Emirates Skywards vs Qatar Privilege Club: Which Loyalty Program Is Better?

Posted by Adventureglimpse November 24, 2025

Choosing the right frequent-flyer program can significantly improve the value you get from every flight. For travellers across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and beyond, two of the most popular loyalty programs are Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Both programs offer excellent benefits, reward opportunities, and elite tiers, but they work differently—and depending on your travel habits, one may offer more value than the other.

Below is a complete comparison of Emirates Skywards vs Qatar Privilege Club to help you decide which program is best for your travel style in 2025.

Overview of Both Loyalty Programs

Emirates Skywards

Emirates Skywards is the frequent-flyer program of Emirates, known for its luxury cabins, world-class service, and extensive global route network. It offers generous opportunities to earn and redeem miles through flights, hotel stays, co-branded credit cards, and partners.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club

Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club uses Avios, making it highly flexible for redemptions across Oneworld partners. With Qatar’s award-winning service and excellent Qsuite business class, Privilege Club is a favourite among premium travellers.

1. Earning Miles: Which Program Gives You More?

https://content.presspage.com/uploads/2431/1920_Emirates-Skywards-infographic-579885.jpg?10000=
https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Qatar-Airways-Partner-Award-Chart.jpg

Emirates Skywards – Earning Rates

You earn Skywards Miles based on:

  • Fare type (Saver, Flex, Flex Plus)
  • Cabin class
  • Distance flown
  • Elite tier bonus miles

Emirates often provides higher earning potential for premium tickets.

Qatar Privilege Club – Earning Rates

Privilege Club awards Avios based on:

  • Fare class
  • Distance flown
  • Cabin bonus
  • Tier bonuses

A key advantage: Avios are easy to earn and transfer from British Airways, Iberia, and other Oneworld programs.

Who Wins?

If you prefer flexibility, Privilege Club wins because Avios can be transferred across partners.
If you fly Emirates frequently, Skywards offers better direct earning potential.

2. Redeeming Miles: Which Program Offers Better Value?

Emirates Redemption Highlights

  • Great value on Emirates Business and First Class
  • Excellent partner redemptions like Qantas
  • However, Emirates has higher taxes and surcharges on some routes

Qatar Privilege Club Redemption Highlights

  • Outstanding value for Qsuite redemptions
  • Lower fees and surcharges than Emirates
  • Ability to use Avios across Oneworld airlines, increasing flexibility

Who Wins?

Privilege Club typically offers better value for long-haul premium cabin redemptions.
Skywards is stronger for Emirates loyalists and Dubai-based travellers.

3. Elite Tiers & Benefits Comparison

https://www.flydubai.com/en/media/Membership-Benefits-Emirates-Skywards-flydubai-mobile-v2-EN_tcm8-180784_w600.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGhmSrzW4AEdIeT.jpg

Emirates Skywards Tiers

  • Blue (entry)
  • Silver – Priority services + 25% bonus miles
  • Gold – Lounge access + 50% bonus miles
  • Platinum – First Class lounge access + 75% bonus

Skywards elite benefits are excellent for frequent Emirates flyers, especially Gold and Platinum members.

Qatar Privilege Club Tiers

  • Burgundy
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

Key benefits include:

  • Lounge access for Gold & Platinum
  • Qsuite upgrade opportunities
  • Family pooling of Avios

Who Wins?

Qatar’s elite tier benefits are more flexible, thanks to the Oneworld alliance, offering global lounge access and partner perks.
Emirates offers better exclusive benefits but only within Emirates and FlyDubai.

4. Lounges: Emirates vs Qatar Airways

Emirates Lounges

  • Known for luxury, spaciousness, and premium dining
  • First Class lounges at DXB are among the best globally
  • Gold and Platinum Skywards members enjoy strong lounge privileges

Qatar Airways Lounges

  • The famous Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha is one of the world’s top-rated
  • Qsuite passengers and high-tier members receive excellent lounge experiences

Who Wins?

Qatar Airlines edges out slightly due to its award-winning Al Mourjan lounges, but Emirates remains extremely strong.

5. Family Benefits & Flexibility

Emirates Skywards

  • Family pooling available
  • Miles validity: 3 years
  • Good partner network but limited compared to Oneworld

Qatar Privilege Club

  • Family pooling is easier and more flexible
  • Avios never expire if there is activity
  • Oneworld partner access gives more redemption options

Who Wins?

Qatar Privilege Club due to Avios flexibility and better expiry policies.

6. Fees & Surcharges

  • Emirates: Higher taxes and fuel surcharges on many long-haul flights
  • Qatar Airways: Generally lower fees, offering better redemption value

Winner: Qatar Privilege Club

Final Verdict: Which Loyalty Program Is Better?

Both programs are excellent, but the best choice depends on your travel pattern.

Choose Emirates Skywards if:

  • You frequently fly Emirates or live in the UAE
  • You prefer Emirates’ premium cabin experience
  • You want exclusive Emirates lounge benefits
  • You earn miles heavily through Emirates credit cards

Choose Qatar Privilege Club if:

  • You value flexibility and want to redeem Avios across multiple airlines
  • You want lower redemption fees
  • You love Qatar’s Qsuite and global Oneworld benefits
  • You need better family pooling and non-expiry rewards

Conclusion

If you fly mainly with one airline, Skywards (for Emirates) or Privilege Club (for Qatar Airways) will both serve you well.

But for travellers who want the most flexibility, best redemption value, and global partner access, Qatar Privilege Club with Avios is the clear winner.

Still, Emirates Skywards remains unbeatable for Emirates loyalists who prioritise luxury, service, and exclusive tier perks.