Nov 5, 2015, 11:11 am
Last edit by: CPH-Flyer
READ BEFORE COMMENTING IF YOU ARE NEW,
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges.
This thread, is specifically for the Al Safwa First Class Lounge. Information on the other Lounge options at HIA, can be found here.
Does Al Safwa have a web page?
Yes: http://www.qatarairways.com/global/e...-al-safwa.page
Dining Menu
https://www.qatarairways.com/content...-dining-en.pdf
Where can I find Al Safwa Lounge?
The Lounge is located on Level 3 of the airport.
Can I use the Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge?
Access is based on your underlying fare bucket. This means that upgraded tickets, maybe except upgrades with QPoints (see post 2735), are not granted access.
Access is thus restricted to Qatar Airways First Class, and OneWorld First Class passengers :
- either holding a First Class boarding pass* for their next flight
- or holding a First Class boarding pass from their previous flight.
Additionally, Privilege Club platinum club travelling on any business-class fare are welcomed into the lounge. This is a facility introduced recently and one that could just as easily disappear.
- Guests are not permitted.
* Operational Upgrades to First do not give access. Upgrades with Qpoints may do give acces (see post 2735 - Sept 2022)
Arrival access on mid and long haul? (eg. coming from LHR in F)
YES
Ex. CAI-DOH-HEL
Arrival access regional F? (eg. coming from CAI in F)
Yes.
Caveat, if your underlying J fare is P, then the no lounge access for business light kicks in. And there is no access.
Privilege Club Platinum members are currently allowed in the lounge when travelling on any QR business-class fare: that could change. Other Oneworld Emerald members are directed to the Platinum lounge(s) when travelling in any class, and the Al Mourjan lounge when travelling on relevant business-class fares. Yup, it gets complicated.
What does the lounge look like?
Reports on the Lounge, can be found here and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here.
Is there a Spa?
Yes, there is a full Spa, but you will have to pay for treatments. A full list of treatments available can be found here
What about the sleeping rooms?
Stargold in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28199729-post1177.html suggests that access to sleeping rooms is as follows:
'* No reservations allowed - always first-come first-served
* Only available if the remaining time until the flight departure is more than 4 hours
* Passengers are allowed maximum six hours' usage - for any further usage, a fee of QAR 450 is payable for a second block of six hours.
* No F&B of any kind except bottled water in the sleeping rooms.'
What changes can I expect during Ramadan?
Ramadan affects QR and you in many ways so please look at ramadan to see how you are affected.
Updated: 19/11/2023
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges.
This thread, is specifically for the Al Safwa First Class Lounge. Information on the other Lounge options at HIA, can be found here.
Does Al Safwa have a web page?
Yes: http://www.qatarairways.com/global/e...-al-safwa.page
Dining Menu
https://www.qatarairways.com/content...-dining-en.pdf
Where can I find Al Safwa Lounge?
The Lounge is located on Level 3 of the airport.
Can I use the Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge?
Access is based on your underlying fare bucket. This means that upgraded tickets, maybe except upgrades with QPoints (see post 2735), are not granted access.
Access is thus restricted to Qatar Airways First Class, and OneWorld First Class passengers :
- either holding a First Class boarding pass* for their next flight
- or holding a First Class boarding pass from their previous flight.
Additionally, Privilege Club platinum club travelling on any business-class fare are welcomed into the lounge. This is a facility introduced recently and one that could just as easily disappear.
- Guests are not permitted.
* Operational Upgrades to First do not give access. Upgrades with Qpoints may do give acces (see post 2735 - Sept 2022)
Arrival access on mid and long haul? (eg. coming from LHR in F)
YES
Ex. CAI-DOH-HEL
Arrival access regional F? (eg. coming from CAI in F)
Yes.
Caveat, if your underlying J fare is P, then the no lounge access for business light kicks in. And there is no access.
Privilege Club Platinum members are currently allowed in the lounge when travelling on any QR business-class fare: that could change. Other Oneworld Emerald members are directed to the Platinum lounge(s) when travelling in any class, and the Al Mourjan lounge when travelling on relevant business-class fares. Yup, it gets complicated.
What does the lounge look like?
Reports on the Lounge, can be found here and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here.
Is there a Spa?
Yes, there is a full Spa, but you will have to pay for treatments. A full list of treatments available can be found here
What about the sleeping rooms?
Stargold in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28199729-post1177.html suggests that access to sleeping rooms is as follows:
'* No reservations allowed - always first-come first-served
* Only available if the remaining time until the flight departure is more than 4 hours
* Passengers are allowed maximum six hours' usage - for any further usage, a fee of QAR 450 is payable for a second block of six hours.
* No F&B of any kind except bottled water in the sleeping rooms.'
What changes can I expect during Ramadan?
Ramadan affects QR and you in many ways so please look at ramadan to see how you are affected.
Updated: 19/11/2023
QR Al Safwa First Class Lounge
May 13, 2022, 4:33 pm
#2596
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 27
If you're flying MLE-DOH on QR metal F (booked with AA miles) and transiting in DOH for a few hours before flying DOH-KUL on QR metal Y (booked separately with AA miles) -- yes, I know a strange combination of 2 PNRs -- can one access Al Safwa?
I'm guessing no, you'd need the second ticket to be QR metal J?
I'm guessing no, you'd need the second ticket to be QR metal J?
May 13, 2022, 11:28 pm
#2597
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: Mucci, Untappd 8000+
Posts: 255
What happened?
Is open fire allowed in the kitchen now?
Or were these medium-rare pre-cooked steaks, which were carefully heated?
Has Qatar overcome their hysterical fear of undercooked food?
Will we see raw sushi and desserts made with fresh cream soon?
May 14, 2022, 3:46 am
#2598
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Seattle & Seoul.... and now, Maastricht....
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, NWA WorldPerks deserter, Alaska Airlines Something-er-Other...
Posts: 1,885
I just realized I never asked in my earlier post (my apologies if it's been answered somewhere).
If I am on an American Airlines business award ticket (on Qatar) with the long layover in DOH, will the possibility to 'buy up' to the Al Safwa First Lounge still be a possibility? Or is it off the table due to it being an award ticket?
Also, does QR ever block the second QSuites cabin on the 777 on empty flights? From Frankfurt to DOH the seat map (on Expertflyer) is showing only rows 1-6. Then Y cabin shows starting at row 16. I was able to choose my qsuite seat awhile ago, but now everything is blocked in the forward C cabin (thus I can no longer change seats for a flight next month), and the rear Qsuite cabin is no longer showing at all. Hope it's not a flight pre-cancel thing....
If I am on an American Airlines business award ticket (on Qatar) with the long layover in DOH, will the possibility to 'buy up' to the Al Safwa First Lounge still be a possibility? Or is it off the table due to it being an award ticket?
Also, does QR ever block the second QSuites cabin on the 777 on empty flights? From Frankfurt to DOH the seat map (on Expertflyer) is showing only rows 1-6. Then Y cabin shows starting at row 16. I was able to choose my qsuite seat awhile ago, but now everything is blocked in the forward C cabin (thus I can no longer change seats for a flight next month), and the rear Qsuite cabin is no longer showing at all. Hope it's not a flight pre-cancel thing....
May 14, 2022, 3:50 am
#2599
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
I just realized I never asked in my earlier post (my apologies if it's been answered somewhere).
If I am on an American Airlines business award ticket (on Qatar) with the long layover in DOH, will the possibility to 'buy up' to the Al Safwa First Lounge still be a possibility? Or is it off the table due to it being an award ticket?
Also, does QR ever block the second QSuites cabin on the 777 on empty flights? From Frankfurt to DOH the seat map (on Expertflyer) is showing only rows 1-6. Then Y cabin shows starting at row 16. I was able to choose my qsuite seat awhile ago, but now everything is blocked in the forward C cabin (thus I can no longer change seats for a flight next month), and the rear Qsuite cabin is no longer showing at all. Hope it's not a flight pre-cancel thing....
If I am on an American Airlines business award ticket (on Qatar) with the long layover in DOH, will the possibility to 'buy up' to the Al Safwa First Lounge still be a possibility? Or is it off the table due to it being an award ticket?
Also, does QR ever block the second QSuites cabin on the 777 on empty flights? From Frankfurt to DOH the seat map (on Expertflyer) is showing only rows 1-6. Then Y cabin shows starting at row 16. I was able to choose my qsuite seat awhile ago, but now everything is blocked in the forward C cabin (thus I can no longer change seats for a flight next month), and the rear Qsuite cabin is no longer showing at all. Hope it's not a flight pre-cancel thing....
QR has another high density Y 777 configuration with 6 rows of the Business Class cabin, so I assume that you had an aircraft configuration change. Otherwise, there is no reason for QR to block the rear Qsuite cabin.
May 14, 2022, 4:54 am
#2600
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Seattle & Seoul.... and now, Maastricht....
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, NWA WorldPerks deserter, Alaska Airlines Something-er-Other...
Posts: 1,885
You could try to buy up to the Al Safwa First Lounge, but since it's an AA ticket, you would not be able to do it online. There were success and failure reports here in FT thus YMMV but it might be worth to stop by the Al Safwa lounge entrance and ask the agents over there.
QR has another high density Y 777 configuration with 6 rows of the Business Class cabin, so I assume that you had an aircraft configuration change. Otherwise, there is no reason for QR to block the rear Qsuite cabin.
QR has another high density Y 777 configuration with 6 rows of the Business Class cabin, so I assume that you had an aircraft configuration change. Otherwise, there is no reason for QR to block the rear Qsuite cabin.
Edit to add: Another strange thing is that I can no longer view the seat map on the QR website when looking at my rez (and there's a message that I have to change my seat at the airport - for a flight that's over a month away). On Expertflyer, it shows the six rows (looking like Qsuites), but all seats are blocked except a few that are occupied (including mine). Strange.
Last edited by Paella747; May 14, 2022 at 5:04 am
May 15, 2022, 6:34 am
#2601
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 58
Hi - quick question. I am flying KWI-DOH in Y after a work trip leaving at 10:55pm and landing at 11:55am. Then on a separate ticket I am flying DOH-ZRH leaving at 8am. Will I be allowed to enter the lounge at around midnight when I arrive in DOH?
May 15, 2022, 11:19 am
#2602
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: HKG, BHX, MAN
Programs: Qatar Gold (OWS), Asiana Diamond (*G)
Posts: 1,493
Depends on the travel class of your 2 flights, whether they're upgrades, and your frequent flyer status.
May 15, 2022, 4:03 pm
#2604
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 58
May 20, 2022, 10:15 pm
#2605
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: QF Plat, VA Plat, BA Gold
Posts: 528
Anyway, for point of reference. I was let into Al Safwa with no issues this morning. Paid Y, upgraded Q Credits!
May 21, 2022, 5:52 am
#2606
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA 1MM EXP, DL Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador (RIP SPG), Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 1,156
If you're flying MLE-DOH on QR metal F (booked with AA miles) and transiting in DOH for a few hours before flying DOH-KUL on QR metal Y (booked separately with AA miles) -- yes, I know a strange combination of 2 PNRs -- can one access Al Safwa?
I'm guessing no, you'd need the second ticket to be QR metal J?
I'm guessing no, you'd need the second ticket to be QR metal J?
I transited through DOH on separate PNRs a couple of days ago. MLE-DOH in F then up to Heathrow in J. A bit different than your situation as the second flight was in J not Y, but access was granted based on the inbound flight.
Just keep an eye on the first leg. There was an equipment swap the day of for me, which initially put me into J without notice. Called up to get it fixed, but would have been less than ideal to show up in MLE to find out i was in in J not F.
You should have no issues.
May 24, 2022, 6:10 am
#2607
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 179
I upgraded a friend from T to what shows as First (Z) on an upcoming DOH-SHJ using my Qcredits and I am in A, I also have 4 lounge passes with my Gold status
1. Will he be able to use AS?
2. If no, can I use my pass to get him into AS considering I will have access?
3. Or do the passes only work for the Silver lounge now?
1. Will he be able to use AS?
2. If no, can I use my pass to get him into AS considering I will have access?
3. Or do the passes only work for the Silver lounge now?
Last edited by ziek; May 24, 2022 at 6:17 am
May 27, 2022, 1:37 am
#2609
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: QF, TK, VA, SQ
Posts: 695
Our flights tomorrow originally were showing an option to purchase AS access online at the prices others had seen, which I was going to do, but wanted to wait until closer to flying to do so.
I put it down to dodgy QR IT but the option has disappeared now, and the lounge access screen (when it shows- sometimes it doesn't) only shows that we have access to AM/Silver/First Class lounges, with an option to purchase the Oryx lounge.
Is purchase on arrival still an option? I guess worst case we just use AM tomorrow, but I was looking to kicking back for a couple of hours in secluded luxury before the long onward flight...
I put it down to dodgy QR IT but the option has disappeared now, and the lounge access screen (when it shows- sometimes it doesn't) only shows that we have access to AM/Silver/First Class lounges, with an option to purchase the Oryx lounge.
Is purchase on arrival still an option? I guess worst case we just use AM tomorrow, but I was looking to kicking back for a couple of hours in secluded luxury before the long onward flight...
May 27, 2022, 6:28 am
#2610
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Our flights tomorrow originally were showing an option to purchase AS access online at the prices others had seen, which I was going to do, but wanted to wait until closer to flying to do so.
I put it down to dodgy QR IT but the option has disappeared now, and the lounge access screen (when it shows- sometimes it doesn't) only shows that we have access to AM/Silver/First Class lounges, with an option to purchase the Oryx lounge.
Is purchase on arrival still an option? I guess worst case we just use AM tomorrow, but I was looking to kicking back for a couple of hours in secluded luxury before the long onward flight...
I put it down to dodgy QR IT but the option has disappeared now, and the lounge access screen (when it shows- sometimes it doesn't) only shows that we have access to AM/Silver/First Class lounges, with an option to purchase the Oryx lounge.
Is purchase on arrival still an option? I guess worst case we just use AM tomorrow, but I was looking to kicking back for a couple of hours in secluded luxury before the long onward flight...
You would simply need to present your boarding pass and a credit card.