J Passengers can pay for Al Sawfa Access - Now 600 QAR
Feb 10, 19, 9:30 pm
#91
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: QR Platinum, Star Alliance Gold (LH Sen)
Posts: 714
Following up my recent visit at Al Safwa, here a funny sotry ;-)
Unfortunately I did manage it somehow to damage the charging cable for my phone, but needed to recharge it. So I did ask the staff, if they would have a cable for me. They did organize one at the reception desk, but now the funny things comes, I had to give my boarding pass as security hahaha :-)
Being on an expensive Business ticket, just paid 250 QAR and then have to give my boarding pass as security for a cable which properly costs 20 QAR ;-)
Thinking back, I start to laugh again
Unfortunately I did manage it somehow to damage the charging cable for my phone, but needed to recharge it. So I did ask the staff, if they would have a cable for me. They did organize one at the reception desk, but now the funny things comes, I had to give my boarding pass as security hahaha :-)
Being on an expensive Business ticket, just paid 250 QAR and then have to give my boarding pass as security for a cable which properly costs 20 QAR ;-)
Thinking back, I start to laugh again
Feb 10, 19, 9:46 pm
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 18,519
Following up my recent visit at Al Safwa, here a funny sotry ;-)
Unfortunately I did manage it somehow to damage the charging cable for my phone, but needed to recharge it. So I did ask the staff, if they would have a cable for me. They did organize one at the reception desk, but now the funny things comes, I had to give my boarding pass as security hahaha :-)
Being on an expensive Business ticket, just paid 250 QAR and then have to give my boarding pass as security for a cable which properly costs 20 QAR ;-)
Thinking back, I start to laugh again
Unfortunately I did manage it somehow to damage the charging cable for my phone, but needed to recharge it. So I did ask the staff, if they would have a cable for me. They did organize one at the reception desk, but now the funny things comes, I had to give my boarding pass as security hahaha :-)
Being on an expensive Business ticket, just paid 250 QAR and then have to give my boarding pass as security for a cable which properly costs 20 QAR ;-)
Thinking back, I start to laugh again
Feb 10, 19, 9:59 pm
#93
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: QR Platinum, Star Alliance Gold (LH Sen)
Posts: 714
Yes of course I do know the background behind, but anyway, I did feel funny about ;-)
Feb 11, 19, 12:17 am
#95
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 258
Forum members have had success with both approaches. I asked at Al Mourjan. They checked my ticket and called a supervisor before they asked me to go to Al Safwa. I preferred to do it this way, possibly less presumptuous and prevents embarassment if declined 
Feb 11, 19, 6:40 am
#96
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Monaco
Programs: Amex Plat
Posts: 105
Yes, you may need to ask a few times. I was connecting via DOH on paid I class with the wife 2 weeks ago. Staff on the bottom of escalator to AS laughed at my request to purchase an entry and sent me to AM. Receptionist on AM decline the upgrade possibility as well, and as I was with the wife and connection time was short i did not make a scene, but I've should of been persistent to escalate the issue.. Needless to say i did not enjoy my time at AM to the fullest.
Last edited by Gobber; Feb 11, 19 at 6:58 am
Feb 11, 19, 8:32 am
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 18,519
Yes, you may need to ask a few times. I was connecting via DOH on paid I class with the wife 2 weeks ago. Staff on the bottom of escalator to AS laughed at my request to purchase an entry and sent me to AM. Receptionist on AM decline the upgrade possibility as well, and as I was with the wife and connection time was short i did not make a scene, but I've should of been persistent to escalate the issue.. Needless to say i did not enjoy my time at AM to the fullest.
Feb 11, 19, 4:15 pm
#100
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 401
As simpletastes mentioned, I exactly did the same. I went to Al Mourjan first on Sunday night, asked them if the offer was available, along with a bed. They checked and also called the supervisor. All was good. Went to Al Safwa, they charged my card. Slept for 3.5h, had breakfast, cocktail of the month & a champagne. Well worth the money. You're only allowed 6h in the lounge. Great experience & will do it again. Thanks to those who mentioned it here.
Feb 11, 19, 10:30 pm
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA EXP, LT PLT; QR PLT; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,602
Although I know that I'll lose out if they implement this suggestion, I think that F pax should be prioritized for the Al Safwa sleeping rooms. Maybe institute some type of booking system, with the paid access admittees on a sort of standby in case one of the F pax who reserved doesn't show. Yes, I know that there would also be other complications such as late inbound flights, etc. If they wanted to implement, it could be done.
Feb 12, 19, 1:59 am
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 18,519
Although I know that I'll lose out if they implement this suggestion, I think that F pax should be prioritized for the Al Safwa sleeping rooms. Maybe institute some type of booking system, with the paid access admittees on a sort of standby in case one of the F pax who reserved doesn't show. Yes, I know that there would also be other complications such as late inbound flights, etc. If they wanted to implement, it could be done.
Feb 13, 19, 2:21 pm
#103
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: BA, QR, LH
Posts: 24
Although I know that I'll lose out if they implement this suggestion, I think that F pax should be prioritized for the Al Safwa sleeping rooms. Maybe institute some type of booking system, with the paid access admittees on a sort of standby in case one of the F pax who reserved doesn't show. Yes, I know that there would also be other complications such as late inbound flights, etc. If they wanted to implement, it could be done.
Feb 13, 19, 3:42 pm
#104
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,319
I went through on Monday - had about a 4.5 hour layover. First went to AM, who called over to make sure it was ok. When I got the green light, went over to AS, paid the 250 QAR and was in. Like everyone above has posted, I was one of maybe six to ten people in the lounge. They actually proactively offered a room, but I turned them down. Had a fantastic lunch - the harisa soup was incredible, as were the lamb chops. Overall, I enjoyed my time there - the level of service was incredible. However, having done it once, I would probably just stick with AM.
Last edited by dcmike; Feb 16, 19 at 9:34 am
