GratefulSmile

When you show your ticket if it doesn't scan right or they want double checked, the whisper up to the top to make sure they direct you to the desk.

Globalist

Exactly, some guests need to visit the reception desk before entering because they might need to pay or need to have their eligibility verified. The staff downstairs uses their earpiece and mike to describe the passenger to the staff member at the top end of the escalator who then ensures the passenger does not just enter the lounge but indeed goes to the desk.

This prevents long discussions on eligibility at the bottom of the escalator and the forming of a queue. (Usually).

Globalist

pjs

Arrive from ORD around 4:55pm 1/1 with connection to NBO (also in J) at 6:50pm. How busy is AM at this time? Will shower be possible before we have to head to gate? Thx

Schwann

Should be okay for a shower - just go there straight away to get in the queue.

craig_2029

Can anyone tell me what are the busy hours? 10pm to midnight? 5am to 7am?

BCasc

Leaving Wednesday and laying over for 8 hours - land at 5:20pm, depart at 1:30am - and decided too much hassle to leave the airport with Covid requirements. Husband & I are in J on AA award and I am OW Sapphire. I assume AM will be where we spend our time.

Do we have to sign up for showers at the desk? Do they require males and females to use separate spaces? (personally don’t care either way)
Any dining tips or lounge tips to make this long period more enjoyable?

SightseeMC

If your award is on QR then AM is your home. I experienced no separation (except for the bathrooms/showers, naturally) with my wife the times we've flown through.

Advice for making that layover work: treat it like a day trip. the food is good/great (depending on your taste), the booze is free-flowing if you like that, and the seats will either be plentiful when you get there or open up when the bank of flights departs. Sign up for the shower and use your allotted time there well. Also, take some time to explore the airport too; it's not Changi IMO, but it's still a pleasant place to wander for a little bit.

Spent 13 hours there before, and between eating 3 meals, showering, reading a book, and walking the airport, it was no hardship whatsoever.

davidmsilver

Flying DFW-DOH-MLE on AA business award (fare class U). I believe we get access to AM, but wondering about paying up to access AS.

CPH-Flyer

You get access to the AM, and can pay up to the AS. The cost is 600 QAR per passenger, slightly less than 200 USD per passenger.
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Guvner067

Are award tickets eligible for paid upgrade? Some other threads suggest they aren't.

CPH-Flyer

I have done it. Of course it may always change, but it certainly has been possible.

NickRivas

in the fine print it says they’re not, but you should give it a try because sometimes staff somehow don’t know this so they’ll let you in

Ive had 50/50 experiences…a few months ago I had a business class on QR booked with AA miles and on the way over they let me pay, but on the way back the person at the desk specifically said award tickets through other airlines, even for QR J aren’t eligible for the payment to AS. I tried to argue this cause thought I really could go in so they called the manager and stuff and they looked at the fine print and indeed it shouldn’t happen.

So just try, there’s a chance you’ll pay and get in and worst case scenario they say no.

vnfilm1

I would like to know, with AS booking (business class ticket), does passenger allow to access Al Mourijan business lounge. And how long passenger is allowed to stay in the Al lounge.

CPH-Flyer

Business class award bookings gives access to the Al Mourjan. There is no time limit on the stay, from your flight arrives until your next one departs. Though with the slight caveat that if you are above 24 hours you are required to enter Doha and can't stay airside.
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BCasc

Spent around 8 hours in Al Mourjan - landed at 5:30pm and flight departed at 12:55am. We landed at peak time and it was busy.

Tried to take showers but advised to come back (both male and female) at 8:00-8:30. I didn’t wait for a shower close to 9:00. Husband waited a few mins around 8:00, but the attendant came to get him (so nice!). Showers was very spacious and clean.

We proceeded to upstairs dining quickly after
we couldn’t take showers. There was a waiting list for the upstairs dining but we didn’t actually wait. Food was good and a nice variety. We opted for the curry and biryani. Free flowing sparkling rose. Nice options on their buffet and dessert. Attentive and friendly staff. Al Mourjan Menu Link
Embarrassed to say we had another snack later in the downstairs deli before departure. Loved the soup and husband’s enjoyed his made to order sandwich.

The lounge was pleasantly quiet between 7:30 and 10:30 and started to pick back up (heavy flight loads between midnight and 2am). Still didn’t feel overwhelmingly busy.

Saw Al Mourjan North construction. Looks to be in final phases. Not open as of 10/14. Will update if there’s a change on our way back.