Qatar online check-in oddities

[Jon]

First time flying with QR in many years. Had a slightly strange experience with online check-in.

First up, 72 hours before departure, the option to view or select/change seats was removed (apparently because the flight was “within the online check-in window” – despite OLCI not opening until 48 hours). Luckily I have my seats already selected, so no big deal, but strange.

Then at 48 hours I get an email inviting me to check in online, but when I do – online check-in not available (apparently for US flights it
only opens 24 hours before departure of the ex-DOH sector – fine, but then why email me at 48 hours 🤦‍♂️ lol).

And then, once OLCI had indeed opened, the process initially refused to let me proceed as it said I had personal information missing, yet everything appeared present, with no obvious problems. I eventually resolved it by switching from app to web site 🤷‍♂️. Also it seems trying to change your FFP number at this point causes the system to sulk (mine had reverted to QRPC, which is not what I wanted, despite the correct one being shown in MMB shortly prior).

And finally… no boarding pass issued, only a ‘confirmation pass’ and an instruction to get my BP at a the airport. More information needed apparently, but no indication as to what. I have my ESTA approved, and my passport (British) has plenty of validity left etc. Oh well, I guess I’ll find out at the airport later… 😉

Hopefully all will be fine, but not quite the smooth, easy, stress-free experience I was expecting from QR 😉

[davefl]

Either a random doc check at the airport or SSSS on your boarding pass for a secondary search when you get it.

[SamG]

I don’t think I’ve ever had a BP from Qatar OLCI even on a straight forward flight so wouldn’t be unduly worried!

[Wiseoldman]

Qatar website/app has possibly more glitches than BA which is saying a lot. Except to choose seat it is really not worth bothering with OLCI. You will have to go to counter to either drop bag or get an actual boarding card after passport/visa check. IF you are travelling premier or have status the wait is not long.

[Jon]

Well, no idea what that was all about. Nothing was said or asked at check-in and I got my boarding passes without incident. Except to discover, by virtue of noticing a seat change, that courtesy of aircraft swap number 3, we’re no longer in QSuite. I wish they’d make up their bloody mind 😉

[NorthernLass]

Had exactly the same experience at DOH in December. We were checking in a bag so it was no big deal as the ground staff member just printed our BPs at that point.