gordon0808

A couple days ago I had my first flight on QR. I flew from MUC to ICN via DOH. I had two fantastic flights. The seat and service top notch. I did however notice that they never offered any alcoholic drinks unless you specifically asked for it. For the welcome drink I was asked if I wanted orange juice, water or a lemon mint drink. When I asked if could have champagne they said I certainly could, and happily poored me a glass directly from the bottle. When they served dinner they just asked if I wanted still or sparkling water with the meal, they did not ask what wine I would like. When I asked they were more than happy to serve me wine, but they certainly didn't encourage any consumption of alcoholic beverages. I found it somewhat strange as they had excellent wines on offer and it seems they emphasize offering quality wines and liquor. But it was like they'd rather not serve it. Has this anything to do with religion? I have experienced a similar attitude towards alcohol on Malaysia Airlines, which also is a muslim country. It is on offer, but you will have to ask for it.

purple1addict

I've always been offered alcohol - depending on flight time of course (but I understand you could request alcohol on morning flights if you wanted). With dinner they offer still/sparkling water even if you have another drink as well - so typically I'm offered wine alongside water at dinner and then normally more wine when my glass is empty!

Maybe you'll have a different experience on your way back. Let us know!

purple1addict

Also, the lemon mint is lovely - as a second choice to champagne - I'll tend to order it for morning flights!!

gordon0808

My return flight is tomorrow. Will let you know if my experience is different.

VH-RMD

not my experience at all, even on short regional flights.

MSPeconomist

Somewhat OT, but this wasn't my experience with international long haul MH flights in business class at all. However, I did notice that the MH lounge at KUL only offers alcohol in the bar area, where you must ask the bartender, although you can take the drink anywhere in the lounge. Also, the alcohol choices there didn't seem to be posted or on obvious display. Maybe during Ramadan they draw a curtain around the bar area like some hotel restaurants and bars in the mideast reportedly do?

zehbra

Absolutely! Big fan of the lemon mint here too Especially after "a bit" of Krug in the lounge....

As for the alcohol: It depends.. I noticed too that they sometimes don't offer it and you specifically have to request it... Oddly enough, I was once on medication and wasn't allowed to have any alcohol.. that was the flight when they came by and teased me about a glass of champagne every half hour

mecabq

I haven't had this experience, luckily, and I hope it doesn't become the norm. But I wouldn't be surprised. The airline, like Qatar society, has mixed opinions on alcohol -- they are always tweaking the rules in the country to and fro, but the trend is generally moving in the more conservative/Islamic direction (i.e., more restrictions on alcohol). A lot of Qataris criticize the airline for its service of alcohol, so I wouldn't be surprised if they are trying to subtly hide it to balance everyone's wishes.

SurbitonFlyer

Now you mention it I think I've had similar experiences. Also thanks for the tip on the mint tea I'll try it next week!

T7ER

Very surprising you experienced it this way.

The typical way of welcome in J is: can I offer you something to drink? some juice, water, lemon mint, laban or champagne perhaps....

Then, the wine menu lists 2 kinds of champagne, 3 whites, 3 reds, 1 dessert white wine and a port (which is awful), and besides, the drink menu lists all the other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks very clearly.

I can understand that the FA does not ask you: "would you like a rum and coke with that?", similar to when you walk into an office max, the attendant doesn't say: "do you need A3 color copies or cartridges for your printer?" when either doesn't know what you need......
QR goes through a huge expense printing proper food and drink menus for you to read....unlike some airlines....try AA in J and you will be appalled....you get a flyer....

So, in other words, I don't think it has anything to do with QR, merely with the amount of time you spent reading about what is available and ordering to your liking....

gordon0808

On my way back they still didn't offer champagne as pre flight drink. It was either water juice or lemon mint. It was a night flight and an early morning flight, so I don't know if that had something to do with it...?

T7ER

Nope...it doesn't. My returns from Asia are always 1am, 2am, and I always have a leisurely glass of bubbles after the same welcome drink question.
Similarly, boarding a DOH-MAD flight at 7am, I just ask for a glass of champagne.
I think it has to do with how much you want the FA to offer you all there is on offer as compared to you telling her what you want.

I can tell you though, that they will not serve any other alcoholic beverages upon boarding other than the 2 kinds of champagne....unlike AA, where you can order a Titos/Cranberry upon boarding....

impeymac

What??? Are we talking about the 1974 Colheita?

I respectfully disagree!

zehbra

eeeh... now that you mention it, that was the only alcoholic beverage i was actively pushed to try on my last flight with them in J... Not quite my cup of tea, but then the cheese served wasn't that good either, so a fitting meal all in all Would've been happier if she could've advised me on a nice glass of red wine tough.. next time.

and as a side note: requested "a tiny bit" of whisky once just as a good night cap. well if that's what they call "a tiny bit", i really don't know how you're going to survive a normal serving
So they really aren't shy of serving once it's requested..

SeeBuyFly

No one has mentioned this yet...I wonder if the OP's appearance is such that he/she could potentially be Muslim. The FAs might be selectively cautious with such individuals.

I do realize that people of all races practice Islam, but some are more likely than others.

Over the years, a number of well-intentioned waitstaff have made assumptions based on my appearance and warned me about dishes containing pork or beef.