Qatar Airways launches ‘basic’ business class fares
Many airlines around the world have been offering "basic" economy fares for several years now. Unfortunately, some airlines have begun capitalizing on a new trend of offering basic business-class fares.
Qatar Airways is the latest airline to introduce basic business-class fares. The new unbundled fares don't include lounge access or advance seat selection, as first discovered by Executive Traveller.
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Qatar's new business-class fare
Qatar Airways has begun selling unbundled business-class fares in most markets, including flights from the U.S. to the Middle East. Based on our initial searches, the new fares don't actually appear cheaper than what you would have expected to pay previously. Instead, they lack some key services and amenities that used to be free
"Classic" business class fares on Qatar Airways no longer include advance seat selection or complimentary lounge access. The fares still include the usual checked baggage allowance, free stopovers, earn miles and can be changed or canceled. However, depending on the program you credit to, you may earn less miles than other business class fares and pay a higher cancellation fee. (Note, Qatar is free changes for all new bookings made through Dec. 31, 2020.)
The new restrictions only apply to business-class tickets booking into the "R" fare class. Business-class award tickets book into the "U" class so they are unaffected.
Related: How to book Qatar Airways flights with points and miles
While you'll need to pull up your reservation on Qatar's website to see the price, you will be able to purchase access to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. Unlike many basic economy products, which typically allow advance seat selection for a fee, it appears that this fare does not offer any advance seat selection at all. This is especially bad news for groups that would want to reserve a "quad" in the Qsuite cabin.
Oneworld Sapphire (i.e. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum) and Emerald members (i.e. AAdvantage Executive Platinum) members will continue to get complimentary lounge access regardless of their tickets as a part of their elite benefits — albeit to Qatar's lounges specifically for Oneworld elites, not the Al Mourjan lounge.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Other airlines that offer 'basic' business class
Qatar is not the only airline to offer unbundled business-class fares. In June of 2019, Emirates introduced "special" business-class fares that exclude advance seat selection, chauffeur service and lounge access (unless you get it as a part of your elite status). Several other airlines, such as Finnair and ZIPAIR have since followed suit. Lufthansa also plans to differentiate its business-class products once it takes delivery of its 777X aircraft.
Related: Comparing Emirates’ special business class fare and basic economy
Bottom line
Unbundled business-class fares are unfortunately becoming increasingly popular. These fares aren't priced lower than business-class fares were in the past, so you'll now need to pay more for perks that used to be included. On the bright side, award tickets are unaffected.
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.