Mar 8, 2017, 3:40 am

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: N1Rotate

Qatar have confirmed the presence of a policy whereby if a customer booked a QSuites flight and subsequently gets an aircraft type swap can you request travel on an alternative flight, subject to availability, see post #2709 Previously this included change of routing, now it only includes changing the date on the same routing. QR issued tickets only!

The Q Suite Master Thread

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Jun 11, 2017, 4:08 pm

#316

WorldLux

Join Date: Sep 2015

Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold

Posts: 8,405

Quote:

Originally Posted by englisha

Am I right in thinking that rows 3 and 5 E and F would be the seats that they advertise that can open up into 4 for a family? And is it both that have the potential for a double bed?

I would tend to say that you would need to book D, E, F and G. If all the seats in the middle can be part of a 4-seat "family room", I suspect that rows 1, 3 and 5 are flying backwards

Jun 11, 2017, 5:51 pm

#317

SanDiego1K

Community Director Emerita

Join Date: Oct 2000

Location: Anywhere warm

Posts: 33,747

Any guestimates as to whether and if so when LAX will get this equipment?

Jun 11, 2017, 8:07 pm

#318

TheDinge

Join Date: Feb 2014

Location: CBG

Programs: QR Gold, BA silver

Posts: 352

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanDiego1K

Any guestimates as to whether and if so when LAX will get this equipment?

I would say about 2 years.

LAX can only be served with 772LR/380/359 by its distance. LAX traffic is not big enough to take a 380 over LHR/CDG/BKK. 359 is a bit tight in range so might not be feasible on certain days. To avoid constant substitution they will probably continue using 772 for a while.

However there's no plan currently on refurbishment of any existing metal, it is going to take a while when they will be reliable Qsuite service to LAX. Though I feel like JFK will get it fairly soon to up the competition.

Jun 12, 2017, 3:31 am

#319

remdk

Join Date: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,944

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorldLux

I would tend to say that you would need to book D, E, F and G. If all the seats in the middle can be part of a 4-seat "family room", I suspect that rows 1, 3 and 5 are flying backwards

WorldLux Indeed seats E and F are backward facing and it is them that make up into the double bed whereas seats D and G are forward facing. There appears to be three 'family' cabins on this aircraft. (I assume a 24J 773).

Jun 12, 2017, 3:36 am

#320

remdk

Join Date: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,944

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorldLux

That would be pretty pointless as aircraft speed varies heavily on the wind direction and speed on longer flights.

Or less if the A35K is replacing the 77L on that route. Overall I would however stick with "at least 2 years". As of next Friday, they'll have 1 77W with QSuite leaving a whole bunch of aircrafts to be retrofitted.

And while AAB mentionned (IIRC) that the fleet will be retrofitted by the end of 2018 or early 2019, I suspect that they may not be able to make that deadline with the current bans potentially impacted how many aircrafts they can take out of service for a couple of months to fit the QSuite.

WorldLux the first retrofit will take much longer than subsequent retrofits because there will be a steep learning curve and all procedures need to be documented and registered.

My guess is that retrofitting will settle down to take 15 days, maybe even as low as 10 days, certainly not months!

Jun 12, 2017, 3:59 am

#321

WorldLux

Join Date: Sep 2015

Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold

Posts: 8,405

Quote:

Originally Posted by remdk

WorldLux the first retrofit will take much longer than subsequent retrofits because there will be a steep learning curve and all procedures need to be documented and registered.

I'm aware of this, but I would however remain careful when it comes to naming a date by which there are enough retrofits (and new deliveries) in the fleet to have good chances of ending up in one.

And, as I've mentioned, if the bans are going to stay in place, QR may have to rescheduled some of the retrofits to a later date as their fleet is tied up in operations. I'm not sure how much reserves QR has, but I would imagine that increased flight times and distances may require more wide bodies to operate all flights.

Jun 12, 2017, 4:48 am

#322

remdk

Join Date: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,944

Quote:

I would however remain careful when it comes to naming a date by which there are enough retrofits (and new deliveries) in the fleet to have good chances of ending up in one.

I wholeheartedly agree with you.

This crisis has upset their planning of the retrofits and no one would be surprised if it took longer than originally announced.

If my understanding is correct then QR can expect two or possibly three A359s in the next couple of months. With more before the end of the year, possibly including a A350-1000. Until then there could be problems with aircraft swaps etc. Just remember last year where there was a acute shortage of suitable aircraft. The timetable and aircraft schedulers were all on top of the problems and inspite of them managed to keep all routes flying.

I was aware that you knew the problems of starting this major project like this but I have to also think about those who do not have that knowledge. Thus I sometimes appear to be ignoring your wisdom.

Jun 12, 2017, 9:44 am

#323

TGflyergirl

Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: Here

Posts: 1,907

My guess: 24 June 2017 QR007/8 DOH-LHR will be the first with A7-BED.

Also, interestingly, there are some quite complex rules entries around seat selection - but in essence, solo travellers as a guideline won't be assigned QUADS (they are blocked off), and it's generally for 3/4 pax families. Once a QUAD has been broken up (out of necessity - for example with a couple in the E/F seats), then the rest of the quad is unlocked and can be filled with individual travellers.

Some other notes I made:

They've also made 1A/2B last offered to allow airport flexibility to handle last minute requests. The other 18 windows and aisles are free for reservation as per the normal process.

The bassinet position is 11B/J, reduced mobility seats are 2/4/6/9 B and J.

All A/E/F/K's are backward facing, all B,D,G,J's are forward facing. Total 20 Forward/22 Backward.

Capacity:
77W: J42/Y312
High density 77W: J24/Y388
77L: J42/Y230 (probably going 3-4-3 in Y, from 217)
35K: J46/Y281
359: J36/Y247

Jun 12, 2017, 10:28 am

#324

msm2000uk

Moderator: Qatar Airways

Original Poster

Join Date: Jan 2014

Location: LHR/NCE/MIA

Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher

Posts: 8,948

Thanks TGflyergirl.

I'll add the info to the WIKI, as it's great and helpful advice!

M

EDIT: Great mind think alike - thanks SanDiego1k

Jun 12, 2017, 1:13 pm

#325

Air Rarotonga

Join Date: Mar 2009

Location: ZRH/SFO

Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA

Posts: 3,666

A7-BED absolved today it's first test flight over Switzerland as QR9903:

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/a...a7-bed#db51ff6

Attached Images

Jun 12, 2017, 4:18 pm

#326

hearingdouble

Join Date: May 2017

Posts: 305

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGflyergirl

Also, interestingly, there are some quite complex rules entries around seat selection - but in essence, solo travellers as a guideline won't be assigned QUADS (they are blocked off), and it's generally for 3/4 pax families. Once a QUAD has been broken up (out of necessity - for example with a couple in the E/F seats), then the rest of the quad is unlocked and can be filled with individual travellers.

Interesting. I can see the logic given that you wouldn't necessarily want two strangers (or even two colleagues!) inadvertently booked into a cosy E/F. That said, it would be a shame if the quads were kept aside for groups of 3/4 only, and couples weren't normally allowed to book into E/F.

Jun 12, 2017, 5:05 pm

#327

TGflyergirl

Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: Here

Posts: 1,907

Quote:

Originally Posted by hearingdouble

Sorry i think I made an error in transcribing. The quads are indeed open to couples also - but they are to be allocated the EF rear facing centers first, then the forward facing seats if they so desire. Once that is the case the Quad is considered broken and singles can also request to be in it.

If they initially chose ABJK window aisle seats online during booking then all bets are off anyway. Hence to your point earlier - if you're a party of two and don't want the intimate EF seats - the selection for a normal assignment should be done online to cut that inadvertent cosy option off

Other notes: selecting quads can only be done by Airport ticketing offices/city ticketing offices and call centers. Travel agents need to call QR.

another thing I forgot to mention earlier : there is a provision to buy an Extra seat (EXST) - in which case you can only choose an E/F rear facing seat (which happen to be in the quads and are essentially treated as a couple)

Jun 13, 2017, 3:22 am

#328

Firipu

Join Date: Nov 2015

Location: London, UK

Programs: BA Silver

Posts: 204

Seat map and other information regarding the new QSuites here:

I wonder how easy it will be to book a quad in reality. Though if you need to call QR to book the quad in the first place, perhaps this means that they might move couples who had already selected their seats within a quad in order to free up a quad for 3/4 passengers if needed?

Jun 13, 2017, 5:03 am

#329

spizzy

Join Date: May 2010

Programs: QFF, Krisflyer

Posts: 472

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firipu

Seat map and other information regarding the new QSuites here:

Beat me to it. A very helpful seat map to.

Jun 13, 2017, 3:39 pm

#330

bart simpson

Join Date: Aug 2016

Location: Toulouse

Programs: TK*G

Posts: 283

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGflyergirl

Other notes: selecting quads can only be done by Airport ticketing offices/city ticketing offices and call centers. Travel agents need to call QR.

Hmm so does that mean if I book a ticket for two, I cannot choose the E/F seats online by myself but I have to call QR hotline?