There is culpability on both sides, the entire incident is a long way from being clear, and i'm wary of making comments - unless QR are given right of reply (and they wouldn't reply on here) then I think this thread should be shut down.

I was unaware that electronic cigarettes were acceptable on any flight (for the reason IATA give here : http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety_...cigarettes.pdf "Operators should not permit the use of any item which could insinuate that smoking is permitted on board aircraft."

The original poster should have checked with crew before lighting up / pressing a button for the above reason - this to me is painfully obvious (and to them now also).

However, from reading what followed - there was a massive overreaction that should have been dealt with oh so differently. Recent flights i've taken have seen the problem QR have - a lot of new, young, inexperienced crew (who are fantastic and 100% service orientated when things are going well - but struggle when there are problems) - this includes implementing procedure towards passengers, and dealing with difficult situations - especially for 'grey areas'.

The idea that a single female passenger should end up in jail in Qatar, needing to bribe guards, and facing the possibility (so we are told) of 15 days in jail fills me with dread. Aspects of Dubai's jail time for eating a poppy covered roll in Heathrow spring to my mind.

The original poster should be seeking legal assistance in the UK, then contacting the media if all is as per what is said, not focussing on attacking QR on social media. I'm not sure Flyer Talk is the best place due to the level of rants we do get. If I was QR though, i'd be looking to seek a resolution as quickly as possible, and I hope they have tried to make contact as opposing to fobbing off. I am minded that I do not know QR's side of the story, and won't be avoiding them (once new terminal is finished anyway!!).