Long story but requested via email a week before flight. 08:15 layover in Doha transit to LA (from BKK). Sent secodn email after no reply, 36 hrs before flight. Got a reply four hours before flight saying this -

Dear Mr. GLOBALENTRY57,



We appreciate the time you have taken in writing to us.



Please allow us to clarify that Qatar Airways offer a convenient transit hotel accommodation for customers who face extended transit times in Doha en route to their final destination (Stop over for the purpose of connection / STPC). This service is available on a paid or complimentary basis depending on eligibility.



You may be eligible for transit hotel accommodation in Doha, if you meet the following criteria:



a. Are travelling with Qatar Airways

b. There are no Qatar Airways flights with immediate connection (for the required date of travel date of travel irrespective of fare level or availability.

c. You have a transit time of between 8 and 24 hours at Doha International Airport

d. The type and level of airfare that you pay will govern whether you will receive the service free of charge (complimentary) or if you must pay to receive this service.

e. This service must be arranged through one of our reservations offices prior to the date of travel.



Further details of transit hotel accommodation in Doha can be found by accessing the link below.



http://www.qatarairways.com/global/e...mmodation.page



Based from your ticket and booking record, complimentary STPC is not permitted due to the availability of immediate flight connection.



Thank you for the opportunity to clarify this matter and looking forward to be of service to you again.







Respectfully Yours,


***
I meet all the conditions and am taking the next available flight. There is no earlier flight to LAX. Once per day, I'm on it. R bucket biz class seat.

So i go to BKK - they say cannot book SPTC from there. That I'm perhaps not entitled. I show them proof of my request. They say they can't do anything. I push. They call DOH customer service (not open to customer calls weekends). DOH says need 12 hours layover, clearly not the SPTC policy. I request an upgrade to F in lieu of SPTC. No dice. THey suggest the lounge. I suggest they resolve. Unfortunately their resolution is to let the lounge in DOH know that I'll be turning up requesting SPTC in line with QR TOC and to expect an explanation. Likelihood, best case, significantly less sleep in DOH, which might not have been much if I was being accomodated outside the airport anyway.

Have emailed, and tweeted (QR Twitter doesnt do customer service unfortunately, but DM and tweeted publicly about issues).

Will report back. BTW, I'm OW Emerald. Flight was really cheap (under 1500 RT) but terms are terms.