First class to Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Feb 1, 2021, 7:41 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 15
First class to Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Hello,
I wanted to book a flight from DOH to DXB in First Class.
Normaly all flights to arabic neighbour countries are sold in Economy Class and First class. I just can find fares in Business Class to DXB and AUH.
Does anyone know why?
I wanted to book a flight from DOH to DXB in First Class.
Normaly all flights to arabic neighbour countries are sold in Economy Class and First class. I just can find fares in Business Class to DXB and AUH.
Does anyone know why?
Feb 1, 2021, 9:57 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,946
In Gulf States/Middle East, QR markets their forward cabin as first class even though it's a business class seat. As a first class passenger you'll get access to Al Safwa first class lounge in DOH (presently closed but when it reopens) and champagne. It's a great way to enjoy first class experience at business class prices.
Feb 1, 2021, 12:15 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 15
In Gulf States/Middle East, QR markets their forward cabin as first class even though it's a business class seat. As a first class passenger you'll get access to Al Safwa first class lounge in DOH (presently closed but when it reopens) and champagne. It's a great way to enjoy first class experience at business class prices.
I do not know why.
Feb 1, 2021, 3:08 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
The alternative view is you are buying business-class seats at a first-class fares. Business-class travel within the region can be painfully expensive.
Feb 1, 2021, 4:20 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 909
It seems like since the route relaunch, they've started selling the Business class cabin as actual business class fares. In most cases, they're using a 2 class 787 on the route so I guess this makes sense to sell it as business class given that's what the actual seat is.
At this stage, they've only loaded flights until the 28th of March so perhaps they'll change it after that?
At this stage, they've only loaded flights until the 28th of March so perhaps they'll change it after that?
Feb 1, 2021, 9:17 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,156
Probably because the Al Safwa lounge is still closed. Since the amount of service possible on a 235 mile flight is severely limited, the main differentiator will be the ground services in Doha, however at the moment that is only J ground services. So it is difficult to sell it as F.
Feb 2, 2021, 6:26 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: UK/TZ
Programs: QRPC Plat; Marriott Plat; Hilton Gold
Posts: 353
I am not sure why you would want to pay more for the same service? Am I missing something..? The service you will get in Business both on ground and in-flight are the same right now since the Al-Safwa lounge is closed..
Feb 4, 2021, 12:21 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Tokyo
Programs: BA Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 194
Probably because the Al Safwa lounge is still closed. Since the amount of service possible on a 235 mile flight is severely limited, the main differentiator will be the ground services in Doha, however at the moment that is only J ground services. So it is difficult to sell it as F.
Feb 4, 2021, 12:24 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Tokyo
Programs: BA Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 194
I used to fly JED-DOH-DXB all in First, got double first class Tier points, and it wasn't crazy First class pricing.
Last edited by Boten; Feb 4, 2021 at 12:59 am
Jun 22, 2021, 10:39 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,993
According to BA I've just been downgraded from Business Class to First Class (Yes, that's not a typo) on my flight, an Avios redemption, from DOH-DXB in September.
Seems First is back on the DXB route.
Seems First is back on the DXB route.