Reflections on QR after a break
Jan 1, 2020, 12:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: LON|JHB
Posts: 433
Reflections on QR after a break
A Happy New Year to everyone.
We've just completed four sectors LHR-CGK-LHR on QR after what I worked out is a three year break. I thought I might offer some random reflections:
1) The check in area remains grotty as ever at LHR. A bit of a shock after mainly T2 departures.
2) The London Lounge seemed just a tad tired, the food really wasn't as good either ala carte or from the buffet as we remembered, and where has the LP Rose gone?! Overall still a really good lounge experience.
3) Boarding late the J class bridge had been closed meaning we had to queue up. No problem, but as habitual late boarders we didn't remember this ever in the past.
4) Middle Q Suite for a couple, was awesome to start with for a day flight, except for the first time ever in 30 years flying I was airsick. Ultimately once the novelty had worn off though we concluded that the suite felt claustrophobic, and a bit airless (even on a 777 with vents). Last night in bed mode, I found the bed narrow, hard and it had an annoying ridge. I was also airsick a second time. I'd suspect flying backwards to be the issue, except I've done it with BA just fine. Interacting with the crew was markedly less easy, and less pleasant with the doors closed, which I found added little to the ambience. I like the organic style of service that a more open cabin brings. The 787 legs were, as always great in this regard. The seat is also a better bed. Other aspects of the 787 product looked comparatively dated next to Qsuite. I had no sickness problems on the 787, and felt 'better' in general. The 787 remains a favourite with just the 22 seats in J which always seems very relaxed.
5) Sick bags should be placed to hand, not buried in a plastic bag in the hard to open side pedestal. I think my body gave me about 10 seconds, and I failed to find it in time the first time. The crew were really, really, really very good about it. There should also be clear instructions about what to do with the bag 'afterwards' :-(
6) Al Mourjan remains an oasis of calm in the daytime, and an unspeakably chaotic experience which I'd rather skip around midnight. It remains soulless. The F&B is massively worse three years on.
7) Cabin crew remain in the main friendly, and unfailingly polite. I was genuinely touched about how concerned with my welfare the crew on the flights where I was airsick were.
8) The onboard F&B took a nosedive about three years ago, which prompted us to move on. It's now worse in terms of choice and quality. That said I enjoyed the Gosset Rose and unusually for me, really enjoyed the Congee.
9) Dine on demand is both blessing and a curse.
10) QR being a OW member is a massive benefit. The BA codeshares are very handy too.
11) Comparing QR to recent flights with other Gulf Carriers - QR I think bests Etihad across the board, but I prefer the 787/380 seat on Etihad to the QSuite (really), Emirates - I love your crews, but hate the seat. Oddly, the best experience I've had in ages on board was Gulf Air in the apex suite on their 787. Great Bed - beats the lot for a good nights sleep. Overall I think we'll happily go back to QR when the price and schedule works.
Well I hope you forgive my random reflections!
We've just completed four sectors LHR-CGK-LHR on QR after what I worked out is a three year break. I thought I might offer some random reflections:
1) The check in area remains grotty as ever at LHR. A bit of a shock after mainly T2 departures.
2) The London Lounge seemed just a tad tired, the food really wasn't as good either ala carte or from the buffet as we remembered, and where has the LP Rose gone?! Overall still a really good lounge experience.
3) Boarding late the J class bridge had been closed meaning we had to queue up. No problem, but as habitual late boarders we didn't remember this ever in the past.
4) Middle Q Suite for a couple, was awesome to start with for a day flight, except for the first time ever in 30 years flying I was airsick. Ultimately once the novelty had worn off though we concluded that the suite felt claustrophobic, and a bit airless (even on a 777 with vents). Last night in bed mode, I found the bed narrow, hard and it had an annoying ridge. I was also airsick a second time. I'd suspect flying backwards to be the issue, except I've done it with BA just fine. Interacting with the crew was markedly less easy, and less pleasant with the doors closed, which I found added little to the ambience. I like the organic style of service that a more open cabin brings. The 787 legs were, as always great in this regard. The seat is also a better bed. Other aspects of the 787 product looked comparatively dated next to Qsuite. I had no sickness problems on the 787, and felt 'better' in general. The 787 remains a favourite with just the 22 seats in J which always seems very relaxed.
5) Sick bags should be placed to hand, not buried in a plastic bag in the hard to open side pedestal. I think my body gave me about 10 seconds, and I failed to find it in time the first time. The crew were really, really, really very good about it. There should also be clear instructions about what to do with the bag 'afterwards' :-(
6) Al Mourjan remains an oasis of calm in the daytime, and an unspeakably chaotic experience which I'd rather skip around midnight. It remains soulless. The F&B is massively worse three years on.
7) Cabin crew remain in the main friendly, and unfailingly polite. I was genuinely touched about how concerned with my welfare the crew on the flights where I was airsick were.
8) The onboard F&B took a nosedive about three years ago, which prompted us to move on. It's now worse in terms of choice and quality. That said I enjoyed the Gosset Rose and unusually for me, really enjoyed the Congee.
9) Dine on demand is both blessing and a curse.
10) QR being a OW member is a massive benefit. The BA codeshares are very handy too.
11) Comparing QR to recent flights with other Gulf Carriers - QR I think bests Etihad across the board, but I prefer the 787/380 seat on Etihad to the QSuite (really), Emirates - I love your crews, but hate the seat. Oddly, the best experience I've had in ages on board was Gulf Air in the apex suite on their 787. Great Bed - beats the lot for a good nights sleep. Overall I think we'll happily go back to QR when the price and schedule works.
Well I hope you forgive my random reflections!
Jan 1, 2020, 4:58 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: QR Platinum, WY Gold, Shangri-la Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,151
4) Middle Q Suite for a couple, was awesome to start with for a day flight, except for the first time ever in 30 years flying I was airsick. Ultimately once the novelty had worn off though we concluded that the suite felt claustrophobic, and a bit airless (even on a 777 with vents). Last night in bed mode, I found the bed narrow, hard and it had an annoying ridge. I was also airsick a second time. I'd suspect flying backwards to be the issue, except I've done it with BA just fine.
Jan 1, 2020, 5:33 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: LON|JHB
Posts: 433
I've also experienced feeling sick in the qsuite - both facing forwards and backwards - which took me by surprise the first couple of times. Fortunately, I found lying down was enough to relieve the nausea. I haven't experienced this in other J or Y layouts and I wondered if it was the fixed higher walls of a suite messing with my balance while the aircraft is moving (instead of the openness of other layouts). I don't feel ill every time - but when I have it's always been in the qsuite. Sad times!
Jan 1, 2020, 8:53 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,507
Oh Noooooo…… Our first time flying Q Suites and we are very excited. We have booked the middle together on I believe 3 of our 4 legs with the other one still being backwards at the windows. Now I am wondering if we should just stick to the forward facing single seats just in case! ugh. What to do?
Jan 1, 2020, 10:09 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: Swiss Senator, Flying Blue Gold, BA EC Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 330
Oh Noooooo…… Our first time flying Q Suites and we are very excited. We have booked the middle together on I believe 3 of our 4 legs with the other one still being backwards at the windows. Now I am wondering if we should just stick to the forward facing single seats just in case! ugh. What to do?
Jan 1, 2020, 12:24 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
A Happy New Year to everyone.
We've just completed four sectors LHR-CGK-LHR on QR after what I worked out is a three year break. I thought I might offer some random reflections:
1) The check in area remains grotty as ever at LHR. A bit of a shock after mainly T2 departures.
2) The London Lounge seemed just a tad tired, the food really wasn't as good either ala carte or from the buffet as we remembered, and where has the LP Rose gone?! Overall still a really good lounge experience.
3) Boarding late the J class bridge had been closed meaning we had to queue up. No problem, but as habitual late boarders we didn't remember this ever in the past.
4) Middle Q Suite for a couple, was awesome to start with for a day flight, except for the first time ever in 30 years flying I was airsick. Ultimately once the novelty had worn off though we concluded that the suite felt claustrophobic, and a bit airless (even on a 777 with vents). Last night in bed mode, I found the bed narrow, hard and it had an annoying ridge. I was also airsick a second time. I'd suspect flying backwards to be the issue, except I've done it with BA just fine. Interacting with the crew was markedly less easy, and less pleasant with the doors closed, which I found added little to the ambience. I like the organic style of service that a more open cabin brings. The 787 legs were, as always great in this regard. The seat is also a better bed. Other aspects of the 787 product looked comparatively dated next to Qsuite. I had no sickness problems on the 787, and felt 'better' in general. The 787 remains a favourite with just the 22 seats in J which always seems very relaxed.
5) Sick bags should be placed to hand, not buried in a plastic bag in the hard to open side pedestal. I think my body gave me about 10 seconds, and I failed to find it in time the first time. The crew were really, really, really very good about it. There should also be clear instructions about what to do with the bag 'afterwards' :-(
6) Al Mourjan remains an oasis of calm in the daytime, and an unspeakably chaotic experience which I'd rather skip around midnight. It remains soulless. The F&B is massively worse three years on.
7) Cabin crew remain in the main friendly, and unfailingly polite. I was genuinely touched about how concerned with my welfare the crew on the flights where I was airsick were.
8) The onboard F&B took a nosedive about three years ago, which prompted us to move on. It's now worse in terms of choice and quality. That said I enjoyed the Gosset Rose and unusually for me, really enjoyed the Congee.
9) Dine on demand is both blessing and a curse.
10) QR being a OW member is a massive benefit. The BA codeshares are very handy too.
11) Comparing QR to recent flights with other Gulf Carriers - QR I think bests Etihad across the board, but I prefer the 787/380 seat on Etihad to the QSuite (really), Emirates - I love your crews, but hate the seat. Oddly, the best experience I've had in ages on board was Gulf Air in the apex suite on their 787. Great Bed - beats the lot for a good nights sleep. Overall I think we'll happily go back to QR when the price and schedule works.
Well I hope you forgive my random reflections!
We've just completed four sectors LHR-CGK-LHR on QR after what I worked out is a three year break. I thought I might offer some random reflections:
1) The check in area remains grotty as ever at LHR. A bit of a shock after mainly T2 departures.
2) The London Lounge seemed just a tad tired, the food really wasn't as good either ala carte or from the buffet as we remembered, and where has the LP Rose gone?! Overall still a really good lounge experience.
3) Boarding late the J class bridge had been closed meaning we had to queue up. No problem, but as habitual late boarders we didn't remember this ever in the past.
4) Middle Q Suite for a couple, was awesome to start with for a day flight, except for the first time ever in 30 years flying I was airsick. Ultimately once the novelty had worn off though we concluded that the suite felt claustrophobic, and a bit airless (even on a 777 with vents). Last night in bed mode, I found the bed narrow, hard and it had an annoying ridge. I was also airsick a second time. I'd suspect flying backwards to be the issue, except I've done it with BA just fine. Interacting with the crew was markedly less easy, and less pleasant with the doors closed, which I found added little to the ambience. I like the organic style of service that a more open cabin brings. The 787 legs were, as always great in this regard. The seat is also a better bed. Other aspects of the 787 product looked comparatively dated next to Qsuite. I had no sickness problems on the 787, and felt 'better' in general. The 787 remains a favourite with just the 22 seats in J which always seems very relaxed.
5) Sick bags should be placed to hand, not buried in a plastic bag in the hard to open side pedestal. I think my body gave me about 10 seconds, and I failed to find it in time the first time. The crew were really, really, really very good about it. There should also be clear instructions about what to do with the bag 'afterwards' :-(
6) Al Mourjan remains an oasis of calm in the daytime, and an unspeakably chaotic experience which I'd rather skip around midnight. It remains soulless. The F&B is massively worse three years on.
7) Cabin crew remain in the main friendly, and unfailingly polite. I was genuinely touched about how concerned with my welfare the crew on the flights where I was airsick were.
8) The onboard F&B took a nosedive about three years ago, which prompted us to move on. It's now worse in terms of choice and quality. That said I enjoyed the Gosset Rose and unusually for me, really enjoyed the Congee.
9) Dine on demand is both blessing and a curse.
10) QR being a OW member is a massive benefit. The BA codeshares are very handy too.
11) Comparing QR to recent flights with other Gulf Carriers - QR I think bests Etihad across the board, but I prefer the 787/380 seat on Etihad to the QSuite (really), Emirates - I love your crews, but hate the seat. Oddly, the best experience I've had in ages on board was Gulf Air in the apex suite on their 787. Great Bed - beats the lot for a good nights sleep. Overall I think we'll happily go back to QR when the price and schedule works.
Well I hope you forgive my random reflections!
I am curious about your experiences feeling claustrophobic with the QSuite but not with BA Club World, EY or GF? Did you manage to avoid the rear facing seats with them? What do you make of that? I find the Apex seats to feel much more boxed in especially around the head. I feel nothing is quite the same as the beautiful open feeling of the QR A380 premium products and lounge - that will be such a loss when it retires. How else was the GF experience for you compared to QSuite or QR in general onboard on the ground? Its been ages since I flew them.
Jan 1, 2020, 5:36 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 427
This worries me. Got my first ever business class long haul flights booked for the summer in a combination of herringbone and qsuite.
Went with Qatar on the strength of the positive noise I've been hearing in the past year or so, particular in regards to the qsuite.
As I don't really have a business class yard stick to measure against, perhaps it'll be fantastic regardless.
Went with Qatar on the strength of the positive noise I've been hearing in the past year or so, particular in regards to the qsuite.
As I don't really have a business class yard stick to measure against, perhaps it'll be fantastic regardless.
Jan 1, 2020, 9:25 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: LON|JHB
Posts: 433
I am curious about your experiences feeling claustrophobic with the QSuite but not with BA Club World, EY or GF? Did you manage to avoid the rear facing seats with them? What do you make of that? I find the Apex seats to feel much more boxed in especially around the head. I feel nothing is quite the same as the beautiful open feeling of the QR A380 premium products and lounge - that will be such a loss when it retires. How else was the GF experience for you compared to QSuite or QR in general onboard on the ground? Its been ages since I flew them.
I flew GF rather randomly about eighteen months ago when they started the 787 on LHR. In general GF were a notch down on the ground to the other Gulf Carriers. The lounge at LHR is acceptable, but nothing special, same for BAH. Good curry in both though. Crew were good on board, the apex suite lovely and the food more basic than you'd find on other carriers, but actually well executed. The dessert trolley is still going strong and a delight! Wine selection was poor, the advice from the crew being to stick with the Champagne which was as I recall Feuillatte. Really nice coffee, and a date and Arabic coffee pre-departure.
Jan 1, 2020, 9:51 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: LON|JHB
Posts: 433
This worries me. Got my first ever business class long haul flights booked for the summer in a combination of herringbone and qsuite.
Went with Qatar on the strength of the positive noise I've been hearing in the past year or so, particular in regards to the qsuite.
As I don't really have a business class yard stick to measure against, perhaps it'll be fantastic regardless.
Went with Qatar on the strength of the positive noise I've been hearing in the past year or so, particular in regards to the qsuite.
As I don't really have a business class yard stick to measure against, perhaps it'll be fantastic regardless.
You'll be fine with rear facing seats for a couple. It was very intimate, and was indeed special for us.
You'll always remember your first business or first class experience as something special. Ignore much of the nit-picking that goes on here, business is business class and huge step up whatever the carrier. Indeed I can't think of a better way to start than on QR. Mine was on an MH 737-400 from SUB-LGK some twenty odd years ago. I'll still tell you that the lounge was fabulous, the seat amazing, and the service the best!
Jan 2, 2020, 5:52 am
#12
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 345
I flew GF rather randomly about eighteen months ago when they started the 787 on LHR. In general GF were a notch down on the ground to the other Gulf Carriers. The lounge at LHR is acceptable, but nothing special, same for BAH. Good curry in both though. Crew were good on board, the apex suite lovely and the food more basic than you'd find on other carriers, but actually well executed. The dessert trolley is still going strong and a delight! Wine selection was poor, the advice from the crew being to stick with the Champagne which was as I recall Feuillatte. Really nice coffee, and a date and Arabic coffee pre-departure.
Jan 2, 2020, 6:26 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: LON|JHB
Posts: 433
Great comparison, thank you. If you have experienced, what is the check-in area/fast track security for GF Falcon like in BAH? Many times I have almost booked with GF I would have to stay the night in BAH which would be fine as the Four Seasons there looks excellent but I have wondered about the premium airport facilities compared to QR premium check in/security/immigration which is just world class at DOH. Would be interested in a GF comparison if you are also familiar with the QR premium check in departing DOH?
Jan 2, 2020, 6:58 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: QR Plat
Posts: 2,433
