To continue my around the world adventure with dad, we flew Qatar Airways’ Boeing 737 MAX first class from Abu Dhabi to Doha. I was excited about this flight for a couple of reasons.
Continue reading: Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 737 MAX First Class (AUH-DOH)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Seems pointless to waste money on a "first class" ticket that just gets you a little extra leg room and allows you to feel slightly more exclusive than the plebs in the back.
Appart from the bling bling and the opportunity to show off on instagram, I don't see why someone would pay a premium to get from A to B on a short haul flight??
I am very happy with my frequent Spirit Airlines flights as they get the job done with no frills without charging a leg.
Good day
"I asked for both champagne and the lemon-mint towel"
Eh, personally as far as PDBs go, the mixed berry towels are much tastier.
Thanks a lot for this, definitely worth the price I guess (especially when you compare what you get in Europe and often in US when flying domestically in premium). Qatar is wonderful, also in Tourist Class. Wonder whether in Eco they had full bar service.
The first class seats just happen to have burgundy leather. I think that Qatar installed its own first class seats. As for the max, the airline gets to choose the restroom size, don’t they?
@ Ck -- I believe S7 Airlines also had burgundy seats in business class (coincidentally), so I don't think Qatar Airways installed those. Yes, airlines can choose lavatories (as S7 Airlines did in this case), and almost all airlines have gone with these tight new lavs on the 737 MAX.
@ Bob jones -- I know it almost looks like karak chai, but it definitely wasn't.
@ Gary -- Most people on these short haul flights are connecting to long haul destinations. As you can see, my ticket was booked as part of a larger itinerary, so it's not like I was even paying extra for first class on this short segment.
A couple months ago this site rated Alaska's First Class 4.5 stars. Does ANYONE thinks that AS and QR FC are comparable products or at the same level? The AS FC rating was a blow to the credibility of this site.
That's the coffee they serve in the Arabian Gulf countries. The coffee in the Arab Levant countries is Turkish coffee, so some people assume that's what all Arabs drink.
@ Regis -- The ratings are intended to reflect the regions they're in. Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines compete on exactly zero routes. The good rating of Alaska was intended to reflect that it's an above average domestic US first class product, with much better legroom than you'll find on American, and service that's generally friendlier.
That's like saying that if I review Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat and Singapore Airlines Suites, then Spirit should get one star, because there's no free Dom Perignon or caviar.
I flew from DOH to Jeddah in first class - short haul flight, but no alcohol was served because we were flying to Saudi Arabia - which I didn’t mind.
It’s amazing to see how they take care of the passengers and have the same attention to details while flying long distance. The food was great, the flight, and experience were terrific! I love those luxury buses carrying us from tarmac Mac to airport.
Also, we get to use the first class Al Safwa first class lounge in Doha. How about that!
I actually detest those first class seats, which are increasingly popular.
Based on the photos, it's the same seat that AA has installed on its 737 fleet. [To their credit, AA, however, retroactively removed the stupid console that extends down to the floor, blocking reasonable underseat storage for the aisle passenger (since the underseat storage is divided unequally on a 737)]. I find that the seats are too close to the ground compared to other recliners; I've heard taller passengers complain about this. The power outlet placement is also difficult, requiring some contortion when seated to actually plug in your device; seats (like on UA, AS, etc.) where the outlets are in the console between seats are much better.
Additionally, I'm finding, at least on AA, that the tray tables are becoming quickly worn and are leaning 10-15 degrees. That could be AA maintenance, but it wasn't an issue with their older first class recliners.
I know, very specific complaints, but I'm confused why this particular seat has become some popular with airlines given its limitations compared to alternatives.
Pretty sure the photo with the caption "Qatar Airways Boeing 737 MAX after arriving in Doha" shows a 777 and not a 737 MAX.
So did you actually finish the THREE predeparture beverages that you ordered? I'm always curious when I see people order multiple drinks in such a short period.
Sad to see the impossibly small lavatory that economy passengers have had to tolerate has now migrated to first/business class on this 737 Max. Qatar and Boeing should be ashamed of themselves.
No it isn't. Turkish Coffee and Arabic Coffee are different. They also have variants between the gulf countries with different base flavours.
The biggest issue I have is the "bait and switch" you get with the "first class" regional product. All other airlines in the region sell this as business. QR only sell this as first for a markup in price. I've been there done it before on points.
It is in no way first class. It is a domestic/regional product that cannot be held to a first class standard.
America might be different but this is the rest of the world. It's business class.
90% of the passengers are just getting this as part of a longer connecting flight and the price difference is nonexistent. And even if there was one, it could well be worth it as the 40 minute flight being 1st Class gets you into the first-class lounge in Doha.
A flight from AUH to DOH, at one in the morning, sounds like a flight Bart Simpson flying. On the serious side I don’t like the judgment of a flight crew that turns the seatbelt sign off five minutes after takeoff.
Qatar Airways is a fantastic airline but unfortunately it is let down by the standard of the Eastern European stewardesses who appear to be trying to flirt with all males and females and mothers with children are ignored . My daughter traveled with her two year old in first class from Bahrain, and then business class to Boston. The crew were particularly unhelpful, especially disembarking from Baréin to Doha, where she was not assisted with her child, hand luggage, and push chair to go down the steps as no finger was available. Another first class passenger assisted her as a crew just stood on watched. So Qatar airways upgrade the standard of your stuff to fit with the beautiful standard of your aircraft.
Looks great - interesting that the “bus” was truly a great way to do the typical Qatar disembarkation at Doha - the “steps and bus” - 5 star airline - not quite yet !!!
that Karak Chai - cardamon option looks delicious- this level of service is amazing;
On the 2 hour 20 minutes from San Francisco, USA, to Vancouver, Canada, UNITED only serves drinks and lighr snacks - no menu etc
It is a short flight. Does what you get really value the difference in price...Agree most people getting it are connecting.
Could you have accessed the al safwa lounge upon arrival considering you had a "first class" ticket