vs
Qatar Airways Avios vs Emirates Skywards
Updated June 2026
At a Glance
| Feature | Qatar Avios | Skywards |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Avios | Skywards Miles |
| Airline | Qatar Airways | Emirates |
| Alliance | Oneworld | None (independent) |
| Hub | Doha (DOH) | Dubai (DXB) |
| Award Type | Distance-based Avios | Dynamic pricing |
| Earning Rate | 1 Avios per $1 spent | 1 mile per $1 spent |
| Transfer Partners | Amex MR | Amex MR, Capital One, Citi TYP, Bilt |
Qatar Avios
Strengths
- QSuites business class access
- Low fuel surcharges
- Generous award availability from Doha
Weaknesses
- Hub-centric routing through Doha
- Limited off-peak dates
- Fewer transfer partners than BA
Skywards
Strengths
- A380 first class with onboard shower
- Massive global network
- Tier bonuses and family pooling
Weaknesses
- Dynamic pricing means unpredictable costs
- Award availability can be scarce
- High miles cost for premium cabins
Sample Award Pricing
Qatar Avios Rates (from Doha (DOH))
| Destination | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Medina | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Muscat | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Basra | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
| Beirut | 6,000 | 15,000 | 25,000 |
Skywards Rates (from Dubai (DXB))
| Destination | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | -- | -- | -- |
| London Gatwick | -- | -- | -- |
| London Stansted | -- | -- | -- |
| Paris | -- | -- | -- |
| Rome | -- | -- | -- |
| Barcelona | -- | -- | -- |
Points shown are approximate one-way off-peak/standard prices. Actual costs vary by date and availability.
Transfer Partner Access
Which credit card programs can transfer points to each loyalty program:
| Credit Card Program | Qatar Avios | Skywards |
|---|---|---|
| Amex MR | ||
| Bilt | ||
| Capital One | ||
| Citi TYP |
Which Program Should You Choose?
Choose Qatar Avios if...
- You fly primarily with Qatar Airways or Oneworld partners
- You have points with Amex MR
- You value: QSuites business class access
Choose Skywards if...
- You fly primarily with Emirates or None (independent) partners
- You have points with Amex MR or Capital One
- You value: A380 first class with onboard shower
Related Comparisons
Search Both Programs at Once
Compare real-time award availability across Qatar Avios and Skywards.