FLYING ECONOMY WITH QATAR AIRWAYS
FLYING ECONOMY CLASS WITH QATAR AIRWAYS
FLYING ECONOMY WITH QATAR AIRWAYS - THE WORLD’S NO.1 AIRLINE
My holiday “explorations” have finally ended (sadly so) and as promised, I am here to give a detailed review of flying economy class with Qatar Airways – the world’s no.1 airline and voted best airlines for another year in 2019.
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ABOUT QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways is the official carrier of Qatar. The country Qatar is in the Middle East and its capital is Doha. Hamad International Airport is Qatar’s main airport and is the home base for the airline (voted the 5th nicest airport worldwide). Qatar will be the smallest and first Arab nation to host the FIFA World Cup tournament in 2022 and Qatar Airways is the Official airlines and the Official Partner for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. My advice to all, especially football lovers, like myself, is to start saving and planning your vacation or World cup games in Qatar from now, of course using the no.1 airline.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
I am a Qatar Affiliate (through Syndic Marketing) for Qatar Airways, which my readers can see from the advertisements on this site. However, from upfront, I am making this disclosure and declaring to you that my review of this airline will be 100% un-bias. My ticket with this airline was paid for solely by myself and I received no upgrades. I did not divulge to anyone upon check-in, nor the Air Stewardess’ that I am a Marketing Affiliate with the airline, so I received no special treatment.
I always like to observe the treatment given to normal folks in the service industry. From what I have noticed in the past when you reveal to any service provider you are a TripAdvisor reviewer or Travel writer/blogger, most pretend to be nice. They will give you “special treatment” to get a good review, therefore, you never get the real and true experience. So, its best hidden, and this is what I did in this case with the staff of Qatar Airways.
QATAR AIRWAYS ECONOMY CLASS
My first flight with the airline was from New York (JFK) to Doha, Qatar, and I was super excited to be finally flying on the no.1 airline in the world. I previously flew on the no.3 and no.4 airlines and was finally flying the no.1 airline, Qatar Airways. In my head, I was already rehashing my best experiences with previous airlines flown, and the best treatment and services I received and was expecting and psyching up myself for better, or 2X better with the no.1 airline.
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CHECK-IN EXPERIENCE
On the day of departure, I was super-excited to see the airline was checking in passengers before the 3 hours mark, unlike some airlines who do not do so before the stipulated time. I was glad to get my luggage off my hands. My mood was super-hyped, and I approached the check-in counter happily because my vacation was about to take off.
A young lady was at the counter, I said: “Hello, good day” to her, she said: “good day, passport please” no smile, honestly, I was disappointed because I was smiling and overly excited to be flying with this airline. I was somewhat taken aback and had to tone down my high spirits a bit because I was expecting at least a “how are your today?” or a “welcome to Qatar Airways” …with a smile, no such luck.
ON-BOARD (SEAT) EXPERIENCE
On boarding the aircraft, the Air Stewards/Stewardesses welcomed the passengers with broad smiles, the welcome was warm and pleasant. They were impeccably dressed and maintained this standard throughout, on all my other flights with the airline. I think Qatar Airways Staff especially the Air Stewardesses, have the best uniform in the airlines’ Industry. The colour and the head-wear look elegant and royal.
As you are seated, before take-off you are offered sanitizing/refreshing towelettes. Of course, on each seat were pillows, blankets, headsets and Essential Amenities kit (containing, earplugs, socks, sleep mask, toothbrush/paste, and lip balm).
My second disappointment was the legroom, my knees were almost touching the back of the seat in front. Before this flight, I was on another airline, which is not in the top 100 airlines worldwide but the legroom enough for someone to pass in front, so here I was expecting the same or even more leg room…no such luck! I must point out the legroom was the same on all flights/routes, U.S.A to Qatar and Qatar to Romania and back.
I am guessing this is industry standards because it was the same on the 37 other airlines I have flown, including the no. 3 and no.4 airlines. However, the exceptions were Blue Air and Caribbean Airlines, where legroom in economy was optimal (and they are smaller airlines).
ON-BOARD SERVICE
After the seat belt sign was turned off, meal menus were distributed to all passengers, and from here on for the full 13 hours flight, the Air Stewards/ Stewardesses were very attentive, very helpful and visible, whilst maintaining their pleasantness. This is what I call quality service, no sour faces or “uppity” attitude like many I have seen on other airlines. From there until the landing, the service was truly first-class in economy, from the no.1 airline.
All flights with the airline (New York, Qatar, Romania) were smooth and hassle-free, no hiccups, no delays nor cancellations.
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QATAR AIRWAYS - BEST AIRLINE FOOD
I refer to my meal experience on Qatar Airways as fine dining in the skies. Yes, I have previously used real (stainless steel) cutlery on some other airlines, but nothing can beat the service and quality of the meals on this airline, for sure, no.1. For breakfast and main courses, you have meal options from which to pre-select your choice of meals. The meal service was quick and smooth, this is due to the menus being distributed in advance to passengers so that they can decide before mealtime.
On more than one occasions I saw the Air Stewardess’ gently touching passengers (with their eyes closed) to alert them its mealtime. I am not sure if they are supposed to do this, but it shows their human side. Unlike some other airlines, where the Air Stewards/ Stewardesses will see your eyes closed and pass by without trying to alert you once, and then they will not return to serve you if you open your eyes after they have passed your row.
The food on Qatar Airways is the BEST tasting airline food I have ever had, with a big emphasis on TASTE. My biggest complaint about airline food is that it’s always a bit bland, just salt and pepper for seasoned taste. However, with Qatar Airways, the food was so delicious. Meals prepared with spices (not overpowering), you could have tasted and identified. The scrumptious meals were fresh and hot as if prepared at a 5-star restaurant cooked by a world-class chef.
I must admit I am a bit picky when it comes to food, so when I say first-class food in economy, believe it. Of course, a delicious dessert and a wide range of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic to complement your meals.
QATAR AIRWAYS ECONOMY IN-FLIGHT SERVICE
- Alcohol is served not only in Business and First class but in economy as well (free of course). However, it is forbidden to take alcohol into Qatar (as long are you are leaving the airport to visit the city), so drink as much wish on the plane.
- Entertainment on-board is top-notch, with the Oryx one in System, of over 4000 options of movie and T.V. and games.
- Qatar has the most delicious airline food, this compared to other airlines I have flown. THE FOOD IS SUPER DELISH.
- As you are seated, before take-off you are offered sanitizing/refreshing towelettes.
- The airline is equipped with both power outlets and a USB charging port.
- Free 1-hour WIFI on long-haul flights (in economy, of course). $20.00 for the duration of the flight (which I find reasonable) esp. on a 13 hours flight.
- Essential amenities kit, comprising, earplugs, socks, sleep mask, toothbrush/paste, and lip balm.
- Most diverse staff/crew from many countries worldwide. On one flight I met an Air Stewardess from the Philippines, Africa and an Air Steward from Spain (all super friendly and outgoing}.
- Godiva chocolates served as mid-flight snacks.
- Free pillow, blanket, and headphone.
- 2 checked 23 kg bags and 1 carry on 10 kg bag FREE.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products, information and suggested uses.
For MUST-READ BOOKS (#ad) Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. (#ad) How to win friends and Influence people another self improvement and and social skills development read. (#ad) The Art of Travelling Alone For those who wish to learn how to save, plan, and travel alone on a budget. All offer an excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
Disclosure
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QATAR AIRWAYS BUSINESS CLASS (My Wish list)
I have flown in business class on two smaller airlines, only twice in all my travels but this was in the earlier stages of my travel history. At that time, I didn’t learn how to maximize a vacation and stretch the money, to see more countries. Then I learned the art of how to save money to travel more.
Presently I see Business class as an unnecessary luxury, after all, all passengers are flying to the same destination, just some are comfier than others. However, from what I have observed in the seating arrangements in Qatar First/Business class, not to mention they are the world’s best Business class and best Business Lounge worldwide, it left me wanting to one day, experience the airline’s full Business-class service.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT QATAR AIRWAYS
- Qatar Airways First class/Business class is the best worldwide according to Skytrax.
- Qatar Airways flies to over 100 countries, in EVERY continent.
- Voted the best Business class for 6 years in a row.
- Qatar Airways is the 2022 official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup. They also have a portfolio of sponsorship of the Argentina club Boca Juniors 2020/2023 season, Bayern Munich, NBA Brooklyn Nets and the team home Barclays Canter.
- Qatar Airways is prohibited from flying to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt airspace.
- The first airline to operate A350-1000 (January 2015) it was also the first airline to land an Airbus A350 in U.S.A (2016).
- Their home base at Hamad International Airport in Qatar is a 5-star airport and in the top 5 best airports in the world.
- The Purple Arabian Oryx (airline’s logo) and national animal of Qatar. This animal was extinct from the wild in 1972 but was reintroduced to the wild from zoos in 1980. After 25 years, they are now thriving in the Arabian Peninsula, albeit on the endangered species list.
- Voted the best frequent flyer program (Privilege Club) and the best Reward program in the Middle-East, Asia, and Oceania.
- Qatar aircraft fleet is the youngest in the world of only 5 years.
- The first major Gulf Airline to join an alliance – One World (voted the best alliance by Skytrax) in 2012.
- In 2009, Qatar Airways was first to conduct a commercial passenger flight (Airbus A340-600) powered by fuel made from natural gas from London to Doha, Qatar.
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SUMMARY
Qatar Airways airfare prices are very competitive in comparison to other airlines. Its service and amenities are well worth the price. The airline flies to more than 100 countries on all continents and connecting 160 destinations worldwide. Never been to the Middle-East? Then maximize your vacation and plan a Stopover in Qatar before flying/connecting to your final destination. To visit Qatar, 80 countries have visa-free entry into Doha or get a free transit visa when you book and fly with Qatar Airlines.
A Qatar Stopover is basically a transit connection in Doha, Qatar, for a minimum of 5 to 96 hours before your next flight, booked only with Qatar Airways. Instead of remaining in the airport, you can experience Qatar until your onward flight.
The good thing about Qatar Stopover is the airline provides hotel accommodation if your flight connection is more than 12 hours (not on promo fares). They also have a 3 hours tours of Doha city (US$20.00) if you have a minimum connection time of 6 hours, also you can tour the desert if your connection time is more than 6 hours. This stopover tour can be booked in advance online or on arrival at Doha airport, (a minimum 90 minutes prior).
So, if you want the full Qatari experience, why not book a vacation in Qatar, it is extremely beautiful and safe, (see my post solo female traveller in Doha Qatar). Choose a 2 for 1 deal, meaning, visit another country in any of the 100+ destinations the airline flies, and get to see and experience Qatar as well, using a stopover flight, so you get to experience two countries for the price to visit one. So, book a flight today and experience flying economy with Qatar Airways – the world’s no.1 airline
Share your stories/experiences with me if you have flown Qatar Airways. I am very curious to know, whether you agree with what I wrote or complete opposite experiences.
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