So What is Qatar Airways Like?
Aug 22, 2012, 11:31 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: AL
Programs: All of the Above
Posts: 1,374
Alright, pcharles, anticipation is killing me. I'm in Biz on the a333, and will be using the lounge in both DOH and LHR.
Aug 22, 2012, 4:31 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
Having coffee in Bali right now and time to unplug and enjoy the ocean.
Cheers!
Aug 29, 2012, 2:47 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
What Qatar was like...
This is not a polished nor official trip report, but I thought I'd give some feedback on how our recent Qatar flights went.
I booked two mileage award tickets for my wife and I flying on QR via IAD-DOH-DPS using United one-way redemption at the saver 60K level.
We had no problems with our booking and used QR's website to assign our business class seats with the QR confirmation numbers provided to us with a call to United. Checking in for our domestic United flight to IAD, boarding passes were not provided online, a passport check at the airport would be required for the international leg. Upon arrival into IAD, we had been told previously by the QR rep that we would be able to use the Virgin Clubhouse lounge. We proceeded to the lounge but to be turned around by the very pleasant lounge assistant that we needed to go to the QR gate counter to be provided a specific invitation card. To the gate desk we went which was at the end of the concourse but only perhaps 100-150m or so from the lounge. Arriving at the gate, we met the gate agent who checked us in, provided a boarding pass exchange, the club lounge invitation, and who never once broke out a smile or greeting in any way. Though we were the only ones standing there, the gate agent looked like she was not having a good day and we were a bother. At the Virgin lounge on the otherhand, everyone smiled, were pleasant, and prompt. We left the lounge after a bite to eat and a beer, and went to the gate where there was a separate area for business class boarding. The gate check took no time at all and we boarded the 777-300ER for our flight to DOH.
Upon boarding, we found our seats, 3 J/K which the window seats enjoyed a 3-window view. The cabin feels quite large, wide, and comfortable. There's mood lighting throughout the flight. Being in the front section of the business class configuration gave an air of more seclusion and quiet. The cabin crew were running and scrambling, it looked as if they had not been given much prep time before passengers started boarding. We were greeted and asked if we would prefer something to drink, water, a mint drink, we opted for one each. Later a crew member came to offer pajamas and the sizes they picked worked perfectly. We noticed the seats next to us were stocked with slippers, so we asked for slippers and the crew member noticed the oversight and returned with them. The slippers are not meant for larger feet, I wear a 11.5 US shoe size and my heel was off the back. We were handed menus and the we were asked our choices before take off.
For starters, there was the "crispy snow crab omelette" which tasted pretty good but needed that 'something' as it was slightly dry. To commence, there was the choice of onion soup with basil oil, an individual selection of scallops, poached lobster and cured salmon, or the classic arabic mezze (hummus and tabouleh, etc). Having enjoyed the roasted pepper hummus in the clubhouse, I chose the selection of seafood, and my wife the soup. Both were tasty and prepared well except the endive used to garnish had been bruised by the plastic wrap. To follow was the choice of beef tenderloin with harrisa yoghurt, arabic spiced halibut with shrimp and tomato sauce, or the shahi paneer with orka masala. I chose the beef tenderloin, my wife the halibut. The beef tenderloin was a huge let down, it was way overcooked, dry, and grey
. The halibut was divine, flavorful, moist and flaky ^. I had just one bite of the tenderloin and could not do more. When a crew member came around, I politely said its really not to my liking and would there be a chance I could have the halibut instead. She looked at me like I was not supposed to question the food and sure she would take it like it was almost like it was an insult? That attitude threw me a surprise. Afterward, the lead purser came around and apologized that there was no halibut left but would I like the chicken which was not on the menu but they had it and thought it would be a good choice. The chicken was very moist and tender with a lot of flavor, a good alternative. All the main dishes came with a side of vegetables and/or starches. All the vegetables were overcooked and very soft.
A cheese selection of stilton, camembert truffle, and sir andrew gouda is offered ^, and for desert; rhubarb and cinnamon cake, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, or a selection of season fruits. Bread, coffee, cappuccino, etc all readily available.
Throughout the service, your choice of beverage flowed and the crew was very generous with the pouring ^. I must say though, on the flight, they offered a bourdeaux that was quite good, but, on both the IAD-DOH and the DOH-DPS flight, both times the crew switched out the pour to a different wine without notification and you could immediately tell the difference, it was a big turn off. We enjoy wine, and are fans of both white and red, but the "chardonnay" really wasnt that good, I could get equal value out of a $5 grocery store bottle. Stick with champagne or another wine.
In the morning (arriving into Doh at 6pm is not necessarily morning) but the offerings were juices, yougurt drink, and smoothie which I recommend the mango smoothie that was quite good. To follow, toasted muesli, or a selection of seasonal fruit with yoghurt. A bakery basket, coffees, etc.
I had seen here on FT that QR has a douvee mattress that can be requested, when I asked the attendant about this, she explained that they provide it on the business class that is not lie-flat but angled. The seats we had are "lie-flat" but they are not 100% flat contrary to what you may read or see on seatguru. They do have an angle that is pronounce more in the feet area. It is not uncomfortable, but I prefer an accurate assessment of the seating when I'm booking. The seats are wide, the mattress comfortable enough. The crew provides a mattress seat cover for sleeping that slips over the headrest and along the length of the seat that has a bit of cushion as well. The entertainment is the Oryx and it is one of the most user-friendly of the onboard entertainment I've every used. There are a host of newer movie options, many music choices (though not a single live performance music video option), games, and more. The screens are large, but they are fixed at the back of the seat in front of you and if you watch any movies with subtitles or prefer a screen that you can adjust, you are out of luck. Its worth noting for the DOH-DPS leg, pajamas are again offered, but no slippers even by request.
As mentioned, on board you are provided (very comfortable) pajamas, slippers, an amenity kit, eye mask, ear plugs, socks, (a very warm, thick) blanket, pillow, reading material. The bathrooms are clean and stocked with shaving razors and toothbrushes/toothpaste at all times. One of the nicer pluses is a moist sanitizer towel dispenser in the bathroom, this is a real plus and something I wish more airlines would adopt.
I must say, the entire first half of the trip the crew were always rushing (literally) around in a scramble. While it did not impact the service, it gave an air that they had not been given enough time for prepping the cabin and were always in catch-up mode. There were very few smiles and absolutely no chit-chat. It might not be important to some who do not wish to be disturbed, and I was not seeking out chit-chat, just pointing out our experience. I thought the atmosphere might have been different as there is a host of literature, on-screen acknowledgement, and website promotion of them being the skytrax airline of the year again for 2012. During the final half of the flight, the crew were more relaxed, and I saw a smile from one of them. Once morning service started up again, the the rushed mode kicked in which then, is somewhat typical of a pre-landing meal service.
Upon arrival into DOH, the plane parks out on a far tarmac and you are taken by bus about 15min or so away to the premium terminal. Once inside, you follow upstairs and the attendants will point out either the first or business class lounge (they are side by side) that is appropriate. In the lounge, there are three full meal eating areas, showers, a couple of limited self-service beverage areas and a manned bar station. There is multiple seating arrangements from lounge chairs, to recliners and two automatic massaging recliners. ^^ The food variety is quite good, from pastas to asian fare, to sandwiches, salads, etc. ^ A strange quirk is there are beverage menus on some of the lounge area tables. When you sit down and order something, the server takes the beverage menu and places it at a table where no one is. When someone else sits down at one of those, they again remove the menu and put it at another empty table? Later, when the lounge became quite busy with another flight, one of the servers removed all the menus and the other server commented, "oh, good idea".
I have no clue as to why they have the menus out if they dont wish for people to look at them. I can tell you, I did order some wine, and when it was again a let down, I asked about the wine they show in the menu, the comment was, oh, that is in our first class lounge I'll go get some. So why are menus purposely in the business class lounge? Anyway, 6 hours in the lounge we had a chance to try everything. The showers are quite warm, there was no option to have a cool shower (no matter how far you turned the knob) so be prepared to let yourself feel steamy afterward until you can get out of the shower closet and cool down a bit. The shower products are awesome, a nice subtle lemon scent, and the lotion very comfortable. ^
The next leg was from DOH-DPS. We were once again bused out to the plane and boarding the stairway to the cabin, the same seat assignments as before. The crew was less rush for this leg, its seems they had more time to prep.
The meal service for this leg; the temptation was smoked apricot salmon. On request was the choice of grilled sesame chicken salad, classic arabic mezze, seafood eggroll and stir fried vermicelli noodles in oyster sauce, roasted beef and onion parcel, trio tortellini with chive and cheese sauce, or an individual plate of mature cheddar, fourme d'ambert and saint albray. Also dark chocolate chips cookies, bakery basket, coffee, etc. The seafood eggroll wasnt too bad, but not outstanding or worth remembering.
Second service was peach and mandarin smoothie, juices, museli, fruits, or smoked tuna with mustard gravlax. Choice of crepes with mixed berries, ratatouille and chive omelette, korean barbeque beef tenderloin, arabic breakfast plate. Sides, bakery basket, coffees, etc. I did not partake in the breakfast meal but the passenger's korean beef dish next to me looked quite good.
On a side note: I had asked the QR rep here on FT via PM if we disembarked in SIN and he said no, but in actuality you do disembark. You deplane with your carry-ons, walk around the gate, go through security and check in again. Wait for the crew change, then boarding again about 1hr total later for the remaining 2hr leg to DPS. The crew flying from SIN-DPS does a turnaround with a meal break for them in the DPS lounge, then back to DPS-SIN.
From SIN-DPS there was meal service starting with assorted sushi, followed by choice of entree of spegheti aglio olio or stir-fried prawns with chili and coriander. The stir-fried prawns were good. Desert was seasonal fresh fruits, plus tea, coffees, etc.
Oryx was not working and the crew needed to do a reboot twice in the beginning of the flight.
Finally, on the return we also flew QR business class from DPS-SIN which had a younger crew. Same 777-300ER aircraft, this time we were in seats 6 J/K. The service was just fine for the 2hr flight, though the crew was pent up and looking to get off the plane so they could do some partying in SIN before their return leg to DOH the next day.
From SIN we flew Cathay Pacific in Business Class on the 777-300 as well. These were the new Business Class seats 1-2-1 across, and they were not as wide as QR, but the seats/mattress was more comfortable, having better cushioning. ^^ 100% lie flat business class seats ^, unlike Qatar. The TV screen floated outward and could be adjusted. ^ Cathay's CX entertainment is equal to QR's Oryx, the same design completely, but it also includes more information onscreen and on the controller for time to destination at a glance. This is really helpful ^ when you wake up and trying to figure out where you stand on the flight time without having to turn on your screen and access a few menu options. There was also external plane camera on for take off and landing. The seats in comparison on CX are far more cozy and private, much more conducive for the business traveler, especially if the traveler was in a window seat. The CX was more attentive, smiles all the time, and more watchful during meal service.
From HKG-ORD we were again on CX but in First class. I wont compare CX's First to QR's Business as I cant say what QR's First is like.
Suffice to say, if the choice was CX or QR in business, I'd take CX.
QR had an overall very nice business class experience. Would I rank Qatar as 5 Star, no. 4 Star perhaps. Pre-trip, I was excited to get back and book some additional QR flights with United miles prior to the Sept deadline, but post-trip, I've tempered that eagerness. Would I fly QR again just to fly them, not really. Would I book them again, ABSOLUTELY. I think they are an exceptional airline but they do not go out of their way to be exceptional nor do they act as though they deserved the skytrax member rating they've been given. I'm not trying to be overly critical or negative. QR holds their own. With prior experience on KE, UA, AA, DL, SQ, CX, EK, KE, TG, I'd say that QR's business class is definitely above average, they just didnt live up to the hype as much as I was hoping they would and really stand out.
I booked two mileage award tickets for my wife and I flying on QR via IAD-DOH-DPS using United one-way redemption at the saver 60K level.
We had no problems with our booking and used QR's website to assign our business class seats with the QR confirmation numbers provided to us with a call to United. Checking in for our domestic United flight to IAD, boarding passes were not provided online, a passport check at the airport would be required for the international leg. Upon arrival into IAD, we had been told previously by the QR rep that we would be able to use the Virgin Clubhouse lounge. We proceeded to the lounge but to be turned around by the very pleasant lounge assistant that we needed to go to the QR gate counter to be provided a specific invitation card. To the gate desk we went which was at the end of the concourse but only perhaps 100-150m or so from the lounge. Arriving at the gate, we met the gate agent who checked us in, provided a boarding pass exchange, the club lounge invitation, and who never once broke out a smile or greeting in any way. Though we were the only ones standing there, the gate agent looked like she was not having a good day and we were a bother. At the Virgin lounge on the otherhand, everyone smiled, were pleasant, and prompt. We left the lounge after a bite to eat and a beer, and went to the gate where there was a separate area for business class boarding. The gate check took no time at all and we boarded the 777-300ER for our flight to DOH.
Upon boarding, we found our seats, 3 J/K which the window seats enjoyed a 3-window view. The cabin feels quite large, wide, and comfortable. There's mood lighting throughout the flight. Being in the front section of the business class configuration gave an air of more seclusion and quiet. The cabin crew were running and scrambling, it looked as if they had not been given much prep time before passengers started boarding. We were greeted and asked if we would prefer something to drink, water, a mint drink, we opted for one each. Later a crew member came to offer pajamas and the sizes they picked worked perfectly. We noticed the seats next to us were stocked with slippers, so we asked for slippers and the crew member noticed the oversight and returned with them. The slippers are not meant for larger feet, I wear a 11.5 US shoe size and my heel was off the back. We were handed menus and the we were asked our choices before take off.
For starters, there was the "crispy snow crab omelette" which tasted pretty good but needed that 'something' as it was slightly dry. To commence, there was the choice of onion soup with basil oil, an individual selection of scallops, poached lobster and cured salmon, or the classic arabic mezze (hummus and tabouleh, etc). Having enjoyed the roasted pepper hummus in the clubhouse, I chose the selection of seafood, and my wife the soup. Both were tasty and prepared well except the endive used to garnish had been bruised by the plastic wrap. To follow was the choice of beef tenderloin with harrisa yoghurt, arabic spiced halibut with shrimp and tomato sauce, or the shahi paneer with orka masala. I chose the beef tenderloin, my wife the halibut. The beef tenderloin was a huge let down, it was way overcooked, dry, and grey
. The halibut was divine, flavorful, moist and flaky ^. I had just one bite of the tenderloin and could not do more. When a crew member came around, I politely said its really not to my liking and would there be a chance I could have the halibut instead. She looked at me like I was not supposed to question the food and sure she would take it like it was almost like it was an insult? That attitude threw me a surprise. Afterward, the lead purser came around and apologized that there was no halibut left but would I like the chicken which was not on the menu but they had it and thought it would be a good choice. The chicken was very moist and tender with a lot of flavor, a good alternative. All the main dishes came with a side of vegetables and/or starches. All the vegetables were overcooked and very soft.A cheese selection of stilton, camembert truffle, and sir andrew gouda is offered ^, and for desert; rhubarb and cinnamon cake, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, or a selection of season fruits. Bread, coffee, cappuccino, etc all readily available.
Throughout the service, your choice of beverage flowed and the crew was very generous with the pouring ^. I must say though, on the flight, they offered a bourdeaux that was quite good, but, on both the IAD-DOH and the DOH-DPS flight, both times the crew switched out the pour to a different wine without notification and you could immediately tell the difference, it was a big turn off
. We enjoy wine, and are fans of both white and red, but the "chardonnay" really wasnt that good, I could get equal value out of a $5 grocery store bottle. Stick with champagne or another wine.In the morning (arriving into Doh at 6pm is not necessarily morning) but the offerings were juices, yougurt drink, and smoothie which I recommend the mango smoothie that was quite good. To follow, toasted muesli, or a selection of seasonal fruit with yoghurt. A bakery basket, coffees, etc.
I had seen here on FT that QR has a douvee mattress that can be requested, when I asked the attendant about this, she explained that they provide it on the business class that is not lie-flat but angled. The seats we had are "lie-flat" but they are not 100% flat contrary to what you may read or see on seatguru. They do have an angle that is pronounce more in the feet area. It is not uncomfortable, but I prefer an accurate assessment of the seating when I'm booking. The seats are wide, the mattress comfortable enough. The crew provides a mattress seat cover for sleeping that slips over the headrest and along the length of the seat that has a bit of cushion as well. The entertainment is the Oryx and it is one of the most user-friendly of the onboard entertainment I've every used. There are a host of newer movie options, many music choices (though not a single live performance music video option), games, and more. The screens are large, but they are fixed at the back of the seat in front of you and if you watch any movies with subtitles or prefer a screen that you can adjust, you are out of luck. Its worth noting for the DOH-DPS leg, pajamas are again offered, but no slippers even by request.
As mentioned, on board you are provided (very comfortable) pajamas, slippers, an amenity kit, eye mask, ear plugs, socks, (a very warm, thick) blanket, pillow, reading material. The bathrooms are clean and stocked with shaving razors and toothbrushes/toothpaste at all times. One of the nicer pluses is a moist sanitizer towel dispenser in the bathroom, this is a real plus and something I wish more airlines would adopt.
I must say, the entire first half of the trip the crew were always rushing (literally) around in a scramble. While it did not impact the service, it gave an air that they had not been given enough time for prepping the cabin and were always in catch-up mode. There were very few smiles and absolutely no chit-chat. It might not be important to some who do not wish to be disturbed, and I was not seeking out chit-chat, just pointing out our experience. I thought the atmosphere might have been different as there is a host of literature, on-screen acknowledgement, and website promotion of them being the skytrax airline of the year again for 2012. During the final half of the flight, the crew were more relaxed, and I saw a smile from one of them. Once morning service started up again, the the rushed mode kicked in which then, is somewhat typical of a pre-landing meal service.
Upon arrival into DOH, the plane parks out on a far tarmac and you are taken by bus about 15min or so away to the premium terminal. Once inside, you follow upstairs and the attendants will point out either the first or business class lounge (they are side by side) that is appropriate. In the lounge, there are three full meal eating areas, showers, a couple of limited self-service beverage areas and a manned bar station. There is multiple seating arrangements from lounge chairs, to recliners and two automatic massaging recliners. ^^ The food variety is quite good, from pastas to asian fare, to sandwiches, salads, etc. ^ A strange quirk is there are beverage menus on some of the lounge area tables. When you sit down and order something, the server takes the beverage menu and places it at a table where no one is. When someone else sits down at one of those, they again remove the menu and put it at another empty table? Later, when the lounge became quite busy with another flight, one of the servers removed all the menus and the other server commented, "oh, good idea".
I have no clue as to why they have the menus out if they dont wish for people to look at them. I can tell you, I did order some wine, and when it was again a let down, I asked about the wine they show in the menu, the comment was, oh, that is in our first class lounge I'll go get some. So why are menus purposely in the business class lounge? Anyway, 6 hours in the lounge we had a chance to try everything. The showers are quite warm, there was no option to have a cool shower (no matter how far you turned the knob) so be prepared to let yourself feel steamy afterward until you can get out of the shower closet and cool down a bit. The shower products are awesome, a nice subtle lemon scent, and the lotion very comfortable. ^The next leg was from DOH-DPS. We were once again bused out to the plane and boarding the stairway to the cabin, the same seat assignments as before. The crew was less rush for this leg, its seems they had more time to prep.
The meal service for this leg; the temptation was smoked apricot salmon. On request was the choice of grilled sesame chicken salad, classic arabic mezze, seafood eggroll and stir fried vermicelli noodles in oyster sauce, roasted beef and onion parcel, trio tortellini with chive and cheese sauce, or an individual plate of mature cheddar, fourme d'ambert and saint albray. Also dark chocolate chips cookies, bakery basket, coffee, etc. The seafood eggroll wasnt too bad, but not outstanding or worth remembering.
Second service was peach and mandarin smoothie, juices, museli, fruits, or smoked tuna with mustard gravlax. Choice of crepes with mixed berries, ratatouille and chive omelette, korean barbeque beef tenderloin, arabic breakfast plate. Sides, bakery basket, coffees, etc. I did not partake in the breakfast meal but the passenger's korean beef dish next to me looked quite good.
On a side note: I had asked the QR rep here on FT via PM if we disembarked in SIN and he said no, but in actuality you do disembark. You deplane with your carry-ons, walk around the gate, go through security and check in again. Wait for the crew change, then boarding again about 1hr total later for the remaining 2hr leg to DPS. The crew flying from SIN-DPS does a turnaround with a meal break for them in the DPS lounge, then back to DPS-SIN.
From SIN-DPS there was meal service starting with assorted sushi, followed by choice of entree of spegheti aglio olio or stir-fried prawns with chili and coriander. The stir-fried prawns were good. Desert was seasonal fresh fruits, plus tea, coffees, etc.
Oryx was not working and the crew needed to do a reboot twice in the beginning of the flight.
Finally, on the return we also flew QR business class from DPS-SIN which had a younger crew. Same 777-300ER aircraft, this time we were in seats 6 J/K. The service was just fine for the 2hr flight, though the crew was pent up and looking to get off the plane so they could do some partying in SIN before their return leg to DOH the next day.
From SIN we flew Cathay Pacific in Business Class on the 777-300 as well. These were the new Business Class seats 1-2-1 across, and they were not as wide as QR, but the seats/mattress was more comfortable, having better cushioning. ^^ 100% lie flat business class seats ^, unlike Qatar. The TV screen floated outward and could be adjusted. ^ Cathay's CX entertainment is equal to QR's Oryx, the same design completely, but it also includes more information onscreen and on the controller for time to destination at a glance. This is really helpful ^ when you wake up and trying to figure out where you stand on the flight time without having to turn on your screen and access a few menu options. There was also external plane camera on for take off and landing. The seats in comparison on CX are far more cozy and private, much more conducive for the business traveler, especially if the traveler was in a window seat. The CX was more attentive, smiles all the time, and more watchful during meal service.
From HKG-ORD we were again on CX but in First class. I wont compare CX's First to QR's Business as I cant say what QR's First is like.
Suffice to say, if the choice was CX or QR in business, I'd take CX.
QR had an overall very nice business class experience. Would I rank Qatar as 5 Star, no. 4 Star perhaps. Pre-trip, I was excited to get back and book some additional QR flights with United miles prior to the Sept deadline, but post-trip, I've tempered that eagerness. Would I fly QR again just to fly them, not really. Would I book them again, ABSOLUTELY. I think they are an exceptional airline but they do not go out of their way to be exceptional nor do they act as though they deserved the skytrax member rating they've been given. I'm not trying to be overly critical or negative. QR holds their own. With prior experience on KE, UA, AA, DL, SQ, CX, EK, KE, TG, I'd say that QR's business class is definitely above average, they just didnt live up to the hype as much as I was hoping they would and really stand out.
Aug 29, 2012, 3:13 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
pics
Link didnt look to take, but if anyone is interested in some small size file snapshots of our QR experience, here you go...
Nice fixings at the Virgin Clubhouse
http://screencast.com/t/BDavYfotbNyu
Welcome Drink onboard
http://screencast.com/t/JtJ1LPGojS9M
Business class pj's bag
http://screencast.com/t/nE7EVIyX
Temptations and Champagne
http://screencast.com/t/lep3HYXWKI
Seafood Medley
http://screencast.com/t/4yBMVHtZdy
Halibut ^
http://screencast.com/t/2m4tUS9xER
Beef Tenderloin
http://screencast.com/t/ZZaOluYLC
Chicken Dish (replacement for Tenderloin)
http://screencast.com/t/3PUXHtMRCKRN
Cheese Tray
http://screencast.com/t/mzlZvtgHrw5
Assorted Fruit
http://screencast.com/t/3RC43EJTuurS
Chair Duvee
http://screencast.com/t/clvtZ6ssCZ
Parked out on the tarmac
http://screencast.com/t/OQ7qhRK0VfHp
Doha Premium Lounge Invitation Card
http://screencast.com/t/tbbnW9Ycj
Doha Premium Lounge Bar
http://screencast.com/t/7as2eh3p
Premium Lounge Desert Station
http://screencast.com/t/QrLHGWsakk
Premium Lounge Coffee Bar
http://screencast.com/t/Ut1yyL9NYP
Premium Lounge Open and Airy
http://screencast.com/t/fkToOZK0K
Premium Lounge Self Serve Stations
http://screencast.com/t/At6Mgju46Nyp
Premium Lounge Sandwich eating area
http://screencast.com/t/ezWSxeucGu
Premium Lounge variety of seating options - recliners near the windows
http://screencast.com/t/9oUSsn0fm
Premium Lounge - lots of food options
http://screencast.com/t/fjR57mTRsbT
Premium Lounge - did I mention food options?
http://screencast.com/t/d20Dh1Gdy
Premium Lounge - more food
http://screencast.com/t/KEXmOsDUs
Premium Lounge - watch the hustle and bustle below
http://screencast.com/t/v2tY4Q6jF
Premium Lounge - automatic massage chairs
http://screencast.com/t/qo3KXCNbkxOy
Premium Lounge - clean bathrooms with full time attendents
http://screencast.com/t/4Nmk8Z0paUXi
Eggroll with oyster noodles
http://screencast.com/t/kTjAq9UYFhF
Chicken Salad
http://screencast.com/t/HQzlAIaE
Qatar Economy Class - 3-3-3 config
http://screencast.com/t/flcT4dZ1JA
Oryx needed a reboot for the 2nd flight
http://screencast.com/t/T8mxTEZuiqgp
While waiting for the reboot... some beer and warm peanuts
http://screencast.com/t/sVgZ3L2S
Nice fixings at the Virgin Clubhouse
http://screencast.com/t/BDavYfotbNyu
Welcome Drink onboard
http://screencast.com/t/JtJ1LPGojS9M
Business class pj's bag
http://screencast.com/t/nE7EVIyX
Temptations and Champagne
http://screencast.com/t/lep3HYXWKI
Seafood Medley
http://screencast.com/t/4yBMVHtZdy
Halibut ^
http://screencast.com/t/2m4tUS9xER
Beef Tenderloin
http://screencast.com/t/ZZaOluYLC
Chicken Dish (replacement for Tenderloin)
http://screencast.com/t/3PUXHtMRCKRN
Cheese Tray
http://screencast.com/t/mzlZvtgHrw5
Assorted Fruit
http://screencast.com/t/3RC43EJTuurS
Chair Duvee
http://screencast.com/t/clvtZ6ssCZ
Parked out on the tarmac
http://screencast.com/t/OQ7qhRK0VfHp
Doha Premium Lounge Invitation Card
http://screencast.com/t/tbbnW9Ycj
Doha Premium Lounge Bar
http://screencast.com/t/7as2eh3p
Premium Lounge Desert Station
http://screencast.com/t/QrLHGWsakk
Premium Lounge Coffee Bar
http://screencast.com/t/Ut1yyL9NYP
Premium Lounge Open and Airy
http://screencast.com/t/fkToOZK0K
Premium Lounge Self Serve Stations
http://screencast.com/t/At6Mgju46Nyp
Premium Lounge Sandwich eating area
http://screencast.com/t/ezWSxeucGu
Premium Lounge variety of seating options - recliners near the windows
http://screencast.com/t/9oUSsn0fm
Premium Lounge - lots of food options
http://screencast.com/t/fjR57mTRsbT
Premium Lounge - did I mention food options?
http://screencast.com/t/d20Dh1Gdy
Premium Lounge - more food
http://screencast.com/t/KEXmOsDUs
Premium Lounge - watch the hustle and bustle below
http://screencast.com/t/v2tY4Q6jF
Premium Lounge - automatic massage chairs
http://screencast.com/t/qo3KXCNbkxOy
Premium Lounge - clean bathrooms with full time attendents
http://screencast.com/t/4Nmk8Z0paUXi
Eggroll with oyster noodles
http://screencast.com/t/kTjAq9UYFhF
Chicken Salad
http://screencast.com/t/HQzlAIaE
Qatar Economy Class - 3-3-3 config
http://screencast.com/t/flcT4dZ1JA
Oryx needed a reboot for the 2nd flight
http://screencast.com/t/T8mxTEZuiqgp
While waiting for the reboot... some beer and warm peanuts
http://screencast.com/t/sVgZ3L2S
Aug 29, 2012, 8:42 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 519
Thank you for very detailed review pcharles. I will be on the exact same route IAD-DOH-DPS in J next year and looking forward to the experience. Hopefully my experience will be better and experience the 5* service. What were the passenger loads in J like for your flights?
Aug 29, 2012, 9:08 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: many
Posts: 1,437
Thank you for very detailed review pcharles. I will be on the exact same route IAD-DOH-DPS in J next year and looking forward to the experience. Hopefully my experience will be better and experience the 5* service. What were the passenger loads in J like for your flights?
You will have a great flight. Just remember to hit the gate desk pre-lounge in IAD to avoid a step. Skip the tenderloin. The cabin is quite spaces even with the 2-2-2 spacing and the bathrooms never had a wait. Get a nice shower/refresher in the premium lounge. Remember the bus takes about 15min or so to get to the terminal, you are likely the second stop after they let off the arrivals. The DOH-DPS leg goes quick.
Again in DPS, go to the check-in desk to get a lounge pass! (I've checked out the other lounges with my PP and you arent missing anything in any of them unless you want to go to the one with the outside terrace above gates 1-2). Instead, go to the one near gate 5 where you depart, the one downstairs there. You will see the flight crew come in and take up their reserved spaces in the lounge. There's a buffet there with spring rolls, rice noodles, soup, and other stuff, all average. And sub-average booze options. No Bintang, gotta have Bali Hai. Wifi is there, get a code by the buffet.
Hopefully you are going to Ubud in Bali. You need to take precautions if you are not already familiar. Avoid the aggressive monkeys, street dogs and use bug screen. There are serious risks for the foolish. Rock bar at the Ayana is overated but interesting. Nusa Dua is a secure "compound" if that's your thing? Dont worry down there, they spray so much to kill the bugs that even the butterflies no longer come around. Kuta to party with the stereotype Aussies. To the NE or N if you want quite areas. Great diving if you are into it. Ulu Watu and Tanah Lot if you like Sea Temples. Yes, ...Already looking forward to our third trip there
!!!There are worst ways to get to Bali, your flights will be just grand.
All the best.
Aug 30, 2012, 2:24 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 519
pcharles, again thx for all the tips. First time going to Bali with wife and a toddler. (I guess my son might have some friends on board QR.) So we will stay away from the party scene. I can't handle it. Looks like Bali Hyatt in Sanur then onto Ubud (thinking Kajena Mua) but also waiting to see if Westin Ubud would open and meet my criteria. I am really looking forward to QR and Bali.