If you're a frequent flyer in premium cabins, you'll know that Qatar Airways is renowned for providing a first-rate travelling experience. In addition, the airline's signature Al Safwa First Lounge at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is roomy, luxurious, and on many ardent travellers' bucket lists.
Eligible passengers can take advantage of sit-down meals, personal bedrooms, and even a hot tub in the spa.
The airline operates without a first class offering between the United States and the carrier's hub. Despite being one of the top business-class products in the world on flights to the United States, travellers can only access the airline's Al Mourjan Business Lounge. Although it's not first class, this lounge is nonetheless excellent.
Sadly the Al Safwa First Lounge does not accept Oneworld elite status. There are just three official published methods to access it instead:
- travelling in first class on Qatar Airways
- buying a ticket in business class and paying 600 Qatari riyals (about $165) to enter
- travel with up to two companions on full-fare business class tickets as a Privilege Club Platinum member.
Qatar Airways only offers first class cabins on a very small (and soon to be discontinued) number of long-haul routes to Doha including from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Sydney Airport (SYD), and Perth Airport (PER).
However Qatar Airways is ditching first-class altogether going forward. So how will you be able to access the flagship Al Safwa First Lounge?
Option 2 then 1
Buying access for 600 riyals on top of a business class "Q-suite" ticket is going to be the easiest for most.
However don't discount option 1 just yet. On flights to Middle Eastern neighbours including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Jordan, Qatar defines its business class cabin as "first class," granting these travellers access to the Al Safwa First Lounge as well.
Booking a business-class flight from USA to Doha using American Airlines AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, or Avios would be the most typical way for someone living in America to take advantage of this option.
Then, for around 21,000 Avios plus $110 in taxes, you could add a business-class flight from Doha to a close by location like Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), or Muscat International Airport (MCT) which will count as a "first-class flight".
To make the most of your five-star luxury lounge access, you could plan a stay of around 6 or even 8 hours to perhaps enjoy take a nap and visit the spa for a massage before tucking into full course meal.