Update: It seems like as of now award space is searchable online, though not bookable
Qatar Airways is set to join the OneWorld alliance on October 30, 2013, though both American and British Airways already have reciprocal mileage agreements with Qatar Airways, so it’s possible to redeem both mileage currencies for travel on Qatar Airways.
Anyway, one major frustration has been that up until now it hasn’t been possible to search Qatar Airways award space online. However, per a Tweet I just received from @mrtraveltricks, it appears as if Qatar Airways award space is finally showing up on ba.com!
I’ll do a bit of research today into any availability trends I notice and will report back. This is really exciting, especially for when they join OneWorld and Qatar Airways can be booked on an American distance based award.
@ Rich -- You should be able to get them to waive the phone booking since it can't be booked online. That being said totally agree that they should get the space online since it's such a pain to call, especially with their limited hours.
Rich - I don't think BA charges you for calling and booking. I called a couple weeks ago to book SEA-LAX on AS and was only charged $5 for the round trip, no booking fee.
ba.com is displaying the RJ logo against the QR flights
I wonder when we'll be able to search and book Alaska availability. That would make Avios substantially more valuable for me, as my most common route that I'd want to redeem for is a sub-500 mile route that's served nonstop. I currently use UA on that route, but not having to call and pay the $25 surcharge would make redeeming Avios on this route the best deal.
@ gomike -- There are fuel surcharges, though they're not too crazy compared to other airlines. JFK-DOH roundtrip in business class has $688 in fuel surcharges, though you wouldn't want to redeem BA Avios for a routing like that anyway. They're obviously lower for shorter distance awards.
actually it is bookable...just tried cpt-bud.came up at 75k+$220 in J
how are the fuel surcharges?
Makes a decent option for getting to Maldives. Not that I check availability.
I also tried DEL-DOH-JFK and it was available but not bookable. Might have to call BA to get this processed.
@ Shawn @ WALDEMAR BIENKOWSKI -- Yep, looks like the space is searchable but not bookable online yet. Sorry about that.
not bookable yet?
Getting an error when trying to book DOH to DXB on Nov 14th. I chose one way ticket. Tried all classes but same error:
Error
Sorry, we cannot currently book the journey you have chosen. You may wish to reselect a different cabin, try again later, or call your service center.
@ Shawn -- Correct, generally speaking if you're going to redeem BA Avios you're best off using the for short distances. So it's tough to beat them for travel within the Middle East, and also for travel from Doha to Europe, India, and parts of Asia.
What situation would you use Qatar via BA? From your post, it seems like you're targeting short flights like Doha to Dubai. Is that where the best value is? Perhaps Doha to Male would be cheap?!?
Since BA is distance base, I imagine the mileage cost is quite hefty from US to Qatar.