Excuse Concocted to Cover-Up Overbooking

November 4, 2016

in Airport Stories

I have been an international business traveler for over two decades now. My story starts on my way back from a long stretch in Kuwait.

Returning to Europe, I had a 1.5 hour layover in Qatar. I had some drinks at the lounge and headed to the gate, only to be informed – at sight – that I was “intoxicated.” I was denied entry and left stranded at the airport for 12 hours (through the night) until the next flight to my destination was available.

Later on, I found out that Qatar Airways commonly uses this “trick” when their flights in Qatar are overbooked. So take extra care when in Qatar not to give them any room to screw up your schedules… Or AVOID them completely…

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Sankaran November 5, 2016 at 6:33 am

Maybe it was 'Qatar trick's as is insinuated, but fact remains this passenger offered himself as an easy target. By his own admission he had 'some drinks'. Maybe the effects showed.

Reply

CMR November 5, 2016 at 4:05 pm

Or maybe don't have "some drinks" at the airport and show up to your flight intoxicated. That also works.

Reply

Emily November 6, 2016 at 10:08 am

This may very well been the airport or airline's fault- but it is yours in many ways as well. Don't drink in an airport or right before a flight. It may be okay if you have a really long layover- 10 hours or more, but don't do it if you don't want to look intoxicated, even though you may not have been in the first place. I have never flown through Qatar, so I don't know the real deal, but based on what you are saying, it doesn't sound good. How about this: Don't drink before a flight AND never fly Qatar again.

Reply

Aaron November 6, 2016 at 2:30 pm

1.5 hour layover + A few drinks = intoxicated

Reply

Dillon May 26, 2017 at 6:30 pm

you missed the point altogether. the flight was overbooked. the airline was just looking for excuses.

Reply

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