Review: Qatar Airways B777-300/ER Business Class
Bangkok to Doha
The reason of travelling is to attend Dubai Air Show 2009. Qatar Airways offer attractive airfares and connections with double daily departures from Bangkok and I have never flown QR but heard many praises about its customer service onboard, the decision was made very easily.
Online Booking on QatarAirways.com was very easy and one can select their own seats after purchase. Online check in was also hassle free, one can check in 36 hrs prior to their flight.
Date: 15 November 2009
QR611 Bangkok to Doha
B777-3DZ/ER A7-BAG, del 20/10/2009
115th Airline flown, 11th B777-300/ER flight, 90th B777 flight overall
First Impression of a 5 star airline: The Schedule departure time is 20 minutes earlier than stated on my ticket, 1945 instead of 2005. Qatar Air does not have its own lounge in Bangkok but use Thai Airways' 5 lounges. Departure Gate is E8. Little did I know until after the flight, the plane carried me is less than 1 month old, the latest in the fleet !!
Boarding was in good order and Business Class customer get their own priority queue and jet bridge to board at their leisure, stepping inside the QR B77W your mind eased with the mood light display, making you feel very relaxing contrary to a normal beginning of a Trans-Con flight. Other carriers perhaps can learn from QR with the mood light during boarding process, it really serve as a calming factor for passengers settling down.
Seat 3A and 3C
Mood light playing during boarding.
Within minutes of settling down in my seat 3A, a nice Pyjama was handed out. This is wonderful as most airlines hand out Pyjama in First Class only. The Aigner branded amenity kit, noise reduction headset, blanket was already placed in the seat. The in-flight menu was delightfully placed in a nice leather jacket. Welcome Drinks were offered between choices of Champagne, OJ and water.
Pushed back early and took off on the actual departure time of 2005 Bangkok time from Rwy01L, flight time to Doha is an easy reach of 6hr 26 minutes at Flight Level 340
In-flight service started swiftly after reaching initial cruising level. I have a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne.
First Course is Gourmet Seafood Cocktail with Tuna
Main Course I have the Grill Sea Bass with pesto sauce and potato
The presentation is beautiful, served individually without the usual tray. Metal cutleries were used on this flight.
After two delicious courses I was very full so kindly declined the dessert and cheese plate and went complete horizontal for some needed rest.
QR really got the seat right, the seat goes horizontal 180 degrees without sliding into an angle. I was able to sleep right through to top of descent. Being a 6"1 person, my foot still doesn't touch the wall in front of me. This is a truely flat seat. The QR B777-300/ER seats a total of 335 passengers, with 42 in Business separated in 2 cabins. The Forward Business cabin have 4 rows, each with 2-2-2, 6 abreast and the second Business class section have a further 3 rows after Door 2.
Before the end of the flight, each FA came around to all passenger to exchange their pleasantries and wish the passenger a good journey ahead. The service and attention level is top notch. The leading FA came and informed me the Captain would like to see me after the flight. The F/O came on the PA and advised they we will be landing in Doha International 1 hour ahead of schedule time at 2230 local time. Very impressive. Landing was the usual B777 smooth on Rwy 16. Prior to landing a sharp right turn maneuver was performed manually.
The cockpit of A7-BAG on the ground of Doha Int'l after flight. Captain informed me a total of 305 passenger out of 335 seats were filled on the flight.
The Captain was ex A300 Captain of QR and F/O from ThomsonFly, UK.
After deplane, I was invited to board the First Class Trolley Bus to take me to the Premium Terminal exclusive for First/Business Class passenger.
Next:
Qatar Airways First and Business Class Premium Terminal in Doha