Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: hey im jonathen 15 years old i was wondering if u can tell me what to do once im at the airport im traveling from Beirut/Lebanon to Doha/Qatar but i really dont know how to get around and where i should go once im in the airport and im afraid of getting lost in the airport and not being able to communicate with other people because of diff. Lang. thanks again!

ANSWER: Dear Jonathan,

Initially, you'll need to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Then, make your way to the airline check-in counter with your ticket, passport and baggage.

Since you're 15 additional documents from your parents must be presented if you'll be travelling alone. Check with the airline before any other requirements needed; you can ask also for language assistance when making your reservations.

Depending on the airline policy, you'll be escorted to the Security, then Immigration and finally to the departing gate of your flight.

When arriving in Doha, you'll face the same process again. Immigration, collect your baggage, Customs and then meet with whoever is waiting for you.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks a lot sir R. Gomes that was helpful but one more quest. um my mom is renewing the passports but they said at the Lebanese embassy that they wont finish before Fri. 14th of Aug. and my flight is on the 20th so will i be able to reserve then ? cuz my dad said that we should send him a copy of the passports 5 days earlier prior to buy the tickets and to be able to reserve..one more Ques. Plz..how can i know what my boarding gate # is is it written on the ticket? and ia it safe to just follow and ask people arround if i had any difficulties in Doha's Airport? one more Quest....srryy hehe...do u have any site that has a map of the airport from the inside and giudence through it? thannkksss a lot. You provided tons of help.

Youre pain in the ass that asks too many Questions,
Jonathan A. G

Answer
Dear Jonathan,

If you're not familiar with something that we call "Murphy's Law", let me introduce to it.
Murphy's law is an adage that broadly states: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

I hope that you won't face any problems with your passport, but the way you are saying you have only one day to arrange things. These 5 days before your flight, do they include the weekend? Because you know some people don't deal with business things over the weekend. If I were you, I'll innitially make sure that the passport will be ready in time before booking your flight. Also depending on the fare, the ticket may have some restrictions to change the date and this will cost you soemthing more.

When you're checking in, you'll receive your boarding card that has gate information printed.
As far as Doha map is concern, I wasn't unable to find the information that you asked. But when you disembark, just ask for any agent's help to guide you through.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes