Act fast: Qatar Qsuite award availability for 54K Amex points as it adds a 3rd DOH-to-JFK frequency
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Qatar Airways has added a third daily flight between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH), and in doing so, the airline has released rare Qsuite award space, as View from the Wing reported.
The award space is going fast, but if you find it, this flight costs 70,000 British Airways Avios plus around $100 in taxes and fees per person. However, those with American Express Membership Rewards points can take advantage of the 30% transfer bonus between the two programs through the end of the month, allowing you to book this flight for just 54,000 Amex points plus taxes and fees.
With such an appealing redemption, booking a positioning flight could be worthwhile if you're not based in the New York City area.
The deal
Airline: Qatar Airways
Routes: To and from JFK and DOH
Cost: From 70,000 British Airways Avios plus $103.25 taxes and fees
Dates: December 2023 through February 2024
Pay taxes/fees with: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or with American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel) for travel protections on the award flight
You can also leverage the award space to book a connecting flight from Doha. There are flights to Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore, Pakistan, for 80,000 Avios (62,000 Amex points) for the one-way business-class flight.
Also, longer South Asia routes to Cochin International Airport (COK), Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) cost 85,000 Avios (66,000 Amex points) for one-way business-class flights.
Related: Close to perfect: Qatar Qsuite on a 777-300ER from Doha to New York
Can you book these flights with American Airlines miles?
For the last couple of months, U.S. Qsuite award space has nearly disappeared from AA.com. As expected, our test searches didn't show the same Qsuite award space British Airways has for the third Qatar frequency from JFK to DOH.
We recommend contacting American's phone representatives if you want to redeem American miles for the Qsuite.
In the meantime, these cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to British Airways Avios:
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- The Platinum Card from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offer vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
As a reminder, you can initiate reciprocal transfers from British Airways Avios to Qatar Airways Avios for free. If possible, compare prices with both programs before booking. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best possible deal.
Related: American Airlines canceled our Qsuite award tickets. Now what?
Maximize your purchase
Make sure to pay award taxes and fees with a card that earns bonus points on airfare and offers travel protections. Some cards that fit the bill include The Platinum Card from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
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- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
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- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
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