but similar to miss_travel, can only find award space on the return leg: SIN - DOH (40K) and DOH - PHL (70K). When I called, agent mentioned it's because I'm forcing over Atlantic which is a longer distance (vs. Pacific). Any way around this to book as 1 segment or do I have no choice and need to book 2 segments?
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
Alternatively, I was thinking of book the PHL - DOH - PHL with miles and just buy Y ticket for DOH - SIN - DOH but considering they would be separate tickets, would I be allowed to fly? Would I need to re-check bags in DOH when I land or could QR forward them on, even though on separate bookings?
Sorry for the multiple questions, first time doing a partner airline mileage redemption and appreciate all the help!
As far as baggage and BPs, QR will check you in across tickets. They will treat you as if your destination on 2nd ticket was your destination on the 1st. (Thus they'll treat you as connecting at DOH, not arriving)
If you have a flight on AA as your first flight (ie domestic flight to PHL), AA only checks when on one ticket or on separate only when there's a request due to medical issue. (Meaning involving right under ACA to require a policy accommodation)
Sep 4, 2020, 6:34 am
#1305
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Just to clarify, it is no problem to book PHL-DOH-SIN as one ticket using AA miles however it will price as 2 awards.
You have to use multi city to book it, but once booked it will all be the same PNR/ticket, so no issues with checking bags through or anything like that.
Essentially PHL-DOH-SIN will cost 70k+40k as mentioned above, vs. just 70k all the way to SIN if you go via the Pacific on a single award.
You have to use multi city to book it, but once booked it will all be the same PNR/ticket, so no issues with checking bags through or anything like that.
Essentially PHL-DOH-SIN will cost 70k+40k as mentioned above, vs. just 70k all the way to SIN if you go via the Pacific on a single award.