Transiting in J through Doha on Qatar
Jul 13, 2016, 3:53 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: BA Gold, Starwood Gold, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 121
Anything I should look out for/do to maximize comfort for these sectors? Also, will there by PJ's on both legs?
Jul 13, 2016, 8:49 am
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Jul 13, 2016, 8:52 am
#18
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,944
Oh cool! This will be my first time flying this route. I usually take BA as I'm Gold with them have have been upgraded to F about 80% of the time all the way to Boston. QR's biz rate however, is cheaper than BA's economy and since I'll be in CMB for work, I thought I'd give it a try.
Anything I should look out for/do to maximize comfort for these sectors? Also, will there by PJ's on both legs?
Anything I should look out for/do to maximize comfort for these sectors? Also, will there by PJ's on both legs?
Jul 13, 2016, 9:57 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Hyatt Plat, SPG/MAR Gold, Nat'l EEE
Posts: 128
I love how this thread has instantly transformed into a BOS local thread haha!
A little off-topic, but there's an earlier flight to MLE from DOH than I am scheduled on (2AM departure vs 8AM that I am on) --- has anyone been able to get on an earlier flight when you land in DOH by talking to the agents in the Al Mourjan lounge? I called QR and they said there is no same-day-change possible, but then I read other reports on FT saying some people have been successful.
As a follow-up to my original post, I've been in contact with the Airport Hotel and @ $240/night (or $217 for 8 hours), I think I've convinced my wife to roll the dice and hope a sleeper pod opens up in the lounge. 7 nights in the Maldives, she can't be toooooooo upset, right?
A little off-topic, but there's an earlier flight to MLE from DOH than I am scheduled on (2AM departure vs 8AM that I am on) --- has anyone been able to get on an earlier flight when you land in DOH by talking to the agents in the Al Mourjan lounge? I called QR and they said there is no same-day-change possible, but then I read other reports on FT saying some people have been successful.
As a follow-up to my original post, I've been in contact with the Airport Hotel and @ $240/night (or $217 for 8 hours), I think I've convinced my wife to roll the dice and hope a sleeper pod opens up in the lounge. 7 nights in the Maldives, she can't be toooooooo upset, right?
Jul 13, 2016, 10:00 am
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Posts: 15,027
Jul 13, 2016, 10:37 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: BA Gold, Starwood Gold, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 121
^
Haha agreed! We should have a BOS meet up sometime!
I'm actually in the Maldives now. The weather is not too bad - thunderstorms in the morning (till about 9 or 10am) but bright and gorgeous sunshine in the afternoon. Lots of rainbows in the evening too! Don't despair of you see rain; it's mostly passing showers and it'll definitely clear up!
I love how this thread has instantly transformed into a BOS local thread haha!
A little off-topic, but there's an earlier flight to MLE from DOH than I am scheduled on (2AM departure vs 8AM that I am on) --- has anyone been able to get on an earlier flight when you land in DOH by talking to the agents in the Al Mourjan lounge? I called QR and they said there is no same-day-change possible, but then I read other reports on FT saying some people have been successful.
As a follow-up to my original post, I've been in contact with the Airport Hotel and @ $240/night (or $217 for 8 hours), I think I've convinced my wife to roll the dice and hope a sleeper pod opens up in the lounge. 7 nights in the Maldives, she can't be toooooooo upset, right?
A little off-topic, but there's an earlier flight to MLE from DOH than I am scheduled on (2AM departure vs 8AM that I am on) --- has anyone been able to get on an earlier flight when you land in DOH by talking to the agents in the Al Mourjan lounge? I called QR and they said there is no same-day-change possible, but then I read other reports on FT saying some people have been successful.
As a follow-up to my original post, I've been in contact with the Airport Hotel and @ $240/night (or $217 for 8 hours), I think I've convinced my wife to roll the dice and hope a sleeper pod opens up in the lounge. 7 nights in the Maldives, she can't be toooooooo upset, right?
I'm actually in the Maldives now. The weather is not too bad - thunderstorms in the morning (till about 9 or 10am) but bright and gorgeous sunshine in the afternoon. Lots of rainbows in the evening too! Don't despair of you see rain; it's mostly passing showers and it'll definitely clear up!
Jul 15, 2016, 7:14 am
#23
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Gold, HH
Posts: 261
carat22 45 mins is the MCT (Minimum Connection Time) for DOH so there should be no problem but it may be a bit of a rush if QR10 is late arriving.
QR10 arrives from a 'Secure' airport (LHR) so unless selected for a random security check you will exit the aircraft directly into the departure concourse. Most versions of the IFE display departure gates for connecting flights prior to landing so it is just a case of getting to the departure gate. should you be late arriving then there will be staff on hand to get you through to the new departure gate.
Even with security checks it is possible to make the connection.
Baggage handling in DOH is excellent and your luggage will most likely be onboard the aircraft before you are!
QR10 arrives from a 'Secure' airport (LHR) so unless selected for a random security check you will exit the aircraft directly into the departure concourse. Most versions of the IFE display departure gates for connecting flights prior to landing so it is just a case of getting to the departure gate. should you be late arriving then there will be staff on hand to get you through to the new departure gate.
Even with security checks it is possible to make the connection.
Baggage handling in DOH is excellent and your luggage will most likely be onboard the aircraft before you are!
Jul 22, 2016, 9:48 am
#25
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I just want to verify, as oneworld Emerald traveling in paid Business class:
Outbound:
Return: I'm planning to probably use a 20" carryon for the RON stop (I see QR allows 20" maximum length carry-on, but have no idea how strict they are or might be with 22" - I'd prefer using my 21.5", a bit less on the other two dimensions than QR maximum - your guidance appreciated).
I'm planning to through check one bag LAX-CMB and return, understanding it must be through-checked if the connection is under 24 hrs.
I'm planning to use Al Mourjan lounge for any dining needs.
I was originally thinking of using DoubleTree near DOH on the return, but the 0805 departure makes me hesitate.
Any further suggestions much appreciated. Shukran.
Outbound:
- Arriving DOH on QR 740 from LAX in J (Ar. 1800, seat 2F for uncomplicated aisle access, 777-200LR)
Arrive airside departure area directly - Overnight Airport Transit Hotel (bookings confirmed)
- Depart to CMB on QR 656 (Lv. 0800, seat 4K for window access, A340-600 - but given no seat map is currently displayed, I'm wondering about a possible equipment change)
- Arriving DOH on QR 665 from CMB (Ar 1330, seat 2A for window access, A340-600)
??? Arrival, process through security for airside access? - Overnight Airport Transit Hotel
- Depart to LAX on QR 739 (Lv. 0805, seat 3E for uncomplicated aisle access, 777-200LR)
I'm planning to through check one bag LAX-CMB and return, understanding it must be through-checked if the connection is under 24 hrs.
I'm planning to use Al Mourjan lounge for any dining needs.
I was originally thinking of using DoubleTree near DOH on the return, but the 0805 departure makes me hesitate.
Any further suggestions much appreciated. Shukran.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 22, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Jul 22, 2016, 2:56 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
AndyGFLees at times there is overcrowding at security in DOH so QR have an unpublished list of airports they regard as the security checks are safe enough to allow transfer passengers in DOH go directly to the departure areas without further security checks.
For obvious security reasons the list is unpublished and changes very frequently. An almost constant member of the list is LHR with BHX, EDI and MAN appearing frequently. Until the attacks last year and this CDG was a frequent member of the list. But not any more.
For obvious security reasons we do not know the capabilities of equipment at the different airports so some choices may appear surprising.
There are random checks on excepted flights.
For obvious security reasons the list is unpublished and changes very frequently. An almost constant member of the list is LHR with BHX, EDI and MAN appearing frequently. Until the attacks last year and this CDG was a frequent member of the list. But not any more.
For obvious security reasons we do not know the capabilities of equipment at the different airports so some choices may appear surprising.
There are random checks on excepted flights.
Jul 22, 2016, 10:18 pm
#28
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 60
I just want to verify, as oneworld Emerald traveling in paid Business class:
Outbound:
Return: I'm planning to probably use a 20" carryon for the RON stop (I see QR allows 20" maximum length carry-on, but have no idea how strict they are or might be with 22" - I'd prefer using my 21.5", a bit less on the other two dimensions than QR maximum - your guidance appreciated).
I'm planning to through check one bag LAX-CMB and return, understanding it must be through-checked if the connection is under 24 hrs.
I'm planning to use Al Mourjan lounge for any dining needs.
I was originally thinking of using DoubleTree near DOH on the return, but the 0805 departure makes me hesitate.
Any further suggestions much appreciated. Shukran.
Outbound:
- Arriving DOH on QR 740 from LAX in J (Ar. 1800, seat 2F for uncomplicated aisle access, 777-200LR)
Arrive airside departure area directly - Overnight Airport Transit Hotel (bookings confirmed)
- Depart to CMB on QR 656 (Lv. 0800, seat 4K for window access, A340-600 - but given no seat map is currently displayed, I'm wondering about a possible equipment change)
- Arriving DOH on QR 665 from CMB (Ar 1330, seat 2A for window access, A340-600)
??? Arrival, process through security for airside access? - Overnight Airport Transit Hotel
- Depart to LAX on QR 739 (Lv. 0805, seat 3E for uncomplicated aisle access, 777-200LR)
I'm planning to through check one bag LAX-CMB and return, understanding it must be through-checked if the connection is under 24 hrs.
I'm planning to use Al Mourjan lounge for any dining needs.
I was originally thinking of using DoubleTree near DOH on the return, but the 0805 departure makes me hesitate.
Any further suggestions much appreciated. Shukran.
Jul 22, 2016, 11:37 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Manila, Philippines (MNL)
Programs: BAEC Gold [>20k Lifetime TPs] | Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond [as is Mrs PtF] | Various Others
Posts: 6,156
The only downside of the airside Airport Hotel is the cost - it's expensive for what it is although, as you have identified, it does enable you to use Al Mourjan lounge dining facilities. However given that your body and brain will still be on CMB time I see no issue at all with using the DoubleTree vis-a-vis an 0805hrs DOH departure time. At that time of day it's probably only a 15 minute, QAR30, taxi ride to the airport. Leave the hotel at 0600hrs and grab some breakfast in Al Mourjan.
Incidentally, wise choice of seats for your QR 777 flights.
Jul 23, 2016, 2:02 pm
#30
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
If I'm not staying at the airside Airport Hotel the DoubleTree is now my hotel of choice in Doha (I'm Lifetime HHonors so prefer to use Hilton properties - it's much closer to the airport than than the Doha Hilton).
The only downside of the airside Airport Hotel is the cost - it's expensive for what it is although, as you have identified, it does enable you to use Al Mourjan lounge dining facilities. However given that your body and brain will still be on CMB time I see no issue at all with using the DoubleTree vis-a-vis an 0805hrs DOH departure time. At that time of day it's probably only a 15 minute, QAR30, taxi ride to the airport. Leave the hotel at 0600hrs and grab some breakfast in Al Mourjan.
Incidentally, wise choice of seats for your QR 777 flights.
The only downside of the airside Airport Hotel is the cost - it's expensive for what it is although, as you have identified, it does enable you to use Al Mourjan lounge dining facilities. However given that your body and brain will still be on CMB time I see no issue at all with using the DoubleTree vis-a-vis an 0805hrs DOH departure time. At that time of day it's probably only a 15 minute, QAR30, taxi ride to the airport. Leave the hotel at 0600hrs and grab some breakfast in Al Mourjan.
Incidentally, wise choice of seats for your QR 777 flights.
I've cancelled the DoubleTree for my outbound (LAX-DOH <RON> DOH-CMB as I'll still be catching up from Pacific time, but will cancel the Airport transit hotel on the return based on your advice.