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)
Mar 16, 2018, 10:31 am
#136
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,663
Anyone having trouble to get QR crediting flights? It's been almost a month now and still nothing. Submitted a missing miles request about 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. Called EXP desk but the response is (unsurprisingly) to wait for 30 days. Any tips on expediting the process?
Mar 16, 2018, 12:35 pm
#137
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 805
I'm seeing hardly anything available on QR, what's the next best way to get to South Africa from the States?
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
Mar 16, 2018, 1:38 pm
#138
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
I'm seeing hardly anything available on QR, what's the next best way to get to South Africa from the States?
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
Mar 16, 2018, 1:39 pm
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,459
I'm seeing hardly anything available on QR, what's the next best way to get to South Africa from the States?
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
For example, using only BA for an F award JFK-LHR-JNB comes with a nauseating $854 in taxes/fees. But if you use AA for the JFK-LHR flight, that drops to $376. And BA F is certainly not worth $500 more than AA F for that 6 hr flight.
Mar 16, 2018, 2:00 pm
#140
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,122
I'm seeing hardly anything available on QR, what's the next best way to get to South Africa from the States?
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
Last edited by cheltzel; Mar 16, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Mar 16, 2018, 3:22 pm
#141
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: US, HH
Posts: 895
Anyone having trouble to get QR crediting flights? It's been almost a month now and still nothing. Submitted a missing miles request about 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. Called EXP desk but the response is (unsurprisingly) to wait for 30 days. Any tips on expediting the process?
Mar 16, 2018, 4:57 pm
#142
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Anyone having trouble to get QR crediting flights? It's been almost a month now and still nothing. Submitted a missing miles request about 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. Called EXP desk but the response is (unsurprisingly) to wait for 30 days. Any tips on expediting the process?
I'm seeing hardly anything available on QR, what's the next best way to get to South Africa from the States?
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
I was looking at BA redemptions, 120k for First and a large co-pay. I've never flown with them so it'd be neat to experience a classic 747 in the nose and an a380 but I'm not sure.
If you have the miles for it (these would all be two awards), I'd fly EY F to AUH and then connect in J to South Africa. Or use QR in J. Or CX via HKG.
Mar 16, 2018, 6:12 pm
#143
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ORD/MKE
Programs: UA General Member, AA Gold, SPG (Bonvoy) Gold; IHG Plat. Ambassador
Posts: 399
Just book one stop to DOH on QR through PHL. Thinking about changing that to Boston so I avoid the old US Airways 737 first. I’d love to find non-stop availability from ORD >DOH for my flight beginning of April but I don’t think that will happen. Flying from Chicago, looks like Qsuites start on April one, probably why there is no non-stop availability.
Anybody with any knowledge know whether they will open up business seats closer to departure here? The loads look fairly low.
Anybody with any knowledge know whether they will open up business seats closer to departure here? The loads look fairly low.
Mar 16, 2018, 11:26 pm
#144
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: SYD
Programs: QR Platinum (OWE) / BA GOLD (OWE)/ CI Emerald (ST E+)/ SQ PPS (*G)
Posts: 75
Thanks for the tip, I called and offered to send my boarding passes and ticket receipt. I'm in a similar situation (but with only 1/4 segment credited)... I wonder if contacting QR would help (since it's most likely their fault). BTW How long did you have to wait?
Mar 17, 2018, 8:01 am
#145
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,459
Just book one stop to DOH on QR through PHL. Thinking about changing that to Boston so I avoid the old US Airways 737 first. I’d love to find non-stop availability from ORD >DOH for my flight beginning of April but I don’t think that will happen. Flying from Chicago, looks like Qsuites start on April one, probably why there is no non-stop availability.
Anybody with any knowledge know whether they will open up business seats closer to departure here? The loads look fairly low.
Anybody with any knowledge know whether they will open up business seats closer to departure here? The loads look fairly low.
In any case, ORD-PHL-DOH will be a MUCH easier connection than ORD-BOS-DOH. Connecting in BOS will require you to exit landside from your AA flight, walk or take the bus over to Terminal E, and re-clear security there.
Mar 17, 2018, 8:02 am
#146
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 805
While BA F is nothing to write home about, if you've never flown row 1 on a 747 it's worth doing, as it's fun to be able to see essentially forward while flying. However, be aware that BA won't allocate row 1 in advance except to OneWorld Emeralds. 1A and 1K are quite close to each other, so it's best to fly with a friend, but unless both are OW Emerald it's risky.
If you have the miles for it (these would all be two awards), I'd fly EY F to AUH and then connect in J to South Africa. Or use QR in J. Or CX via HKG.
If you have the miles for it (these would all be two awards), I'd fly EY F to AUH and then connect in J to South Africa. Or use QR in J. Or CX via HKG.
The BA surcharges seem to be lower than I remembered, just over $500 for JNB-IAD in F. I'd be willing to do that to kick the F on the 747 and a380 off the bucket list, plus I've never done BA long haul which is a staple of av history, even if they've fallen behind in the past decade.
Thanks for the tips, I'm getting excited now.
Mar 17, 2018, 8:18 am
#147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,459
Those are all great ideas, they actually triggered me to check Singapore award availability from the US-JNB which is only 102k points in J.
The BA surcharges seem to be lower than I remembered, just over $500 for JNB-IAD in F. I'd be willing to do that to kick the F on the 747 and a380 off the bucket list, plus I've never done BA long haul which is a staple of av history, even if they've fallen behind in the past decade.
Thanks for the tips, I'm getting excited now.
The BA surcharges seem to be lower than I remembered, just over $500 for JNB-IAD in F. I'd be willing to do that to kick the F on the 747 and a380 off the bucket list, plus I've never done BA long haul which is a staple of av history, even if they've fallen behind in the past decade.
Thanks for the tips, I'm getting excited now.
Mar 17, 2018, 8:06 pm
#148
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ORD/MKE
Programs: UA General Member, AA Gold, SPG (Bonvoy) Gold; IHG Plat. Ambassador
Posts: 399
There are no old US Airways 737's flying and there haven't been for years.
In any case, ORD-PHL-DOH will be a MUCH easier connection than ORD-BOS-DOH. Connecting in BOS will require you to exit landside from your AA flight, walk or take the bus over to Terminal E, and re-clear security there.
In any case, ORD-PHL-DOH will be a MUCH easier connection than ORD-BOS-DOH. Connecting in BOS will require you to exit landside from your AA flight, walk or take the bus over to Terminal E, and re-clear security there.
THanks.
Mar 19, 2018, 8:18 am
#149
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,015
QR to AA JFK Vs IAH
Hello, I have a question about transferring from QR International arrival to AA domestic -
Assume the following: Yes for Global entry; Yes for checked baggage ; Separate tickets (Not sure if bags will be interlined to AA);
Connect time = approx. 120 minutes.
In this case, which is easier? IAH (Houston Bush) Versus JFK New York?
I have absolutely zero experience with JFK.
I have transferred at IAH....but only with Star Alliance / UA.... ...UA re-check is of course easy at IAH...as they have a huge presence.
Unsure whether IAH or JFK will be easier in terms of Re-checking luggage without much hauling around.....
I want to say that IAH should be easier for actually changing terminals (due to familiarity).
Thoughts? Thank you in advance.
Assume the following: Yes for Global entry; Yes for checked baggage ; Separate tickets (Not sure if bags will be interlined to AA);
Connect time = approx. 120 minutes.
In this case, which is easier? IAH (Houston Bush) Versus JFK New York?
I have absolutely zero experience with JFK.
I have transferred at IAH....but only with Star Alliance / UA.... ...UA re-check is of course easy at IAH...as they have a huge presence.
Unsure whether IAH or JFK will be easier in terms of Re-checking luggage without much hauling around.....
I want to say that IAH should be easier for actually changing terminals (due to familiarity).
Thoughts? Thank you in advance.
Mar 19, 2018, 8:49 am
#150
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,459
Hello, I have a question about transferring from QR International arrival to AA domestic -
Assume the following: Yes for Global entry; Yes for checked baggage ; Separate tickets (Not sure if bags will be interlined to AA);
Connect time = approx. 120 minutes.
In this case, which is easier? IAH (Houston Bush) Versus JFK New York?
I have absolutely zero experience with JFK.
I have transferred at IAH....but only with Star Alliance / UA.... ...UA re-check is of course easy at IAH...as they have a huge presence.
Unsure whether IAH or JFK will be easier in terms of Re-checking luggage without much hauling around.....
I want to say that IAH should be easier for actually changing terminals (due to familiarity).
Thoughts? Thank you in advance.
Assume the following: Yes for Global entry; Yes for checked baggage ; Separate tickets (Not sure if bags will be interlined to AA);
Connect time = approx. 120 minutes.
In this case, which is easier? IAH (Houston Bush) Versus JFK New York?
I have absolutely zero experience with JFK.
I have transferred at IAH....but only with Star Alliance / UA.... ...UA re-check is of course easy at IAH...as they have a huge presence.
Unsure whether IAH or JFK will be easier in terms of Re-checking luggage without much hauling around.....
I want to say that IAH should be easier for actually changing terminals (due to familiarity).
Thoughts? Thank you in advance.
If you're on the mid afternoon arrival (77W), then JFK will be much easier. This flight arrives into T8 at JFK, same terminal AA uses. There will be an AA baggage re-check desk immediately after customs and immigration, you can drop your bag there, then proceed upstairs through security to your AA flight.
The early morning QR flight (359) arrives into T7 at JFK. So after customs and immigration, you'll have to go outside and up to the AirTrain and take it one stop over to T8, where you can check in for your AA flight.
At IAH, QR uses Terminal D and AA uses Terminal A. Basically the same as the T7 arrival into JFK above, after you clear formalities you take the subway train over to Term. A and check in with AA.
Where is your final destination? I'd probably go with JFK either way, the connection will either be much easier or about the same, and you can use the nicer Flagship Lounge as well, especially if a shower is on your agenda.