In late 2020, Qatar Airways introduced “basic” business class fares. Less than a year later, the carrier will be making changes to its business class fare classes once again. These changes are a mixed bag — there are some positive adjustments, but also some very negative changes when it comes to mileage earning.
Qatar Airways’ four types of business class fares
For flights as of October 1, 2021, Qatar Airways will be rolling out four different business class fare families — Lite, Classic, Comfort, and Elite. All business class fares have the same baggage allowance (both for carry-ons and checked bags), but that’s where the similarities end. Let’s talk about the differences (below you can find a chart comparing all the fare classes).
Note that these fare classes are only for revenue tickets — nothing is changing with award tickets, which continue to have full privileges.
Qatar Airways Lite business class fares
Qatar Airways Lite business class fares are entry-level business class fares, which come with the most restrictions. These fares:
- Book into the “P” fare class, and are the new “basic” business class fares
- Earn 75% miles in the Privilege Club program
- Don’t include advance seat assignments (oneworld elite members can still assign seats in advance for free), and lounge access is only offered for purchase
- Offer changes and refunds to the original form of payment for a fee
Qatar Airways Classic business class fares
Qatar Airways Classic business class fares still feature some restrictions, though not quite as many as the Lite fares. These fares:
- Book into the “R” fare class; these were previously the “basic” business class fares, but that’s no longer the case
- Earn 125% miles in the Privilege Club program
- Don’t include advance seat assignments (oneworld elite members can still assign seats in advance for free), but they do offer…