Ever since the new electronics ban I have spent some time on the 3ME websites (Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad) looking for information. Over the past week I’ve spent some time booking mock itineraries to see what information each airline provides at the time of booking. Don’t worry this is not another electronics ban post, that topic is sufficiently covered online. This post is simply to show one of the most interesting emails I received from the whole process. Specifically, this post highlights an email sent from Qatar Airways after I pieced together a few different mock itineraries.
Qatar Airways Booking Followup Email
For each of the affected airlines I logged into my account and began the booking process. After entering Middle East origins to US destinations I continued to the booking pages. Once I got to the payment screen I’d abandon the trip. I did this several times on multiple airlines just to see what information about the electronics ban I’d find. At no point did I pay for an itinerary or put anything on hold. Then, surprisingly, about half a day following a mock itinerary on Qatar Airways I received an email. “Complete Your Qatar Airways Booking” the subject line of the email read. When I clicked into the email I found a beautiful stock picture of the destination city with instructions to click a link to complete the abandoned booking.
I’m shocked by this email, but not in a negative way. The only other email I get like this is from American after I put an itinerary on hold. The email simply notifies me that the booking is on hold and that I have 24 hours to pay for the held flights. If I do nothing I never receive a followup email letting me know I only have so many hours left to pay for my trip. This has always surprised me about putting an American itinerary on hold.
I like this email because of how simple it is. After abandoning a shopping cart (basically) Qatar implemented a way to send a potential customer a simple reminder to complete their booking. Essentially it seems Qatar Airways automatically held the flights and price I originally selected and I have time to go back and book. I’m not sure how long the offer is valid. All I know at this point is that when you abandon a booking on Qatar, they’ll send you a followup email with a link to complete your booking.
Final Thoughts
I realize this isn’t the most exciting thing I’ve ever written about, but it’s something that happened today that interested me. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before either. In any given week I price out multiple flights that I ultimately abandon and never hear a word from the airline. Qatar Airways found an interesting way to remind customers their itinerary is still available for purchase.
Personally, I’m glad all airlines don’t do this or else my inbox would be stuffed, but it is a nice feature to include in the booking process. I think this feature is perfect for anyone who accidentally closes their web browser or for anyone comparing flights who abandons their Qatar flights to visit a competitor.
Featured Image Courtesy of Qatar Airways Email
