By Executive Traveller,
Qatar Airways’ opulent Al Safwa first class lounge at Doha is now open to Platinum members of the airlines’s Privilege Club frequent flyer program, provided they’re travelling in business class with Qatar or a Oneworld member airline.
Access to this lush lounge was originally restricted to Qatar Airways’ first class passengers, with the option for paid access at QAR600 (A$244) added in February 2019.
That fee is now effectively waived for business class passengers holding a Privilege Club Platinum card and, even more pleasing, includes two guests (as long as they’re also in business class).
The sprawling Al Safwa first class lounge features an à la carte restaurant, nap rooms, day spa and jacuzzi.
Qatar Airways describes the Al Safwa First Lounge as “a gleaming example of Arabian grandeur and elite exclusivity in a refined setting. Inspired by the design of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, Al Safwa First Lounge encapsulates its cultural surroundings with simplicity and grace.”
“We take tremendous pride in exceeding our passengers’ expectations,” says Qatar Airways Group Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Simon Talling-Smith, “and this enhancement to our Privilege Club offering is yet another example of our promise to reward our loyal Platinum customers for their continued support.”
A centrepiece of this luxuriously-appointed oasis is a grand water fountain, while the overall space is clad in sandstone with marble detailing, while culturally-curious visitors can peruse the showcase of Islamic fine art and artefacts on loan from the Museum of Islamic Art.
However, a spokesperson for Qatar Airways has confirmed to Executive Traveller that this ‘Platinum-in business-class’ access applies only to Platinum members of the airline’s own Privilege Club rewards program – it doesn’t extend to the equivalent Emerald tier of other Oneworld member airlines such as Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum, Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club Diamond and British Airways’ Executive Club Gold.
An additional benefit now offered to Privilege Club Platinum members is a bonus serve of Qcredits, which can be redeemed for upgrades, additional checked luggage, fees for points-based award bookings and lounge access for guests.
Platinum members already receive 60 Qcredits when they retain their status or are upgraded from Gold, and will now pocket an additional 10 Qcredits for every 100 QPoints they earn, above 600 QPoints, within a 12 month window (Qpoints are the airline’s status-based currency).
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