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Some of the links below are my affiliates. I may receive a commission if you use my links.
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Qatar Qsuites To The Maldives From 136k Points
Everyone loves Qsuites. Everyone loves the Maldives. Everyone loves flying Qsuites to the Maldives. Everyone loves a Qsuites fare deal to the Maldives.
My friend Antonio flagged this deal from DC earlier today and, yes, you can book with Amex or Chase points. Chicago is also an option for a bit more.
If you book a Maldives trip and aren't using points to book a hotel, check Travelzoo to see if they have any promotions for your dates. Many of their Maldives deals include round-trip transportation from/to the airport which can save you a nice chunk of cash!
Now, let's get into the details!
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Straight To The Points:
Routes: IAD/ORD-MLE
Operating airline: Qatar Airways
Class of service: Business class
Dates: January 2022 - May 2022
Seats available: 4
Cabin layout: 1-2-1
Book with (per person, round-trip from IAD):
- Cash: From $2,104 (4% cashback possible)
- Amex Business Platinum: From 136,732
- Amex Business Gold: From 157,767
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: From 140,238
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: From 168,285
Don't forget to let me know if you book and how you did it!
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the COVID-19 situation and the resulting travel restrictions could prevent you from traveling. Additionally, please make sure you understand the cancellation and change fees before booking.
Flight Experience
Unless there's an issue that requires an aircraft swap, you can expect to fly the world-renowned Qsuites from the US to Doha. That means you'll have a lie-flat seat, direct aisle access, and a privacy door. The cabin layout on your connecting flight will vary, but you'll have a lie-flat seat.
Regardless of cabin layout, you can expect excellent food and drink plus a crew that is friendly and happy to help make your flight special.
Please keep in mind that these book into the new P fare class. These tickets don't receive access to the Al Mourjan lounge nor can you select your seats in advance. Oneworld Sapphire and Emeralds can select seats and will have access to a different lounge.
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This is an example of the outbound pricing.
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Is This 100k Sign-up Bonus Ending?
Everyone's favorite beginner card has had a 100k sign-up bonus for a while now. However, a reader saw a google ad showing this is ending. I have no idea if this is some marketing ploy or if it's truly ending.
Keep an eye on it if you're planning to apply. You can find a link to it here or apply in-branch to get the annual fee waived.
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Best Ways To Book
You can book directly with Qatar Airways to get the $2,104 price from IAD. You can use the shopping portal TopCashback to earn 4% back on the base fare (does not include carrier-imposed surcharges, taxes. or fees). If you don't use TopCashback, this is my Qatar Airways affiliate link.
If booking with points, you can book for ~136k Amex points with the Business Platinum 35% rebate or ~140k Chase points with the Sapphire Reserve.
As a comparison, you could use 140k AA miles to book this. However, as a cash ticket, you can earn redeemable miles and elite status credit.
From ORD, you're looking at ~$2,230 with the Amex International Airline Program (with the Amex Platinum or Business Platinum) or ~$2,340 when you book directly with Qatar Airways.
Google Flights: IAD/ORD-MLE
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Where To Credit The Flights
Since these are cash tickets, you can earn redeemable airline miles so make sure you attach your desired loyalty program number to your booking.
In most cases, Alaska Mileage Plan would be my go-to choice to earn max redeemable miles. If you have elite status with America AAdvantage or just have a nice chunk of AA miles, I might consider that option.
You can use GCmap to calculate the total flight distance of your trip.
If you have status with another Oneworld program such as British Airways, that also might be a factor.
Bottom Line
Even if you can't select a seat prior to check-in, Qsuites provides an amazing experience regardless of your seat. The lack of lounge access on the cheapest business class tickets is frustrating but you can pay for access to the Al Mourjan Lounge - they serve some nice champagne if you're into that. :)
Besides, I know a bunch of you would love to go relax in the Maldives.
Happy booking!
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