Qatar Airways has been my favourite airline for five years now in both economy and business class. I have not yet had the privilege of flying Qatar first class. Today’s two stunning flights were from Bangkok to Doha and then Doha to Vienna. They were so good that I didn’t want to get off the plane at the end! Qatar Airways continues to edge out Emirates for my number one favourite carrier. At third place sits Cathay Pacific.
Booking
I find that Qatar Airways offers one of the most user-friendly online booking systems of any airline. They allow passengers to choose flights based on the fare on day of travel. On this occasion, I used 75,000 American Airline miles to buy a valuing the ticket at $US1,750. AA charged me $24.30 in taxes on top of that. By comparison, the cheapest Qatar one way seat at the time of booking was $US2,713. I know I scored a bargain! Seat request was free. Customers can also choose their meals and other special requests at any time.
Check-In:
I am not sure what was going on at Bangkok Airport but there appeared to be a pilgrimage of monks heading somewhere. It certainly enlivened the visual aspect of check in!
At the check in counters, as a Emerald One World flier, (Qantas Platinum flier) I could check into either of Qatar two First class lines or there business lines. Qatar has five flights daily between Bangkomk and Doha so it has a busy check in team.
It was a seamless and fast check in for me. I dint have bags (I don’t check luggage in if I can avoid it) and had already selected a seat so that usually speeds up the process.
Bangkok offers two dedicated Fast Track sections for security and immigration Business class customers. There have been times when there is a longer line at one so I have wandered to the other. It means a longer walk but as I like to keep up my styepes, that is not an issue! Today, there was no wait.
Lounge
Business and First class passengers at Bangkok can access the exclusive Qatar Airways Premium lounge on the third level of Concourse G, near gate G2. Afetr the First Class only Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha, the Bangkok lounge is my favourite Qatar lounge anywhere! It opened in 2018 and is only available if you are flying in Business or First. Qatar do not open it to Elite status passnegres flying in Economy Tip: If you are flying any One World carrier in Business or First from Bangkok, you can use this Lounge.
The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Bangkok reportedly takes inspiration from modern Arabian design. I love the contemporary design and peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The lounge overlooks the airport’s gardens and has plenty of natural light and greenery, which add to its ambiance. There are a variety of seating options, including comfortable armchairs and sofas, as well as private workstations to get some work done before their flight.
The Lounge features two expansive dining areas: The Brasserie (formal dining with an à la carte menu) and The Global Deli Buffet with hot and cold dishes and the best tabbouleh, hummus and muhamara you will find in Thailand!
In Doha, I visited the enormous Al Mourjan Business Lounge. Based on the reviews, I have read, I am one of the few people in the world to like this lounge. It feels too big to me and despite Qatar’s rhetoric, it feels more like a cafeteria than a five star hotel. I have been there at quiet moments and had sections of the Lounge to myself. Usually, however, it is very busy and a too noisy for my likinhg. My favourite entertainment is watching the people begging to be let in. Its extraordinary, how many people believe that they can demand entry to a Premium Lounge!
Boarding:
Boarding at Bangkok can feel like a chaotic scramble but on this paccaion it was a calm relaxed process. I was warmly welcomed by my crew and I was thrilled to find I was ebiungs ervbed by a Thai crew member who was impressed that I ordered my meal choices in the Thai language!
I was thrilled to find I was flying on A7-ALZ, a Qatar Airbus A350-900 painted in the One World colours. This plane is less than a year old. Qatar as, a member of the OneWorld airline alliance, has several aircraft painted in the alliance’s livery. The OneWorld livery showcases the alliance’s logo and colors on the aircraft’s tail and fuselage. The livery also features the alliance’s signature colors of navy blue and white, which stand out against the aircraft’s silver-grey exterior.
I was blown away to find I was on the same aircraft on the second flight. After over 1200 flights and an incalculable number of connections, this has never happened to me before.
On the second flight, I was especially welcomed by another Thai crew member who bustled up to me with great excitement. He had met the disembarking crew and they had told him that “I was a lovely passenger who can speak Thai“. That has to be the nicest welcome aboard I have ever had!
On-board
The interior of the Qatar Airways Airbus A350 aircraft is just as impressive as the exterior. The cabin looks spacious and modern. On the first flight I was in Seat 5A and on the second flight, I was seated in 5K. I chose these as they are closer to the wndow and afford a little more privacy.
As a Business class passenger I fully enjoyed the fully lie flat seats, pyjameas, amentyt kit and personal entertainment system.
In terms of meals Qatar did not disappoint with service or presentation or quality.
The personal entertainment system features a vast library of movies, TV shows, and music.
Overall
Qatar Airways’ Business Class on theirir Airbus A350 is a visually stunning aircraft that provides passengers with a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. The airline’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service and top-of-the-line amenities shows and makes it my top choice for a first-class flying experience!
My ratings are: 100% I am not sure I have ever given a flight a perfect score before!
- Booking: 10/10
- Check-in: 10/10
- Boarding: 10/10
- Meals: 10/10
- Entertainment: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
Would I fly them again? You have to ask?
[…] found myself back at the enormous Al Mourjan Busin=ess Lounge at Doha. I have still not warmed to this Lounge. I find the space way too cavernous, and […]