Originally Posted by ssw207

Just flew HKG-DOH on QR815 (connecting to DOH-CDG) and DOH-HKG on CX640 sold as QR5801 codeshare (connecting from LHR-DOH) in biz. I echo some of the OP's point of view.

Fare: CX wanted almost twice of QR's fare. The fare difference is enough to pay for my secretary's salary for one month. Therefore, I absolutely don't mind to spend a few more hours in transit.

Seats & IFE: QR815 is a A332 with 165 degree non-horizontal flat beds. The seat technology is beginning to age as this was something trendy 3-5 years ago. CX640 is a A333 fitted with the newest business class seats. However, I was able to sleep soundly on both seats, so in this case CX wins by a small margin. Entertainment system is a tie.

Inflight Catering: QR beats CX hands down. Fine dining catering with two full meals in a 9-hr flight. The entrees are individually assembled and plated and served by hand, vs. CX's trolley service. A bread basket is served per passenger. Probably the best meals I had on a plane, QR meal quality exceeds JL. CX meals is a disgrace, the garlic bread is getting so boring.

Service: QR > CX by a million miles.
QR: Dinner menus in leather portfolio, Ferragamo overnight kit and PJs offered and already placed at your seat. Each passenger is greeted by the service director and the FA responsible for our section. I was welcomed as an Emerald and first time passenger on QR. At least 6 to 8 FAs in the business class section. Welcome drinks: you can ask for anything on the drinks menu. Choice of hot or cold towels. Orders for dinner are taken before takeoff so meals can be served quickly at cruising altitude, and more sleep. Bottled water given out and replenished frequently. QR cutlery is exceptionally light, despite of it being stainless steel, probably for cost saving measure.
CX: The usual drill: apple/orange/bubbly/water welcoming drinks. Takeoff and reach cruise altitude, Agnes B kit given with mediocre Jurlique stuff inside, FAs make second round giving out menus, FAs make third round asking for orders, and comes the food trolley. Meal is finally served almost two hours into the flight. Evian water given out to those awake, and hoarded for FAs themselves and DMs in the back. CX also dropped the plastic salt and pepper shaker completely. The ISM was teaching a couple of FAs what to do during service - I guess this is "on the job training".

Lounge: CX The Wing FCL overall is better than the QR DOH Premium Terminal. The QR PT serves excellent food but the bathroom and showers is a disaster. Toilets and showers are separated, long queues and a logistical mess, and a lack of seating. Hope this will improve with the new DOH airport. However, the QR Premium Lounge at LHR T4, in my opinion, beats any lounge in the Oneworld system - this is the gold standard of lounges.

In conclusion:
CX's service and mentality is stuck in the 1990s when it reigned the skies. Alas the routine that was cutting edge for the 90s is totally out of place for the 21st century. They should learn from QR and others to do some of the things on ground so things wont get too hectic once at cruising altitude, and also in ways that would impress the customer. Placing the menu, amenity kit and immigration forms before takeoff doesn't incur extra cost but it adds a touch.

Cost saving measures are inevitable in these days as everybody is trying to cut back some way or another, but I think what QR does is smart: cost cutting in inconspicuous ways such as lighter cutlery and plates. Bread is cheaper than entrees, so by serving a bread basket it fills people up.

The first thing I would cut for CX is giving DMs in Y bottled water. This is such HK mentality of "cheap and petty favors" ("小恩小惠" in Chinese) which yields little results, and it looks really bad for the GOs and SLs. QR, for their VIPs, have a bunch of BMW 7-series at DOH for transfers to the terminals. I would surely prefer a bimmer/buggy ride versus a bottle of water. I have my flame suit on as many DMs would fiercely disagree that without their French water they will lose their prestige in the lowly Y cabin.