Originally Posted by
wadia13
This is a somewhat open-ended question. If given the choice between a direct (non-stop flight) between Asia & Europe or flights on Qatar between Asia & Europe (with connection in Doha), what is your thought process on which one to choose? Obviously price, quality of the airline, FF program, flight times are all relevant. How much cheaper & better (in terms of hard & soft product) would you want from Qatar (or any other Middle East airline) to offset the hassle of transferring planes mid-way? Let's say your alternative is direct on one of the higher rated Asian airlines.
To add another wrinkle, do you consider a 12-13 hour flight between Asia & Europe hubs followed by a 2-3 hour flight to your final destination to be a better experience compared to two 6-8 hours flights between Asia & Europe (as would happen with Qatar or any of the other Middle East airlines)?
AS far as your first question, there is no discussion when the choice is between a nonstop on a good airline and QR with a middle stop. Whether in Y or J. But the price and possibly convenience reflects that.
I have no experience to answer your second question in Y . But I often travel on 1 stop itin in J to reduce costs and there are many alternatives Asia_Europe. I much prefer two medium flights (say HKG-DOH-CDG) where you get the full longhaul service/seats on both. For me an alternative is for example HKG-LHR-CDG on BA J. The arrival in LHR connecting to a narrow-body plane to Paris is not an experience that I look to. Not as bad on the return flights, but still unpleasant. Of course, the quality of service/food/wine and seats, might not be comparable. Going through AY is even worse as the narrow-body flight takes even longer.