Worst international airline with no respect for customers

Flying with Qatar airways has been an experience that none should experience. Scheduled to fly on the 22nd Oct from JHB to UAE, I was advised that 2 covid tests are required. Upon arrival at check in counters, being the 1st person to arrive, I inquired as to whether my 48hour test was valid and assured that all was in order by staff members and supervisors. I was then advised that I could check in only once my 6hr rapid PCR test results were available. On receipt of results and return to check in counter, staff member refused to allow me on the flight. He then said the 48hr PCR is not valid and another test needed to be done. His supervisor was consulted and the answer was the same. I proceeded to do another rapid test in anticipation and hope that the results would be processed before the flight (cost - R2000). My result were to only be sent through once check in counters closed. I asked to check in while waiting for results. The employee at the counter made a phonecall and then asked if I had my 6hr rapid test result. She looked at the results and checked me in. She then said that the new test done was indeed not required. I went about to ask how I would be compensated for this cost incurred on me by Qatar airways and the supervisor could not answer. I asked Lucky at the check in counter to send through an email detailing the events that transpired and mishaps of Qatar airways. He promised to send a mail later that evening - still awaiting email.

My return flight from AUH to Durban was cancelled and changed from 1st Nov to 31st Oct. This was only brought to the attention of my travel agent two days prior to the new flight which in turn only relayed to me one day prior. There is no stress like being in a foreign country with no flight back home. I asked my agent to book me a flight back to South Africa urgently just to secure a seat. There were no flights available to Durban on the required dates and time to make it back to work when required. This flight was booked to Cape Town and the date had to later be changed due to flight availability and affordability of flights from Cape Town to Durban (Costs incurred - R892.31 for change of flight, Cape Town to Durban -R1822). Due to change of dates, I was forced to stay another 2 nights in the UAE at an additional cost (R3400 for 2 nights). I had done a 72hr PCR test in the UAE for the initial flight on 1st Nov (AED150). Seeing that my flight needed to be changed, a new covid test was required at an additional AED150. All amounts paid by credit card have additional fee for swiping. Forced to land in Cape Town, transport was required from the airport, accommodation in Cape Town for the night and transport back to the airport. Additional transport also required to get to destination in Durban. (Transport R492, accommodation - R1200).

The approximate added costs totals to almost double the price of the original return flights to the UAE (~ R12317.00) Price of return tickets to UAE (R6300)

At the transfers desk in DOH I tried to lay a formal complaint, but was advised to go about via the tell-us portal. Chrisna who was very helpful assured me that if I layed the complaint, I would be able to claim from Qatar airways for the losses. I am appalled by the quality of service provided by Qatar airways and would hate to recommend this airline to any individual travelling internationally. This is the first time flying with Qatar airways yet it is not my first experience.

I had Previously qualified for 2 free Qatar airways tickets for any destination due to the promotion for healthcare professionals. When trying to book those tickets using the voucher codes, the website refused to allow me to do so. I tried the help portal and laid a complaint on the comments section of website. The website then crashed and did not allow me to proceed. I assume the complaint never went through or this was all a ********** **** as I never heard back from Qatar airways. I tried again a day or so before the cut off for using the vouchers. I was unable to book as there were no destinations offered with the promotion. Once again, I tried to file a complaint via the website which was not active and did not allow access.

I have since sent an email regarding my travels and grievances to Qatar airways. Its ben almost 2 weeks and the only feedback received was an automated email which is an acknowledgment of receipt with a reference number. I followed up after a week an a bit with a second mail to no avail.