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Join us in learning how to use miles & points to travel & save money!
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and today we're talking about something that's got me really excited - Qatar Airways has just made history with the first-ever live press conference at cruising altitude, thanks to their new Starlink Wi-Fi system. Now, I know what you're thinking - what's the big deal about a press conference on a plane? Well, let me tell you, this is a game-changer. The event was held on a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 aircraft, and it featured the Paris Saint-Germain team, including captain Marquinhos and coach Luis Enrique, conducting live interviews and fan engagement while en route to Qatar for the Trophée des Champions. As someone who spends a fair amount of time on Qatar Airways flights, I find this particularly fascinating. Not just because it's a neat PR stunt, but because it shows the real-world potential of proper high-speed internet at 35,000 feet. We're talking about live video streaming, real-time journalist questions, and seamless fan interaction - all from a moving aircraft. The ability to conduct a full live broadcast is impressive, especially considering the various grades of in-flight Wi-Fi I've experienced in the past, including some particularly painful connections. For points collectors, this kind of innovation adds another layer of value to Qatar Airways redemptions. Being able to stay properly connected throughout a long-haul flight - whether for work or entertainment - makes those Avios redemptions even more worthwhile. If you're planning to try it out yourself, remember that Qatar Airways flights can be booked through British Airways Executive Club, and our Smart Redemptions tool can help you find the best-value routes. What excites me most is how this might change the way we think about time spent in the air. Whether you're a business traveller needing to stay connected, or just someone who wants to stream the latest Netflix series without buffering, having genuine high-speed internet throughout your flight is a game-changer. Qatar Airways clearly understands this - it's innovative moves like this that helped earn them Skytrax's World's Best Airline award for two thousand and twenty-four. The press conference served as a brilliant demonstration of what's possible when you combine cutting-edge connectivity with creative thinking. I'm curious to see what other airlines might do with similar technology - perhaps we'll see more live events from the skies in the future? If you're planning any Qatar Airways trips to experience this for yourself, don't forget to check Flight Seatmap to secure the best seat for your journey. And for those of you running low on Avios, now might be a good time to look at our recommended credit cards to boost your balance. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Smart With Points - if you want to stay up to date with the latest news and tips on travelling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms, or head over to our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk.