Qatar Airways is one of many airlines worldwide that offer discounts for students. But, unlike some airlines, Qatar Airways has a student membership club called Student Club. Members of the Student Club not only have access to discounts but also receive extra perks.

The perks of the Student Club are exclusive and are listed below:

• Savings with every booking
• Enhanced flexibility
• Extra baggage allowance
• Complimentary onboard WiFi
• Companion pass
• Tier upgrade

Former CEO, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, commented on the Student Club program,

“Travel is an important part of their life, with many choosing to study abroad for the duration of their university career or for a semester. We also know that the long university vacations are a wonderful opportunity for students to visit family or friends or simply to explore the world. Having listened to the needs of our current student passengers, we are delighted to help them to aim for the skies with our Student Club.”

Savings

Members of the Student Club receive a 10% discount when joining the program. After traveling as a member for the first time, the discount rises to 15%, and then to 20% after the second and third trips.

It is important to note that the higher discounts are only available once the student has completed their travels. So, in order to receive the 20% discount, the member must fly their first two trips. Validity for the second and third promo codes are for one (1) year from the first date of travel from the first booking. Validity for the fourth promo code is six (6) months from the first date of travel from the previous booking.

Enhanced flexibility

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines got rid of change fees, especially in the United States (US). With the world changing and moving so quickly, flexibility has been an important selling point for airlines. Many basic economy tickets do not offer flexibility, but sometimes do not have cancelation fees either and passengers can receive credit for their canceled booking.

Photo: Justin Hayward | Simple Flying

With Qatar Airways, members of the Student Club receive two complimentary date changes for themselves and Student Companions.

The ability to check baggage is extremely important to many. While there is a large portion of travelers that refuse to travel with checked bags, there are still many people that do so. And for students, the option to take additional baggage is important, especially when traveling to/from their universities to/from their homes.

Photo: lentamart / Shutterstock

On Qatar, Student Club members can check bags that are overweight by up to 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds). Or, depending on the route, members can check an additional piece of luggage. This benefit does not extend to codeshare or interline flights.

WiFi

WiFi connectivity has been a priority for many airlines for years now. The ability to stay connected is also vital to many passengers whether it be for business or personal reasons. Most airlines worldwide charge for WiFi connectivity, although some offer free WiFi in premium cabins, and others simply have free connectivity for all passengers.

On Qatar Airways, WiFi can be purchased before a flight with up to a 20% discount. According to the airline, at check-in, WiFi costs $8. For Student Club members, access is completely free. Members of Qatar’s Privilege Club receive one hour of complimentary high-speed internet on board. WiFi vouchers will be sent to students within 48 hours of booking.

Companion Pass

Companion Pass with Qatar Airways is not the same thing as companion pass on Southwest Airlines or other carriers. Student Club members can select up to three friends or family members to share their perks with. These companions are eligible for the same special fares and have access to one complimentary date change.

Photo: EQRoy I Shutterstock

In order to be listed as a companion, one must be a Privilege Club member. Companions can only be changed every six months. Once added to the Student’s profile, changes to any of the Companions’ nominations will be possible only after six (6) months from the first date of registration of the Companion Pass(es).

Tier upgrade

Upon graduating from university, members of the Student Club who have flown at least once a year, can fast track their Privilege Club tier. When joining the Student Club, members automatically are enrolled in the Privilege Club, the airline’s loyalty program.

Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock

There are four tiers of status in the Privilege Club:

• Burgundy
• Silver (oneworld Ruby)
• Gold (oneworld Sapphire)
• Platinum (oneworld Emerald)

Who is eligible for the Student Club?

According to Qatar, a student is one studying at a higher education institution and is between the ages of 18 and 30. The student must have a valid ID card, or student visa, or an acceptance letter. When joining the club, students are required to provide the expected graduation date.

Students can be members of the club for a maximum of seven years. Upon graduation, in order to be eligible for a tier upgrade, members must present proof of graduation within six months of the date. Additionally, the member must have flown one round trip or two one-way trips annually.

How to join the Student Club

• Create account
• Add personal details
• Add college or university details, including the university name, its location, and expected graduation date.
• Upload college or university ID or the official acceptance letter.