dubai via doha

[filthiestfis]

has anyone been with qatar airways via doha? how much time should I allow between changing planes? Theyre doing an arrival into Doha 23.59 with takeoff connection at 00.50. I ask myself if I will have enough time!! Besides I think I may end up staying overnight at the airport if I miss the connection!

[dzug]

If the airline are providing it as a formal connection with through ticketing then they believe it will work. If it fails they should put you in an airport hotel overnight.

[filthiestfis]

absolutely, and they are indeed offering it as a connection.

[mikey0118]

I'd read the airline's small print and conditions of carriage etc. Even if a travel agency has booked you onto these flights, there will be a minimum amount of time that should be allowed between flights.

I know of some airlines that require 2 hours. If you miss your connection and haven't allowed the minimum time, it becomes your problem and not the airline's.

[markwh]

I'm currently living in Doha, so am quite familiar with the airport.

I think you should be OK as long as you check through to Dubai and get your hold luggage marked as priority for transfer. Here's the process, so you can be ready to go...

Assuming you land on time, there is a bus transfer from the plane to the terminal (no walkways as far as I know). Priority buses are for 1st and business class. Allow up to 10-15 minutes to get onto the bus (economy class) and up to 10 minutes to get to the terminal depending on where the plane parks.

Once inside the terminal go to transfers. (It's clearly marked - a lot of passengers are in transit rather than staying in Doha). The terminal itself is quite compact, so once you're through it should be 5 minutes at most to get to the departure gate.

If you are unfortunate enough to miss the connection, the next flight is around 8am, so not much time to rest even if they do get you a hotel. [Apart from 1st class travellers where the airport lounge the size of a football pitch including bedrooms, restaurant area, jacuzzi, massage rooms etc.]

By the way, Qatar Airways is one of my favourite airlines. Economy service is extremely good and Business/First is unbelievable. Hope you have the same experience.

Good Luck.

[filthiestfis]

Markwh-an excellent answer! So should I ask for the priority hold luggage at my departing airport in london?

[markwh]

Hi,

I think you'll be fine as long as the flight is not delayed.
A few more thoughts;

I would point out when you check in at London that you have a 50-minute connection time in Doha. They should advise. I think most airlines automatically tag bags as priority for transfer.

If you're worried, mention your transfer to the flight attendants before landing at Doha. They might be able to prioritise you getting off the plane.

Even with the longest transfer time there is a possibility that you make the connection but your luggage doesn't. Always best to keep some "essentials" in your hand luggage.

Check the airport web site for more info.
http://www.dohaairport.com/

May be worth considering the al maha meet and greet service. They can get you through transfers as a priority. You need to book in advance (costs around �10).
http://www.dohaairport.com/services_almaha.htm l?linksr09

Are you travelling soon? Currently mid-20's C, with plenty of sunshine.

Mark.

[Dee Sa]

everyhting depends on whether your flight to Doha leaves on time from the UK, if there is even a 30min delay in take off and your stuck on the runway,then you are in trouble, find out when the next flight Doha/Dubai is, just on case you miss it, because if its not till the following day the hotel prices in Doha are high and the airline wont be paying the bill.Definately let the steward know once on board.
You re cutting it fine but it can be done, what about your return flight is that the same time wise ?

[filthiestfis]

The return flight allows a couple of hours at doha so should be fine. I will def let them know at gatwick and before landing in doha. Im travelling on 21st april, mark. I think its always warm/hot in dubai!

[markwh]

Also found this - totally by chance when looking for something else;

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294009-i 3512-k916449-Changing_Planes_in_Doha-Doha.html

April will be good. mid-year gets unbearably hot. Have good time.

[filthiestfis]

oh good thats brill mark thank you! So Im not the only hesitant one...so yeah, its a small compact airport and if I stand next to the transit bus doors and hurry to the beginning of the queue I may JUST be ok. Fingers crossed the flight isnt majorly delayed!