I'm sure most of Qatar residents are already aware that the Qatar government already removed the agent's comission on airline tickets. However, in lieu of agent's commission, travel agencies are now charging service fees for utilizing their services in booking flights. I'm not sure if travel agents in Qatar have uniform fees but here's what our Office's Travel Agency is charging:
Ticket issuance: 7% of face value
All types od re-issues: QAR 100- over and above the actual charge by the concerned airline
Credit Card payments: 7% + 3% on Amex/ Diners and 7% + 2% on other cards
Refund processing: QR 100 over and above the actual charge by the concerned airline
Note: All fees are non-refundable.
Re-issuing tickets used to be free unless the airline have specific restriction and payment by credit card has no surcharge. If the company is providing tickets, individuals will not be affected by the charges; but those receiving airfare allowance can save some bucks by booking tickets from airline's online booking facility. This will avoid the 7% service fee and will save a significant amount of money especially to those travelling with their families. But there are drawbacks too. Online booking requires instant payment through credit card and the traveller has to use his own card because it is required to be presented during check-in. One more thing, having an e-ticket can be a hassle in NAIA. Read my husband's experience here.
Do you book your tickets online or through a travel agency?
Showing newest posts with label Qatar Airways Online Booking. Show older posts
Showing newest posts with label Qatar Airways Online Booking. Show older posts
March 27, 2008
October 26, 2007
eTicket and Qatar Airways Online Booking Experience
Update as of October 20, 2008
During our recent trips, I didn't have any problems with Qatar Airways e-ticket. But they sometimes ask for the credit card used in buying tickets. Qatar airways do not issue paper ticket anymore. If you plan to fly with Qatar Airways, you can book tickets directly from their website.
* * * * * *
In my previous entry, I talked about the convenience of booking tickets on-line. The round trip airfare I purchased from Travelocity for someone else, didn't have any problems. The person was able to come and exit Qatar smoothly. If he comes back in December as planned, I will again book and purchase tickets online.
However, my husband had a different experience. When we booked the ticket at Qatar Airways, we knew that he has to present the credit card used for online payment. This requirement is rather unusual. This means you cannot purchase a ticket online for someone else like what I did above. But then I guess, this is to prevent fraudulent credit card transactions.
My husband didn't have problems during check-in at Qatar Airport. However, at NAIA, he was required to produce a valid ID other than his passport. Then, he had to wait because the counter staff had to photocopy his ID somewhere in a remote corner. This extra step delayed the check-in process. Honestly, I find the presentation of second ID really ridiculous. A passport is one of the most widely accepted form of identification. He even had an OEC from POEA. Why do they need to complicate simple things? It's clear in the Qatar Airways website that credit card used to purchase the ticket must be presented. I think, a second ID and photocopying are over-kill. Booking online is supposed to provide convenience but if the check-in process will be complicated, I wouldn't book my ticket online for our next trip. I wasn't even thinking of flying Qatar Airways. I'm just not satisfied with the service ( aside from online booking problem). I don't think they are a five star airline as they claim to be.
During our recent trips, I didn't have any problems with Qatar Airways e-ticket. But they sometimes ask for the credit card used in buying tickets. Qatar airways do not issue paper ticket anymore. If you plan to fly with Qatar Airways, you can book tickets directly from their website.
* * * * * *
In my previous entry, I talked about the convenience of booking tickets on-line. The round trip airfare I purchased from Travelocity for someone else, didn't have any problems. The person was able to come and exit Qatar smoothly. If he comes back in December as planned, I will again book and purchase tickets online.
However, my husband had a different experience. When we booked the ticket at Qatar Airways, we knew that he has to present the credit card used for online payment. This requirement is rather unusual. This means you cannot purchase a ticket online for someone else like what I did above. But then I guess, this is to prevent fraudulent credit card transactions.
My husband didn't have problems during check-in at Qatar Airport. However, at NAIA, he was required to produce a valid ID other than his passport. Then, he had to wait because the counter staff had to photocopy his ID somewhere in a remote corner. This extra step delayed the check-in process. Honestly, I find the presentation of second ID really ridiculous. A passport is one of the most widely accepted form of identification. He even had an OEC from POEA. Why do they need to complicate simple things? It's clear in the Qatar Airways website that credit card used to purchase the ticket must be presented. I think, a second ID and photocopying are over-kill. Booking online is supposed to provide convenience but if the check-in process will be complicated, I wouldn't book my ticket online for our next trip. I wasn't even thinking of flying Qatar Airways. I'm just not satisfied with the service ( aside from online booking problem). I don't think they are a five star airline as they claim to be.
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