Delay liability for quick transit
 

I have a LHR->DOH->MEL flight booked in December, with a one hour transit in Doha. Clearly if the first flight is delayed Qatar will sort me out for the second - no issues.

My wife has separate LHR->DOH, and DOH->MEL bookings (one cash, one Avios). She is a bit worried about what happens if the first flight is delayed. Is Qatar responsible for providing a substitute onward flight for her in the event of a delay to the first one, given they are not booked on the same ticket?

Contractually, for your wife's ticket, if she fails to arrive in DOH in time for the onward flight there is no responsibility on Qatar to sort out the onward sector. But practically you have little to worry about, as Qatar will check you through on separate tickets at LHR, and you would almost certainly be assisted if there was a delay that prevent your wife self-connecting for the onward flight to MEL.

So ask for the check through at LHR, and if does go wrong be aware that you can't insist on any specific remedy but if you are gracious in your dealings with staff then I doubt you would be disappointed.

Enjoy the flights.

Great, thanks