freakstar

Hi, as i have had no acknowledgment/reply from Qatar after 2 weeks (and following a reminder email), I am now sharing my experience - this is what i sent them and what i have had no response to:

I am presently a Gold Emirates frequent flyer. As Qatar have started a new route to Edinburgh I have been considering moving my business. However after recent flight experiences I have had with you I dont think I will. My reference number was *****.

Flight 1: QR1031 DWC to DOH Thursday 24 July. Unfortunately there was a problem with the aircraft and the flight was delayed. I appreciate these things happen but why were the passengers carted onto a bus and made to stand and wait for well over 30 minutes before being taken back into the terminal building? It was only when I demanded the driver open the bus door and was able to make my grievances known to ground staff that we were eventually allowed back in - there was no explanation for the delay and it took over an hour before any information was forthcoming. I was aware that I would definately miss my connection in Doha and requested information about how long I would need to wait etc to get onto an alternative flight. The only response was "you will find out in Doha - they will look after you there". I explained that this was not good enough as if there was to be a very lengthy delay I would rather not commence my journey. No one was able to assist.

When eventually arriving in Doha, as a first class passenger, I would have expected to be greeted personally by ground staff and advised of the situation. This did not happen and I had to make my own way to the transfer desk - not impressed.

The next issue was the new business class lounge where I would have to wait for several hours. Unfortunately there were no available seats - I can not believe that as a new airport, you have not provision adequate seating. Several other passengers were very unhappy with this situation. The staff did their best but to be fair they could not really assist. I ended up sitting for 3-4 hours at the departure gate rather than the crammed lounge. Hardly a premium experience.

Flight 2: QR1002, 1 August DOH to DXB
The boarding card advised me to arrive at the gate at 12.00 hours which I duly did. They started boarding first class passengers at 12.39am. We therefore had to sit at the boarding gate for approximately 40 minutes. The issue I have was, in the meantime, the entire economy section of the plan was boarded. Is it really Qatar Airways policy to board all economy customers BEFORE first class customers? The check-in lady in charge said that there was no bus available to transport us. This is totally unacceptable.