1. Baggage Policy

Qatar Airways provides generous baggage allowances that vary by route and travel class.

Checked Baggage Allowance:

• Economy Class:
  • Weight concept (Most routes): 25–35 kg
  • Piece concept (U.S., Canada, Africa): 2 pieces up to 23 kg each
• Business Class:
  • 40–50 kg (weight concept)
  • 2 pieces up to 32 kg each (piece concept)
• First Class:
  • 50 kg or 2 pieces up to 32 kg each

Carry-On (Cabin) Baggage:

• Economy: 1 piece, max 7 kg
• Business & First Class: 2 pieces, total 15 kg

Infants:

• 10 kg (weight concept) or 1 piece up to 23 kg (piece concept)
• 1 collapsible stroller or carrycot

2. Excess Baggage Policy

If you exceed the standard baggage limits:

• Charges vary by route and weight/piece
• Prepaid baggage can be purchased online at discounted rates
• Up to 100 kg (or 5 pieces) per passenger allowed (depending on aircraft)

3. Items Allowed on Board

Permitted in Cabin:

• Handbag or laptop bag (within size limits)
• Food for infants
• Duty-free purchases
• Walking sticks or crutches

Restricted Items:

• Sharp tools, weapons, flammable substances, and certain electronics (subject to security)

Liquids Rule:

• Carry-ons must comply with the 100ml per item rule, inside a clear resealable 1L plastic bag

4. Visa Assistance & Immigration Requirements

Qatar Airways provides visa support through their official partner services.

Qatar Visa Services:

• 96-hour transit visa (free, for layovers in Doha)
• Tourist visas (30–90 days) available via the eVisa platform
• Visa-on-arrival available for over 90 nationalities

Destination Visa Assistance:

• Country-specific visa rules displayed during the booking process
• Some destinations may require medical insurance or return tickets

5. Check-In Policy

Online Check-In:

• Opens 48 hours before departure
• Closes 90 minutes before flight

Airport Check-In:

• Opens 3 hours before departure
• Closes 1 hour before scheduled flight

Check-In Methods:

• Website, mobile app, airport kiosks, and counters
• Seat selection and meal preferences available during check-in

6. Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Age Requirements:

• Under 5 years: Cannot travel alone
• 5–11 years: Must travel under the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) program
• 12–15 years: Can travel alone or enroll in UM service (optional)

Booking UM Service:

• Must be booked through a Qatar Airways office or travel agent (not online)
• Advance notice (48+ hours) is required

Services Included:

• Airport escort and priority check-in
• Supervision in lounges and on board
• Assistance at destination with guardians

7. Pet Policy

Qatar Airways accepts pets as cargo only through Qatar Airways Cargo (QR Cargo).

Service Animals:

• Guide dogs allowed in the cabin free of charge (on specific routes)
• Medical documentation and notice required 48 hours before travel

Traveling with Pets (as Cargo):

• Cats, dogs, birds accepted under IATA regulations
• Must be booked separately
• Pet must have a health certificate, vaccine record, and suitable container

Falcons:

• Permitted in the Economy cabin on select routes (Middle East)

8. Cancellation Policy

Voluntary Cancellations:

• Refundable fares: Fully or partially refundable
• Non-refundable fares: Only taxes may be refunded
• Cancel via “Manage Booking” or contact center

Cancellation Fees:

• Vary by fare type and route
• Typically range from $50 to $300

No-Show Fees:

• Applied if booking is not canceled before departure

9. Refund Policy

Eligibility:

• Must be requested within ticket validity period (usually 1 year)
• Refunds processed to original payment method

Processing Time:

• 7–20 business days depending on payment channel

Exceptions:

• In case of death or medical emergency, fees may be waived (documentation required)

10. Date Change / Rebooking Policy

Change Requests:

• Made via “Manage Booking” or customer service

Fees & Fare Differences:

• Flex and Comfort fares: Free or low change fee
• Promo fares: Higher change fees or non-changeable

COVID-19 Policy (Updated):

• Qatar offered flexibility during pandemic
• Open tickets, free rebooking, and extended validity were provided

11. Major Routes and Destinations

Qatar Airways has one of the most expansive route networks in the world.

Key Global Destinations:

• North America: New York, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Toronto
• Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Amsterdam
• Asia: Bangkok, Tokyo, Delhi, Mumbai, Manila
• Africa: Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, Cairo
• Australia & NZ: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland

Codeshare Partners:

• American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, LATAM, and more

Oneworld Alliance Member:

• Seamless travel across 14 major airlines

12. Special Assistance Services

Qatar Airways offers tailored support for passengers with unique needs.

Disability Services:

• Wheelchair assistance at all airports
• Onboard accessibility features (accessible lavatories, aisle chairs)

Medical Cases:

• MEDIF form required for passengers needing medical clearance
• Stretcher service available with prior arrangement

Pregnancy Travel:

• Up to 28 weeks: No restrictions
• 29–32 weeks: Medical certificate required
• Over 33 weeks: Travel not permitted

13. In-Flight Services & Entertainment

Oryx One System:

• 4,000+ options (movies, music, games, TV)
• Multilingual content
• Parental controls

Wi-Fi Connectivity:

• Available on select aircraft (complimentary for Privilege Club members in Business/First)

Meal Services:

• Multi-course meals in all cabins
• Special meals (halal, vegetarian, diabetic, gluten-free) available upon request 24 hours before departure

14. Loyalty Program: Privilege Club

Tiers: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, Platinum

Benefits:

• Lounge access, priority check-in, extra baggage, fast track
• Qmiles earned can be used for flights, upgrades, shopping
• Family pooling feature available

15. Travel Insurance

Insurance Options:

• Offered during booking via Qatar’s official website
• Covers trip delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage issues

COVID-19 Add-On:

• May include quarantine and treatment costs (check eligibility and terms)

16. Denied Boarding & Involuntary Changes

Overbooking Policy:

• Passengers may volunteer to give up seats in exchange for compensation

Flight Delays/Cancellations:

• Qatar will rebook passengers on the next available flight
• May provide hotel, meal vouchers, and transport in case of long delays
• Complies with EU261 and other local compensation laws

Final Words

Qatar Airways sets the gold standard in global aviation through its luxurious offerings and detailed, passenger-focused policies. Whether you’re flying economy or indulging in Qsuite Business Class, knowing these airline rules ensures a smooth travel experience. Always refer to the airline’s official website or customer care for the most updated regulations, especially regarding visa requirements, baggage limits, and travel disruptions. With this guide in hand, you can book and board with confidence.

Disclaimer: Policies mentioned are subject to change based on airline and country regulations. Please consult Qatar Airways’ official resources for the most up-to-date information.