You have just learned that your Qatar Airways flight is delayed by checking the flight status online. Finding this out can be disconcerting. Now you’re faced with the question: “Should I proceed to the airport or stay put at home or in my hotel?” The extent of flight delays can range from a minor 30-minute delay to a staggering delay of 23 hours, which can leave you stranded at the airport for a whole day. The question arises as to whether or not you really have to wait at the airport for 23 hours until the airline finds a solution?
It depends. But most cases usually fall into a few common scenarios.
Your Qatar Airways Flight is Delayed. Should You Stay or Proceed as Planned?
Your Qatar Airways flight is delayed. What should you do now?
Where is your present location? Are you at your home/hotel?
Or did you already reach the airport?
Scenario 1 – You Are Already at the Gate, Waiting for Your Flight
You are at the gate, awaiting your flight when a delay announcement is made. What’s your next move?
Simply remain at the gate, awaiting further updates about your flight status.
Scenario 2 – You Are at the Airport, But You Haven’t Yet Gone Through Airport Security
If you’re within the airport premises, waiting to go through the security checkpoint, and you learn that your Qatar Airways flight is delayed, it is suggested that you remain where you are. Make sure to verify if there’s any modification in your flight’s check-in time before advancing. If the check-in time has been postponed, refrain from proceeding through security.
Hold on for further instructions before proceeding with security.
Did you complete the check-in online?
Regardless, stay put. Don’t proceed until check-in begins.
Scenario 3 – You Are in Your Home or Hotel
Ascertain whether the check-in has been delayed.
You can do this by reaching out to Qatar Airways or inquiring with the airport information center.
If the check-in time has been postponed, there’s no need to rush to the airport. You can remain in your hotel or home. However, if the check-in time remains unchanged, it is advisable to stick to your initial plan and head to the airport as per schedule.
If check-in has been delayed, remain where you are for now.
If there’s no delay in check-in — go ahead with your original plan to the airport.
How to Check Qatar Airways Flight Status Online?
Here are some ways to check Qatar Airways flight status online:
- The website of the airport from which your flight is departing;
- The airline’s official website (qatarairways.com in this case);
- Flight tracking apps like Flightradar24.
It’s always a great idea to confirm your flight’s status before heading to the airport, especially if it’s an early morning flight. You wouldn’t want to reach the airport at the crack of dawn only to realize that your flight has been delayed or cancelled, leaving you waiting for several hours. To prevent this, always check the status first thing in the morning and once more just before leaving your home or hotel to ensure there’re no sudden changes.
Travelers are usually informed about the delay through:
- SMS or email from the airline, notifying of the delay;
- Checking the flight status online;
- Discovering it at the airport, or even at the gate.
What If a Flight Delay Causes You to Miss Your Connecting Flight?
If you have a connecting flight with Qatar Airways, you need not worry if you miss your connection due to a flight delay. Qatar Airways will organize a new flight for you at zero extra cost, so you don’t have to stress about arranging a new flight independently. Just reach out to the Qatar Airways staff present at the airport if you miss your connecting flight.
However, if you have a self-transfer flight, missing your connection becomes your responsibility, and you’ll have to book a new flight. But if your Qatar Airways flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be eligible for Qatar Airways flight delay compensation or Qatar Airways flight cancellation compensation, for that particular flight. But the airline won’t be responsible for your next flight (because it’s a self transfer).
Right to Care at the Airport
Passengers who are compelled to wait at the airport due to a flight delay, flight cancellation or denied boarding are entitled to certain amenities (“right to care”).
- During a short delay of 3 hours or more that occurs during the daytime, Qatar Airways is required to provide complimentary food and drinks, as well as two means of communication (like phone calls, emails or faxes), typically provided through vouchers.
- In case of an overnight delay, Qatar Airways is obligated to provide free hotel stay, transport to and from the airport, and one or two meals without any charge to the passenger.
If you haven’t received any of these services, reach out to Qatar Airways for assistance.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Could You Be Entitled to Qatar Airways Flight Delay Compensation?
If your Qatar Airways flight originating from Europe was disrupted, there are certain circumstances in which you may qualify for Qatar Airways flight delay compensation.
If your flight has been delayed for more than three hours, or if it has been cancelled without a minimum of 14 days prior notice, you could be entitled to compensation up to 600 euros under EU legislation, unless the delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
This entitlement applies irrespective of the fare and nationality. It’s crucial to keep your boarding pass and other travel documents, as they may be required when claiming compensation. If you need assistance with the process, there are services available that can aid you in claiming your compensation from Qatar Airways – our partners provide such services (you can use the compensation claim form on our website to make a claim).
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Can You Get Flight Delay Compensation in Case of a Qatar Airways Strike?
If your Qatar Airways flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike, there are two scenarios – it’s either a strike by Qatar Airways personnel or some other kind of strike.
Usually, if the strike is instigated by airport staff, air traffic control, or a labor strike that does not directly involve Qatar Airways, you won’t be eligible for compensation. This is viewed as an extraordinary circumstance, and airlines are not typically held accountable.
However, if the strike involves Qatar Airways’ own employees, the airline will most likely be obligated to compensate its passengers. It’s always important to check the specific circumstances surrounding your delay or cancellation, and scrutinize any information provided by the airline.
Keep in mind that as Qatar Airways is not a European airline, EU compensation regulations apply only to their flights departing from Europe.
Read more: Qatar Airways Strike Compensation
Can You Obtain Delay Compensation in the Event of Technical Problems with the Airplane?
Yes, if your Qatar Airways flight is delayed due to technical issues with the airplane, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation.
Most of the time, these issues are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
However, there may be exceptions in certain cases, such as if the technical problems were caused by hidden manufacturing defects.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What is your experience with Qatar Airways flight delays? Have you ever experienced a flight delay with Qatar Airways? How did the airline resolve the situation?
Featured photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels