Qatar - Is this the world's most bus obsessed airline?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
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Qatar - Is this the world's most bus obsessed airline?
Of course, we know that for transit through Doha, the occasional long bus trip is an accepted way of life. However, landing at MAN this morning, I noted spare jetways at terminal 2 but still we had to disembark to a bus. In 14 years of travel in and out of MAN this has happend perhaps 3-4 times. Is this normal for a QR arrival (i.e. do they not pay for use of the Jetway)?
Incidentally, I'm told the bus will be a thing of the past once Doha's ground breaking new airport. Perhaps I'm jaded and cynical but isn't the most ground breaking aspect of the new airport the time they're taking to open it?
Incidentally, I'm told the bus will be a thing of the past once Doha's ground breaking new airport. Perhaps I'm jaded and cynical but isn't the most ground breaking aspect of the new airport the time they're taking to open it?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2008
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4 times in 14 years seems a pretty good percentage, even for large airports. I think it has nothing to do with QR.
I find the bus transfer "thing" a very good and efficient "feature" in DOH, although I agree it would be more elegant to board from a jetway.
I find the bus transfer "thing" a very good and efficient "feature" in DOH, although I agree it would be more elegant to board from a jetway.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2002
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Suspect the problem is with MAN charging high fees at certain times of day to use jetways at T2. Same thing used to happen with most KL and AF flights before they moved to T3. Even UA use buses for some flights. Not unique to QR.
#7
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#8
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Thanks for confirming. I guess I've lead a charmed life at MAN.
#10
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I have recalled taking the bus a few times on QR flights recently (at airports other than DOH), when it appeared as though a gate was available. I wouldn't be shocked if QR saved money by opting for the bus instead of a jetway. But we don't really know all of the variables -- does anyone know whether, indeed, some airports offer remote parking for less cost than a jetway, or whether there are some other economics that would make it cheaper for the carrier?
#12
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Norway
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Bussing is "good and efficient" ?!? Wait, i need to check my calender.....yes it is actualy 2012! You must be kidding or working for QR....
#13
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Bussing is "good and efficient" ?!? Wait, i need to check my calender.....yes it is actualy 2012! You must be kidding or working for QR....
I also don't work for QR, although I would for a reasonable number of QR C vouchers
#14
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#15
Join Date: Mar 2002
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Given the configuration of the terminals at DOH, I do think the bus system is the best solution on offer, especially with the use of premium buses. I'm not sure how else this can be done given the separate buildings for arrivals and premium passengers?