Qatar Airways has finally made a legitimate improvement to their Privilege Club program, specifically for their Platinum members. This follows a move back in July where the airline improved the Platinum tier by making the elite card heavier. Really. Apparently that was due to customer feedback.
Continue reading: Qatar Airways Platinums Now Get Al Safwa First Class Lounge Access
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Wait, did you say “ lackluster lounges specifically designed for elite members.”? I’m pretty sure that even on a busy day the business class lounge there is better than any US airline or European airline plain business class lounge...
Being a Oneworld Emerald, I personally wouldn't mind if QR downgraded us status holders into using the Al Mourjan lounge 😉
Al Mourjan overcrowded??? Last times I've been on transit DOH looks a ghost airport. Even the teddy bear looks scared.
@Alvertos I believe Qatar has a lounge for those with status, separate from the Al Mourjan lounge which is only for those traveling in business class. In other words if you are in economy but have One World status you don't get into the Al Mourjan lounge.
I'd be interested to know how many people even have Platinum status with Qatar.
What I find truly interesting, especially since I am going to try this out on Saturday, is the completely unofficial rate to access the first class Al Safwa lounge. I am on Qatar business class and when I check the lounge info for Doha on the Qatar app it specifically says no paid access to the Al Safwa lounge. So who knows where I will end up for 8 hours Saturday night- in a lush hotel like room in Al Safwa sleeping or sitting up in the over crowded and poorly provisioned Al Mourjan. Either way I connect to a long-haul flight in Q-Suites so I will have exceptional service once on board 🙂
Great news, but disappointing there’s no OWE concession. Surely they could offer a 50% discount on the access fee?
@Antonio, try going to Al Mourjan at peak times like between midnight-2am and 5am-8am...it’s a madhouse. Waiting over an hour for a shower or even 40 mins just to get a table in the upstairs eating area. Overall, great move for QR plats, but I’m a bit concerned with the seemingly too generous guest policy that may lead to overcrowding and QR rolling back this perk. Hopefully, there won’t be too long of a wait for those amazing sleeping rooms!
Truly a spectacular lounge! It's second to none when it comes to the design, layout, amenities, and food/drinks.
@lucky : I was there 2 days ago and the manager on duty mentioned that you can now pay in advance to get access to the Al Safwa lounge and save $100QAR. He said you have to do it on Qatar's app before you start your trip. I tried to find that option on the app and online and couldn't but thought it was interesting. According to him this is new and started about 2 weeks ago.
Finally ! Great move. I fly thru Doha almost every month (BCN to TYO or BKK) and fly business - since anyway no first class on those routes. The Al Murjan lounge is packed from around 8am till 10pm or so... only time one can enjoy is between midnight and 5 am... if you are transiting you can go to the quiet area, have a bed, shower etc... otherwise it's a jam packed place with little interest.
The QR business class lounge or first class for those with status but flying QR eco or upgraded are more than packed... and not worth a visit.
I am glad one can now enjoy the Al Safwa First Lounge ! (assuming one has Platinum level, which is not difficult to get)
Don’t forget that Al Safwa allows connecting Oneworld travelers on inbound QR business and outbound Oneworld in first to access. That said it is eerily quiet especially at night!!
Al Safwa is really a top notch lounge, my fav! But I thought it was only $65 or $69 for business class passengers to access the lounge, no? That's what I paid last time.
I am flying again this Dec., have to pay $100 extra now? Yikes!
Why do you continue to state that "Qatar Airways has very limited elite benefits"? QRPC Platinum gives you the full spectrum of Oneworld Emerald benefits like any other Oneworld program. In addition, there are unique benefits including the Al Maha Meet & Assist service in Doha and the fact that priority services and lounge access on QR flights are granted for the Platinum member and two guests, so QRPC Platinum comes with the unique benefit of getting you into Oneworld First Class lounges with two guests when flying QR. Furthermore, they offer QCredits for Platinum and Gold members which can be used for upgrades. BTW, as part of this latest change, they did not only improve Al Safwa access rules but also announced that additional QCredits will be awarded to members exceeding the Platinum requalification requirements. For every additional 100 tier points (QPoints) beyond 600, ten extra credits are added to the regular 60 credits per year. Although QCredits were devaluated in 2018, they are still a nice benefit on top of the traditional Oneworld perks. Certainly, today's QRPC is not as spectacular as it used to be 2-3 years ago when they had almost monthly triple and quadruple miles and points promotions, the Globetrotter campaign with huge bonuses, a much more attractive award chart, and a flaw in their award system allowing to include both short and long haul First Class sectors in Business Class tickets for free. Nonetheless, if you have Gold or Platinum status, the privileges and priority services are non-inferior or even superior to most other Oneworld programs.
Hopes it’s still nice for planned long layover next July between 2A380 1st Class segments:-)
Dang, I just had 2 transits in Doha. Wil be a minimum 2 moths till next time.
Great upgrade. Iooking forward to vosit that lounge, as Im getting bored by th Al M.
I transited through Doha. I'm AA Executive Platinum, flew business (no 1st class on the flight). I was denied entry but the never mentioned I could purchase the entry. I used the business lounge. I only had a 3hr layover. Very sad lounge. They have a grill to order a sandwich from with bread I couldn't chew my way through. They have no shortage of staff. Checked my ticket at the escalator, checked again at the counter, checked again when I walked in, checked again while sitting with a glass of wine and checked again when I used their shower. The lounge is very large with plenty of seating. Coffee and soda at every turn. The grill has a bar. Worst Old Fashioned I ever had. I head back to Doha next week within 11 hour layover and will see if I can buy my way in. The service while onboard the plane was by far superior to the lounge. Coffee selection, drinks, wine selections, meal selection could not have been any better. Too bad I already purchased AA flight to Athens for next month, or I would be back on board with Qatar.