Under Qatar Airways’ updated Privilege Club redemption system, “Family & Friends” and “My List” are completely separate features that serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you avoid frustration when redeeming Avios.
1. Family & Friends (Avios Pooling)
Purpose: Pool Avios earned by family members into one main Head of Household account.
Who can join?
- Up to 6 family members.
- Best suited for children or dependents who don’t already have their own Qatar Privilege Club account.
Pros
- Automatic Avios pooling: All Avios earned by family members are automatically credited to the Head of Household.
- Avoids wasted points: Perfect for infrequent travellers or children who may never accumulate enough Avios for a meaningful redemption.
Cons
- No individual accounts: Members added cannot maintain their own standalone Qatar Privilege Club account.
- Only one person controls the points: The Head of Household has sole authority to redeem the pooled Avios.
- 6-month lock-in: Members cannot be removed or replaced for six months after being added.
2. My List (Nominee Award Bookings)
Purpose: Lets you redeem your own Avios for approved adults.
Who can join?
- Up to 4 adults (18+).
- Each nominee must already have an active Qatar Privilege Club account.
Pros
- Keeps accounts separate: Friends and family can continue earning and managing their own Avios while still allowing you to book award flights for them.
- Ideal for partners, siblings and friends: You can redeem your Avios for their flights without sharing or pooling accounts.
Cons
- No Avios pooling: My List only allows you to book award tickets using your own Avios balance.
- Eligibility restrictions: You cannot add nominees until your Qatar Privilege Club account is at least 30 days old and you’ve either credited a Qatar Airways flight to your account or hold an eligible Qatar co-branded credit card.
- 6-month lock-in: Once someone is added, they cannot be changed or removed for six months.
Which One Should You Use?
Choose Family & Friends if you want to combine Avios from children or dependents into a single account.
Choose My List if you simply want to redeem your Avios for adult family members or friends while allowing them to keep their own Qatar Privilege Club accounts.
Understanding these differences can save time and ensure you select the right feature before making your next Qatar Airways Avios redemption.
Image credit: Qatar Airways
