30 hour layover in November (during World Cup)
Jun 23, 22, 3:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 512
30 hour layover in November (during World Cup)
Interesting situation that would really appreciate feedback on.
Routing is one-way CPT-DOH-USA in J. Due to a number of schedule changes and limited availability we got rebooked yesterday with a 30 hour layover in DOH.
We thought initially could stay overnight at a hotel for one night but during WC all the hotels are sold out (or available through FIFA). We’d be fine with staying in the lounge even for 30 hours but don’t want to risk being denied boarding from SA without entry paperwork for Qatar. It appears VOA is possibly suspended starting Nov 1 and entry only permitted for WC ticket holders.
We don’t need to enter Qatar but seeking thoughts on 30 hr layover staying airside? Any issues? Chance of denied boarding? I was going to call consulate today but thought I’d ask here first.
Thanks.
Routing is one-way CPT-DOH-USA in J. Due to a number of schedule changes and limited availability we got rebooked yesterday with a 30 hour layover in DOH.
We thought initially could stay overnight at a hotel for one night but during WC all the hotels are sold out (or available through FIFA). We’d be fine with staying in the lounge even for 30 hours but don’t want to risk being denied boarding from SA without entry paperwork for Qatar. It appears VOA is possibly suspended starting Nov 1 and entry only permitted for WC ticket holders.
We don’t need to enter Qatar but seeking thoughts on 30 hr layover staying airside? Any issues? Chance of denied boarding? I was going to call consulate today but thought I’d ask here first.
Thanks.
Jun 23, 22, 4:28 am
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MEL
Programs: QR Platinum
Posts: 1,237
As it is a through ticket and will show as a connection and not stopover, your luggage will be tagged through which means QR recognises that you are a transit passenger and not an arrival. Should not be an issue - 30 hrs at DOH - 
Jun 23, 22, 5:02 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 512
Originally Posted by roadwarriorafrica
As it is a through ticket and will show as a connection and not stopover, your luggage will be tagged through which means QR recognises that you are a transit passenger and not an arrival. Should not be an issue - 30 hrs at DOH -
Jun 23, 22, 5:05 am
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MEL
Programs: QR Platinum
Posts: 1,237
Originally Posted by lovefly88
We’ll only have carryons so luggage isn’t an issue. It’s all on one ticket but in the QR app it has one flight (CPT-DOH) and then swipe to the next flight (DOH-USA, USA-USA). Nonissue though? Yeh we’d much rather leave the airport but if not allowed to not much we can do.
Jun 23, 22, 8:42 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,684
30 hours in the airport? That's rough.
Isn't 24 hours considered the limit for a transit? Whilst I am aware it's a limit for baggage transfer (not an issue for the OP) I question if check in at CPT will can consider the OP as a transit passenger within their usual rules. I wonder whether there is a risk that check-in will want to ensure that the passenger would be admissible to Qatar, which it appears Is difficult in November.
Isn't 24 hours considered the limit for a transit? Whilst I am aware it's a limit for baggage transfer (not an issue for the OP) I question if check in at CPT will can consider the OP as a transit passenger within their usual rules. I wonder whether there is a risk that check-in will want to ensure that the passenger would be admissible to Qatar, which it appears Is difficult in November.
Jun 23, 22, 1:31 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 512
Originally Posted by plunet
30 hours in the airport? That's rough.
Isn't 24 hours considered the limit for a transit? Whilst I am aware it's a limit for baggage transfer (not an issue for the OP) I question if check in at CPT will can consider the OP as a transit passenger within their usual rules. I wonder whether there is a risk that check-in will want to ensure that the passenger would be admissible to Qatar, which it appears Is difficult in November.
Isn't 24 hours considered the limit for a transit? Whilst I am aware it's a limit for baggage transfer (not an issue for the OP) I question if check in at CPT will can consider the OP as a transit passenger within their usual rules. I wonder whether there is a risk that check-in will want to ensure that the passenger would be admissible to Qatar, which it appears Is difficult in November.
Jun 25, 22, 11:48 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Doha, Qatar
Posts: 308
Originally Posted by lovefly88
Talked to Embassy today and they said we would be denied boarding in CPT. Starting 11/1 Visa only issues for WC ticket holders so she said would be impossible to get a visa.
I am not sure why it extends so far into January but at the same time, however, within the FAQ section where it asks 'Do I need a match ticket to apply for a Hayya Card?'
The following answer is given; 'Yes, at this stage we are inviting match ticket holders to apply for a Hayya Card. Further information in relation to non-ticket holders will be communicated in due course.'
So there is a possibility that at a later date, non football ticket holders can get a Hayya card to enter Qatar. I know that's not much use to you right now, but the rules maybe relaxed nearer the time.
Jun 26, 22, 12:45 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 512
Originally Posted by Ben_W
Current rules state the between November 1st and January 23rd you need what is known as a Hayya card to enter Qatar. This is basically a visa and to get one of these you need a ticket for at least one World Cup game.
I am not sure why it extends so far into January but at the same time, however, within the FAQ section where it asks 'Do I need a match ticket to apply for a Hayya Card?'
The following answer is given; 'Yes, at this stage we are inviting match ticket holders to apply for a Hayya Card. Further information in relation to non-ticket holders will be communicated in due course.'
So there is a possibility that at a later date, non football ticket holders can get a Hayya card to enter Qatar. I know that's not much use to you right now, but the rules maybe relaxed nearer the time.
I am not sure why it extends so far into January but at the same time, however, within the FAQ section where it asks 'Do I need a match ticket to apply for a Hayya Card?'
The following answer is given; 'Yes, at this stage we are inviting match ticket holders to apply for a Hayya Card. Further information in relation to non-ticket holders will be communicated in due course.'
So there is a possibility that at a later date, non football ticket holders can get a Hayya card to enter Qatar. I know that's not much use to you right now, but the rules maybe relaxed nearer the time.
Jun 26, 22, 1:49 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,684
If you have done nothing to confirm the change that now involves a 30hr layover, you now need to contact Qatar to negotiate something different, and it could be on different dates. You need to be clear with them that your original itinerary would have been valid for travel but this itinerary is not because you do not have a WC ticket.
Before you call up have a good look at schedule options and what would work for you. Have several options ready in a list. It might even involve a shift of the outbound date to give you time you need in SA. If you do not get offered something that works for you ask that the ticket is left unchanged (this is important) and hang up as it will be a lot harder to negotiate with QR if you have accepted a change after an involuntary reschedule.
Before you call up have a good look at schedule options and what would work for you. Have several options ready in a list. It might even involve a shift of the outbound date to give you time you need in SA. If you do not get offered something that works for you ask that the ticket is left unchanged (this is important) and hang up as it will be a lot harder to negotiate with QR if you have accepted a change after an involuntary reschedule.
