I will be flying with QR for the first time next week and have a couple of questions. My route will be MAN->DOH->MCT and I will be in economy class.

First off, I've studied the baggage guidelines and checked my cabin bag against these. However, the guidelines do not state whether or not an additional personal item is allowed. I was thinking in terms of a small camera case. Are QR ground staff likely to be particularly stringent with these rules?

http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/baggage.html

Secondly, I can't find any information as to when check in opens at MAN or MCT. Can I assume three hours or do they have a smaller window? Generally, I tend to check in early and go to whatever lounge I have access to.