It is still impossible to think about travelling the way we were used to just a mere months ago. But a bona fide status match is always welcome, at any time. Especially, if the matched status comes with a renown airline, that is a member of the big three alliances. Qatar Airways Privilege Club currently offers exactly that opportunity – to gain a frequent flyer status without doing much.
Update 1: Qatar Airways has extended the offer by two days, but reduced the number of programs they are willing to match to:
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- Turkish Airlines
Update 2: The airline keeps pushing back the expiration date. It is now valid until May 27, 2020.
Another restriction comes with the programs that Qatar Airways is willing to match. You can only gain a Privilege Club status if you are currently holding a status with one of the following airlines:
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- Turkish Airlines
Virgin Australia
Sadly, there is no information regarding which tier you need to get matched. Qatar Airways just states that top tier members are eligible – which suggests that you need the highest tier possible in your current program to get matched. But this may not be the case, as QR offers its own Silver status as a possible outcome. This on the other hands indicates that lower tiers will be matched, as well. There sadly is no better way than trying.
What we do know is that your new Privilege Club status will be valid for 12 months. If you’d like to add another 12 months on top, there is good news: Qatar Airways has lowered the requirements of re-qualification for this match:
Procedure
Time needed: 15 minutes
The already stated restrictions apply. Besides that, the match does not seem too complicated.
- Register at Qatar Airways Privilege Club
You need to open an account on Qatar’s Privilege Club first, if you don’t have one already. This can be done quickly here on Qatar Airways’ website.
- Gather essential documents
You may know this from other status matches – you need to prove that you have a frequent flyer tier in another program. Qatar Airways wants a scan of your membership card and a picture of your account with activities over the last two months.
- Write an E-mail and request a match
Now it is time to request the match. Write an e-mail to statusmatch@qmiles.com and request a change to your current Privilege Club status. You need to attach your Privilege Club membership number and the scans from step 2. The subject should be Privilege Club Status Match.
- Wait for an answer
Now you need to wait for your status match. Qatar Airways promises to answer within ten working days after receiving your e-mail.
You already applied and got feedback from Qatar Airways? Tell us about it in the comments!
Perks of Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Privilege Club Silver
- Oneworld Ruby: Business Class Check-In, Priority seating and wait list priority on all Oneworld flights
- 25% bonus miles
- Priority check-in and priority Boarding
- 10 kg of additional free luggage
- Lounge access for status holder
- 2 free vouchers for lounge access at Hamad International Airport in Doha
- Preferred seating
Privilege Club Gold
- Oneworld Sapphire: All Ruby perks + lounge access and priority boarding on all Oneworld flights
- 75% bonus miles
- Priority check-in and priority boarding
- Lounge access for status holder and a companion
- 15 kg or one piece of additional free luggage
- 4 free vouchers for lounge access at Hamad International Airport in Doha
- Al Maha Service at Hamad International Airport for status holder and a companion
- Guaranteed seat in Economy Class for revenue tickets
- Preferred seating
Privilege Club Platinum
- Oneworld Emerald
- 100% bonus miles
- Priority check-in and priority boarding
- First Class lounge access for status holder and two companions on QR-flights (one companion with other Oneworld members)
- 20 kg or one piece of additional free luggage
- 5 free vouchers for lounge access at Hamad International Airport in Doha
- Al Maha Service at Hamad International Airport for status holder and two companions
- Guaranteed seat in Economy Class for revenue tickets
- Preferred seating
Bottom Line
This status match is a bit of a mess. The expiration date is already tomorrow, the list of matched programs is short and kind of random – and to demand an activity with any frequent flyer program within the last two months is downright ridiculous. Still, it is completely free and therefore worth a shot as the reward is pretty awesome.
Thanks to our source YHBU!
Cover Picture: © Qatar Airways