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Qatar Airways

Qatar's flag carrier, connecting the world through Doha

  • QatarCountry
  • QRIATA Code
  • QTRICAO Code
  • oneworldAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is Qatar’s flag carrier and a oneworld member, flying to more than 170 destinations through Hamad International Airport in Doha. Economy comes in four fares, from Lite (20 kg checked bag on most routes) to Comfort (35 kg), and free Starlink Wi-Fi is fitted to 150 widebody aircraft. This guide covers fare families, the cabin bag, check-in times, power bank rules, connecting in Doha and how Qatar Airways compares with Emirates and Etihad.

Qatar Airways was founded in 1993, relaunched in 1997 and joined oneworld in 2013. It connects more than 170 destinations through one hub in Doha.

Qatar Airways flights to Doha
Photo: Shahaz Wangare / Unsplash

Check-In Times and Options

  • Online and app check-in: open from 48 hours to 90 minutes before departure.
  • Flights to and from the US: online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
  • At Hamad International: self-service kiosks and automated bag drop help you skip the counter queue.
  • Digital boarding pass: works at the Doha e-gates, but passport control may still ask for a printed one.

Check your booking for the airport counter closing time at your departure city, as it varies by airport.

Power Bank Rules on Flights from Doha

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority updated its power bank rules in June 2026, in line with ICAO and IATA guidance. They apply to flights from Qatar, including Qatar Airways departures from Doha.

  • Up to two power banks per passenger, each rated at no more than 100 Wh.
  • Cabin baggage only; power banks are never allowed in checked bags.
  • No charging power banks during the flight.
  • Keep them within reach, not in the overhead locker.
  • Protect the terminals against short circuits, for example with tape or a pouch.

Airlines can set stricter limits, so check Qatar Airways’ dangerous goods page before you fly.

Connecting at Hamad International

Most Qatar Airways passengers connect in Doha between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Hamad is a single-terminal airport, so connections stay under one roof, but some gates are a long walk or a short train ride away.

Joint business with British Airways and links with oneworld partners such as American, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines mean many onward flights can be booked on one ticket, with bags checked through.

Families, Special Assistance and Pets

Families can add children to one booking, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Bassinets and children’s meals are available on long-haul flights.

Special assistance should be requested before travel. Pets travel in the hold under strict rules.

How to Find Cheap Qatar Airways Flights

Cheap Qatar Airways flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Price the bag: Classic includes 5 kg more than Lite, often for less than buying extra baggage later.
  • Avoid the peaks: summer, Christmas and Eid push fares up on routes through Doha.
  • Compare one-stop and nonstop: a connection in Doha is often cheaper than a direct flight on long-haul routes.
  • Use Avios: Privilege Club Avios can pay for award seats on Qatar Airways and oneworld partners.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Qatar Airways next to Emirates, Etihad and others.

Qatar Airways vs Emirates vs Etihad

All three Gulf airlines connect Europe and Asia through a single hub. The main differences are the hub, the alliance and where you earn miles.

Qatar AirwaysEmiratesEtihad Airways
HubDoha (DOH)Dubai (DXB)Abu Dhabi (AUH)
AllianceoneworldNoneNone
Loyalty programmePrivilege Club (Avios)SkywardsEtihad Guest
Economy checked bagsBy fare: 20–35 kgBy fare: 20–35 kgBy fare
Wi-FiFree Starlink on 150 aircraftFree Starlink, rolling outVaries by aircraft

Choose Qatar Airways for oneworld status and Avios. Choose Emirates for the largest network and the A380, and Etihad when Abu Dhabi fares are lower.

Arriving in Doha

Hamad International Airport is about 15 km from central Doha. The Doha Metro Red Line, taxis and ride-hailing apps connect it with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Qatar Airways a Good Airline?

Yes. Qatar Airways is one of the world’s best-rated airlines, with the Qsuite business class, free Starlink Wi-Fi on most of its widebodies, generous baggage on most fares and a large oneworld network through a single, efficient hub. The cheapest Lite fares are restrictive, so compare what each fare includes.

For more options, see our British Airways guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Qatar Airways baggage and check-in pages. Rules change, so check the official Qatar Airways website before you travel.

oneworld & Airline Partnerships

Qatar Airways joined oneworld in 2013. You can connect in Doha onto partners such as British Airways, American, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines on one ticket and earn Avios across the alliance.

Learn more about oneworld

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Qatar Airways runs a joint business with British Airways and works closely with oneworld partners such as Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is Qatar Airways' hub and one of the world's busiest airports for connecting passengers.

Popular Qatar Airways Routes

Qatar Airways' busiest routes link Doha with London, Paris, Mumbai, Delhi and Kochi, and long-haul with New York, Singapore and Sydney. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Qatar Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Qatar Airways sells Economy as Lite, Classic, Convenience and Comfort, plus Business Class (Qsuite on many aircraft) and First on some routes. Checked baggage is the clearest difference: on most routes it rises by 5 kg with each step, and higher fares also have lower change fees.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee for your fare type. For flights from India, DGCA rules also apply, and for flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour rule.

  • Economy Lite 20 kg (most routes); the strictest rules.
  • Economy Classic 25 kg (most routes).
  • Economy Convenience 30 kg (most routes).
  • Economy Comfort 35 kg (most routes) and the most flexibility.
  • Business Class (Qsuite) 40 kg and the most flexible conditions.
  • Flights from India DGCA passenger rules apply.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways app.

Qatar Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking on most fares; on the cheapest fares, choosing in advance may cost extra. Qsuite business class has private suites with sliding doors, and some suites can be joined for families or couples.

Qatar Airways offers free, gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi. By August 2026 it was fitted to 150 widebody aircraft, including every A350, 777-300ER, 777-200LR and 787-8, with the 787-9 fleet due to be finished by the end of 2026. Its lounges at Hamad International are among the largest in the world.

  • Seat selection Included on most fares; paid on the cheapest.
  • Qsuite Business Class suites with sliding doors.
  • Wi-Fi Free Starlink Wi-Fi on 150 widebodies by August 2026.
  • Lounges Al Mourjan and Al Safwa lounges in Doha.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Qatar Airways Baggage Allowance

In Economy you can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg and 50 × 37 × 25 cm plus a small personal item (up to 10 kg on flights to or from Brazil). Business and First passengers can bring two cabin bags of up to 15 kg in total. You may also carry a handbag or briefcase, a coat, an umbrella, a small camera, reading material, an infant carrier and duty-free items.

On most routes checked baggage is weight-based: Economy Lite 20 kg, Classic 25 kg, Convenience 30 kg and Comfort 35 kg, Business 40 kg and First 50 kg, with no limit on the number of bags but no single bag over 32 kg. To and from Africa and the Americas a piece allowance applies: Lite one 23 kg bag, Classic two, and Business and First two 32 kg bags. If your trip mixes cabins, the highest cabin's allowance applies to the whole journey.

  • Cabin bag (Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg and 50 × 37 × 25 cm plus a personal item.
  • Cabin bags (Business and First) 2 bags, 15 kg in total.
  • Also allowed Handbag or briefcase, coat, umbrella, camera, reading material, infant carrier and duty-free.
  • Economy checked (most routes) Lite 20 kg, Classic 25 kg, Convenience 30 kg, Comfort 35 kg.
  • Business / First (most routes) 40 kg / 50 kg.
  • Africa and the Americas Lite 1 × 23 kg; Classic 2 × 23 kg; Business and First 2 × 32 kg.
  • Maximum per bag 32 kg.

Privilege Club: Qatar Airways Loyalty Programme

Privilege Club is Qatar Airways' free loyalty programme. You collect Avios on Qatar Airways and oneworld flights and with partners, and spend them on award flights, upgrades and more. Qpoints determine your status.

Tiers are Burgundy, Silver, Gold and Platinum, recognised as oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald.

  • Burgundy Free entry level for all members.
  • Silver Priority services and oneworld Ruby status.
  • Gold Lounge access and oneworld Sapphire status.
  • Platinum The highest benefits and oneworld Emerald status.
  • Avios Collected and spent across oneworld airlines.
Join or log in on the Qatar Airways website

Qatar Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Qatar Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is QR. It appears in flight numbers (for example QR 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is QTR, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Qatar Airways part of?

It is a member of oneworld. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Qatar Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Doha, Qatar.

04When was Qatar Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 1993.

05What are Qatar Airways’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Doha (DOH) – Main Hub.

06What is Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Privilege Club. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07What is Qatar Airways' cabin bag allowance?

In Economy, one cabin bag of up to 7 kg and 50 × 37 × 25 cm plus a small personal item. Business and First allow two bags of up to 15 kg in total.

08How much checked baggage does Qatar Airways Economy include?

On most routes, 20 kg on Lite, 25 kg on Classic, 30 kg on Convenience and 35 kg on Comfort. To and from Africa and the Americas, Lite includes one 23 kg bag and Classic two.

09Does Qatar Airways have free Wi-Fi?

Yes. Qatar Airways offers free Starlink Wi-Fi, fitted to 150 widebody aircraft by August 2026.

10What is Qsuite?

Qsuite is Qatar Airways' business class with private suites and sliding doors, available on many long-haul aircraft.

Qatar Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Qatar Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.