Check your American Express credit cards for a new Amex Offer that can save you $200 on Qatar flights booked through Amex Travel. You can find this offer in your Amex consumer and business credit cards. Check out the full details of the offer below.
Offer Details
Earn a one-time $200 statement credit after using your enrolled eligible Card to spend a minimum of $850 in one or more purchases on Qatar Airways flight tickets purchased directly through Amex Travel by 12/31/2025.
Offer and availability may vary by cardholder. Just login to your American Express account(s) to see if you are eligible to add this offer to your card(s).
Important Terms
Offer valid only for Qatar Airways flight tickets purchased directly through American Express Travel®, online at AmexTravel.com, or the Amex Travel App™.
Qatar Airways flight tickets purchased directly with Qatar Airways are excluded.
Excludes all other types of American Express Travel bookings or purchases not listed as eligible.
Not valid for flight + hotel packages.
About Amex Offers
Amex Offers are an extra perk on all American Express credit cards, charge cards, and even prepaid cards. You can see these offers in your accounts either as a statement credit or extra Membership Rewards points for spending a certain amount at an eligible merchant. You will need to add the offer to a specific card, and then use that card to get the credit. Here are a few things you should know:
Guru’s Wrap-up
This is a good offer, but it is targeted. Check your accounts and add it now if you find it and think you might use it. Just keep in mind that you need to book through Amex Travel by 12/31 in order to trigger the credit.
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Kenya Airways’ chief operating officer said the airline was looking to deepen international partnerships as part of its growth plans.
Speaking at an aviation event in Kigali, George Kamal said Kenya Airways — the fourth-largest airline on the continent by available seats and miles covered — is partnering with Qatar Airways to increase its number of flights to and from Doha, Aviation Week Network reported. The Kenyan airline is looking for additional partners in West and southern Africa after a deal with South African Airways fell through earlier this month.
Cooperation within Africa’s airspace remains a long-term challenge. Airlines must adhere to national restrictions, which limit commercial flights between their home nation and other countries. The result is that a large number of airlines rely on foreign operators and connections in hubs like Paris, Doha, and Istanbul for intra-African journeys as well as for the upkeep of their fleet.
A chart showing the total passenger capacity for flights starting in Africa, by destination, for Sept. 2024.
Qatar Airways Will Move to JFK Terminal One and Open New Premium Lounge
Qatar Airways has selected The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as its new home in New York.
The airline will start operations at the new terminal in 2026 and it will also unveil a premium, 15,000-square-foot Qatar Airways lounge, the airline’s first dedicated lounge in both New York City and the United States.
The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new roadway network. The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking.
Qatar Airways launched operations in New York in 2008 at Terminal 8 at JFK Airport. The airline’s network in the US spans 11 destinations to serve more than 3 million passengers annually.
Offering efficient direct access to the boarding gate from Qatar Airways’ exclusive lounge, the new facility will provide an elevated experience featuring premium food and beverage options and amenities such as VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and more.
The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK’s south side. Construction is taking place in phases with full completion in 2030. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion in 2030, the New Terminal One, with a total of 23 gates, will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined.
Twelve people were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday.Video above: Man dies after turbulence on Singapore Air jetThe flight, which landed in Dublin shortly before 1 p.m. local time, was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department.According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR107 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said.Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The plane’s return flight to Doha, flight QR018, is scheduled to go ahead as expected, though its departure will be delayed, the airport said.In a statement to CNN, Qatar Airways said that the flight landed safely in Dublin, but that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.”“The matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” the statement continued. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.”It comes days after 104 passengers were injured and a man with a heart condition was killed on a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit with severe turbulence.Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when the plane dropped sharply before climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. It then repeatedly dipped and ascended for about a minute.Is turbulence on the rise?About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow.Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told CNN in 2022 that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence.“We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades,” Williams said.The findings, which were later confirmed by observations, highlight a type of turbulence called “clear air turbulence,” which isn’t connected to any visual clues such as storms or clouds. Unlike regular turbulence, it hits suddenly and is hard to avoid.CNN previously reported that the Singapore Airlines flight likely encountered rapidly developing thunderstorms, while the airline has said investigations are ongoing. It is not yet known what kind of turbulence the Qatar Airways plane experienced.This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN —
Twelve people were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday.
Video above: Man dies after turbulence on Singapore Air jet
The flight, which landed in Dublin shortly before 1 p.m. local time, was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department.
According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR107 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said.
Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The plane’s return flight to Doha, flight QR018, is scheduled to go ahead as expected, though its departure will be delayed, the airport said.
In a statement to CNN, Qatar Airways said that the flight landed safely in Dublin, but that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.”
“The matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” the statement continued. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.”
It comes days after 104 passengers were injured and a man with a heart condition was killed on a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit with severe turbulence.
Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when the plane dropped sharply before climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. It then repeatedly dipped and ascended for about a minute.
Is turbulence on the rise?
About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow.
Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told CNN in 2022 that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence.
“We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades,” Williams said.
The findings, which were later confirmed by observations, highlight a type of turbulence called “clear air turbulence,” which isn’t connected to any visual clues such as storms or clouds. Unlike regular turbulence, it hits suddenly and is hard to avoid.
CNN previously reported that the Singapore Airlines flight likely encountered rapidly developing thunderstorms, while the airline has said investigations are ongoing. It is not yet known what kind of turbulence the Qatar Airways plane experienced.
Twelve people were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday.Video above: Man dies after turbulence on Singapore Air jetThe flight, which landed in Dublin shortly before 1 p.m. local time, was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department.According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR107 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said.Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The plane’s return flight to Doha, flight QR018, is scheduled to go ahead as expected, though its departure will be delayed, the airport said.In a statement to CNN, Qatar Airways said that the flight landed safely in Dublin, but that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.”“The matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” the statement continued. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.”It comes days after 104 passengers were injured and a man with a heart condition was killed on a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit with severe turbulence.Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when the plane dropped sharply before climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. It then repeatedly dipped and ascended for about a minute.Is turbulence on the rise?About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow.Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told CNN in 2022 that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence.“We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades,” Williams said.The findings, which were later confirmed by observations, highlight a type of turbulence called “clear air turbulence,” which isn’t connected to any visual clues such as storms or clouds. Unlike regular turbulence, it hits suddenly and is hard to avoid.CNN previously reported that the Singapore Airlines flight likely encountered rapidly developing thunderstorms, while the airline has said investigations are ongoing. It is not yet known what kind of turbulence the Qatar Airways plane experienced.This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN —
Twelve people were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday.
Video above: Man dies after turbulence on Singapore Air jet
The flight, which landed in Dublin shortly before 1 p.m. local time, was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department.
According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR107 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said.
Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The plane’s return flight to Doha, flight QR018, is scheduled to go ahead as expected, though its departure will be delayed, the airport said.
In a statement to CNN, Qatar Airways said that the flight landed safely in Dublin, but that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention.”
“The matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” the statement continued. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.”
It comes days after 104 passengers were injured and a man with a heart condition was killed on a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit with severe turbulence.
Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when the plane dropped sharply before climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. It then repeatedly dipped and ascended for about a minute.
Is turbulence on the rise?
About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow.
Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told CNN in 2022 that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence.
“We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades,” Williams said.
The findings, which were later confirmed by observations, highlight a type of turbulence called “clear air turbulence,” which isn’t connected to any visual clues such as storms or clouds. Unlike regular turbulence, it hits suddenly and is hard to avoid.
CNN previously reported that the Singapore Airlines flight likely encountered rapidly developing thunderstorms, while the airline has said investigations are ongoing. It is not yet known what kind of turbulence the Qatar Airways plane experienced.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Credit Cards Coming Soon
Qatar Airways made the switch to Avios last year, and now it will also launch two new credit cards in the United States. Details of the new cards are not revealed yet, but there’s already a dedicated site where you can join the waitlist.
What we do know from that site is that there are possibly two new cards coming. One is a Visa Infinite premium card and the other a Visa Signature card which will likely have no annual fee, or maybe a low fee.
There’s also a bonus for joining the waitlist. You can get up to 10,000 extra Avios, on top of a welcome bonus. The maximum bonus is likely for the Visa Infinite card. See more details here.
This is a roundup of news and other interesting pieces that I’ve come across over the last few days. I thought they are worth sharing so I hope you enjoy reading them.
Booking Cottages.com via Wyndham Rewards
Though not often discussed, Wyndham also has a couple of other vacation rental partners in Cottages.com and Landal Greenparks. Cottages.com presents ample opportunity for very good value for points given that it has long been possible (and will continue to be possible!) to book Cottages.com vacation rentals for 15,000 points per bedroom per night. ➡️ Read more
Quadruple Stack On HBO Max Membership Purchase
There’s currently a quadruple stack on HMO Max annual membership that includes a promotion from MAX, Amex Offer, shopping portals and a 15% discount for Sam’s Club members. ➡️ Read more
Qatar Airways Plans Two New Qsuites Business Class Seats
Qatar Airways is known for its Qsuites business class. This is one of the world’s best business class experiences, between an excellent soft and hard product. Nearly seven years after the product was introduced, it’s available on most long haul aircraft, but not all. What many people don’t realize is that the airline is working on two additional new business class products, and one of these should be unveiled in the coming months. ➡️ Read more
Choice Hotels Bookings at Record Rate of 800% Compared to Last Year due to Eclipse
Choice Hotels has over 400 hotels in the path of the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8 that are being booked at an increased rate of 800% compared to the same date last year. The total eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine. More than 20% of American travelers say they are likely to take a trip to experience next month’s total eclipse. ➡️ Read more
How much money you need to ‘live comfortably’ in major cities
The research revealed that it takes the most money to live comfortably as a single person in New York City, requiring $66.62 in hourly wages, or an annual salary of $138,570. That’s more than $63,000 needed to sustain comfort in Houston, Texas, the lowest-ranking city on the list. New York’s also one of six U.S. cities where a family must make over $300k to raise two kids comfortably: $318,406, to be exact. ➡️ Read more
Nearly 1,000 Family Dollar stores are closing
Dollar Tree announced it will close nearly 1,000 of its Family Dollar stores after the stores experienced a significant underperformance in 2023, according to the press release by the company. During the fourth quarter of 2023, Dollar Tree underwent a review of its stores performance to identify locations to close, relocate or re-banner, the company said. ➡️ Read more
Guru’s Wrap-up
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Modern aircraft, comfortable seats and unflappably pleasant flight attendants.
These are factors many rankings consider in determining the world’s best airlines.
But they overlook a crucial element, according to the passenger rights company AirHelp— how airlines treat customers when problems occur.
“We believe that an airline should be assessed not just by how they treat their passengers during business as usual, but also by the consideration they show customers when things go wrong,” the report stated.
To compile its annual “AirHelp Score,” the organization evaluated 83 airlines based on punctuality, customer opinions, and how efficiently they handle customers’ compensation claims.
Each factor was weighted equally in the scoring, said Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO at AirHelp.
The 10 lowest-scoring airlines on AirHelp’s 2023 list are:
1. Tunisair – 4.12
2. British Airways – 5.03
3. Frontier Airlines and Pegasus Airlines – 5.18 (tie)
5. Czech Airlines – 5.20
6. Air Canada – 5.68
7. Spirit – 5.69
8. TAROM and Azores Airlines – 5.71 (tie)
10. Air Austral – 5.77
Qatar Airways has topped every “AirHelp Score” ranking since 2015 — but one. In 2016, the Doha-based airline fell to No. 2, behind Singapore Airlines. In 2022, it tied for the No. 1. spot with Etihad Airways, Pawliszyn told CNBC Travel.
The 2023 full list can be found at AirHelp’s website.
The five airlines that scored the highest on compensation claim processing alone — which evaluates how airlines handle claims (“Do they ignore or wrongfully reject claims?”) as well as response and payout times, are:
China Airlines and Brussels Airlines – 8.2 (tie)
United Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and airBaltic – 8.1 (tie)
Stranded passengers crowd an airline counter at Changshui International Airport in Kunming, China on Jan. 4, 2013.
Str | Afp | Getty Images
Those faring the worst in terms of claims resolution are:
British Airways – 1
Gulf Air – 1.4
Czech Airlines, Aircalin and Vietnam Airlines – 1.7 (tie)
British Airways may have placed last as a result of being understaffed, said Pawliszyn.
“As one of the largest and most popular airlines, they probably handle a large load of claims,” he said.
In response to CNBC Travel’s request for comment, British Airways stated: “We’re working hard to improve our response times … We’ve recruited an extra 1,500 new colleagues to help and introduced new automated technology to resolve easier claims faster, with the vast majority of cases resolved within seven weeks.
The airline added that more than half of outstanding cases relate to EU compensation claims which take time, due to checks that must be performed.
Top airlines in other categories
Highest on-time scores: Eurowings and Oman Air
Highest customer review scores: All Nippon Airways, Garuda Indonesia and Emirates
Singapore Airlines, which tops most major airline rankings, came in at No. 26 on the list, dragged down by a claim processing score of 5.4. Another highly regarded airline, Emirates, ranked No. 24 on the list for the same reason.
AirHelp told CNBC it uses its own data to monitor how well airlines process customer claims for compensation.
The organization “helps passengers claim compensation following delayed or cancelled flights under several international air passenger rights regulations including EC 261 in Europe and ANAC 400 in Brazil,” he said.
“Examples where a passenger may be able to make a claim are flights on a European airline where the passenger arrived over three hours late at their destination, or a flight that was canceled by the airline less than two weeks before departure.”
He said claims processing is critical because it directly impacts passenger satisfaction and an airline’s overall operational efficiency.
“Swift resolutions over claims like lost baggage, flight disruptions, or other inconveniences could prevent passengers from selecting another airline for their future travel plans,” said Pawliszyn. “It’s crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and customer loyalty.”
Dream of embarking on a sweet escape? You can make your wish come true by spending Avios with our partner, JetBlue.
Simply book your award flight with JetBlue on qatarairways.com or our mobile app. Then you’ll be all set to reach more destinations with your Avios.
Explore many picturesque locations across the United States of America and the Caribbean. You can also enjoy direct flights with JetBlue from the United States of America to London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Qatar Airways recently adopted Avios as its loyalty program currency. Avios is the currency used by British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, Iberia Plus and Vueling Club. You can easily move Avios between these programs, and now you can also use them to book JetBlue flights.
This can be a good opportunity to use Avios for JetBlue’s popular Mint product for transcontinental and transatlantic travel. That would cost you 38,750 and 62,000 miles respectively for one-way. But we also see occasional transfer bonuses for Avios, which would make that an even better deal.
You can redeem your Qatar Avios here, and One Mile at a Time has more information about the process.
LONG BEACH, Calif., September 21, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) honored Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, as the recipient of the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday, Sept. 20, during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony at APEX/IFSA Global EXPO. This award recognizes industry leaders and their long-term efforts, commitment, and dedication to the enhancement of the passenger experience. APEX celebrates leadership visionaries who not only elevate their own brand, but also inspire progress across the aviation landscape.
“As only the sixth-ever APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement winner in our five-decade history, we salute His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, the driving force behind Qatar Airways’ meteoric rise from its inception to a global aviation titan. His relentless pursuit of excellence has ushered in groundbreaking in-flight entertainment, the revolutionary Qsuite experience, which ignited a competitive surge among global airlines in business class luxury, and a service quality that transcends the conventional five-star rating to achieve an APEX World Class status. His legacy epitomizes the power of dedication, innovation, and fervor in sculpting an unparalleled airline customer journey,” said Dr. Joe Leader, APEX CEO.
Under H.E. Mr. Al Baker’s visionary leadership, Qatar Airways has consistently set industry benchmarks and inspired global trends, including:
Innovation in Passenger Comfort: The introduction of the Qsuite, which helped spark a trend of suite doors in business class across leading global airlines.
World-Class In-Flight Entertainment: Offering one of the world’s most extensive in-flight entertainment libraries, prompting airlines worldwide to further enhance their onboard content portfolios.
Pandemic Response and Health Measures: Maintaining the most global connectivity during the pandemic and instituting gold-standard health-check procedures, influencing airlines globally to elevate their health and safety measures.
Customer-Centric Approach: Achieving global acclaim, Qatar Airways showcases a service ethos that prioritizes travelers’ needs and desires, setting a gold standard in passenger satisfaction.
Diverse Culinary Offerings: In the realm of aviation gastronomy, Qatar Airways has set culinary trends with its gourmet in-flight dining. Collaborations with renowned chefs have further elevated its onboard menu offerings.
Seamless Connectivity and Network Expansion: With its strategic vision, Qatar Airways has crafted a blueprint for global connectivity, optimizing flight routes and ensuring passengers experience minimal layover times. For extended layovers, the airline fostered national innovations, making a stopover in Qatar seamless for its travelers.
Personalized Services for Diverse Accessibility Needs: Qatar’s flagship carrier stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity, offering tailored services that cater to the diverse needs of its global clientele requiring accessibility services.
Pioneering In-Flight Connectivity: Leading the charge in technological advancements, Qatar Airways generously offers complimentary connectivity packages to its loyal passengers, raising the bar for in-flight digital experiences.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the CEO Lifetime Achievement Award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association. Over the last decades, Qatar Airways has grown to become one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the industry, synonymous with customer service quality and luxury. It is owing to the dedication of our employees across the world that our award-winning airline continues to outperform at the top level of our industry. I would like to thank the APEX team for their recognition and hope to continue surpassing all expectations for Qatar Airways in the years to come.”
During the event, H.E. Mr. Al Baker also accepted the airline’s 2024 APEX World Class Award, a step beyond APEX Five Stars, voted exclusively by passengers. In addition, the airline secured the APEX Award for Best Entertainment in the Middle East, as well as the APEX Award for Global Best Food & Beverage. The latter honor is based solely on verified and certified passenger feedback.
About the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)
As a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations, APEX advances passenger experience with the backing of nearly every major airline and valued supplier over the past five decades. In conjunction with both the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. APEX reinvests all its resources to serving its members, strengthening the worldwide airline industry, advancing thought-leadership, fostering business opportunities via events, developing global initiatives, setting key airline standards, and highlighting well-deserved recognition across our industry.
About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the “World’s Best Business Class” for the 10th time at the 2023 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization Skytrax. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class Lounge and World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining at the prestigious awards held during the 2023 Paris Air Show. Qatar Airways is an unprecedented seven-time winner of the “World’s Best Airline” voted by Skytrax (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 160 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the “World’s Best Airport” in 2021 and 2022, consecutively. This year, Hamad International Airport has been ranked by Skytrax as the second-best airport in the world, and received the “Best Airport in the Middle East” accolade for the ninth time in a row, as well as “World’s Best Airport Shopping.”
Tropical gardens meet luxury shops at Hamad Airport.
State of Qatar Comms
Grand garden designs are all the rage in airports at the moment. Regular travelers may be familiar with Singapore Changi Airport’s Jewel, which opened before the pandemic, while the new terminal at India’s Bengaluru Airport also offers large expanses of greenery.
Possibly outdoing both of them is Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha. Its latest expansion has transformed the terminal into an indoor tropical oasis, complete with a 6,000 square foot water feature and a luxury line-up of branded boutiques in very close proximity that few capital cities could match. All of it just before the FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 20.
Called The Orchard, the 65,000 square foot garden—filled with more than 300 trees and over 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests around the world—sits at the center of the futuristic terminal expansion. Around it on the upper floor, the airport’s retailer, Qatar Duty Free, has managed to attract a roll call of the world’s biggest luxury names in some pretty stunning digital boutiques.
Two of the best are from Louis Vuitton and Fendi, but also present is the first Dior store at HIA, the first Thom Browne store in an airport plus Boss, Bulgari, Burberry, Gucci, Moncler, Montblanc, Omega, Polo Ralph Lauren RL , Tiffany, Zegna and more. A FIFA shop is also present as is the largest Ray-Ban store in an airport.
HIA had been named Skytrax’s world’s best airport for two years running before this latest addition. Together with Qatar Duty Free, both operations are subsidiaries of Qatar Airways Group whose CEO, Akbar Al Baker, said that the airport had grown to become “the ultimate example of a successful, sustainable global facility.” He added: “The environment here speaks for itself; it is unmatched anywhere in the world.”
Well-timed opening
With the FIFA World Cup dogged by controversy, Qatar Airways is ensuring it is on top form during the lead-in to the event, and during it, to avoid more negative commentary. As well as timing the reveal of the new extension and its upscale shopping perfectly, it has also put in place contingencies to cater to the influx of air travelers who, it is hoped, will be a source of significant extra retail revenue in the coming weeks.
A semi-transparent capsule from Louis Vuitton.
State of Qatar Comms
At a press conference on Thursday, Al Baker reminded the media that Qatar’s former lead gateway, Doha International Airport, has been fully activated since September 15. The facility is taking all point-to-point traffic to the city as a way of easing the pressure on HIA. To be doubly sure of no capacity issues, Qatar Airways has “flattened the peak” at the hub by cutting 18 destinations during the period of the tournament.
Al Baker did hold back on the criticism that has come Qatar’s way in recent days, saying: “People cannot accept that a small country like Qatar has won the world’s largest sporting event. Congratulations to my beloved country. This extension mark a milestone in our FIFA journey which we have all been looking forward to for the past 12 years.”
The expansion takes HIA’s capacity up from 40 million passengers to 58 million annually. Future expansions will enable the gateway to handle 75 million travelers and the first phase of those will begin in January 2023 by extending the concourses on either side of The Orchard and which may allow for yet more retail facilities.
Luxury stores overlook lush gardens at Hamad’s new extension.
State of Qatar Comms
These developments, along with the high-end retail offer, reinforce HIA’s position as a global connecting air hub with 150 destinations and growing. The shopping and service elements are also drivers of non-aeronautical revenue, and profitability in particular. Qatar Airways Group does not break out its retail income but in the year ending March 2022, overall sales exceeded the same period to March 2020, while the group swung from a huge loss of over $4 billion in FY21 to a profit of $1.5 billion in FY22.
Prior to opening The Orchard, HIA had just over 430,000 square feet of duty-free and concession space housing more than 90 luxury and accessible stores, as well as more than 30 restaurants and cafés. The expansion project has delivered an additional 126,000 square feet of retail and F&B.
Five Australian women are suing the government of Qatar over forced vaginal exams and other invasive medical procedures at gunpoint at the Doha airport two years ago.
The women are seeking damages from both Qatar Airways and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority — owned by the Qatari government — over the “unlawful physical contact” and damage to their mental health, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The case has been filed just weeks before Qatar’s controversial hosting of the World Cup — a venue decision linked to massive bribes of soccer officials — amid concerns about treatment of female fans who may kiss or have sex with their boyfriends, drink alcohol and wear revealing clothing.
The plaintiffs and several women on a Qatar Airways flight headed to Sydney — including citizens from Australia, New Zealand and Britain —were pulled off the aircraft and subjected to invasive gynecological exams in October 2020 after an abandoned newborn was discovered in an airport bathroom. Abandoned newborns are a problem in the country, which imprisons women who become pregnant out of wedlock.
One of the women, a 33-year-old nurse, told The New York Times that she has not traveled since. “It completely changed me as a person, that day,” she said.
“It seems like they’ve just moved on, they’re not sorry for it,” she added. “They’re going on with their lives normally while we’re all here, quite affected.”
Attorney Damian Sturzaker, partner at the Marque Lawyers firm, which is representing the women who are suing, told the Guardian this week he was “proud to stand with this group of brave women who have been forced to take on the Qatar government after it gravely breached their human rights.”
As of Saturday night, the Qatar government hadn’t yet responded to the suit.
The newborn discovered the day of the searches survived and was turned over to social services. The baby’s mother and father, later tracked down, were both reportedly from “Asian countries,” officials said. In Qatar, that typically means nations in South Asia, a source of a large number of migrant workers in the country. Human rights activists have sharply criticized Qatar not only for its treatment of women, but of migrants as well.
It’s illegal to have sex outside of marriage in the ultraconservative nation, and migrant women who become pregnant out of wedlock risk imprisonment, driving some to abandon their babies.
Women, particularly migrant workers, continue to face unacceptable discrimination in #Qatar. “Illicit” sexual relations out of wedlock is a criminal act, with women facing a maximum prison term of seven years. 3/4
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn at his club’s AGM on Saturday. Despite the pandemic, Bayern for the … [+] third year in a row announced a profit.. (Photo by Stefan Matzke – sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)
Corbis via Getty Images
Bayern Munich has once again announced a positive financial year. Germany’s biggest club announced a turnover of €665.7 million ($647.13m) and a profit before tax of €17.1m ($16.2m), up from last year’s profit of €5m ($4.86m).
The financial result means that Bayern remains the only club in the Bundesliga to make a profit in all three years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, with the Bundesliga opening its doors to fans during the second half of the 2021/22 season, the club also managed to increase its turnover by €21.8m ($21.19m) compared to last year.
“This is a strong result,” CFO CFO Jean-Christian Dreesen said in a club statement. There is hardly any other top European club that, like FC Bayern, has been able to report consistent profits over the past three years despite the pandemic.”
Although the club made a profit throughout the pandemic, the financial numbers were trending down. That course has now been reversed, and the club anticipates a further increase in turnover in the ongoing season.
Bayern also announced at the annual general meeting that among Europe’s major clubs, they, together with Real Madrid, were the only club to make a profit throughout the pandemic. “It’s amazing that, despite the competitive disadvantage in terms of TV money, we put a powerful team on the pitch every year that the whole of Europe respects,” Dreesen said at the AMG. “We have set new records in each of the past three years. I’m very proud of all of us.”
Backed by the club’s solid financial numbers, Bayern Munich put together a strong transfer window spending $151.25m on new players—which ranks the club among the top ten biggest spenders this last summer. But the club’s transfer window also underlines Bayern’s financial strategy as they also earned $114.51m in transfer sales.
“That mainly has to do with FC Bayern’s DNA: we never spend more than we earn,” Dreesen said. “All of our employees played their part in the successful conclusion of the past financial year.” Added club president Herbert Heiner: “FC Bayern is completely debt-free, and what’s more: we own 100% of the Allianz Arena and the FC Bayern Campus; everything is paid off.”
Another positive number has been the club’s increase in membership. Bayern Munich now has 295,000 members, making them the biggest membership club on the planet.
With 295,000 members, Bayern Munich remains the biggest membership club on the planet (Photo by … [+] Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Furthermore, with pandemic restrictions lifted, Bayern Munich anticipates a further increase in revenue for the 2022/23 season. “We will very likely be able to achieve a new record turnover of at least 770 million euros in 2022/23,” Dreesen, who will leave the club at the end of the season, said at the AGM. “It’s amazing that, despite the competitive disadvantage in terms of TV money, we put a powerful team on the pitch every year that the whole of Europe respects. We have set new records in each of the past three years. I’m very proud of all of us.”
That, however, does not mean that everything was positive at the club. Many fans remain critical of the club’s continued partnership with Qatar Airways, and Bayern’s decision-makers were reluctant to make a statement regarding the sponsorship deal.
“We will continue to discuss the topic intensively with our partner Qatar Airways after the World Cup,” Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn said. “We will weigh everything, and then we will find a solution for FC Bayern. “
Bayern Munich earns €20m ($19.4m) from the Qatar Airways deal. That is less than 10% of the €224.2m ($217.94m) revenue generated through sponsorship and marketing.
“If you want to change or initiate something, you have to meet people, talk to them, and exchange ideas instead of excluding them,” Kahn said at the AGM. “You have to listen, understand and explain. We’re doing that within our partnership with Qatar Airways.”
Overall, the Qatar Airways deal was less of a contentious issue at the AGM than last year when there was significant opposition to the agreement. The club has launched an open dialogue with its fans and wants to come up with a positive solution. Still, ultimatelyy, the future of the contract will depend on whether Bayern can find an alternative sponsor willing to pay a similar amount.
Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth
A new AC by Marriott in Melbourne, Australia opened this year.
Marriott
With the leaves changing and temperatures dropping, you don’t have to stop thinking about your next warm-weather vacation. A long list of loyalty program promotions from hotels could have you racking up points and other perks to enjoy on your next trip. From your favorite hotels in global hubs like London and Sydney to new hotels elsewhere that are opening this fall, vacation mode should be permanently switched on thanks to the benefits that come with hotel loyalty programs and affiliated credit cards.
Vacations can also stem from travel-related contests and sweepstakes, some of which can have you living your bucket list travel or sports fan dream. No matter where you plan to go this fall, these are some of the biggest fall promotions worth registering for in the coming weeks.
Choose your fall bonus with IHG One Rewards
InterContinental Edinburgh the George, an IHG Hotel, is one of the many hotels around the world that … [+] participates in this promotion.
InterContinental
This fall promotion from IHG One Rewards gives members the chance to choose the promotion that works best for their travel plans. They can register for 2,000 bonus points after every two nights or 10,000 bonus points after every four nights. Once chosen, the offer cannot be adjusted, and that’s how they will earn points on qualifying stays between Oct. 13, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2022. Be sure to register before you check in for your first stay. To maximize the promotion, it depends how many nights you plan to stay with IHG this fall. If you will have a lot of nights, the 10,000 point offer makes more sense, especially if these are in even multiples of four.
Up to 4,000 bonus points per Marriott Bonvoy stay
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands recently opened in Australia with a beautiful rooftop infinity … [+] pool and whirlpool.
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands
Between now and Dec. 15, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 2,000 bonus points per stay beginning with their second stay. If you have a Marriott Bonvoy-affiliated credit card, you could earn an additional 2,000 points per stay. Be sure to register for this promotion before checking in for your first stay this fall. The offer is only valid when paying a qualified rate at a participating hotel. This could be quite the rewarding way to plump up that balance in time for a holiday travel redemption.
Free Night Sweet Spots from Choice Privileges
The dining room serving regional wine labels at the Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
The Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country
The loyalty program of Choice Hotels now offers “sweet spot” awards that offer substantial discounts on a free night redemption. For a set period of time, the program is slashing the points redemption rate at several properties to offer a solid discount. It’s worth exploring the list of hotels to see if any intersect with your travel plans or if any entice a potential trip that you may want to plan this fall. The hotels range a variety of private points and are available across the country.
Accor partners with Qatar Airways for reciprocal perks
Take advantage of reciprocal benefits via a new partnership between Accor and Qatar Airways.
Accor
Many airlines and hotels partner together (United and Marriott; American and Hyatt, for example). Accor and its All Live Limitless (ALL) program are now partnering with Qatar Airways giving members the chance to earn and redeem points and perks when doing business with either program. To take advantage of this new opportunity, be sure to have a membership number with both programs and link them together online. For example, Accor program members will earn one ALL point for every $2 spent on Qatar flights. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will earn one Avios point for every 2 euros spent with Accor. Elite members within each program are also eligible for reciprocal elite status. Qatar Privilege Club members now earn Avios points, and these can be swapped to Avios accounts affiliated with British Airways and Iberia, too.
Earn 3x points for dining at World of Hyatt properties
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 1, 2010: Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Bur Dubai district.
getty
Even when not a guest at a World of Hyatt hotel, visitors can provide their loyalty program number when paying the check to earn points for eligible charges. Typically, most hotels only award points when in-house guests charge something to their room. World of Hyatt is different and offers non-guests 5x points per dollar spent at participating restaurants, but this fall promotion offers 15x points per dollar spent (even more if you have elite status with Hyatt). This is a great way for members to top up their points balance when dining out near home or when traveling and staying at other hotels. Between now and Dec. 20, dining at a World of Hyatt-participating restaurant can get you closer to that next free redemption. Be sure to register for the promotion here where this is also a list of participating properties.
Earn bonus Best Western points, when redeeming points
GLō is a boutique hotel brand that is part of the Best Western Rewards loyalty program.
Best Western
Best Western Rewards will refund members 5,000 points when they redeem points for a redemption night of at least 12,000 points at a Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean between now and Nov. 21. To earn the bonus, be sure to register for the promotion before checking in for the stay.
3x Wyndham Rewards points on 2+ night stays
The Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas will open this fall.
Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas
Between now and Jan. 16, 2023, Wyndham Rewards members can earn triple points on stays of at least two nights. Be sure to register for the promotion before your first stay to be eligible to earn the extra points. To be eligible, members must make their reservation through the Wyndham website or app. Members can earn a maximum of 30,000 points with this promotion, which is enough for a free night (if not more) at any Wyndham hotel or resort around the world.
Members of the Radisson Rewards Americas program can earn 3,000 bonus points per night during this fall’s promotion. This offer requires advance registration and is available for stays between now and Dec. 15. Eligible stays for this promotion include stays at all of the affiliated brands including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
