We recently flew to Bangkok with Qatar Airways, booked via British Airways as part of a codeshare. If you’re wondering whether a 45-minute layover in Doha is enough – especially with kids – the answer is yes!
🧳 Booking our flights
Although we booked through British Airways, our flights were operated by Qatar Airways. The booking process was straightforward. We managed our seats and checked in via the British Airways website and app. You can do similar with Qatar Airways website or app.
If you’re planning your own trip, you can book directly with Qatar Airways. This gives you access to their full range of fares and perks.
👉 Check Qatar Airways flights here (affiliate link)
🛂 Check-in at Heathrow Terminal 4
If you’re flying Qatar Airways from London Heathrow, make sure you know your terminal before you go. We accidentally turned up at Terminal 3, only to discover flights leave from Terminal 4.
Travel tip: there’s a free Heathrow train between Terminals 3 and 4, but it takes about 20–30 minutes — time you won’t want to waste if you’re already cutting it fine.
Qatar Airways has several departures within hours of each other. Our 17:00 flight during the summer school holidays meant huge queues — nearly two hours to check in and clear security. Arrive at least three hours early in peak season for a stress‑free start.
🛫 The flight experience
- London to Doha: Smooth flight, great food, and excellent entertainment for the kids
- Doha to Bangkok: Despite the short layover, we made it with time to spare. Doha Airport is modern, efficient, and well signposted
📶 Onboard Wi‑Fi and staying connected
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi on select plane: Qatar Airways is rolling out free, high‑speed Wi‑Fi (via Starlink) on many routes. Availability depends on the plane and route, and is expanding over time.
- Paid Wi‑Fi on other plane: If your plane isn’t Starlink‑equipped, you’ll typically find “Super Wi‑Fi” available to buy. It often costs around US$8–10 when pre‑purchased or onboard.
- Member perks: Qatar Privilege Club frequently offers a complimentary allowance (such as the first hour) and periodic promos. Student Club members receive enhanced benefits on some routes.
- How to check for your flight:
- Look for a Wi‑Fi or “Super Wi‑Fi” badge when managing your booking.
- Once onboard, connect to the “OryxComms” network and follow the prompts.
- Cabin crew will announce the service and any complimentary access.
Tip: If staying connected matters for you, confirm Wi‑Fi details at the gate. This includes using messages, maps, or keeping little ones entertained. Equipment swaps can happen.
⏱️ 45-minute layover – is it enough?
The short answer: yes – provided your inbound flight lands on time. When transiting through Hamad International Airport with Qatar Airways, there’s no security screening for connecting passengers. You simply follow the signs to your next gate.
If you’re staying in Doha, you’ll head up a level after disembarking. Transit passengers remain on the same floor, which speeds things up. Our aircraft arrived a couple of minutes early, which helped, though it still took around 30 minutesfrom the moment we stopped at the gate to reaching our departure gate – factoring in waiting for disembarkation and the walk through the terminal.
The total time can vary depending on:
- Your seat location (front rows exit first)
- Gate distance – we arrived at a C‑gate, while our onward flight departed from a B‑gate
We had a bit of a trek, but made it comfortably. So, 45 minutes is usually enough for a Doha connection — as long as your first flight doesn’t arrive late.
Tips:
- Keep an eye on gate changes
- Don’t linger in duty-free
- Follow signs promptly
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly perks
- Kids’ meals available on request
- Priority boarding for families
- In-seat entertainment with child-friendly options
- Comfort kits with socks, eye masks, and toothbrushes
💬 Final thoughts
Flying to Bangkok with Qatar Airways – even via a short layover – was a breeze. The service was excellent, the airport experience smooth, and the journey stress-free. If you’re planning a family trip, this route is well worth considering. Bonus: Wi‑Fi is widely available, and on many plane it’s now complimentary – great for staying connected on long legs.
👉 Book your Qatar Airways flight directly (affiliate link)
👉 Checkout the latest offers from the United Kingdom (affiliate link)
The Travelling Wee 
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