50 min layover in Doha - long enough?
Mar 21, 2016, 11:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2
50 min layover in Doha - long enough?
Hi, I just booked a flight to/from South Africa, with a layover in Doha. The first layover is a whole 13 hours, but on the way back, we only have 50 minutes to catch our next flight.
I've read that Qatar Airlines is pretty efficient and generally arrives on time. How big is the Qatar airport? Will 50 minutes be enough time to get to our next flight? Would love some opinions.
Thanks so much.
I've read that Qatar Airlines is pretty efficient and generally arrives on time. How big is the Qatar airport? Will 50 minutes be enough time to get to our next flight? Would love some opinions.
Thanks so much.
Mar 21, 2016, 12:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
bombadillo welcome to Flyertalk. Hopefully you will find answers to many questions here.
The Minimum Connection Time (MCT) is 45 minutes so 50 minuties is doable.
Look at the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...airport-2.html and http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...nsit-doha.html and several other threads for further information.
The Minimum Connection Time (MCT) is 45 minutes so 50 minuties is doable.
Look at the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...airport-2.html and http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...nsit-doha.html and several other threads for further information.
Mar 21, 2016, 3:36 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: PHL
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Need a few more details. What class are you flying? I did a 50 minute connection in business back in July -- SIN-DOH, DOH-PHL, with no problem. But in coach depending on time of day it might be trickier because of security (separate lines for premium). It is a big airport!
Mar 21, 2016, 4:16 pm
#4
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Need a few more details. What class are you flying? I did a 50 minute connection in business back in July -- SIN-DOH, DOH-PHL, with no problem. But in coach depending on time of day it might be trickier because of security (separate lines for premium). It is a big airport!
If you flight is not selected for secondary security screening, you will arrive into the departures area, will definitely make it, as long as inbound is not delayed.
Mar 21, 2016, 4:55 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
Secondary screening is the norm in DOH. A very few origins are exempted. LHR and possibly MAN as well as other British airports and a few others are exempted, but even they are subject to random spot checks.
OP has given no relevant information such as origin, destination, flight numbers and date, Cabin class etc. so we must assume 'worst case' in our replies. Worst case would be 'Yes it is doable but it may be a rush.'
OP has given no relevant information such as origin, destination, flight numbers and date, Cabin class etc. so we must assume 'worst case' in our replies. Worst case would be 'Yes it is doable but it may be a rush.'
Mar 21, 2016, 5:11 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2
Thank you all for your responses. Much appreciated.
Usually when making connections, you don't have to go through security (in most airports). I see from your comments there is additional ("secondary") security within the terminal. That may be a bit of a concern, but hopefully it will work out.
I am flying whatever 'normal' class is... I will consider going to the premium line and explaining the situation. Sounds like it could be iffy but still doable.
I suppose I'll trust it will work out, walk briskly, and see how it goes!
Thanks again.
Usually when making connections, you don't have to go through security (in most airports). I see from your comments there is additional ("secondary") security within the terminal. That may be a bit of a concern, but hopefully it will work out.
I am flying whatever 'normal' class is... I will consider going to the premium line and explaining the situation. Sounds like it could be iffy but still doable.
I suppose I'll trust it will work out, walk briskly, and see how it goes!
Thanks again.
Mar 22, 2016, 11:41 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South East, UK
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Doha does waive transfer security checks for some flights, in which case connecting passengers go straight into the departures area. But if you are not on one of these flights, or have a bus transfer from a remote stand, you will need to go through security.
If there is any delay on your inbound flight, be prepared for your luggage not to make your connection even if you do. I've experienced that issue on a tight connection where my inbound was just 15 minutes late arriving. This was in Business Class
Mar 22, 2016, 12:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2006
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For example recently I've twice transited DUS recently since CX started flying that route, and LHR-DUS-HKG there is no screening in DUS. On one of those occasions, the gates were adjacent so there wasn't even even an official passport check.
But you're right, it is the exception rather than the norm, as most airports weren't designed with complex security rulez in mind.
Mar 22, 2016, 1:14 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Norway
Programs: EBS, EY Gold Eite, EK Gold, QR Platinum, Accor Gold
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As previous posters point out, you should be fine. Additional advice is to keep your eyes and ears wide open when you exit the bridge (or the bus), as there (somtimes) might be dedicated ground staff to assist passangers doing short connections. Best bet to survive at HIA is to ask around and ask again. Information and signage at HIA is not a blessing in abundance....
Mar 24, 2016, 4:52 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Posts: 3,712
I have had a short connection LHR-DOH, DOH-SIN which was about 50 minutes. There was no secondary screening.
QR are very good at transiting passengers. They will be aware of those with <1hr connections. In my case the flight into DOH was early and I even had time for a cuppa in the lounge before the SIN flight.
I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.
QR are very good at transiting passengers. They will be aware of those with <1hr connections. In my case the flight into DOH was early and I even had time for a cuppa in the lounge before the SIN flight.
I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.
Mar 24, 2016, 5:50 am
#12
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Agreed, I've made a 45 minute connection not long ago. The speed at which HIA gets people from one flight to another is something LHR could learn a lot from.
So, srbrenna, did you fly DOH-SIN on the A350? I had a very nice experience a few weeks ago on this route.
So, srbrenna, did you fly DOH-SIN on the A350? I had a very nice experience a few weeks ago on this route.
Mar 24, 2016, 6:18 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2015
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If you have a short connection, you will get a boarding pass wallet with a 'short transit' logo which you use to jump the queues. Also your bags will be similarly tagged. e.g. http://www.qatarairways.com/images/i...ow-250x180.gif
45 mins is eminently doable but be prepared for some long walks and to not waste time. Gates close 20 mins before departure. As advised upthread, you may or may not need to pass through transit security.
45 mins is eminently doable but be prepared for some long walks and to not waste time. Gates close 20 mins before departure. As advised upthread, you may or may not need to pass through transit security.
Mar 24, 2016, 7:24 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Mar 26, 2016, 5:56 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 60
Hi, I have flown on QR with 50 minute layovers and 1 hr 10 min layovers multiple times in economy. Have not had any issues with either, it is definitely enough time providing the flight is not delayed. If you experience any long delays on the previous flight then it's gonna be tight, but as long as everything runs on time you should be fine.
Also, if all goes to plan you will be happy that the transit is so short, as especially during night flying you can get tired really quickly.
Also, if all goes to plan you will be happy that the transit is so short, as especially during night flying you can get tired really quickly.