Qatar's Hamad International Airport is ready to serve the high volume of passengers travelling through the airport during the holiday season. Due to the importance of connecting with family and friends during this festive time, the airport has enhanced procedures at the terminal to ensure a seamless and stress-free travel experience. There are a few guidelines that passengers should keep in mind in order to enhance their travel experience.
Option for early check-in
It is recommended that passengers check in online to reserve suitable seats and arrive three hours before their flight. Qatar Airways passengers who travel to a variety of destinations, except the United States and Canada, are able to check in early from 12 hours up to 4 hours before departure at row 11 at the Vertical Circulation Node (VCN) between 10 Dec and 3 Jan.
Self-Service check-in and bag-drop facilities are available at the airport, allowing passengers to check in, print boarding passes and bag tags, and drop their bags at designated counters before going through border control. Residents can use e-gates to expedite the immigration process, unless they are traveling with children under the age of 18.
The baggage allowance and weight restrictions will be strictly enforced by airlines, so travellers are advised to inquire about their specific airline's baggage guidelines. A baggage repacking area with luggage weighing machines is available for passengers in the departure hall.
It is recommended that personal items such as watches, belts, wallets, jewelry be placed safely inside the personal bags before crossing the security check. It is necessary to remove laptops and tablets from their bags and place them in trays for X-ray screening.
Items prohibited
Passengers must ensure that they do not carry prohibited items such as liquids, aerosols, and gels, as well as hover boards powered by lithium batteries. Containers containing liquids must be sealed in clear, resealable plastic bags with 100ml or less per container.
The airport advises passengers who are eligible to use the e-gates at the arrival immigration hall when returning to Doha. Please be reminded that oversized or irregularly shaped checked luggage will be reclaimed at separate baggage reclaim belts.
In the arrival hall, there are two pavilions: the bus pavilion and the taxi pavilion. Using taxis from the taxi pavilion is recommended since these authorized taxis meet high quality and performance standards and are subject to robust lost and found policies. Located a short indoor walk from the airport terminal, the metro station connects the airport to popular spots in the city every three minutes.
Car park for short-term use
From 10 December 2023 to 3 January 2024, the first 60 minutes of parking at the short-term car park will be free for passengers picking up and dropping off at the terminal. Car rental and limousine services are all conveniently located close to the arrival hall. Upon arrival, passengers who purchased the valet service will be able to pick up their vehicles at the departure's curbside.
In order to further assist passengers with their wayfinding, QR Codes are available throughout the airport at key digital touchpoints. Additionally, Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks can be found across the terminal which provides easy access to information and assists in navigation. The kiosks are multilingual with 20 language options. Contact our staff at any time if you need assistance.