A380 First Class Marathon... 48 hours of Qatar, Emirates and Etihad
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555
The starter in the Dubai lounge looks like Kebbe (Syrian / Lebanese style). However the Iraqi Kebbe is different (more time consuming to make) and also is delicious but not fried. My aunt used to make both and I regret I never took the recipes. I wonder whether less people are chosing to fly on Qatar due to the boycotts. Anyway clearly no food shortage.
Thanks very much brg.
Away from FT for two weeks, and so am late to another excellent TR from SFO777. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into bringing these alive for all of us!
On a side note, "Le G" from Chteau Guiraud (your UA transatl flight) is very acceptable for a business class offering (but not for F of course). People tend to think that dry whites from Sauternes are inferior, but actually some of them are pretty good, like this one, which is also organic. Just visited the vineyard the other day to buy another case..... (I never take any notice of Robert Parker, BTW! Better to listen to the sommelier of one of the top London restaurants....)
Looking forward to the rest of your trip!
On a side note, "Le G" from Chteau Guiraud (your UA transatl flight) is very acceptable for a business class offering (but not for F of course). People tend to think that dry whites from Sauternes are inferior, but actually some of them are pretty good, like this one, which is also organic. Just visited the vineyard the other day to buy another case..... (I never take any notice of Robert Parker, BTW! Better to listen to the sommelier of one of the top London restaurants....)
Looking forward to the rest of your trip!
Al Safwa is a large and seemingly empty space, but I actually like the lounge a lot. Even when 'busy' it never feels full. The catering could be better, but that is down to the silly no cooking rule in the airport.
The bar is very good and I'm advised by friends, because I have not needed to use them, that the sleeping rooms are very comfortable.
The bar is very good and I'm advised by friends, because I have not needed to use them, that the sleeping rooms are very comfortable.
#80
#81
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
#83
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Norway/Thailand
Programs: M&M FT, IHG Gold, SPG Gold, Discovery Platinum, Choicehotels Gold, Norwegian reward
Posts: 15
Thank you for another great trip-report!
Very enjoyable reading.
While I personally never would consider to fly or visit any of the middle-eastern airlines/places seen in your fantastic trip, I am 100% sure you had a pleasant experience!
Not too often I log into the Forum, but then again, great to read reports like this! Thanks ^
All best
TimeFlyer
Very enjoyable reading.
While I personally never would consider to fly or visit any of the middle-eastern airlines/places seen in your fantastic trip, I am 100% sure you had a pleasant experience!
Not too often I log into the Forum, but then again, great to read reports like this! Thanks ^
All best
TimeFlyer
#84
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dubai
Programs: skywards
Posts: 13
you are lucky to try the best first classes in the world in my opinion.
I think Etihad has the best first class and Al safwa lounge is the best and most luxurious lounge i ever been to, it is even better than a lot of 5 stars hotels.
thank you for sharing your experience
I think Etihad has the best first class and Al safwa lounge is the best and most luxurious lounge i ever been to, it is even better than a lot of 5 stars hotels.
thank you for sharing your experience
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555
Qatar A380 First Class to Guangzhou
Our flight was delayed for a half an hour and we headed out to our Gate B3 just a little after 2am.
Doha-Guangzhou
Qatar QR 874
A380-800
2:20a-3:30p (sked)
2:55a-3:40p
August 22, 2017
Suite 2A
We arrived at B3 to find a long queue for the main cabin.
Once we identified ourselves as First Class, we were immediately welcome to go upstairs to the First and Business boarding area, and then immediately on board.
Nice night-time cabin lighting of the elegant First Class cabin which we had all to ourselves.
And yet another glass of champagne, tonight served by our personable Flight Attendant Rita.
The wine list was the same as CDG-DOH. Tonight's menu.
Rita had an easy flight tonight as we both slept most of the way to Guangzhou.
My bed in 2E. Sorry I forgot to take a pic when it was nicely made.
For breakfast, I chose Chicken congee...
...which was delicious.
Our approach to Guangzhou.
Our flight was delayed for a half an hour and we headed out to our Gate B3 just a little after 2am.
Doha-Guangzhou
Qatar QR 874
A380-800
2:20a-3:30p (sked)
2:55a-3:40p
August 22, 2017
Suite 2A
We arrived at B3 to find a long queue for the main cabin.
Once we identified ourselves as First Class, we were immediately welcome to go upstairs to the First and Business boarding area, and then immediately on board.
Nice night-time cabin lighting of the elegant First Class cabin which we had all to ourselves.
And yet another glass of champagne, tonight served by our personable Flight Attendant Rita.
The wine list was the same as CDG-DOH. Tonight's menu.
Rita had an easy flight tonight as we both slept most of the way to Guangzhou.
My bed in 2E. Sorry I forgot to take a pic when it was nicely made.
For breakfast, I chose Chicken congee...
...which was delicious.
Our approach to Guangzhou.
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555
From our arrival gate, it was a 5 minute walk to customs and immigration.
Where we were for a good half hour if not more. We took advantage of the 24/72 hour visa-free transit which is available in many Chinese cities including Guangzhou. And just as FlyetTalk's Short hair Francis predicted, our short stay prompted a few questions. We were first told that we didn't have enough time (less the 8 hours) to qualify. Then shuttled off to a secondary area where we waited for 30 minutes while our request was processed. We chatted with another westerner who had lived in Guangzhou and was back visiting friends, and reassured us that this was just part of the bureaucratic paper-pushing Chinese dog and pony show. Sure enough, a few minutes later, we were approved to enter the country.
We had pre-arranged for a local private guide (highly rated on Trip Advisor) to meet us, show us Guangzhou and drop us back at the airport later that night. Xaq was waiting for us with a name sign and we exited the terminal and our driver "Peter" pulled up a short time later.
By this time, it was nearly 5:30pm and we're headed off for the city center of Guangzhou.
In rush hour, it took more than an hour. Given our later arrival and visa issues, we were at least 90 minutes behind schedule. So we decided to skip the previously planned Six Banyan Temple, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Pearl River cruise and go right to dinner at a local Cantonese restaurant that Xaq has suggested.
Xaq ordered for the table and we thoroughly enjoyed his selections.
Rain from the approaching typhoon had picked up during dinner as we found Peter and headed for a nightime tour of new Guangzhou.
Despite the off and on rain, we got out at the new Guangzhou Library for our walking tour of impressive new Guangzhou.
In the distance, iconic Canton Tower.
We took the subway for the 1 stop ride under the Pearl River to Canton Tower.
And a look back across the Pearl River.
At the base of the Canton Tower, we met Peter for the 70 minute drive back to the airport.
With a population of 13 milliion, Guangzhou is the 3rd largest city in China. Obviously, five hours is way too short to really do it justice.
Where we were for a good half hour if not more. We took advantage of the 24/72 hour visa-free transit which is available in many Chinese cities including Guangzhou. And just as FlyetTalk's Short hair Francis predicted, our short stay prompted a few questions. We were first told that we didn't have enough time (less the 8 hours) to qualify. Then shuttled off to a secondary area where we waited for 30 minutes while our request was processed. We chatted with another westerner who had lived in Guangzhou and was back visiting friends, and reassured us that this was just part of the bureaucratic paper-pushing Chinese dog and pony show. Sure enough, a few minutes later, we were approved to enter the country.
We had pre-arranged for a local private guide (highly rated on Trip Advisor) to meet us, show us Guangzhou and drop us back at the airport later that night. Xaq was waiting for us with a name sign and we exited the terminal and our driver "Peter" pulled up a short time later.
By this time, it was nearly 5:30pm and we're headed off for the city center of Guangzhou.
In rush hour, it took more than an hour. Given our later arrival and visa issues, we were at least 90 minutes behind schedule. So we decided to skip the previously planned Six Banyan Temple, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Pearl River cruise and go right to dinner at a local Cantonese restaurant that Xaq has suggested.
Xaq ordered for the table and we thoroughly enjoyed his selections.
Rain from the approaching typhoon had picked up during dinner as we found Peter and headed for a nightime tour of new Guangzhou.
Despite the off and on rain, we got out at the new Guangzhou Library for our walking tour of impressive new Guangzhou.
In the distance, iconic Canton Tower.
We took the subway for the 1 stop ride under the Pearl River to Canton Tower.
And a look back across the Pearl River.
At the base of the Canton Tower, we met Peter for the 70 minute drive back to the airport.
With a population of 13 milliion, Guangzhou is the 3rd largest city in China. Obviously, five hours is way too short to really do it justice.
Last edited by SFO777; Sep 7, 2017 at 4:03 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, LH Senator *Gold, AA EXP OWE Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,555
LOL. Me too, I didn't even notice. Here's a close up and indeed, I think she was flipping me off.
Thanks Madone59.
There were a few but the place is so huge that I doubt it feels very crowded at any time.
Thank you very much TimeFlyer for your kind comments.
Thanks ek201. Indeed, it was a great experience to try all three First Class products. In the Etihad is hard to beat as is the Al Safwa lounge on the ground.
Thanks Madone59.
There were a few but the place is so huge that I doubt it feels very crowded at any time.
Thank you for another great trip-report!
Very enjoyable reading. While I personally never would consider to fly or visit any of the middle-eastern airlines/places seen in your fantastic trip, I am 100% sure you had a pleasant experience!
Not too often I log into the Forum, but then again, great to read reports like this! Thanks ^
All best
TimeFlyer
Very enjoyable reading. While I personally never would consider to fly or visit any of the middle-eastern airlines/places seen in your fantastic trip, I am 100% sure you had a pleasant experience!
Not too often I log into the Forum, but then again, great to read reports like this! Thanks ^
All best
TimeFlyer
Thanks ek201. Indeed, it was a great experience to try all three First Class products. In the Etihad is hard to beat as is the Al Safwa lounge on the ground.
#89
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Thanks for the report!
That UA club...is that the new one they built say a year or so ago that upon opening it was immediately determined it was way too small?
When I was with UA I would frequent the club that is across the way from the San Francisco Soup Company but your pics don't resemble that club.
That UA club...is that the new one they built say a year or so ago that upon opening it was immediately determined it was way too small?
When I was with UA I would frequent the club that is across the way from the San Francisco Soup Company but your pics don't resemble that club.
#90
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Al Safwa is a large and seemingly empty space, but I actually like the lounge a lot. Even when 'busy' it never feels full.
The catering could be better, but that is down to the silly no cooking rule in the airport.
The bar is very good and I'm advised by friends, because I have not needed to use them, that the sleeping rooms are very comfortable.
The catering could be better, but that is down to the silly no cooking rule in the airport.
The bar is very good and I'm advised by friends, because I have not needed to use them, that the sleeping rooms are very comfortable.
I wasn't super impressed with my visit to the Al Safwa lounge.