Apr 9, 2015, 8:51 pm
Last edit by: Schwann
PLEASE NOTE: The below information is largely out of date as of 2023 and needs to be updated:
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges. The Departure Lounges at HIA include :
Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge - QR and OW First Class Passengers only
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge - QR and OW First and Business Class Passengers only
HIA First Class Lounge
HIA Business Class Lounge
Oryx Lounge
Al Maha lounge
Additionally, there is an arrivals lounge for those exiting the airport (either very long connection or if Doha is their final destination)
For information on which lounge to use, when travelling with QR, at other airports, please see here.
Which Departure Lounge can I use?
Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge - The Lounge access is only for Qatar Airways and Oneworld First Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport. Arriving on a longhaul Qatar First class qualifies for lounge access even if connecting flight is not in F. Reports on the Lounge, can be found here(external link) and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here (external). Wiki for Al Safwa is here.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card for a flight departing in F or a boarding card for an incoming longhaul F flight. Op-ups and guests are not admitted.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge - The Lounge access is only for Qatar Airways and Oneworld First and Business Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport. Information and photographs can be found here - here. A thread has recently been started specific to Al Mourjan - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...ss-lounge.html. Existing posts in this thread about Al Mourjan will be moved there as time permits.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card for a flight departing in J or a boarding card for an incoming longhaul J flight.
HIA First Class Lounge - The First Class Lounge is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery. First or Business class ticketed passengers as well as QR Privilege Club Platinum and Oneworld alliance Emerald members may access this facility.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card showing OWE status for your departing flight.
HIA Business Class Lounge - This lounge, that caters for First or Business class ticketed passengers as well as QR Privilege Club, Platinum Gold and Silver members and oneworld alliance Emerald and Sapphire members, is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport, and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card showing OWS status for your departing flight.
Oryx Lounge - May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines. Economy passengers will be able to gain access to the lounge for a fee of QAR 200 (USD 55).
Al Maha Lounge - Available to priority pass members. Located opposite the entrance to the Oryx Lounge.
Arrivals Lounge - There are essentially 2 - the first one is prior to immigration and has some snacks, drinks, and a seating area, as well as a dedicated immigration booth. The second (and main) one is just outside customs to the left, near the W.H. Smith store. This one has snacks, drinks, a menu to order from, showers, etc. Both arrivals lounges are for QR J passengers only, oneworld status alone will not get you into the lounge.
Opening Times
QR lounges are open 24 hours/day and serve no alcoholic beverages during Ramadan (27 May-25 June 2017 and 16 May-14 June 2018).
Luggage facilites
There are luggage boxes for hand luggage in Al Safwa, Al Mourjan, First Class and Business Class lounges.
Transit Options
Alternatives for long transits:
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges. The Departure Lounges at HIA include :
Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge - QR and OW First Class Passengers only
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge - QR and OW First and Business Class Passengers only
HIA First Class Lounge
HIA Business Class Lounge
Oryx Lounge
Al Maha lounge
Additionally, there is an arrivals lounge for those exiting the airport (either very long connection or if Doha is their final destination)
For information on which lounge to use, when travelling with QR, at other airports, please see here.
Which Departure Lounge can I use?
Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge - The Lounge access is only for Qatar Airways and Oneworld First Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport. Arriving on a longhaul Qatar First class qualifies for lounge access even if connecting flight is not in F. Reports on the Lounge, can be found here(external link) and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here (external). Wiki for Al Safwa is here.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card for a flight departing in F or a boarding card for an incoming longhaul F flight. Op-ups and guests are not admitted.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge - The Lounge access is only for Qatar Airways and Oneworld First and Business Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport. Information and photographs can be found here - here. A thread has recently been started specific to Al Mourjan - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...ss-lounge.html. Existing posts in this thread about Al Mourjan will be moved there as time permits.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card for a flight departing in J or a boarding card for an incoming longhaul J flight.
HIA First Class Lounge - The First Class Lounge is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery. First or Business class ticketed passengers as well as QR Privilege Club Platinum and Oneworld alliance Emerald members may access this facility.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card showing OWE status for your departing flight.
HIA Business Class Lounge - This lounge, that caters for First or Business class ticketed passengers as well as QR Privilege Club, Platinum Gold and Silver members and oneworld alliance Emerald and Sapphire members, is located on Concourse A, Level 2 at the airport, and offers facilities which include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, conference rooms, smoking rooms, family rooms, a business centre and a nursery.
The absolute minimum requirement for access is a boarding card showing OWS status for your departing flight.
Oryx Lounge - May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines. Economy passengers will be able to gain access to the lounge for a fee of QAR 200 (USD 55).
Al Maha Lounge - Available to priority pass members. Located opposite the entrance to the Oryx Lounge.
Arrivals Lounge - There are essentially 2 - the first one is prior to immigration and has some snacks, drinks, and a seating area, as well as a dedicated immigration booth. The second (and main) one is just outside customs to the left, near the W.H. Smith store. This one has snacks, drinks, a menu to order from, showers, etc. Both arrivals lounges are for QR J passengers only, oneworld status alone will not get you into the lounge.
Opening Times
QR lounges are open 24 hours/day and serve no alcoholic beverages during Ramadan (27 May-25 June 2017 and 16 May-14 June 2018).
Luggage facilites
There are luggage boxes for hand luggage in Al Safwa, Al Mourjan, First Class and Business Class lounges.
Transit Options
Alternatives for long transits:
- Free tour of Doha: if your transit time is between 5 and 12 hours
- Qatar-now-offers-free-96-hour-visa
- QR-organized transit accommodation (inclusive of entry visas, airport transfers, and meals): if your transit time is between 8 and 24 hours. You may qualify for free or fixed rate access (also see this thread)
- The Airport Hotel, inside international area of the airport
QR Lounges at HIA
Jul 29, 2013, 2:09 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Břmlo, Norway//Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Programs: QR Silver
Posts: 222
That might be, but I assume this does not apply to the airport. There were plenty of people eating and drinking (non-alcoholic) when I was there. No probs at all.
Jul 29, 2013, 6:15 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,046
Everyone going through the PT is presumably a traveller, and accordingly eating and drinking is permitted under islamic law.
Aug 4, 2013, 7:24 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Delhi
Programs: Emirates gold *alliance silver jet airways platinum tridentprivilege gold.
Posts: 1,817
A very good reason to fly Emirates instead of QR Emirates service the same during Ramadan, Lent, Passover, karva Chauth, whatever. At DXB airport, and on board. No idea what happens in the city but wouldn't expect business as usual there. From my airline, if it has global pretensions, I most certainly Do.
also, Islam forbids consumption of alcohol at all times. So Saudia not serving it I understand and respect... And wouldn't fly em ever. But there is no logic to stop serving durning Ramadan and serve the rest of the year...
also, Islam forbids consumption of alcohol at all times. So Saudia not serving it I understand and respect... And wouldn't fly em ever. But there is no logic to stop serving durning Ramadan and serve the rest of the year...
Aug 4, 2013, 9:03 am
#19
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
I appreciate it appears to be a bit contradictory & frustrating for some fliers, but a reason to switch carriers? Not in my book.
Aug 4, 2013, 10:38 am
#20
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Delhi
Programs: Emirates gold *alliance silver jet airways platinum tridentprivilege gold.
Posts: 1,817
But QR do serve alcohol during Ramadan, it's just during transit you can't get it (& I suspect it's not down to just QR). For most people that's a couple of hours on the ground including to/from the aircraft.
I appreciate it appears to be a bit contradictory & frustrating for some fliers, but a reason to switch carriers? Not in my book.
I appreciate it appears to be a bit contradictory & frustrating for some fliers, but a reason to switch carriers? Not in my book.
I just don't like the hypocrisy so avoid QR I don't mind Saudia which is consistent. But this Qatar hypocrisy I can do without....
A good reason EK Grows faster than Qatar viz people like me avoiding airlines that Claim to be global,but are not.
Aug 4, 2013, 11:37 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
I think your point is very valid.... But
I just don't like the hypocrisy so avoid QR I don't mind Saudia which is consistent. But this Qatar hypocrisy I can do without....
A good reason EK Grows faster than Qatar viz people like me avoiding airlines that Claim to be global,but are not.
I just don't like the hypocrisy so avoid QR I don't mind Saudia which is consistent. But this Qatar hypocrisy I can do without....
A good reason EK Grows faster than Qatar viz people like me avoiding airlines that Claim to be global,but are not.
If I'm being honest I do believe QR should inform their passengers of this service limitation so an informed choice can be made. For me it's an irritation rather than a 'never fly again' decision.
Aug 18, 2013, 8:29 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
Airport imposed ban?
I passed through DOH 4 times during Ramadan, and indeed there were no alcoholic beverages served in the First Class Terminal, or on the plane while on the ground. I was told by staff that this was imposed by the airport authorities and not QR.
Aug 22, 2013, 5:19 am
#24
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
A couple of points of information:
The airport authorities and QR are one in the same. Additionally, one of QR's companies Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) controls all distribution of all alcohol in Qatar.
As previous poster pointed out Emirates continues to serve during Ramadan at the airport, even though the rest of the city stays dry until after Iftar (breaking of the fast). If QR wanted to continue to serve they could. Additionally, I believe on flights within GCC countries (Qatar to Dubai) QR does not serve alcohol at all on the flights.
Dec 1, 2013, 11:10 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 19
Paid Access to Oryx Lounge at Doha - Prebook or Just Walk Up?
I see on Qatar Airways web site that the Oryx Lounge in the Doha airport is open to all passengers "regardless of the class of ticket or airline," in return for a fee of USD $40.00. That's good for me, because I am a lowly peon flying coach. 
I would like the benefit of your views regarding whether I should pre-book this service before I fly, or if it's OK to just walk up and pay the fee.
I will changing planes in Doha twice:
Looks like I can pre-book using a web site in Great Britain. Or I can arrange for Al-Maha transit service (which is a little more expensive). I also seem to recall reading that it's possible to prepay at a Qatar Airways ticket office, although I cannot now find online confirmation of that.
Is there any advantage to advance booking paid access to the Oryx Lounge? Or will I be OK just walking up and paying the fee?
I would like the benefit of your views regarding whether I should pre-book this service before I fly, or if it's OK to just walk up and pay the fee.
I will changing planes in Doha twice:
- Arriving Wednesday, December 11, at 6:20 p.m. (1820) with a layover of 2+40.
- Arriving Saturday, January 111, at 4:55 a.m. (0455) with a layover of 3+50.
Is there any advantage to advance booking paid access to the Oryx Lounge? Or will I be OK just walking up and paying the fee?
Last edited by M70B50; Dec 1, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Dec 2, 2013, 2:11 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
However, I have no idea how they decide who is allowed in and who would be turned away in this instance. So no way of knowing if you would be turned away anyways even if pre-booked. I'm no longer in Qatar so no idea how the lounge has been impacted by 1W members now using it. It would get packed at times when I was using it pre-1W. However, I think you should be OK with your flights. The airport, to include PT, seems to be the busiest from around 2000 until around 0200.
No reason to book Al- Maha if you are in transit.
Dec 2, 2013, 7:14 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,046
If the lounge is at capacity they will not let you in even if you have pre booked. Unlike most organisations in Qatar I am pleased to report that QR has an extremely strong health, safety and fire ethics.
Dec 2, 2013, 2:50 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ZRH
Programs: QR Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 96
Hi everybody, this is my very first thread.
I was in Oryx lounge two days ago, and yes, it was really crowded but people moved really fast too. I had a 4hr layover. Many desks with empty seats were occupied with used cups and plates for a considerable length of time, so it could be a little annoying even if there were not many people inside. However the crowd was generally quieter than outside.
I was in Oryx lounge two days ago, and yes, it was really crowded but people moved really fast too. I had a 4hr layover. Many desks with empty seats were occupied with used cups and plates for a considerable length of time, so it could be a little annoying even if there were not many people inside. However the crowd was generally quieter than outside.