My Review of Qatar Airways Service
Qatar Airways have been repeatedly voted the world’s best airline and world’s best business class. Check out my review of Qatar Airways service and find out why.
Gazing out at the bright blue skies, with a glass of pink champagne in hand, it felt almost surreal. For once in my life I didn’t want the plane journey to end. In fact I would have been quite happy to just stay on the plane for 24 hours. From the seamless boarding to the spacious personal cabin with generous storage space, every detail had been carefully considered. Being wined and dined with Qatar Airways’ exceptional cabin crew in the world’s best business class was a far cry from the school runs.
I recall writing that opening paragraph after my first flight experience flying business class with Qatar Airways to Malaysia seven years ago. I have been fortunate to fly as a business class passenger with Qatar Airways on three occasions since then, but the wow factor never leaves me.
When we book holidays, we tend to focus on hotels and destinations rather than the airline who takes us there, but maybe it is time to change that. I like to think of airlines in the same way as hotels. Qatar Airways is a five star airline, that offers five star customer service.
Think of the difference between booking a three, four or five star hotel; airlines have a similar grading. Qatar flights offer a similar service to staying in five star hotel.
Qatar Airways have been voted the World’s Best Airline nine times at the World Airline Awards – an achievement held by no other airline. Qatar Airways has also won World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Airline in the Middle East. On long haul flights, it’s the little things that matter and Qatar always nails them.
Read: Top things to do in Doha – Doha travel guide
Service on Qatar Airways Business Class
Qatar Airways impressive service is evident from the start. Their courteous flight crew always introduce themselves when I board, offering a welcome drink and hot towel, and to let me know that they will be looking after me for the entire flight. The cabin crew were all incredibly professional and attentive throughout the flight.
Normally the first thing I do when I board long-haul flights is to check out the inflight entertainment. I browse the latest blockbusters or TV shows that I haven’t seen, and try to catch up. Not with Qatar Airways, the menu, or should I say ‘menus’, are always my first port of call.
On my latest flight to Doha Airport, I received an amenity kit filled with luxury brand Diptyque products, including a mini perfume which I particularly liked. Noise cancelling ear phones, White Company pyjamas and luxurious velour blankets are always provided.
However, it is the personal touches, like knowing each passenger by name, and the turn down service on night flights, that elevates the service.
Drinks menus consist of fine wines and champagne, as well as premium spirits and soft drinks. A glass of Champagne, followed by a delicious Bordeaux are usually my tipple, but when I travelled with my friend recently we enjoyed cocktails – I couldn’t believe Aperol Spritz was on the menu!
White linen table cloths and hot towels may be standard in business class, but drinks served in actual champagne and wine glasses, and dining on demand, Qatar Airways service is a step above the rest.
The generous luggage allowance meant I didn’t need to worry about overpacking. Business class passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage, each weighing a maximum of 32kg but always check your booking as this may differ depending on the duration of the long haul flights.
Dining on Qatar Airways Business Class
Qatar Airways Dine on Demand service means you can enjoy food at any time throughout your flight. If you want to eat immediately and settle down for a nap, you can. You also don’t need to worry about missing breakfast, you can simply have it whenever you wake up, or ask a flight attendant to call you at a particular time.
There are no trollies up and down the aisle. When flight attendants emerge from behind the curtain with drinks or snacks, it feels like they are coming straight from a kitchen, as if there was a chef somewhere making it just moments before it is served. These subtle touches make for a special dining experience.
The meal service options are superb too. Some of my favourite starters include the traditional Arabic Mezze and Tuna Tataki. On my flight to the Maldives I enjoyed marinated tuna, prawn and scallop with a quinoa salad, and recently from Dublin to Doha flight I had Lobster Thermidor, but you will also find beef, chicken and salads on the menu too.
On my return flight from the Maldives I opted for a light-option for dinner, a Thai noodle beef salad. It was perfectly balanced and something I would expect to find in an upmarket oriental restaurant. I had this dish four years ago and I still recall the distinctive flavours!
Breakfast is also impressive. There are usually choices of juices and smoothies, followed by a choice of appetisers and main course. If this all sounds too much, you can just have an express breakfast of coffee and croissants, or a fruit plate, before you disembark
Qatar Airways recently announced a partnership with gategroup, the global leader in airline catering, to elevate their inflight dining even further. There will be a focus on high quality ingredients, health and nutrition, incorporating local produce and sustainable sourcing.
A caviar service has been recently added to its menu on 13 routes including London, Sydney, Melbourne, and five US cities.
Entertainment on Qatar Airways Business Class
After being wined and dined I usually recline my seat and watch a movie on the 17-inch flat screen TV. Qatar Airway’s Oryx One system has over 8,500 in-flight entertainment options.
However, I am surprised that there is still a charge for WiFi on board, although it is only a nominal fee – the price is $5 for one hour, $10 for three hours or $20 for unlimited use.
I have used it on a few occasions and results vary, it can be slow and unresponsive at times but excellent on some occasions, so I recommend opting for unlimited use to ensure WiFi will be available at some part of your journey.
When it is time to sleep, Qatar Airways make it very easy! The 80 x 30 inch fully lie-flat beds, together with a luxurious blanket and The White Company pyjamas, always ensure I will get some rest.
On my recent flight I slept almost the entire leg from Doha to Dublin. The turn-down service with sheets and pillows is a superb offering. You can see the turndown service on my Instagram highlights.
Seat preferences on Qatar Airways:
Seat assignments is important, and the configuration varies depending on the aircraft type, although the seat configuration is always 1-2-1, so all seats have an aisle seat. The seat comfort on my Qatar Airways flight exceeded expectations, making the long-haul journeys much more enjoyable.
If travelling alone I would suggest booking a window seat where you can have complete privacy. The two middle seats are ideal if travelling with a friend or partner. Recently myself and my friend had the pleasure of being allocated a twin suite on the Dreamliner 787-900. This has a door that slides down in the middle so you can converse easily, but you also have the option of privacy if you want it.
Qatar Airways also have a love-seat on their Dreamliner aircraft, which is typically booked for honeymooners. Located at the back of the business class cabin, it is separated from the other passengers, although it is close to the bathrooms, so bear that in mind too!
However the pièce de resistance is Qatar Airways Q suite. The Q suite is Qatar Airways newest Business Class that offers doors and dividers to give complete privacy – it is almost like a private cabin and is arguably the best business class seat in the skies.
I flew in a single Qsuite on our return leg from Male to Doha and in a Quad with my family going to Maldives recently, which can also be used for business meetings – you can see more in my Instagram reel below. There are also pods for couples, and a mattress can be placed on a double bed for the ultimate in relaxation.
Flying in a Q suite with Qatar Airways is often described as the equivalent to First Class with other airlines – it was certainly my best flying experience to date. See more here
Economy class benefits:
It is not only business class passengers that get the best Qatar Airways service. Their economy class service boasts the same 8,500 in-flight entertainment options that are available in business class. Qatar Airways economy flights still feel premium compared to other carriers. Even in economy class the leg room was surprisingly generous.
The Dreamliner’s spacious cabin is not only visually attractive with mood lighting, but this state of the art aircraft comes with all mod cons, such as USB ports, apple iPorts and individual 12 inch touch screen TVs.
I particularly like the large windows. Not only are they much bigger than comparable aircrafts, but they are also dimmable. If you fancy a snooze during the day time, you can reduce the light coming in, with the touch of a button!
I was amazed at how quiet it was in business class, but the Dreamliner has reduced cabin noise in both cabins. The cabin pressure is set to a lower altitude which means there is more clean air circulating the cabin. This reduces travel fatigue and headaches.
Menus are given in economy passengers too. I managed to get a glance at the breakfast menu and there were three food options available, grilled sausage with omelette, fish congee or buttermilk pancakes.
Another highlight of Qatar Airlines service is the unlimited drinks available throughout the flight, including premium spirits – a rarity in economy seats these days!
You can also avail of WiFi on-board. All passengers receive an amenity kit with socks, toothpaste, eye masks etc and blankets and pillows are also given – the headphones are particularly comfortable – a first in economy class for me!
Kids are not overlooked either, I was really impressed with the kids packs. I brought one home to my daughter when she was younger and she played with it for hours.
How to book flights with Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways flies twice daily from Dublin Airport to Hamad International Airport with onward connections to 170 destinations worldwide. For more details and great deals visit Qatar Airways or see your local travel agent.
