Marhaba’s Jasmin Maier tried out the Platinum Al Maha Service at Hamad International Airport to see what their meet and assist packages offer passengers who want a seamless journey.
We can all relate to feeling tired and queasy after spending several hours on the plane. Cutting time and stress by jumping queues at immigration feels exclusive at the best of times, however, once added to a long-haul or a red-eye flight with kids it suddenly becomes a necessity to remain calm.
After a fun-filled but tiresome trip and a supremely early flight onboard Qatar Airways, I felt a little less than optimal when we touched-down at Hamad International Airport. However, I was comparatively at ease knowing that my arrival process would be taken care of by the professional representatives of Al Maha Services.
Right after exiting the aerobridge, I was warmly greeted by a smiling uniformed hostess with a personalised name board who immediately assisted me with my hand luggage (7kg of Swiss chocolate). Ready and waiting for me just a few metres away was a club car with driver.
Since our plane’s arrival gate was located at the far end of the airport, I was instantly relieved at not having to walk and carry my souvenir-packed hand luggage all the way to the Al Maha Services Lounge.
I have to admit that as we took off, breezing through the terminal hallways and passing my fellow passengers, I felt a bit like a famous TV star. The VIP treatment continued just a few minutes later as we arrived at the exclusive Al Maha Premium Lounge located at the immigration hall which boasts unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, a smoking area, reading materials, a business centre and plenty of seating.
The spacious, bright and very modern lounge offers fresh deli-style food – a selection of delicious wraps, sandwiches, juices and hot beverages in buffet form.
Before making myself comfortable in one of the cosy chairs, the cheerful and polite hostess requested me to hand over my luggage tag so her team could reclaim my bags while I was treating myself with a cup of aromatic coffee and a chicken wrap.
Just when I had the last bite of my delicious wrap, I was informed that my luggage had been located and I could now proceed to their dedicated immigration counter. Within less than five minutes I cleared immigrations and the handbag security check to find my porter and luggage waiting for me.
As part of their service, Al Maha ensures that every passenger is assisted until the arrival exit gate or receiving party. I truly enjoyed the luxury of not having to push the luggage trolley all the way to the curb. The hostess and porter waited for my driver to arrive, helped with loading my luggage into the car and even waved me goodbye as we drove off.
If you would like to guarantee an enjoyable and hassle-free journey, Al Maha Services have got you covered.
You can choose to have their team check you in and get you to the aircraft without delay, assist you through a transfer, or on arrival for a speedy process.
Don’t forget they can also assist with the arrival of your friends and family from abroad – why not give them the VIP treatment as well?
Al Maha Services are available for sale through all Qatar Airways ticketing offices as well as online.
By Jasmin Maier
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