Using DOH Arrivals Lounge For Shower While In Transit
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2001
Location: South Bend, IN
Programs: AA EXP 3 MM; Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 18,460
Using DOH Arrivals Lounge For Shower While In Transit
All,
Connecting in DOH next month with a three hour layover. Flying J. Has anyone used the arrivals lounge for a shower as an alternate to waiting for one in the J class lounge? The wait is usually quite long and you cannot leave the waiting area without risking missing your spot. With the ability to clear immigration quickly both ways (using the lounge inbound and the J class area outbound), I think it would be pretty painless.
Is there usually a wait for showers in the early AM in the arrivals lounge? Are the showers better ventilated than the ones in the main lounge?
Thanks!
Connecting in DOH next month with a three hour layover. Flying J. Has anyone used the arrivals lounge for a shower as an alternate to waiting for one in the J class lounge? The wait is usually quite long and you cannot leave the waiting area without risking missing your spot. With the ability to clear immigration quickly both ways (using the lounge inbound and the J class area outbound), I think it would be pretty painless.
Is there usually a wait for showers in the early AM in the arrivals lounge? Are the showers better ventilated than the ones in the main lounge?
Thanks!
#2

Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DPS, CGK
Programs: Cathay Diamond, SAS EBGold, Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 2,326
On my last 4 visits to AM in the last few weeks, I haven't had to wait for showers at all... even during the supposed rush hours... honestly I didn't know what was going on...
If you do choose to use the arrivals lounge, be prepared to be questioned on the reason of your visit and such...
If you do choose to use the arrivals lounge, be prepared to be questioned on the reason of your visit and such...
#3
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Programs: BAEC GGL (Gallium Guest List), QRPC Molybdenum, Skywards Zirconium
Posts: 4,505
I used the arrivals lounge on a six hour layover once - wasn’t quite long enough to bother with a hotel and knew I’d be too late to Al Mourjan to get any of the sleeping pods / didn’t fancy how busy it would be. I was literally the only person in the lounge for most of the time and had a nice family room to myself but the cleaners were very loud! If you’re happy to forgo the alcohol in Al Mourjan the food and decor is basically the same, plus it’s a lot quieter.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Programs: BAEC GGL (Gallium Guest List), QRPC Molybdenum, Skywards Zirconium
Posts: 4,505
Sorry, I didn't actually answer your question! I didn't experience any wait for the showers but I left before 6am as I had an early flight, at around 5.30am when I used the showers it was just me. I don't think they were notably better ventilated, fairly similar but maybe ever so slightly cooler.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,627
I used the arrivals lounge on a six hour layover once - wasn’t quite long enough to bother with a hotel and knew I’d be too late to Al Mourjan to get any of the sleeping pods / didn’t fancy how busy it would be. I was literally the only person in the lounge for most of the time and had a nice family room to myself but the cleaners were very loud! If you’re happy to forgo the alcohol in Al Mourjan the food and decor is basically the same, plus it’s a lot quieter.
#6
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 36
I never really noticed much food when I was through the arrivals lounge, is it hidden? I will admit that I have never "lounged" at the arrivals lounge and typically am straight to immigration.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,627
There are two arrival lounges. I believe the one you're referring to is the one right before immigration (where the border agents are in the lounge). That lounge has basic refreshments (soda, water, some snacks). The real QR arrivals lounge is after customs, just walk left. I went there a week ago and they had an a la carte menu to order from (mainly deli-style sandwiches served in proper plates and cutlery). I was the only one there, it is really quiet, which means the service is quite good.
#9

Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DPS, CGK
Programs: Cathay Diamond, SAS EBGold, Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 2,326
There are two arrival lounges. I believe the one you're referring to is the one right before immigration (where the border agents are in the lounge). That lounge has basic refreshments (soda, water, some snacks). The real QR arrivals lounge is after customs, just walk left. I went there a week ago and they had an a la carte menu to order from (mainly deli-style sandwiches served in proper plates and cutlery). I was the only one there, it is really quiet, which means the service is quite good.
#10
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 5,996
All,
Connecting in DOH next month with a three hour layover. Flying J. Has anyone used the arrivals lounge for a shower as an alternate to waiting for one in the J class lounge? The wait is usually quite long and you cannot leave the waiting area without risking missing your spot. With the ability to clear immigration quickly both ways (using the lounge inbound and the J class area outbound), I think it would be pretty painless.
Is there usually a wait for showers in the early AM in the arrivals lounge? Are the showers better ventilated than the ones in the main lounge?
Thanks!
Connecting in DOH next month with a three hour layover. Flying J. Has anyone used the arrivals lounge for a shower as an alternate to waiting for one in the J class lounge? The wait is usually quite long and you cannot leave the waiting area without risking missing your spot. With the ability to clear immigration quickly both ways (using the lounge inbound and the J class area outbound), I think it would be pretty painless.
Is there usually a wait for showers in the early AM in the arrivals lounge? Are the showers better ventilated than the ones in the main lounge?
Thanks!
#12
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AI Gold, TK Gold, QR Silver, 9W BluePlus
Posts: 394
Hi any data point on access of the arrival lounge with a ticket which has been upgraded using q points. I am to reach Doha at 6:30 AM and my next flight is at 3 PM. I may be eligible for stpc however i feel if I can get a quick nap and shower in the arrival lounge before 10 AM I may as well spend a little time in a mall for lunch and head back to the airport.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,627
My experience is different than that with the showers in the quite area but it is all about timing at this lounge for sure.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 36
Hi any data point on access of the arrival lounge with a ticket which has been upgraded using q points. I am to reach Doha at 6:30 AM and my next flight is at 3 PM. I may be eligible for stpc however i feel if I can get a quick nap and shower in the arrival lounge before 10 AM I may as well spend a little time in a mall for lunch and head back to the airport.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,064