Flight change for flight tonight! Is this normal and what are my options?

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squeeze72

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Jun 5, 2016
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Hello,

First time flying Qatar as I'm Etihad gold so not sure if this is a common occurrence. I thought I would give them a try and move my loyalty due to the cutbacks with Etihad. Also asking for advice on my options,

I am flying J class tonight from MEL to MAN. I have received a notification an hour ago (from Qatar app) stating that my flight is now not leaving until tomorrow morning (delay of 3 hours).
Because of this I will miss my connecting flight from DOH to MAN, meaning I will be in Doha for over 9 hours now and they have put me in an aisle seat (window my preference as prefer to be away from others when I fly).

I phoned the call centre and they have reassured me that my MEL flight is still flying at the original time I booked - tonight (??? strange). However, I am still on the 9 hour wait on a 787 leaving in the afternoon instead of 8am on the a350.
I asked if the flight was actually cancelled or if they had 'bumped' me to a later flight. I was told my 8am flight has been cancelled. I've looked at Hamad airport and it's still showing as a departure, as if it still exists.

I'm going to head to the MEL for my original scheduled time tonight and hope that the a380 hasn't been delayed until 1am tomorrow.
I'm going to confirm at checkin that the 8am tomorrow from DOH has definitely been cancelled and if not can I get back on it.
If it is cancelled and I have over 9 hours in DOH should they put me up in a airport hotel? Normally you can only enter a business lounge 4 hours before a flight, as nice as this may be 9 hours is too much for anyone!

First experience of Qatar, so I have no status. Is it likely they have bumped me and not told me for a higher status member? If this is the case shouldn't I be asked at the airport and then compensated with another flight with them or similar $$.

The purpose of my flight is because my Dad is unwell in Manchester and I need to accompany him to a hospital appointment now less than 12 hours of landing.

I really don't mean to come across as "what am I entitled to". Just wondering if I have any options?

After speaking to the call centre he said "so can I say that you accept the changes and confirm your flight and send you a new itinerary?" I said no, as if there is any chance that the original 8am flight is available this is the one I want to be on (need to rearrange limo the other end etc.) is this risky?
 
The fact that the call centre operator asked you to accept the changes suggests that your suspicions may be correct and that this is an event for which they should be required to compensate you in some way. If you accept the changes you might well waive your right to such compensation.
I am sorry I don't have any specific advice but I would keep pushing.
 
I can't help with a lot of your questions. However, regarding the lounge in DOH, you can enter when you arrive and staying for 9 hours is no problem.

The layout of the lounge is shown below. The red circled area is the family zone where it can actually be pretty quite and couches to lay out on. The yellow circled area is a quite zone with small individual spaces. Quite comfortable but not flat beds. Finally the blue circled area has sleeper style lounges but its bright and open. So you do have some options for areas to relax in what is a huge lounge.

1571365243327.png
 
Melbourne departures showing that the 22.35 is estimated to depart at 01.00 tomorrow. The one in from DOHA won't land until 11pm(estimated) tonight and is over 4 hours late so it looks legit.
Why would they still want me at the airport for the original flight I wonder? Call centre still insisting the flight is at 10.35pm tonight.
 
Thank you Daver6 and esseeeayeenn for your reply.
Whatever will be will be. I suppose.
Hoping for an airside hotel room at the very least. I need to hit the ground running in the UK.
 
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You may also be entitled to EU261 compensation once you arrive more than three years after your scheduled arrival.

I'm afraid that won't apply, as EU261 only applies "If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline" (as outlined here). It only applies to non-EU carriers (such as QR) for flights departing from the EU.
 
I'm afraid that won't apply, as EU261 only applies "If your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline" (as outlined here). It only applies to non-EU carriers (such as QR) for flights departing from the EU.

Ah, damn.
 
Ah, damn.
My thoughts too!
Update from earlier, I'm now at Doha and the experience thus far has been excellent with Qatar.
Delays are out of their control. Every interaction with the staff from check in to arriving here has been wonderful. Could not do enough for us.
I'm showered, booked a sleep room for in a couple of hours to do some yoga stretches and I have a champagne in my hand.
If only they had agreed a status match with me from Etihad Gold or Virgin Platinum I'd be very tempted to switch loyalty programs.
 
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