This was my first time flying Qatar Airways' high density 777-300ER, which features just 24 business class seats. In the past I've flown their lower density 777-300ER between Cairo and Doha, which features exactly the same business class product (except there's another business cabin behind the galley). I apologize for the lack of seat pictures…
Continue reading: Review: Qatar Airways Business Class 777 Bali To Doha
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
"My seat opponent was Qatari, and spent the entire boarding process watching TV on his iPhone at the loudest possible volume… without headphones on"
I've never experienced this on any airline except premium cabins on the ME3, and it's always quite obviously GCC residents as culprits. When your entire life revolves around the belief your excrement doesn't smell bad, it comes pretty naturally.
How can someone sitting beside you be 'face to face'? At least make your exaggerations slightly believable
@Justin
I partially agree with you: qatari, kuwaiti and saudi people are among the worse educated people on earth. After all, they are the slaves of americans in the Gulf. Their masters are definitely the most uneducated "people" you could ever meet. Or very average, if you are visiting the inhabitants of a zoo. No will to offend animals, by the way.
On the right side is a well designed “sliding” tray
What is the difference between a sliding tray and a "sliding" tray?
The pyjamas also come in medium-large that are on the small side. The large pyjamas however are huge and I'm 185 cms and a 34 inch waist - they pretty much fall down which isn't a great look walking back to your seat!
Wish I'd known about the business class arrivals before. Looks nicer than doing the transfer area in a layover, though I guess the visa fee is t ideal in that scenario!
Flew with QR this week PER-DOH-GRU and they were still playing the standard safety video.
Also in terms of the seat, I do prefer it compared to other types if travelling with someone as it has a far greater sense of space and to me is less claustrophobic. One thing that really annoys me about herringbone, throne or vantage XL is that you hit your knees when you have your knees up when resting on the footrest
@Kyle
Anytime you're in a 2-2-2 with the privacy shield down (or no privacy shield in this case), things can feel uncomfortably intimate when only one of you is fully reclined. It's no exaggeration. I throw the shield up on boarding and leave it up the whole flight.
I was very fortunate to fly some fabulous products last year, including first class Cathay. I completely enjoyed the 4 flights I had in Qatar business class. I thought the food was best I've had on any airline. And I had an Osso Bucco on one flight that I thought was one of the best things I've had anywhere. Also, I found the service to be very warm and friendly. (I've not flown Emirates so can't compare -- maybe this year).
On a flight from DOH-MIA in their 777 I was initially seated next to a gentleman who was heavily cologned. Fortunately he moved right after takeoff to be near friends. Then I had two seats, which I was able to turn into a Lufthansa style arrangement -- one in permanent bed mode, and one for sitting, dining. Perhaps this is a reason I think so highly of the flights. 🙂
Your review captured the experience perfectly. Thanks.
This is something similar I also experienced on Qatar. Overall good product (OK, business class on 777 is outdated, but try their old A330/340 product), good food, and annoying PAs (long, dumb and not state-the-art).
Regarding the crew: they are growing with such a big pace that they cannot really control the staff quality properly. It is still strange for me that the CSD (cabin service director as they call it) was that rude.
I had both excellent and bad experience with QR's FAs on business class and on economy. With their customer service staff only terrible ones...
There is also a Nice Arrival Lounge just at the right end of the Arrivals Lounge next to Al Maha Lounge. Don't Know if it's just for First Class as it was written there when I entered. It's like mini Al Mourjan Lounge with dining area. Just Spend 40min there , but was the only Guest there
Thanks for the report Lucky - while the food and wine seems nice, the hard product seems to be behind airlines as crummy as United.
Quick question: I've always noticed that you write, "In my opinion," when it's obvious that it's your opinion. Is this something you were taught, or is it a defense mechanism against potential commentary on the site? In writing, it's a given that it's your opinion, and it doesn't need to be explicitly stated at all. It's just something I've noticed that finds it way at least once into every article, so I was curious if it was on purpose or just habit.
How is the process for obtaining the visa on arrival and how much do you need to pay for the visa fee? Thanks.
I fly QR quite often and to be honest they are the airline that makes you feel there's no need for first class. Soft product is consistently exceptional, with a level of attention to each passenger one of the highest you can find in C. I would take this product over any other modern product. On an airplane, space is the most important(and valuable) and you don't get this much space on any other type of product. It may not make much of a difference for you, but there are taller people out there.
Keith, how funny - I came to the comments section to say exactly the same thing. I've noticed it a lot in recent articles, and this just goes to show how often you use it: https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=onemileatatime+%22in+my+opinion%22&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=53uIVuP5I5Lj8weXmp2oAg#q=site:onemileatatime.com+%22in+my+opinion%22
My feedback would be not to bother, as you're on your personal blog, so everything is already accepted as your opinion.
...when you write articles like this, do you ever get the airliners contact you for more information so they can take action against any of the staff?
Recently flew MIA-DOH on the 777 and loved the seat...granted, I was with my wife in the center section so no "stranger danger" for me. I thought the seat was the most comfortable out of all we experienced, including QR 787 and EY A380 business.
And I'm with you on the pajamas... in everyday clothes, I wear a Medium so I took the S/M option. Wow, couldn't even fit them on. Swapped to the Large/XL and I was swimming in them!
@Keith: To state "in my opinion" is probably somewhat a habit. Doing it too often in English writing is probably also ridiculous, but explicitly the statement is supposed to emphasise opinion over fact (or fact stating).
It's probably used to set against statements of opinion which a decent contingent might have an opposing view.
@Keith- please, please do not discourage the use of "imo", especially by a man. You may think it's obvious that it's "just his opinion " since it's Lucky's blog, but I find that way too many people today (especially men-sorry) state their opinions as fact. The problem is that they don't just state it as fact, they think it IS fact. In this age of ridiculous hubris (witness the Donald), I welcome any and all signs of humility, no matter how small.
Nice report!
But I'm from singapore and I have never heard of a "singapore-style vegetable soup". Looks like your normal chinese style soup to me!
"Perhaps I’m biased, but I L-O-V-E Qatar Airways’ safety video, and am sort of sad they have a new soccer themed one now."
Maybe if they hire Blondie McTwinkalot for the soccer one, you'd like it more?
"While not as intricate as the mezze I’ve had in first class on Emirates, it was tasty."
Of course it wouldn't be as intricate. One is a business class meal, the other is a first class meal. But hey, at least it tasted good.
@Norman
"I fly QR quite often and to be honest they are the airline that makes you feel there’s no need for first class."
Um...no. Even with their reverse herringbone seat, most people, given the choice and funds/miles, would probably choose the first class cabins of Etihad, Cathay, Singapore, and ANA, among others.
@mbh
But this is a trip report based on Lucky's opinions, not facts. So he doesn't need to use IMO during reviews.
"I find immigration queues in Qatar to generally be quite short"
As a Qatar resident, trust me, the queues are rarely ever short for economy travelers! You cant use e-gate when travelling with the kids so you have to join the long queues. They are the worst during late evenings. The family queue isn't as bad as they have more desks than the regular queues, but quite often, we pay for the Al Maha services where you go to the Al Maha lounge, where they have an immigration desk and collect your bags for you.
“I find immigration queues in Qatar to generally be quite short”
Agree with @Ben W
Having travelled to DOH in all 3 classes of service, lines for economy passengers can take up to an hour with just 30 people in front of you. Often there are more people than that - highly variable. Like many gulf countries, there is little desire to keep the line moving fast.
@Aaron
Having flown in recent years quite a bit of both F and C, I personally feel that F is a bit excessive for me. I confess that I still book F cabin that I haven't tried from time to time just to give myself something to look forward to. The point, though, is that if you want a step down from F, QR C(probably along with SQ C and a few others) soft product is actually good to a point that you don't feel like you just become one of the cattles. Heck, some airlines don't even bother to put your food in a proper plate, let alone providing a la carte service.
To be honest, the only really great thing about Qatar in biz class is the food...unless you're in one of the new herringbone seats. That does make it more competitive with regards to other business classes. Which means you need to hope the route served is on the A380, A350, or 787. But I still say most people, if they had the choice, would fly in first.
As I said I would take their 77W product anytime over the new product. There's something to be said about having almost 4 window to a seat. All the newer products(rh, staggered etc) are trying to maximize space available on an aircraft, and foot space is usually limited. Now if you are 62 or more it would really make a difference. I've flown A range of staggered product and it's either not long enough or it's impossible to side sleep, CX's rh also limits how you can place your feet, whereas in QR's case you have the entire space to yourself. I won't deny that First is almost certainly better than Business, but from a personal perspective I would focus the majority of my travel in C, since my personally philosophy is more on the 'just enought' side. Having a C product that's spacious and actually attentive would go a long way. Just my two cents.
Yeah, not really. I would still take the privacy and 1-2-1 option reverse herringbone gives you over this tired old product. And it isn't even the best older lie flat version, Turkish's seats are much more spacious and comfortable for sleeping.
I've never had problems with CX's seats as far as feet positioning. I sleep much better in those seats than I do here. Also sleep better on Qatar's own RH seats and appreciate the privacy those seats offer, plus all seats have aisle access. I also sleep ok on EK's staggered seats. Not all staggered seats are the same, some are better than others, of course.
I guess we'll just agree to disagree.
While the reverse-herringbone seats interested me before trying them, after one A350 flight I'm happy looking for the older products, even if there's less privacy.
I'm not huge (6ft, 180lbs, shoe size 11 US), but even still I was having difficulty shifting around as I normally do when sleeping given the restrictiveness of the footwell for the reverse-herringbone seat; it just seemed too small for me personally, partially due to the odd shape of it as it tightly narrows as your feet go further in.
Now, this may just be the case for seats by the window, and seats in the middle are much better, but I'll try the other options where I have a choice until I know for sure.
On the other hand, the lack of privacy on the 777 doesn't really bother me, and I much prefer it for the openness and freedom you have to shift about.
I did try the new refitted seats on the A340-600 too: those seats are not too bad, even with a footwell, but they're also in a 2-2-2 configuration, so not sure it'll address others' concerns...
Great report. It won't be too long until we hear Al Baker's announcement to retrofit the 777s with the 'Super Business Class." I bet the soft product would be fantastic but lets see if Al Baker will do what he said 😉
P.S. one of the pics for the wine menu is repeated 😉
I have flown 8 Qatar flights in the past 3 months, all in business class. I agree with several others. While their 787 is nice to look at and the entertainment is better, I will take their 777 long haul any day over the 787. While I don't like the idea of having a seat mate, I love how much more spacious the 777 seats feel. I am 6'3" and feel a little trapped in the 787 seats. Not sure why but I also prefer to face forward instead of an angle. I love, love, love the food on Qatar and look forward to my meals on board. Love the dine on demand concept where I can mix and match my meals. Their plating and presentation is great, even the little touches like bringing the soup with a lid and then removing it.
Having done a bunch of QR flights in the past few months, all in either First or Business, I've formed some strong opinions of the products. I agree about the cabin crew: I wish there was a little more warmth and sincerity behind the service, but it has generally been good. The 777 Oryx entertainment system seems to have more variety than the one on the 787, and I find the Oryx controls better on the 777 as compared to the 787's touch screen that's meant to resemble an iPhone. The 787 cabin feels very open and airy, and on a full flight I'd take that over a 777. But the 777 is great if you don't have anyone sitting next to you -- on DOH-PHL, I was in 1K and had no seatmate, and it felt wonderfully private and secluded. Agreed about the headphones -- bring your own.
Also, it's worth mentioning that connecting through DOH is generally easy and pleasant for premium cabin passengers, though I have seen long lines for economy travelers almost every time. My main complaint about DOH is the remote stands.
DOH-PHL will soon be operated by the new A350, and I think you can still get great deals connecting from CAI and CMN in business class on that product. CMN-DOH is on the 787, so CMN-DOH-PHL is a great chance to earn a ton of miles and try 2 new airplanes. In fact, I think I'll do that at some point this year.
How do they do a latte? Do they actually have an espresso machine or is it instant?
What would the published fare for this be?
Jacquart and Drappier Rose... that's a big drop from Bollinger and Taittinger Rose. When did that happen?
I haven't flow QR yet, but have an upcoming trip in C on the 77W and 787 and I'm looking forward to comparing the differences. However, I've flown a number of lie-flat 2-2-2 configurations and a number of the newer herringbone configurations (both standard and reverse) on various airlines.
Honestly, they're all good, but I have to agree with a few posters, in general I prefer the 2-2-2. I'm 6'4 and find the 2-2-2 config to be far more spacious. Herringbone configurations often feel claustrophobic to me. The "privacy" issue I think is over rated. You're on a plane, how much privacy do you really expect or need. FAs will be around frequently and anyone standing or walking down the aisle can see you anyway...who cares. This is the same in F on most airlines (I would hardly complain about privacy on Lufthansa F).
Having a seatmate is actually a plus for me 90% of the time since I typically travel with my wife, but even when not, it's not like economy where you cannot physically step over your seatmate, there's typically enough room that you're just stepping over their legs. If they're sitting (at least half the flight typically) you don't even have to do that since there's plenty of room for you to get by without disturbing them. I really don't see the big deal some people make about the herringbone configuration.
Unfortunately I've already lost this battle, herringbone is taking over and I don't see it going away any time soon.
The window passenger has to step / climb over the aisle passenger when reclined to get in/out? There's no space for a thin person to squeeze by?
What about bulkhead (row 1) window/aisle pairs? Does the window person have direct aisle access?
Flew the 777 fro JFK to Doha and the 787 from Doha to Cape Town business class in Nov. I am 6'-2" and found the newer 787 to be very cramped for my feet. There was not enough room to have them side by side, only one on top of the other, not very comfortable. On the other hand the older 777 suited my length much better with ample room for both feet.
The new business class lounge at Doha is wonderful, especially the quite rooms and shower area
Listen Lucky, take no notice of the people on hear moaning about your use of "in my opinion" have these people not got anything better to write about! Idiots!!
IN MY OPINION.
I love your blogs!!! Keep them coming. I will be flying Qatar 777 from ORD in November. Looking forward to it! Thanks.
Please tell me you contacted the airline and complained about the behavior of the cabin manager. That kind of attitude towards your coworkers is unbelievably unprofessional and plain mean. They should be fired. Poor flight attendant. :(((
@David Your comment shows how arrogant you are !! Readers must think that you have met with all people from countries you mentioned !!
You are very arrogant and your comment shows how "well educated" yourself !! stupid !!
people are not all the same ! and you are one of the stupid ones !! sorry to say that.
Just flew 77W from Bangkok to Doha and then 787 to Oslo (and also in reverse). I'm 6'3" and agree with the other tall posters here that the 787 just felt too cramped compared to the 77W especially the foot rest - I have size 13 feet and there was a pole at the end I kept jamming my foot against. 77W has a very spacious cabin. I've flown in more cramped F (BA 747).
It would be really great maybe if you could review coach class travel and rate them. thankyou.
What I always find especially odd about Qatar's business class is that there are no towels in the lavatories. Some airlines provide little cloth towels in business, while most have paper towels. Qatar is the only airline I've flown in business that has none. They do have extra boxes of facial tissues.
What qualifications does this guy Schlappig have to offer any kind of review.I dont know his background but I would bet he is a n American. You should credence to any reviews written by a hotel trained (switzerland) journalist certainly not to this clown
His qualification is that he experienced it, and he is sharing his experience and opinions. You don't need to be hotel-trained at all, much less Swiss hotel trained, to review your experienced. Why would a journalist be hotel trained (I suppose you mean trained in the hospitality sector - Swiss, no less) anyway?