I’m finally going to be able to experience Qatar Airways, and better yet, in the vaunted Q-suites. While I’m very much looking forward to this trip, I’ve already experienced a few hassles after booking my trip. Despite holding a confirmed ticket, where my credit card payment was verified during the purchase process, Qatar is requiring me to provide payment verification. Apparently this is a frequent thing.
Qatar Airways Payment Verification
A few days after booking, I received an email stating that I needed to provide further proof that my payment was authorized. Odd since I bought the ticket for myself, using a credit card in my name, and the purchase was approved by the credit card company. Maybe because the itinerary does not touch the United States, where I reside? Apparently this is something Qatar does on occasion. Here is part of the email from regarding Qatar Airways payment verification.
While this is a hassle, it is not the end of the world. It just seems like excessive effort for nothing. I trust my credit card company to protect my identity and privacy more than an airline.
I provided the information requested, well within the 48 hours, but then received no response for several weeks. A message on twitter, seemed to cause Qatar to spring into action, and they clarified that I apparently need to provide a credit card statement. My billing cycle hasn’t closed yet, so that will have to wait.
This message also clarified that travelers can show the credit card used for payment at check in, so at least that is an option. Though, I’m going to try to take care of this before my trip, just to avoid any hassle during check in at a Qatar outstation. I always check in online whenever possible.
What if I don’t have the payment card on the day of travel?
I doubt this is too frequent, but what happens if someone books a trip for somebody else,? What if the traveler isn’t carrying the particular credit card on the day of travel? So long as people heed the email warnings about this, hopefully there won’t be too much of an issue. Qatar threatens to cancel reservations, not sure if that would actually happen.
As mentioned, I plan to (attempt to) resolve this before my trip. I’m just waiting for my credit card billing cycle so I can get my statement to send. That will hopefully be sufficient proof to resolve this issue well in advance of travel. And I can enjoy my Qsuites!
Have you encountered payment verification when booking on Qatar?
Update on Qatar Airways Payment verification
Shortly after my original post (above), my credit card statement became available, and I submitted a redacted version showing the relevant charge, and a day or so later received this email confirmation:
Hopefully this means I can check in online, and have no issues before departure.
