Free elite status, inflight Wi-Fi and more: Why you’ll want to join Qatar Airways’ membership program for students
Qatar Airways has a membership program exclusively for students. Dubbed Student Club, the program offers students many benefits, ranging from special fares to excess baggage allowance, greater ticket flexibility, complimentary high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, free elite status as a graduation gift and more.
Despite Qatar Airways being based in the Middle East, the program is available to students worldwide. Here's everything you need to know about Qatar Airways' Student Club.
How to join Qatar Airways' Student Club
Student Club is free to students worldwide. The only major requirement is that you are pursuing a higher education academic degree (defined as "any of several titles conferred by colleges and /or universities to indicate the completion of a course of study or the extent of academic achievement") between the ages of 18 and 30.
The program operates as a subset of Qatar Airways' Privilege Club loyalty program, so if you join, you'll still earn Avios.
Joining is very easy and is done through Qatar Airways' website. You could even sign in using a social media account. You must provide your college or university's name and location, your expected graduation date and a photo of your student ID or joining letter. The maximum duration for membership in the program is seven years.
Related: Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
Qatar Airways Student Club benefits
As a member of the Qatar Airways Student Club, you'll enjoy several exclusive benefits that will help you save money and make your travel experiences more enjoyable. For starters, you'll get access to special fares on flights. You'll get a 10% promo code when you join, 15% off after your first trip and 20% off after your second and third trips.
Plus, student fares offer increased flexibility, including one free date change per ticket.
Once it's time to travel, base-level members can bring an additional 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) or one more piece of checked baggage, depending on the route. Then, on board, you'll get complimentary access to Qatar Airways' high-speed Wi-Fi (as long as you booked your flight directly with the airline).
Related: Credit cards that offer free and discounted inflight Wi-Fi
Perhaps the most valuable benefit of the program comes when you graduate. As a "graduation gift," you'll get a Privilege Club tier upgrade so long as you've flown at least one paid round-trip journey per year as a Student Club member. So, if you don't already have status with the airline, you'll get free Silver elite status, unlocking perks like excess baggage allowance and lounge access.
If you're already a top-tier Platinum member, your status will be extended for another year.
Student Club also offers a companion pass, where members can select up to three accompanying family members and friends to share the fare discount and free date change benefits on one nominated trip they take together.
Other benefits available to students
Qatar Airways is one of several airlines that are marketing to younger travelers. For instance, through at least Sept. 30, United Airlines MileagePlus members between the ages of 18 and 23 can save 5% on flights booked through United's mobile app. Additionally, airlines like Air Canada and Lufthansa have loyalty programs for kids.
Related: Best credit cards for college students
Bottom line
Qatar Airways' Student Club program offers valuable benefits and is free to join, so there's no reason not to take advantage if you're studying and looking to travel.
Although most perks are for travel on Qatar Airways, the free elite status could benefit you on partner airlines like American Airlines and British Airways.
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