Qatar Airways is running an interesting campaign to recognise healthcare professionals. From 12-18 May 2020, they’ll be giving away 100,000 complimentary Economy Class tickets, available to anyone defined as a “medical frontline professional” (see below).
How it works
From 12-18 May 2020, eligible passengers can visit this page to get a promo code. I’m assuming an equal number of codes are released each day (~14,000 daily), probably at midnight Doha time (5 a.m Singapore time). Each country appears to have its own quota.
The promo code can be used to book up to two adult Economy Class return tickets anywhere in the Qatar Airways network, with travel from 26 May to 10 December 2020. There’s no need for your companion to be a medical professional.
The promo code will waive all fares and surcharges; however you’ll still need to pay the airport taxes. This will cost you S$41.50 flying out of Singapore, and anywhere from <S$10 to S$200+ flying back (tip: avoid London, because the APD is a killer)
The promo code must be used by 31 July 2020, and all bookings must be made at least 14 days before departure.
Qatar defines healthcare professionals as:
- Doctors
- Medical Practitioners
- Nurses
- Paramedics
- Lab Technicians
- Clinical Researchers
It’s great they’re including lab technicians here as well, because as the Milelioness (a dentist) tells me, they’re the real unsung heroes who often get overlooked.
Obviously this promotion is ripe for abuse, so Qatar will be requesting original medical identification at the check-in desk at the time of departure. If the customer is unable to present the required documentation, boarding will be denied.
Ideally, you’ll want to book as far out as possible, because there’s no knowing when international travel will be possible again. It’s noted in the T&Cs that the tickets are fully flexible and changes can be made at no additional charges, which is nice.
I also don’t know how Qatar will handle this if your chosen destination isn’t accepting visitors by 10 December 2020, but I suppose we can cross that bridge when we come to it.
Conclusion
While I’m sure the promo codes will disappear at lightning speed, this is a nice gesture, and opportunity for you or your friends in the medical profession to enjoy a well-earned vacation.
So do let them know, and best of luck grabbing a code.
(HT: Matthew)
Initially when I clicked on the link this morning (2 hours past Doha Midnight) there was no form.
The form suddenly appeared when I looked later.
I got a message saying the quota for my country (Australia) had been reached and to try again tomorrow after midnight
indeed- so now we know there are country quotas (wasn’t there in the original campaign page). it’s refreshed at midnight doha time.
It wasn’t in the Singapore campaign page. It was in the UK, Malaysia campaign page. Also stated start at 0001 Doha time GMT+3 and daily country quotas.
Tried this morning and was unable to click submit button for the form. after many tries finally I got a message saying quota has been reached
Hello! I want to know that are dentist working in hospital eligible to apply in this scheme as i have already received the codes
Could you tell me when did you receive the codes after you submitted you form? I am sure i have successfully submitted mine, but haven’t received any code from them after 48 hours 🙁
60 hours 🙂 be patient