One of the experiences everyone should try when visiting the Middle East is by experiencing Business Class with Qatar Airways, as the world's first five-star airline always delivers.
During a trip to Doha in 2016, I had the opportunity to try a business class for this seven-and-a-half-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The experience alone has changed my perception of long-haul flights.
Usually, I fly around Southeast Asia on short-haul flights, and this is the first time in years since I have taken a long-haul flight and on business class with Qatar Airways, where I almost forgot how incredible the experience is.
Remember that the flatbed feature here made my experience complete after the long flight to Doha to attend the Qatar International Food Festival 2016, a yearly event here.
Remember that the flatbed feature here made my experience complete after the long flight to Doha to attend the Qatar International Food Festival 2016, a yearly event here.
Review of Qatar Airways Business Class Flight
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| The Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in KLIA. |
As my flight to Doha from Kuala Lumpur was early in the morning, the check-in process was a breeze at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport check-in counter at Row K.
The Qatar Airways check-in staff that attended to me was professional and accommodating when I was asked several questions about the flight. Due to the limited time I had, I missed the opportunity to try out the premium lounge here at KLIA.
The Qatar Airways check-in staff that attended to me was professional and accommodating when I was asked several questions about the flight. Due to the limited time I had, I missed the opportunity to try out the premium lounge here at KLIA.
The flight was on board a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane as this was also my inaugural flight on this aircraft type; though I have seen them before, I have never flown in one. Looking at the aircraft from the waiting lounge, I already felt good about the flight to Doha.
Business Class Seats on Qatar Airways
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| The Qatar Airways Business Class Seats. |
As I boarded the aircraft, the friendly Qatar Airways flight attendant led me to my seat, which was 1A and as she was a local Malaysian, communication was smooth and easy for both of us.
Introducing herself as Salina, she explained to me about the meals on board and also about the flight, indicating that if I needed anything, I should just look her up or any of her colleagues in business class.
This flight with the Boeing Dreamliner only offered economy and business class seating.
There was no first class on the flight, and one of the specialities here is the honeymoon seats for those newly married couples who want some privacy.
Qatar Airways Business Class Dining
From the welcome drink to the main course and desserts, everything was perfect, and the level of service was exceptional.
This, of course, comes as no surprise, knowing that Qatar Airways was the first airline to be branded as a five-star airline.
For me, the service part always comes before anything, and Qatar Airways staff did a fantastic job in this department.
The desserts were very impressive as it has been a long time since I tasted such fine quality for this, and I enjoyed them so much; I wanted to ask for seconds, but knowing I was attending a food festival in Doha, I decided to pass on it.
One of the things I loved about flying business class with Qatar Airways was the entertainment system and equipment provided.
For starters, the selection of movies and television shows is impressive, but to top it off, it is the noise-cancellation headphones that made it complete.
This was that one toy that I kept testing to see how well it worked, and it was pitch-perfect.
Watching my movie was such a peaceful experience compared to my average in-flight experience, as I could hear every little detail in the movie with all outside noise cut off. Now, this is what I call watching a movie in peace.
Qatar Airways Full Flatbed Seats
For a long-haul flight, I usually take a nap, and with the all-new flatbed in the Qatar Airways business class, I just had to try this function.
The command console had several seating or sleeping functions, and by pressing the fully flatbed button, the entire seat slowly went into a flatbed position in about eight seconds.
When a flight attendant saw me preparing for my nap, she immediately came over to assist me by helping me with the blanket and other minor things.
Laying down flat at 30,000 feet felt as if I was in the comfort of my own bed. The extra pillow the flight attendant gave me also made it even more comfortable, and within minutes, I was in dreamland.
Introducing herself as Salina, she explained to me about the meals on board and also about the flight, indicating that if I needed anything, I should just look her up or any of her colleagues in business class.
This flight with the Boeing Dreamliner only offered economy and business class seating.
There was no first class on the flight, and one of the specialities here is the honeymoon seats for those newly married couples who want some privacy.
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| The honeymoon couple seats in business class. |
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| Privacy for couples at the honeymoon seats. |
From the welcome drink to the main course and desserts, everything was perfect, and the level of service was exceptional.
This, of course, comes as no surprise, knowing that Qatar Airways was the first airline to be branded as a five-star airline.
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| The desserts are served in business class. |
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| A very localized fine dining meal in business class. |
The desserts were very impressive as it has been a long time since I tasted such fine quality for this, and I enjoyed them so much; I wanted to ask for seconds, but knowing I was attending a food festival in Doha, I decided to pass on it.
In-Flight Entertainment on Qatar Business Class
One of the things I loved about flying business class with Qatar Airways was the entertainment system and equipment provided.
For starters, the selection of movies and television shows is impressive, but to top it off, it is the noise-cancellation headphones that made it complete.
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| Noise Cancellation Headset in business class. |
Watching my movie was such a peaceful experience compared to my average in-flight experience, as I could hear every little detail in the movie with all outside noise cut off. Now, this is what I call watching a movie in peace.
Qatar Airways Full Flatbed Seats
The command console had several seating or sleeping functions, and by pressing the fully flatbed button, the entire seat slowly went into a flatbed position in about eight seconds.
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| Full flatbed on the Qatar Airways Business Class. |
Laying down flat at 30,000 feet felt as if I was in the comfort of my own bed. The extra pillow the flight attendant gave me also made it even more comfortable, and within minutes, I was in dreamland.
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| The bathroom in the business class area is spacious and fully equipped with amenities. |
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| The super-sized large, dreamy windows with a dimming effect. |
One of the things I would like to highlight about the Qatar Airways Dreamliner plane is the magical windows with dimming effects that are absolutely amazing.
Each of the windows is 19 inches tall and 65% larger than the standard aeroplane windows, which, of course, enhances your plane views by letting you see more outside.
Each of the windows is 19 inches tall and 65% larger than the standard aeroplane windows, which, of course, enhances your plane views by letting you see more outside.
The fading or dimming effect is something that most passengers will be thrilled by, just like me, who could not resist testing this function out.
How the dimming effect works is fantastic - A special electrified gel is sandwiched between two thin pieces of glass, and as the electric current increases, the gel darkens, and as it drops, the gel lightens. How unique is this technology?
How the dimming effect works is fantastic - A special electrified gel is sandwiched between two thin pieces of glass, and as the electric current increases, the gel darkens, and as it drops, the gel lightens. How unique is this technology?
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| View of the Business Class onboard Qatar Airways. |
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| Business-class view of The Pearl Doha as the flight was about to land. |
After about seven hours of enjoyable sleep, I woke up to find that the flight was about to land at the Hamad International Airport in Doha.
I looked out the large dreamy windows, and I could clearly see part of The Pearl Doha, which is a massive man-made island catering to luxury living and also as an entertainment hub for Doha.
Why Did I Visit Doha?
I looked out the large dreamy windows, and I could clearly see part of The Pearl Doha, which is a massive man-made island catering to luxury living and also as an entertainment hub for Doha.
Why Did I Visit Doha?
My inaugural flight to Doha, Qatar, was provided by Qatar Airways, and the experience onboard was surreal, considering that this was my first business-class flight to the Middle East.
I was heading here for a five-day trip to attend the Qatar International Food Festival, which takes place in the early part of the year in Doha.
This assignment was arranged by Qatar Tourism, who also allowed me to experience beyond the city of Doha as I explored the Qatari Desert and many other unique destinations here.
I was heading here for a five-day trip to attend the Qatar International Food Festival, which takes place in the early part of the year in Doha.
This assignment was arranged by Qatar Tourism, who also allowed me to experience beyond the city of Doha as I explored the Qatari Desert and many other unique destinations here.
Conclusion
For those planning to visit anywhere in Europe, I recommend flying business class with Qatar Airways, as the experience will guarantee to be an amazing one.
And for those with connecting flights, you will transit to Doha, where you will be spoilt with choices for some excellent duty-free shopping.
You could even be a winner of one of the many luxury cars from the famous Qatar duty-free shopping contests. I hope you enjoyed my review of the business class flight onboard Qatar Airways.
And for those with connecting flights, you will transit to Doha, where you will be spoilt with choices for some excellent duty-free shopping.
You could even be a winner of one of the many luxury cars from the famous Qatar duty-free shopping contests. I hope you enjoyed my review of the business class flight onboard Qatar Airways.