In May 2018, Qatar Airways had massively devaluated its frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, overnight without any warning. Some award flights even became twice as expensive. This step has now, again overnight and without any warning, been reversed. Additionally, Qatar Airways is also waving the booking fee it had introduced in March 2018, which currently makes Privilege Club award flights very attractive. Sadly, it is unknown if this change is permanent or only temporary.
Examples
A oneway economy class award flight from London to Bangkok via Doha used to cost 37,500 Qmiles until May 2018 and then the price increased to 62,750 Qmiles (= 60% surcharge). Now, the “price” has fallen back to 37,500 miles without a booking fee being charged.
For a business class roundtrip from Rome to Colombo, Sri Lanka via Doha, you had to pay 197,000 Qmiles + €286 in taxes, fees, & surcharges since May 2018. In June, the fees had been more than halfed to €112 and now you only need to redeem 130,000 Qmiles. 34% less!
Conclusion
These changes really are positive, but once again happened overnight and without a prior announcement. It is thus very possible that this step will be reversed after the Corona crisis. This behavior by Qatar Airways is surely not encouraging long-term loyalty by its passengers.
Currently, however, this offers a very interesting option to redeem one’s earnt Qmiles. Especially, as the otherwise expensive fees are not being charged.
Sources: Flyertalk / Meilenoptimieren