One positive data point: I had an F award ticket, booked with BA Avios on QR metal, MLE-DOH and then a separate F/Y mixed cabin award ticket, booked with AA miles on QR metal/MH metal) DOH-BKK-KUL. Before I went to MLE airport, I did have a negative PCR test result (from a Maldives resort), plus the Ehteraz (Qatar government) online approval to enter the country (to ensure I could board in MLE to DOH), but I never had to show them to the QR agent in MLE. I just showed my passport and explained I didn't want to enter Doha, Qatar, but I did have the necessary paperwork to do so, if necessary. The agent just said ok, tapped on his computer, looked up my two separate tickets/PNRs, and then did something to connect them and issued me my three boarding passes (QR MLE-DOH, QR DOH-BKK, MH BKK-KUL).
So, out of the MLE outstation, QR staff will accommodate two separate PNRs going through DOH.
Originally Posted by
ElginH
Has anyone flown QR F or J MLE-DOH and DOH-BKK on two separate tickets (PNRs) WITHOUT having to go through immigration at DOH within the past month or so? I am concerned about the reliability of the Ehteraz online platform (i.e., getting cleared to enter Doha) so that I am not denied boarding. I am fully vaccinated, boosted very recently. I should be able to get a PCR test within 48 hours of departure from MLE (at the resort).
I had to buy two separate award tickets (one with BA Avios, the other with AA miles) because I did not have enough in one airline currency to purchase both legs of the trip under a single PNR issued by either BA or AA.
My hope is that from MLE the local QR staff will issue my onward ticket for DOH-BKK and let me board and self-connect/transit in DOH without the frictions I’ve been reading about here.