dutch_122

Axey,

many thanks for the update, have 2 hours and 40 minutes in 2 weeks time.

Silver Falcon

Does anyone have updated info/experience doing turnaround in CAI?

Want to book for early April - not sure if leave the morning flight from DOH or afternoon flight to return to DOH (QR1302 7.20pm).

If things go south - I cannot get visa on arrival

Thanks

IAN-UK

But you can pop along to the Egyptian consulate and get one there.

ashkale

You wont be allowed to board without a visa for direct turns ( if your passport is not covered by the visa on arrival at Cai) - you might choose not to use the visa but to board your first inbound to Cai you would need a visa or show a twov connection.

poppabear

Hi,

Just did quick turn on 3/27. Arr QR1301 @1625, Dpt QR 1302 @ 1920. Got off A/C & went to "Transfer Desk" Security Agent took passport/boarding passes and called QR agent who appeared about 10 min later. He took us to the transfer security check point, which we quickly cleared, then off to Lounge to wait for departure. Relatively effortless, except for waiting for QR agent. No visa needed. BTW we had checked in online in DOH and got our boarding passes in DOH in the QR First Class Lounge. Very smooth process overall^

sexten

Thank you for this updated report!
Is the "Transfer Desk" marked by any signs, or do you just follow the transfer-signs (if they exist)?

poppabear

There are signs overhead, but bear to the left, don't make a sharp right. The desk was thru a door which did not look like the correct way to go. I initially thought the area was still under construction, but beyond the door, several pax were seated across from the long counter with just one security agent behind it.
Just remember to have your rtn BP printed out before you leave for CAI. Good luck

IAN-UK

The usual print-out received for check-in outside Cairo airport (or online check-in for that matter) is an "acknowledgement of check-in" rather than a boarding card.

The wait in the transit/transfer area is for the QR desks to take over the check-in procedure, issue BPs, present these to the authorities as part of the transfer documentation, and then deliver them to the passenger in transit.

Passengers will go through the same procedure after presenting an itinerary print-out at the transfer desk.




It will be interesting if you can confirm that QR procedures, and the airline's departure control systems, now allow agents to effect remote check-in and issue boarding cards for ex-CAI services.

poppabear

Hi IAN-UK,

You are correct that when you check in on line, you do not get an actual BP, however prior to departing DOH, it was very easy to get the actual BP's from QR for CAI-DOH-MIA. All that the QR personnel in CAI did was escort us back thru security to the departures concourse/lounge. We were flying First Class, so I don't know if that made any difference?

dutch_122

sexten,

Cairo at the moment (arrived QR1301, and returning QR1302) just did the transfer, really good I must say.
When coming from the E-gate, you will see 2 signs connecting flights, don't turn right, but as poppabear said, turn left.

Then you will the door with small "transfer" on it, go through, and the QR representative is already waiting for you.

Transfer stamp, off to checkin, real boarding pass, and off you go back again with the staff or airport representative to the lounge or gate.

Poppabear thx for the info.
Asked Al Safwa lounge if BP's could be issued there (CAI-DOH-AMS) very short answer not possible.

uewi100

Just wondering, how reliable QR personnel will wait at the transfer desk?
I have a turnaround around midnight and wonder if I can count on it.
Any other experiences so far in the new terminal?

uewi100

Just wondering, how reliable QR personnel will wait at the transfer desk?
I have a turnaround around midnight and wonder if I can count on it.
Any other experiences so far in the new terminal?

IAN-UK

That's the answer I'd expect. There are excellent reasons for Cairo to maintain control over terminal passengers (which is what you are in terms of ticketing). From Cairo's view, you are joining the flight there as a Cairo-origin passenger: including a requirement to confirm you have any visas you might need.

Although Doha will understand you are attempting to make an airside connection to a separately ticketed flight, you're not a transfer passenger under the normally recognised definition of that status.

It seems from poppabear's report that agents can override the system, which is certainly not something anyone should rely on happening.

I'm guessing that by now the exCAI frenzy will have become something QR's team Cairo are well used to, and they are doing their best to facilitate connections. But it's worth noting that they do not need to: if QR wanted to cut down on the use of Cairo fares it could leave passengers to stew - the message would soon filter through

Again, the best thing you can do is use a very small part of the cash saved flying exCAI and give yourself an overnight in Cairo, or at least a healthy buffer between flights.

dutch_122

uewi100,

How long between the flights?
When leaving the aircraft report yourself to the representative of QR, he/she will contact QR checkin that you transferring.

But checkin online & print the "acknowledgement" that you are checked in, very important, I was asked twice if I was checked in already, and no checked baggage, only carry on.

dutch_122

IAN-UK,

Correct, was advised that also in Al Safwa, with 2 different agents, cannot be done as you are starting your flight in Cairo, on separate ticket.

When I left the aircraft, I told the QR representative that I was returning with the same aircraft, ok, go to the transfer desk, and someone from QR will be there (he was not surprised at all).


When I arrived I was number 2, shortly after me, transfer pax number 3 arrived also (Qatari & US person).

About 3 people waiting for the EK flight later that night.

I would do it again, 2 hours and 45 minutes was good enough buffer.
Yes, next flight in September I spent the night in Cairo before I fly back again.


Many thanks for all the good advise given by everyone, was very helpful.