{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points","title":"✈️ Qatar Airways Just Started Charging for THIS on Award Bookings","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/bd7f6ef3\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":558,"description":"Qatar Airways has quietly introduced seat selection fees for business class award bookings starting November 3rd, 2025. Passengers redeeming Avios or Q credits now face approximately £85 per flight segment to select seats in advance, unless they hold oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. This change affects all partner programs including British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines. Combined with recent fuel surcharge increases, these fees are significantly eroding the value of Qatar award redemptions, making it crucial for points collectors to diversify their strategies and consider building elite status protection.\nSubscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/.\nCheck out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.\nThanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!\nSupport us -\nAmerican Express\nAmerican Express Business\nCapital on Tap","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/kpqLQjayaRcr9wlWPJ0MuP24HIF5dQ0y5ufcPpmp_cM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMjE4/ODYzMTIxY2EzZjJi/MGI2MTg4OGU0YzNj/MWY4OS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}