Qatar Airways Changes Awards Redemption Rules

Kudos to OneMileAtaTime for sharing information about a change implemented by Qatar Airways related to use of Avios.  It has been possible for individuals to book awards for others from their accounts - now Qatar Airways has introduced the following rules:

1. The member’s Privilege Club account must have been active for a minimum 30 days
2. The main member must have completed at least one qualifying activity;
   1. A flown flight accrual with Qatar Airways or any partner airline
   2. At least one eligible co-branded credit card accrual transaction

You can find more information and the article here: https://onemileatatime.com/news/qatar-airways-restricts-award-bookings-others-absurd-new-rule/

I'm disappointed since using Avios has been a great way to plan trips in business to the Middle East and Maldives.  I'll need to see whether it works to credit a flight and meet the requirement.

Chase Changes to Sapphire Preferred Start Today

I was very disappointed to see the news last week about Chase making changes to the Sapphire Preferred card.  If you don't want to pay the huge annual fee for the Reserve, the Preferred has been an excellent alternative. However, some of the changes may affect your points earning and redeeming strategy.

The primary announcement is here: https://media.chase.com/news/Meet-the-New-Chase-Sapphire-Preferred

Top items to note:

- The addition of 3x points on gas and EV charging is a great category adjustment - Airbnb/vacation homes earning is not useful for many in frequency

- Complimentary Apple TV is not applicable for many

- The 10% anniversary points bonus goes away, and was a notable perk for the card

- Points transfers to Hyatt will now be at a 4:3 ratio.  This is terrible.  Feedback so far has been quite negative and I wouldn't be surprised if many shift spend away to other cards.  This will be the only transfer partner that isn't 1:1.