Jun 5, 2017, 6:48 am
Last edit by: plunet
Wiki last updated: 21 July 2017 18:00 UTC
Summary of key traveller experiences and feedback on this forum since Mid-June
Some specific data points from other travellers:
(but there is a lot more valuable information if you can trawl back through the thread)
#753 CAI-LHR-DOH been offered as alternative for ex-CAI 4 days prior to 1st sector.
#772 KUL-DOH-LXR reroute to CAI and IST refused
#792 AUH-DOH-DPS by QR rebooked to DXB-HKG-DPS by CX
#794 Australia-DOH-HBE rebooked as DOH-BEY on QR on 2nd attempt.
#808 CAI>DOH>BOS>DOH>CAI rebooked to KRT and date change
#818 SYD-DOH-CAI changed to SYD-DOH-KWI-CAI, layovers optimed and +Qatar stopover
#830 and #840 Economy ICN-DOH-DXB rebooked onto CX ICN-HKG-DXB
#849 ex-CAI ininaries changed to ex-AMM but needed to HUACA a few times.
#856 CAI-DOH-BKK changed to FCO-DOH-BKK all on QR
#868 DFW-DOH-HBE changed to DFW-DOH-LCA all on QR 2 weeks out.
#906 Unable to get LXR-DOH-HKG-BNE rerouted until 72 hours prior
#927 CAI-DOH-BKK rebooked onto CAI-BAH-AMM on Gulf DOH-BKK (on QR) and return back to AMM
#966 DXB-DOH (award ticket) was changed to DXB-KWI-DOH on Kuwait+QR 48hrs in advance
#966 DOH-CAI (2 award tickets) were changed to DOH-BEY on QR 48 hours advance
#966 CAI-DOH-MUC (paid business) were changed to BEY-DOH-MUC 72 hours advance
#981 HKT-DOH-DWC (J/F tix) change to HKT-DOH-KWI all on QR 10 days out.
#985 ex-LXR ticket rerouted by OTA as CAI-BEY-DOH outside the 72 hr window
#1004 BKK-DOH-CAI in F rebooked as BKK-DOH-BEY in QR F, BEY-CAI in C on ME
#1005 HEL-DOH-DXB rebooked HEL-DOH-MCT on QR and MCT-DXB on Oman once ticket status went to unconfirmed.
#1057 MAN-DOH-DXB rebooked as MAN-LHR-DXB on BA (had to HUACA 3 times)
#1141 Multiple ex-CAI itineraries CAI-DOK-BKK return in J, CAI-DOH-LHR return in J, CAI-DOH-BKK single in F changed to all be ex-KWI. Had to HUACA 3 times.
#1157 LXR-DOH-NRT booked in January, flight changed to CAI-DOH-NRT
#1172 Rebooked CAI-(F)-DOH(J)-BKK to CAI-(C/ME)-BEY-(F)-DOH-(C)-BKK at 77hrs from departure
#1173 Rebooked at QR office HBE-DOH-DPS to HBE-IST-DOH-DPS on TK/TK/QR and improved timing on DOS-DPS segment
Offical guidance from QR website as of mid July:
What Happened
On the 6th of June flights from Qatar to Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (and vice versa) were suspended.
This includes all Qatar flights between Doha and Abu Dhabi, Abha, Alexandria–Borg el Arab, Bahrain, Buraydah, Cairo, Dammam, Dubai–Al Maktoum, Dubai–International, Gassim, Hofuf, Jeddah, Luxor, Madinah, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tabuk, Ta'if and Yanbu.
Adding to this at 00:00 (UTC) on the 6th of June restrictions were put in place limiting flights to Doha to one particular corridor through the airspace of Bahrain. This has since been relaxed to two specific corridors through Bahrain airspace with a second corridor up the Saudi Arabia the new addition.
All other flights to other Qatar Airways destinations including the Maldives are still operating although some have delays due to the extended time required to avoid restricted airspace.
There are a couple of routes that are having to make fuel stops in Athens or Muscat but this seems to be dependent on the type of aircraft as well.
Details on the Airspace can be found here - https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/f...ain-and-egypt/
What about my Flights to other destinations?
Flights to Europe, Asia, Pacific and Norte America are operating as per schedule with minimal delays. There is no need to contact QR regarding these services.
Flights between Doha and Souto America are facing delays due to longer times and/or need for a technical stop-over. Flights to GRU and EZE are 2hr to 5hrs longer.
Flight between Doha and Africa/Middle East have longer flights times due to the airspace restrictions. Some routes like Doha to Khartoum have felt the full force of the restrictions with the flight now taking 2hr 30 mins longer than normal.
Qatar has begun to re-time flights to ensure the network continues running smoothly. Changes have been since Monday 12 June 2017, so it is advised to check your flight status and times on the Qatar website.
What about my flight to a suspended destination?
If you are due to fly in the next few days, search for alternative routings and note them down.
24 hours before your scheduled departure time, contact your LOCAL QR office, and ask for their assistance. Advise them that you have found an alternative routing which you would be willing to accept and see if they will book it for you.
If you are due to fly more than 5 days from today, try and relax. Do not panic and please do not call QR as you are blocking the lines for those flying in the next 24 hours. At this stage, Qatar is only offering options to those who are traveling in the next 24 hours.
Currently, people in the thread have suggested that Qatar is rebooking on flights through Muscat, Kuwait, Amman, Istanbul, Mumbai, Beirut, Athens and Tunis.
You can only get a refund if your booking is to one of the destinations listed at the top! (The number of people asking QR on Twitter for a refund of other flights is amazing)
What about other airlines?
Most other carriers in and out of Doha are still operating except for Air Arabia, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Rotana Jet and Saudia.
Most other carriers are using the new restricted routes into Doha although provided the aircraft is not registered in Qatar they are allowed to use the Saudi Arabia or Egypt Airspace.
Timeline of Events:
5 June 2017
- UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace
- All MS flights between CAI and DOH was zeroed out
- All GF flights between BAH and DOH closed for sale
- All QR flights between DOH and CAI closed for sale
- All QR staff travel was canceled
6 June 2017
- Airspace Restriction came into effect at 00:00 (UTC)
- All QR flights between DOH and UAE/Bahrain/KSA closed for sale
- QR flights between DOH and MLE still bookable
- QR Charters 3 aircraft from Jeddah to Muscat
7 June 2017
- QR Charters an aircraft from Jeddah to Kuwait
8 June 2017
- Qatar Airways website blocked in the UAE
- Qatar Airways offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain close
11 June 2017
- Second flight corridor added along the Saudi Arabia Coast
13 June 2017
- UAE Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar but they are still not allowing flights between the UAE and Qatar from any operators.
- Egypt Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar. The new rules also allow for non Qatar or Egypt registered aircraft to operate flights between the two countries.
14 June 2017
- Agreement between QR and BA/A3 on reticketing passengers (link below)
Further information:
- QR Travel Alert http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...bile_site=true
- QR FAQs http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...002369667-FAQs
- QR Charter flights arranged from Jeddah KSA to Muscat Oman http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...Muscat-to-Doha
- QR agreement with BA & A3 to reticket their flights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...r-help-qr.html
- Political background and latest updates: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40155829
Summary of key traveller experiences and feedback on this forum since Mid-June
- Policy statement (link) for the travel industry issued 15th June 2017
- Refund is always an option, but very varied experiences of how quickly the refund is processed, from a few days to "still waiting". Some experiences of passengers being pressurised into taking refunds when this is not necessary if you can wait.
- If you want to reroute from a closed destination to another middle east destination still served by QR, you might be able to do this as early as 30 days from 1st sector, although we have had reports of rerouting at 6 weeks out.
- Where QR have to reroute onto other carriers, long haul reroutes typically onto BA, CX and TK seem to be quoted most often. In the Gulf region ME, KU, WY are quoted most often. Although RJ is a OneWorld carrier and should be a parter for QR, they are not accepting QR rerouted tickets.
- Status of reservations for travel to affected destinations typically changes to "Unconfirmed" 7 days ahead of travel.
- If your booking was via a 3rd party or agent you probably can't get Qatar to change the ticket until 72 hours before the first sector. 3rd parties and agents seem to be offering refunds rather than rerouting, although there has been some success if you can show them the QR rebooking policy document.
- There has been a very mixed bag of reports of how QR are handling rebooking. Some people have no luck getting itineraries changed before 72 hours before departure, but others do. So some good advice is to always be polite but if you don't get what you want, then thank the agent for their time and HUACA (hang up and call again) - preferably after you have had a drink and have calmed down, and maybe calling a different office.
Some specific data points from other travellers:
(but there is a lot more valuable information if you can trawl back through the thread)
#753 CAI-LHR-DOH been offered as alternative for ex-CAI 4 days prior to 1st sector.
#772 KUL-DOH-LXR reroute to CAI and IST refused
#792 AUH-DOH-DPS by QR rebooked to DXB-HKG-DPS by CX
#794 Australia-DOH-HBE rebooked as DOH-BEY on QR on 2nd attempt.
#808 CAI>DOH>BOS>DOH>CAI rebooked to KRT and date change
#818 SYD-DOH-CAI changed to SYD-DOH-KWI-CAI, layovers optimed and +Qatar stopover
#830 and #840 Economy ICN-DOH-DXB rebooked onto CX ICN-HKG-DXB
#849 ex-CAI ininaries changed to ex-AMM but needed to HUACA a few times.
#856 CAI-DOH-BKK changed to FCO-DOH-BKK all on QR
#868 DFW-DOH-HBE changed to DFW-DOH-LCA all on QR 2 weeks out.
#906 Unable to get LXR-DOH-HKG-BNE rerouted until 72 hours prior
#927 CAI-DOH-BKK rebooked onto CAI-BAH-AMM on Gulf DOH-BKK (on QR) and return back to AMM
#966 DXB-DOH (award ticket) was changed to DXB-KWI-DOH on Kuwait+QR 48hrs in advance
#966 DOH-CAI (2 award tickets) were changed to DOH-BEY on QR 48 hours advance
#966 CAI-DOH-MUC (paid business) were changed to BEY-DOH-MUC 72 hours advance
#981 HKT-DOH-DWC (J/F tix) change to HKT-DOH-KWI all on QR 10 days out.
#985 ex-LXR ticket rerouted by OTA as CAI-BEY-DOH outside the 72 hr window
#1004 BKK-DOH-CAI in F rebooked as BKK-DOH-BEY in QR F, BEY-CAI in C on ME
#1005 HEL-DOH-DXB rebooked HEL-DOH-MCT on QR and MCT-DXB on Oman once ticket status went to unconfirmed.
#1057 MAN-DOH-DXB rebooked as MAN-LHR-DXB on BA (had to HUACA 3 times)
#1141 Multiple ex-CAI itineraries CAI-DOK-BKK return in J, CAI-DOH-LHR return in J, CAI-DOH-BKK single in F changed to all be ex-KWI. Had to HUACA 3 times.
#1157 LXR-DOH-NRT booked in January, flight changed to CAI-DOH-NRT
#1172 Rebooked CAI-(F)-DOH(J)-BKK to CAI-(C/ME)-BEY-(F)-DOH-(C)-BKK at 77hrs from departure
#1173 Rebooked at QR office HBE-DOH-DPS to HBE-IST-DOH-DPS on TK/TK/QR and improved timing on DOS-DPS segment
Offical guidance from QR website as of mid July:
Passengers who have purchased their tickets from Qatar Airways have the following options to refund their tickets:
For tickets booked on qatarairways.com, they can:
Passengers who have purchased their Qatar Airways tickets through a Travel Agency can request their refund from the issuing Travel Agent.
For tickets booked on qatarairways.com, they can:
- Go to Refund requests;
- They can approach their nearest Qatar Airways Office; or
- They can call the Qatar Airways contact Centre at +974 4022 0072
- Contact their nearest Qatar Airways Office; or
- Call Qatar Airways Contact Centre on +974 4022 0072
Passengers who have purchased their Qatar Airways tickets through a Travel Agency can request their refund from the issuing Travel Agent.
Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain and Egypt please use: https://refundsapp1.blueivysync.com/...er-refund.html
This is a different web form as the Qatar website is blocked from some of these countries.
This is a different web form as the Qatar website is blocked from some of these countries.
For further information and FAQs please visit: http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...002369667-FAQs
On the 6th of June flights from Qatar to Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (and vice versa) were suspended.
This includes all Qatar flights between Doha and Abu Dhabi, Abha, Alexandria–Borg el Arab, Bahrain, Buraydah, Cairo, Dammam, Dubai–Al Maktoum, Dubai–International, Gassim, Hofuf, Jeddah, Luxor, Madinah, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Sharjah, Tabuk, Ta'if and Yanbu.
Adding to this at 00:00 (UTC) on the 6th of June restrictions were put in place limiting flights to Doha to one particular corridor through the airspace of Bahrain. This has since been relaxed to two specific corridors through Bahrain airspace with a second corridor up the Saudi Arabia the new addition.
All other flights to other Qatar Airways destinations including the Maldives are still operating although some have delays due to the extended time required to avoid restricted airspace.
There are a couple of routes that are having to make fuel stops in Athens or Muscat but this seems to be dependent on the type of aircraft as well.
Details on the Airspace can be found here - https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/f...ain-and-egypt/
What about my Flights to other destinations?
Flights to Europe, Asia, Pacific and Norte America are operating as per schedule with minimal delays. There is no need to contact QR regarding these services.
Flights between Doha and Souto America are facing delays due to longer times and/or need for a technical stop-over. Flights to GRU and EZE are 2hr to 5hrs longer.
Flight between Doha and Africa/Middle East have longer flights times due to the airspace restrictions. Some routes like Doha to Khartoum have felt the full force of the restrictions with the flight now taking 2hr 30 mins longer than normal.
Qatar has begun to re-time flights to ensure the network continues running smoothly. Changes have been since Monday 12 June 2017, so it is advised to check your flight status and times on the Qatar website.
What about my flight to a suspended destination?
If you are due to fly in the next few days, search for alternative routings and note them down.
24 hours before your scheduled departure time, contact your LOCAL QR office, and ask for their assistance. Advise them that you have found an alternative routing which you would be willing to accept and see if they will book it for you.
If you are due to fly more than 5 days from today, try and relax. Do not panic and please do not call QR as you are blocking the lines for those flying in the next 24 hours. At this stage, Qatar is only offering options to those who are traveling in the next 24 hours.
Currently, people in the thread have suggested that Qatar is rebooking on flights through Muscat, Kuwait, Amman, Istanbul, Mumbai, Beirut, Athens and Tunis.
You can only get a refund if your booking is to one of the destinations listed at the top! (The number of people asking QR on Twitter for a refund of other flights is amazing)
What about other airlines?
Most other carriers in and out of Doha are still operating except for Air Arabia, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Rotana Jet and Saudia.
Most other carriers are using the new restricted routes into Doha although provided the aircraft is not registered in Qatar they are allowed to use the Saudi Arabia or Egypt Airspace.
Timeline of Events:
5 June 2017
- UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace
- All MS flights between CAI and DOH was zeroed out
- All GF flights between BAH and DOH closed for sale
- All QR flights between DOH and CAI closed for sale
- All QR staff travel was canceled
6 June 2017
- Airspace Restriction came into effect at 00:00 (UTC)
- All QR flights between DOH and UAE/Bahrain/KSA closed for sale
- QR flights between DOH and MLE still bookable
- QR Charters 3 aircraft from Jeddah to Muscat
7 June 2017
- QR Charters an aircraft from Jeddah to Kuwait
8 June 2017
- Qatar Airways website blocked in the UAE
- Qatar Airways offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain close
11 June 2017
- Second flight corridor added along the Saudi Arabia Coast
13 June 2017
- UAE Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar but they are still not allowing flights between the UAE and Qatar from any operators.
- Egypt Relaxes rules allowing non Qatari registered aircraft to use their airspace to/from Qatar. The new rules also allow for non Qatar or Egypt registered aircraft to operate flights between the two countries.
14 June 2017
- Agreement between QR and BA/A3 on reticketing passengers (link below)
Further information:
- QR Travel Alert http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...bile_site=true
- QR FAQs http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...002369667-FAQs
- QR Charter flights arranged from Jeddah KSA to Muscat Oman http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/e...Muscat-to-Doha
- QR agreement with BA & A3 to reticket their flights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar...r-help-qr.html
- Political background and latest updates: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40155829
Qatar Airways - UAE, KSA, Bahrain and Egypt withdraw licenses and close airspace
Jun 18, 2017, 11:16 am
#856
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 519
Adding a data point on my CAI-DOH-BKK (First/Business tix)
I waited for my booking to change to "Unconfirmed" status as I was told previously the rep cannot do anything to a confirmed booking. It went "unconfirmed" 7 days prior to the travel date. I then dialed US #.
I was told the rule, as others have stated, that I have to wait 72h before they can reroute on OW airlines or 24h for other airlines. I then asked how about FCO and IST on QR? The nice rep checked and said okay. Since I will be in Paris, I then asked (I was sure it wouldn't work but didn't hurt to ask), how about CDG-DOH, even in Y... She checked and that was no go. Anyways, I am very happy with the new routing FCO-DOH-BKK (Dreamliner J to A380 J).
Kudos to QR. As to my return BKK-DOH-CAI, since I have to fly to CAI, I will wait until 72h or 24h. I am hoping for perhaps SQ to SIN to IST then TK to CAI.
In summary, I changed CAI-DOH-BKK to FCO-DOH-BKK.
I waited for my booking to change to "Unconfirmed" status as I was told previously the rep cannot do anything to a confirmed booking. It went "unconfirmed" 7 days prior to the travel date. I then dialed US #.
I was told the rule, as others have stated, that I have to wait 72h before they can reroute on OW airlines or 24h for other airlines. I then asked how about FCO and IST on QR? The nice rep checked and said okay. Since I will be in Paris, I then asked (I was sure it wouldn't work but didn't hurt to ask), how about CDG-DOH, even in Y... She checked and that was no go. Anyways, I am very happy with the new routing FCO-DOH-BKK (Dreamliner J to A380 J).
Kudos to QR. As to my return BKK-DOH-CAI, since I have to fly to CAI, I will wait until 72h or 24h. I am hoping for perhaps SQ to SIN to IST then TK to CAI.
In summary, I changed CAI-DOH-BKK to FCO-DOH-BKK.
Jun 18, 2017, 12:23 pm
#857
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: Delta GM, Delta Amex Plat,
Posts: 148
Looking for some advice here:
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Jun 18, 2017, 12:37 pm
#858
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: QR Platinum OWE, LH SEN
Posts: 91
Looking for some advice here:
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Jun 18, 2017, 1:14 pm
#859
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Ticketing number question: I have a CAI-DOH-MUC flight booked for next week. QR told me I can drop the first leg. By doing so, will my ticket number change? The reason why I ask is because I have a tourism Qatar promotion hotel booked using my existing ticket number and I'd prefer not to have the reservation jeopardized. 
Jun 18, 2017, 1:18 pm
#860
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Jun 18, 2017, 1:52 pm
#861
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,918
Are you certain that the Qatar hotel promotion is booked under the e-ticket number rather than your booking confirmation/reference (PNR)? I would expect QR to use the booking confirmation/reference (PNR), since that remains the same for the entire trip, while e-tickets are frequently reissued for various reasons.
Jun 18, 2017, 2:48 pm
#862
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 1
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone here has requested a refund for a partially used booking? I flew the first leg of my ticket (to Saudi Arabia from the US) before the crisis started and the second (return) leg to the US is in mid July. I am returning with my family and they had no issue getting a full refund on their non-used booking (Saudi Arabia to the US and back). Since we're travelling as a family, we decided its better to get a refund and book on another airline as its too risky waiting 72hrs before departure to get rerouted. Anyways, as I said, I'm facing issues getting a refund on the return ticket. My e-ticket shows two different air fares for the the two legs (2nd leg is more expensive) and the overall taxes/surcharges I paid. The two service centre personnel I've spoken to have both said they'll only give a refund for half the total air fare amount (won't even account for the different air fares of the two legs) and won't refund any taxes/surcharges. This seems extremely unjust, no? They're essentially saying I'll only be refunded 1/4 of the total amount I paid for the booking. I was expecting to be refunded the air fare amount of the 2nd leg (which is explicitly stated on my e-ticket) along with 1/2 the taxes/surcharges I paid.
Your experiences/opinions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
I was wondering if anyone here has requested a refund for a partially used booking? I flew the first leg of my ticket (to Saudi Arabia from the US) before the crisis started and the second (return) leg to the US is in mid July. I am returning with my family and they had no issue getting a full refund on their non-used booking (Saudi Arabia to the US and back). Since we're travelling as a family, we decided its better to get a refund and book on another airline as its too risky waiting 72hrs before departure to get rerouted. Anyways, as I said, I'm facing issues getting a refund on the return ticket. My e-ticket shows two different air fares for the the two legs (2nd leg is more expensive) and the overall taxes/surcharges I paid. The two service centre personnel I've spoken to have both said they'll only give a refund for half the total air fare amount (won't even account for the different air fares of the two legs) and won't refund any taxes/surcharges. This seems extremely unjust, no? They're essentially saying I'll only be refunded 1/4 of the total amount I paid for the booking. I was expecting to be refunded the air fare amount of the 2nd leg (which is explicitly stated on my e-ticket) along with 1/2 the taxes/surcharges I paid.
Your experiences/opinions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Jun 18, 2017, 3:56 pm
#863
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SAO & NYC
Programs: AA EXP (2 MM)
Posts: 303
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone here has requested a refund for a partially used booking? I flew the first leg of my ticket (to Saudi Arabia from the US) before the crisis started and the second (return) leg to the US is in mid July. I am returning with my family and they had no issue getting a full refund on their non-used booking (Saudi Arabia to the US and back). Since we're travelling as a family, we decided its better to get a refund and book on another airline as its too risky waiting 72hrs before departure to get rerouted. Anyways, as I said, I'm facing issues getting a refund on the return ticket. My e-ticket shows two different air fares for the the two legs (2nd leg is more expensive) and the overall taxes/surcharges I paid. The two service centre personnel I've spoken to have both said they'll only give a refund for half the total air fare amount (won't even account for the different air fares of the two legs) and won't refund any taxes/surcharges. This seems extremely unjust, no? They're essentially saying I'll only be refunded 1/4 of the total amount I paid for the booking. I was expecting to be refunded the air fare amount of the 2nd leg (which is explicitly stated on my e-ticket) along with 1/2 the taxes/surcharges I paid.
Your experiences/opinions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
I was wondering if anyone here has requested a refund for a partially used booking? I flew the first leg of my ticket (to Saudi Arabia from the US) before the crisis started and the second (return) leg to the US is in mid July. I am returning with my family and they had no issue getting a full refund on their non-used booking (Saudi Arabia to the US and back). Since we're travelling as a family, we decided its better to get a refund and book on another airline as its too risky waiting 72hrs before departure to get rerouted. Anyways, as I said, I'm facing issues getting a refund on the return ticket. My e-ticket shows two different air fares for the the two legs (2nd leg is more expensive) and the overall taxes/surcharges I paid. The two service centre personnel I've spoken to have both said they'll only give a refund for half the total air fare amount (won't even account for the different air fares of the two legs) and won't refund any taxes/surcharges. This seems extremely unjust, no? They're essentially saying I'll only be refunded 1/4 of the total amount I paid for the booking. I was expecting to be refunded the air fare amount of the 2nd leg (which is explicitly stated on my e-ticket) along with 1/2 the taxes/surcharges I paid.
Your experiences/opinions would be much appreciated. Thank you!
CANCELLATION -
REFUND ON PARTIALLY USED TICKET -
APPLICABLE PENALTIES PLUS APPLICABLE OW FARE IN
SAME RBD. IF ONE WAY FARE IS NOT AVAILABLE OR
PUBLISHED ON THE INVENTORY MENTIONED ON THE
TICKET THEN DEDUCT NEXT AVAILABLE OW IN HIGHER
RBD FOR WHICH THE JOURNEY HAS BEEN PERFORMED
Good luck. I have never spoken to a QR phone rep who was anything more than a receptionist. Gone are the days when airline agents actually knew IATA rules and pricing. REFUND ON PARTIALLY USED TICKET -
APPLICABLE PENALTIES PLUS APPLICABLE OW FARE IN
SAME RBD. IF ONE WAY FARE IS NOT AVAILABLE OR
PUBLISHED ON THE INVENTORY MENTIONED ON THE
TICKET THEN DEDUCT NEXT AVAILABLE OW IN HIGHER
RBD FOR WHICH THE JOURNEY HAS BEEN PERFORMED
You have a better chance going into a ticket office.PS: "RBD" means "reservation booking designator," essentially the booking class code (F,C,Y, etc.)
Jun 18, 2017, 4:54 pm
#864
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
it has been stated that in the free stopover thread that +Qatar hotel reservations are linked to eticket numbers
Jun 18, 2017, 5:17 pm
#865
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,764
As you can see from my posts in the appropriate thread, my experience is exactly opposite. I have never spoken to a QR phone rep who did not handle my problem/request efficiently and courteously.
Jun 18, 2017, 5:40 pm
#866
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SAO & NYC
Programs: AA EXP (2 MM)
Posts: 303
I, too, have never had a phone rep who wasn't courteous. Courteous and knowledgeable are two different things. All of my travel is complex multi-city itineraries and I have never had an agent who got it right without escalating it. For the record, it's not just QR and, as I said, city office staff are generally better trained and actually certified agents. So without digressing further, my advice to the OP is to stick to his argument (because if I understood it correctly then he is right) and go to a city office.
Jun 18, 2017, 6:13 pm
#867
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
Looking for some advice here:
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Booked PHL-DOH-DXB with AA miles for Christmas time. I know this will beyond the 72 hour rule that seems to be in place but this is the first leg of a RTW vacation with the wife. Would like to piece together the 2nd leg of my trip to SE Asia. Don't have a ton of extra time built in to jaunt around to get to DXB. As some people have stated earlier, not everybody has the flexibility to wait until the last minute to resolve this so am looking for advice on how to proceed.
Do you still want to go to DXB or not? Since you sound like you dont want to do extra segments to get to DXB...
If getting to DXB is no longer desired if that means flying extra segments, I would just sit t ight and see what would come about by Dec. Else you can just skip the DOH-DXB segment and either spend time in DOH (we found it more interesting than DXB which is all about Shopping Malls), or connect to your planned booking from DOH to Asia.
Jun 18, 2017, 7:54 pm
#868
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Phoenix
Programs: AA EXP Hyatt Explorist Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Emerald Club Executive Elite, UA Silver
Posts: 46
I haven't tried it myself yet, but from prior posters, apparently they re-route to places around 500 miles away, so the regular AMM, BEY, MCT. I plan on walking into a Qatar office tomorrow.
I have a HBE (destination) flight in early August, and would like them to route it to LCA.
I have a HBE (destination) flight in early August, and would like them to route it to LCA.
I was able to change my DFW-DOH-HBE to DFW-DOH-LCA on first call to US call center 2 weeks out from the flight (all Qatar metal) it does make for a long layover in DOH, but I don't think that a bad thing, maybe I will finally be able to go on the free city tour...
Jun 18, 2017, 9:21 pm
#869
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,273
Let me start by saying I adore women (my mother, sister, wife and daughter are all women!).
However - when it comes to QR DOH customer service, the old adage of if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again has just been proven to be true for me.
Three times I called QR DOH customer service - to change some not-too-far-away ex-CAI QR itineraries to ex-AMM (after the first unsuccessful attempt I even changed my tune and offered to bear the cost myself of AMM-CAI-AMM flights). Three times three different women all said the same - can't do anything until T-72!
The fourth time I got a Moroccan gentleman - Mohamed. Mohamed is a star :-: ^; he could not have been more helpful if he tried. End result - three itineraries (for self, Mrs PtF and Master PtF) all changed from ex-CAI to ex-AMM.
Moral(s) of the story - a) QR customer service appears to have zero consistency and, b) if a female answers the phone hang up, dial again (repeat as necessary) until you get a male voice on the phone.
Now I'm off to refund my EK tickets!
However - when it comes to QR DOH customer service, the old adage of if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again has just been proven to be true for me.
Three times I called QR DOH customer service - to change some not-too-far-away ex-CAI QR itineraries to ex-AMM (after the first unsuccessful attempt I even changed my tune and offered to bear the cost myself of AMM-CAI-AMM flights). Three times three different women all said the same - can't do anything until T-72!
The fourth time I got a Moroccan gentleman - Mohamed. Mohamed is a star :-: ^; he could not have been more helpful if he tried. End result - three itineraries (for self, Mrs PtF and Master PtF) all changed from ex-CAI to ex-AMM.
Moral(s) of the story - a) QR customer service appears to have zero consistency and, b) if a female answers the phone hang up, dial again (repeat as necessary) until you get a male voice on the phone.
Now I'm off to refund my EK tickets!
I have found QR Privilege Club to be helpful in these situations ^
Jun 19, 2017, 1:35 am
#870
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SIN
Posts: 1,098
My trip to the Singapore Qatar office was an abysmal failure. Both agents were very insistent on following the 72 hrs guidelines (yes, because I have no other travel plans in my life).
I was trying to avoid the call centers, but here we go!
I was trying to avoid the call centers, but here we go!