msm2000uk

2nd bus gate in the past week, and I'm not even sure the planes were parked in Doha, let alone at DOH!

The frustration is also that these flights seem to leave late, because the buses take that much longer to arrive at the aircraft than normal jetbridge boarding.

M

KingCanute

There used to be some good 3 to 4 mile drives from the departure terminals to the far side of the runway at the old airport too. If you like looking at planes there's plenty to see

msm2000uk

Currently on stand 502, which I believe means I'm back at LHR T5!

Saw a plane with a rainbow tail which was cool, albeit couldn't tell what it was because we headed in the opposite direction.

M

nilsfr69

I have used the economy bus any time i liked. If I arrive at the gate early enough, I just board. Yes the scanner person ask me every time if I really really want to go NOW, but why and how should she/he be able to deny me boarding the eco bus?

seanp7

Yes, yesterday we were over at the 600-series gates and departed 20-30 mins late. Captain was apologetic but did hint at the refuelling and paperwork being the cause which, as you mentioned, can be due to dependency on the long process of bussing.

I guess they just need to keep building (as they are) to get this rectified...

On the bright side, you get some lovely aircraft pics on the tarmac / stairs for entry

QatarA340

I could've swore I saw a QR A380 pilot fighting with a Oman 737 over a parking spot in Concourse A. hahaha

I actually know that, but what I meant was that ground operations, or airport control, advise pilots of their respective parking bays to be remote to save manpower costs for pilots and cabin crew. I could be wrong though, as remote parking would require busses, fuel, manpower to operate buses, ensure saftey, etc...

QatarA340

I could've swore I saw a QR A380 pilot fighting with a Oman 737 over a parking spot in Concourse A. hahaha

I actually know that, but what I meant was that ground operations, or airport control, advise pilots of their respective parking bays to be remote to save manpower costs for pilots and cabin crew. I could be wrong though, as remote parking would require busses, fuel, manpower to operate buses, ensure saftey, etc...

chspw1

I hate this bus boarding nonsense.

I want to get on board, have a drink and if a night flight have time to change.

I have seen people be given a glass of champagne and have it taken off them after a sip because they are tidying the cabin for take off! I have complained so many times but it gets worse not better.

Im a BA member, but have in recent years preferred QR…but at the moment am flying BA more and more as I hate the QR ground experience…..not in any way luxury!

lost_in_translation

I'm guessing the issue is perhaps that the number of Business Class buses has not increased with the number of QR flights departing from bus gates. Five or so years ago there would be a Business Class bus or two waiting at the start of boarding, QR would call boarding for J first and that bus (or possibly two buses) would set off for the plane once full. Then another bus would either wait or appear halfway through boarding which would take any J passengers who turn up after boarding is first announced to the plane when the gate closes. Now it seems like that first trip doesn't occur any longer and instead all J passengers need to wait until the gate is closing, presumably because there aren't enough buses to do two trips.

nilsfr69

Amateur... I always cary 3-4 disposable Paper/Plastic cups, so I am never under stress to enjoy my PDB...

ChrisHB12

I would always take the eco bus just to be early on board in J in order to store my stuff, re-dress and take one or two pre departure champagnes.

IAN-UK

which is perhaps why the airline is not in too much of a hurry to source the additional luxe-buses it would need to get its business-class passengers on board early

ph-ndr

I have many times been given a paper cup of champagne to carry me over on the trek from a remote stands to the security... it work's at both ends of the trip.

-A

seanp7

Another reason to upgrade to F on the A380 (where applicable) perhaps - guaranteed (?) a real gate and you can get onboard first and polish off three glasses of Armand de Brignac before takeoff like I did last week… *hiccup*