Qatar Airways Gives Teachers Free Flights
As today is World Teachers Day, Qatar Airways has announced that they will give 21,000 teachers free flights. As per their press release:
On the occasion of World Teacher’s Day, Qatar Airways will give away 21,000 complimentary tickets to teachers to thank them for their vital work in educating young people worldwide during the challenges brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The giveaway will open at 04.00 AM on 5 October and close at 03:59 on 8 October (Doha time). Teaching professionals can register for this exclusive offer at qatarairways.com/ThankYouTeachers by submitting a form to receive a unique promotion code, offered on a first come, first served basis.
This is an awesome promotion, and as a former teacher, I’m sure a lot of my friends will want to take advantage of this. If you successfully receive a ticket in the draw you will receive one return economy class flight anywhere in the world that Qatar flies, with a flight that has to be completed by September 2021.
Teachers that successfully register will receive one Economy Class return ticket to anywhere on Qatar Airways’ current network of more than 90 destinations worldwide. Additionally, they will receive a voucher for 50 per cent off one future return ticket that they can use for themselves, a family member or a friend. Both tickets are valid for travel up to 30 September 2021.
Are these tickets really free? Well yes and no, the price of the ticket is free, but the user would have to pay taxes on the fare. For example, below is a ticket from Montreal (Qatar’s only Canadian destination) and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. As you can see, the taxes amount to about ~$700, which is what you would be responsible for if you were to book this flight. I have reached out to Qatar Airways to clarify if a teacher would have to pay the hefty carrier surcharge. (Update: For those people who got these tickets, you won’t have to pay this surcharge)
An example of the taxes for a flight from Montreal to Ho Chi Minh City
Still, for international teachers abroad, this could be a great deal to come home at Christmas if you’re comfortable, or to come home in the summer. Qatar Airways will serve the most international destinations by the end of October, perfect for travelling when you feel comfortable to do so.
The list of eligible teaching employees is long, but an ID will be required for travel:
This offer is only available for Qatar Airways operated flights. Eligible teaching professions are limited to: Classroom Paraprofessionals, Teaching Assistants and Substitutes, Intervention and Inclusion Specialists, Tutors, Senior Leaders, Early Childhood Teacher, Student Counsellors, Primary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Casual Teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, Teacher Aide, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Instructor, Pre-School and Early Years Practitioners, and Classroom Technicians. A valid employer ID must be presented at the airport at the point of check in. Airport taxes shall be absorbed by passenger.
The Point
If I was teaching abroad, I would absolutely apply for these tickets, as it will help you save hundreds of dollars on your return travel. If you’re teaching in Canada, this could be a good speculative booking if you’re looking to travel next summer.