Qatar Airways now sells access to Doha Al Mourjan business lounge
By David Flynn, May 25 2017
Qatar Airways has joined Gulf neighbours Emirates and Etihad in letting travellers pay their way into its Doha airport lounges even if they're not flying in business class.
The airline has pegged entry to its opulent Al Mourjan business class lounge (below) at 450 Qatari Riyals, or A$165.
The sprawling Al Mourjan lounge is the size of 10 Olympic swimming pools and spread across two storeys, which are connected by a grand spiral staircase astride an eye-catching infinity pool water feature.
However, paid entry is limited to passengers on Qatar Airways flights booked by the airline – travellers on codeshare flights and Oneworld partners such as British Airways need not apply. (Tickets booked on frequent flyer points also don't make the cut.)
Read the AusBT lounge review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business class lounge, Doha Hamad Airport
A flash of cash will also open the door at the airline's designated lounges for Oneworld frequent flyers travelling in economy.
The 'First Class' lounge for Oneworld Emerald members – including Qantas Platinum and BA Executive Club Gold – lists at QAR300 (A$110), with the 'Business Class' lounge for Oneworld Sapphire members (including Qantas Gold and BA Executive Club Silver) at QAR250 (A$92).
However, unlike Emirates and Etihad, entry to Qatar's Al Safwa first class lounge remains restricted to actual first class flyers.
Also read: Is Emirates' Dubai business class lounge worth $100 to visit?
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I'll be damn!
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
24 Feb 2016
Total posts 18
What is ridiculous about an airline restricting lounge access?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 548
How do you figure that???
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
$165 is a lot of cash - but I can see it being good value if you have many hours with nothing to do, since Doha's airport isn't exactly great for entertainment. Pretty yes, but boring as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
Is there any limit on the number of hours you can spend in the lounge after paying your $165 at the desk?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 548
I hope so, can just see the bogan crowd sitting there for a full day to drink as much as they can!
09 Jun 2016
Total posts 1
This may have been addressed already; if so my apologies in advance, but if I am in Economy on a QR ticket can I use a lounge in Doha as a QF Platinum holder?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
Yes, as QR is e member of oneworld and you hold oneworld emerald status.
27 May 2017
Total posts 21
13 May 2016
Total posts 13
Doubleplatinum
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