Introduction
Qatar Airways has been repeatedly voted the world’s best airline and the world’s best business class. I had the pleasure of traveling with them to Malaysia and more recently to the Maldives. Here is my review of Qatar Airways services and why they are so highly appreciated.
A Luxurious Experience
Watching the brilliant blue sky, a glass of rosé champagne in hand, was almost surreal. For once in my life, I did not want the plane journey to end. In fact, I would have been perfectly happy to stay on the plane for 24 hours. Being served with Qatar Airways’ business class services, the best in the world, was a striking contrast to school trips…
The Difference of a Five-Star Airline
When we book vacations, we tend to focus on the hotels and destinations rather than the airline that takes us there. Perhaps 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 service.
An Unmatched Reputation
Qatar Airways has been voted the world’s best airline six times – a feat no other airline has accomplished. They have also won awards for best business class in the world, best business class seat, best business class lounge, and best catering.
Unparalleled Business Class Service
The Welcome
From the moment of boarding, the experience begins with a smile. My steward, Praveem, courteously introduced himself before takeoff. He called me by my name and assured me that he would take care of me throughout the flight. I received a hot towel, noise-cancelling headphones, and a luxury amenity kit. Praveem then asked if I would like a pre-departure apéritif. Of course, it would have been impolite to refuse…
Menus and Drinks
The drinks menu included fine wines and champagne, as well as quality spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. I enjoyed several glasses of Lanson rosé champagne and opted for a delicious Bordeaux with dinner. Speaking of dinner, it was an experience in itself.
On-Demand Dining
Qatar Airways’ on-demand dining is one of many highlights. There are no carts rolling down the aisles. Each dish is served on demand, giving the impression that a chef prepared it just before serving. This attention to detail makes the dining experience exceptional.
Varied Options
The substantial menu is available at any time during the flight. You can eat immediately and take a nap afterwards without worrying about missing breakfast, which you can have when you wake up.
The Quality of the Meals
The food options were superb. For dinner, I enjoyed the traditional Arabic Mezze, followed by a delicious spicy chicken and a cheese platter to finish. On my flight to the Maldives, I had marinated tuna, shrimp, and scallops with a quinoa salad, and it was delicious.
In-Flight Entertainment
After dinner, I was able to recline my seat and watch a movie on my 17-inch flat screen. Qatar Airways’ Oryx One system offers over 4,000 in-flight entertainment options. I also tried the onboard WiFi, which was a bit slow on the Dublin-Doha flight but excellent on the return. It is better to pay $10 for unlimited use, unless you just want to send a quick message or upload a photo to social media, in which case it is free.
Seat Comfort
My seat transformed into a fully flat 80 x 30 inch bed, with a heavy velvet blanket and pajamas from The White Company brand. This allowed me to sleep comfortably for a few hours.
Seat Configurations
On the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the seat configuration is 1-2-1. If you are traveling alone, I recommend booking a window seat for total privacy. The two middle seats are ideal if you are traveling as a couple. On the Airbus A330 from Kuala Lumpur to Doha, the configuration was different with no single-configuration seats. In this configuration, it is better to choose an aisle seat for more convenience.
The Qsuite
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, available on certain flights, offers a first-class experience with doors and partitions for total privacy. I was lucky enough to fly in a Qsuite on my return from Malé to Doha. The couple Qsuites even allow the seats to be transformed into a double bed, offering ultimate comfort.
The Advantages of Economy Class
It is not just business class that excels at Qatar Airways. Their economy class service is also excellent, with a generous baggage allowance and the same 4,000 in-flight entertainment options available in business class. The spacious Dreamliner cabin, with its ambient lighting and large, adjustable windows, is also a major asset.
Attentive Service
Economy class passengers also receive menus, amenity kits with socks, toothpaste, eye masks, etc., as well as blankets and pillows. Children are not forgotten with impressive activity packs.
Conclusion
Qatar Airways offers an unparalleled travel experience, both in business class and in economy class. Their numerous awards and attention to detail in every aspect of the service make them the best airline in the world. For more details, visit the Qatar Airways website or check with your local travel agency.
