estnet

Thanks - that explains the lack of a link(BTW how did u find out about the suspension?). Funny when I was there a week ago (for 14 hours) there wasn't much/any crowding
You answered so fast - my twitter text to QR still remains unanswered - they should put you on the payroll
So the rate is the same (if available) and is it limited to 6 hours? I've got a few weeks yet so I'll just have to see how it plays out. There was a link to an offer of meeting/escort service which included 6 hours at the "QR Services Lounge" - ? the same as the business class lounge (or is there another one?) for $113.

ISTFlyer

The Al Maha Services Lounge is $55 if you don't want the escort and it's a complete different lounge which is not a QR Lounge. The name of that lounge is not "QR Services Lounge".
It's the PriorityPass Lounge at the airport.

For the suspension part, I have learned it from another FlyerTalker's experience that was reported here + I no longer see the paid access option for Al Mourjan on my reservations where the flight date is in the near future. The lounge booking link shows that I'm only eligible to use the QR First Class status lounge; previously, it offered me the Al Mourjan upgrade for $96.

Also, if you pay for Al Mourjan, yes, the 6 hour limit is enforced.

senatorbrown

I've always wondered how they enforce this? I've been to AM a couple times before and it's usually packed. How do they manage to find you in the crowd to escort you out?

ISTFlyer

There are employees who wander around the lounge and ask passengers who wander around and pretend that they are looking for passengers whose flights are boarding thus they are asking all passengers which flight they are on.

If you're one of the passengers on a flight that has a person entered the lounge with paid entry more than 6 hours before takeoff, the agent would ask to see your boarding pass.
That way they detect the passengers.

The interaction is something like this:

Agent: Good evening sir, how are you doing?
Passenger: Thank you
Agent: Where are you heading today?
Passenger: Istanbul
Agent: Are you on QR 241 departing at xx o'clock
Passenger: Yes
( Agent checks his list if there are passengers on that flight that might exceed the 6 hour limit )
Case 1: If there are no potential passengers;
Agent: Thank you sir, enjoy your stay in the lounge
Case 2: If there are potential passengers that might exceed the 6 hour limit;
Agent: Could I see your boarding pass
< Agent glimpses at boarding pass and checks the name on his list >
Case 2a: If you are still within the 6h limit or you have unlimited time access at the lounge
Agent: Thank you sir, enjoy your stay in the lounge
Case 2b: If you have exceeded the 6h limit on a paid entry
<I haven't experienced this but they are probably kindly asking you to either pay another $96 or leave the lounge>

I had this happening multiple times since COVID.

Also now they scan boarding passes before entering showers and they would also catch you if you try to use the showers.

estnet

Ah yes I had the wrong name - it is indeed Al Maha - I knew it was the same as the PP but remembered it wrong.
There is NO link telling me that I'm eligible to use any lounge nor a lounge booking link at all, just the option to add a rental car or meet and assist service. It should show that I can use QR business but it never did that even when I could previously see the link to pay for Al Mourjan access. Oh well, I've got weeks to see how it develops but it was nice while it lasted.
It is a bit odd b/c their system clearly recognizes my OW status since I was able to chose a seat on a fare that only allows that at check in, but doesn't tell me about lounge access.

Schwann

I wondered why someone looked at me and asked if I was travelling to the USA. I said no and they walked off, so maybe they weren't after my 6 hours... (not that I was on paid access anyway).

Neilgcal

Yes the link has gone from all my future R class bookings.

Is there any update as to whether OWS members travelling in J still get access to AM? I could see a few threads up that status Y passengers were being moved to the relevant Business or First lounge.

mendacio

Will keep y'all posted-flying next week and this definitely throws a wrench into our plans! (flying with elderly haha)

Update: So with this information, I called Qatar to desperately be able to book AM lounge on R tickets with no lounge access (only bc earlier it seemed my OWS status would get me and a guest in complimentary). Got a 12ish hr layover and I figured my parents would enjoy the AM experience. The person on the phone said that they'll take names for requests to the lounge, and within 4-5 hours, they can usually confirm if lounge access is available, and then will take payment. Will see if this is real. haha. Will update this as I hear back! Fingers crossed.

anabolism

Yes, obviously. That's the official policy and well known. But recent posts implied that the status lounges may be returning to their usual role but it was unclear if that is indeed the case and if so if QR was now enforcing the R policy.

bradfrancini

If anyone has experience at the lounges traveling on an R fare as an Emerald in the last few days please drop a line. It will be a bit of a bummer if I lose my AM access just in time to pass through on Sunday.

FT-hss

Went with shorter layover award. Now I have a 3.5 hrs connection in Biz.

FT-hss

Oh wait.. I am confused. Does this include AA business award on Qatar? Have a biz flight connecting to another biz flight with 3.5 hours in between? Or is that too short a connection to enjoy the lounge and I should not even bother?

CPH-Flyer

Awards do include lounge access.

3.5 hours is more than plenty to go to the lounge. From you are off the plane to being in the lounge will not take much time.
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LoungeLizardHugo

Just accessed AM on paid R with OW Emerald. By the way I'm in the shower now lol

mendacio

And you didn't have to pay for access? that's new news!