Often when I’m writing about frequent flyer program updates, the news is usually disappointing or there is nothing really that makes passengers happy. This is often due to the airline switching to more of a revenue program and less about the actual amount of miles flown; this is becoming more and more common day by day.

Qatar has today made some small announcements regarding their program, and I’m happy to report that they’re positive, yes you read that correctly.

Al Safwa lounge access is free (If on a Business Class ticket)

Qatar’s Al Safwa lounge is one of the most opulent I’ve visited personally, and it is full of amenities including a sit and dine restaurant, a spa complete with Jacuzzi’s and even a game room with a Formula 1 simulator.

To access this lounge, you either have to be booked on a Qatar Airways First Class ticket or pay a QAR 600 fee if you’re on a Business Class ticket and would like to use the facility.

In the announcement today, Qatar has announced that Platinum members flying on a Business Class ticket will now be able to access the lounge free of charge. As well as the complimentary access, you’re also able to bring two guests in with you.

A bonus in Qcredits for Platinum members

The next thing that airline announced is the improvement to the earning of Qcredits. Now when Platinum members retain their membership, they will be given an extra 10Qcredits for every 100 they earn past the 600 marks.

When earning status with Qatar, Gold members are given 40 Qcredits, and Platinum members receive 60 Qcredits once you’ve hit your selected tier.

For those wondering, the bonus announced today will be on top of the credits given when you attain the status.

Qatar’s Qcredits can be used for a variety of things including extra baggage, cabin upgrades, award fees and even for lounge access for guests.

As an example, I’ve listed two examples of how you’re able to redeem your Qcredits. The first example is using your Qcredits on flight upgrades:

And this is using your Qcredits for extra luggage:

As you can see from the examples above, you’re much, much better off using your Qcredits for upgrades instead of excess baggage. It’s almost like saying using 140,000 Qantas points for a Vaccum is a great way to get value, it just doesn’t make sense, and it would be the worst way to use them.

Overall

Overall it’s refreshing to see some positive changes for once in a loyalty program, and I’m sure everyone can agree that the new lounge access rules are fantastic. At least with the lounge access change, it’ll give Platinum members more value as it’s pretty ridiculous that their top tier couldn’t even access their flagship lounge without a fee.

What do you make of the changes?