Where have I been? Will try to be more active again!
Where have I been? Will try to be more active again!
Member since:07.11.2004
Reviews:55
Members who trust:35
Well, we decided to head back to Thailand this time. Last time we flew with Emirates. However, the flights with Qatar were coming up cheaper and for the dates and times we wanted. My husband's family had used Qatar in the past and were pleased with their trips. So, we decided to go with them.
Our flight was from Manchester to Qatar to Bangkok and then the reverse for going home.
~ Booking ~ We booked this flight in January 2007- 11 months before we took the flight. We went to Ausitravel and had them look for our flights. It was done quickly and we got our vouchers 2 weeks before we left.
~ Check-In ~
We are NEVER ones to get to check-in late. My one obsession with flying is that I don't want to miss a flight. Thus, we are always VERY early for check-in. So, we were at check-in 1 hour before it even opened. However, we WERE NOT the first ones in line. It is good to know that others are just as obsessed as I am with checking in!
Once check-in opened, everything ran smoothly.
We asked for emergency exit seats. The woman had to call another desk to have them release the seats. However, it was no problem with that. We were quickly check-in, given our boarding passes and off we went through security.
~Boarding~
The last time we were at the Manchester airport during the summer, we had a very eventful 2 days and I was not looking forward to repeating that event. However, boarding began on time with no problems.
Boarding in Qatar for the outward flight was quick. We landed, boarded a bus, brought to the terminal, went through x-ray again, we up escalator and went straight to boarding. We then got on another bus and boarded the plane. All in all from landing to boarding 2nd flight- 30 minutes! Efficient!!!
Bangkok has a beautiful new airport. We had not been there since it was opened. Boarding was fine. But, beware, once you go through x-ray, there are no places to eat.
~ The Cabin and Seats ~
The plane looked very clean and modern. There is a nice burgundy and grey décor and the seats looked comfortable. There was a pillow and blanket on the seat. However, my husband is a larger man and he found these seats uncomfortable because the sides are rigid and he just didn't get comfortable. There was LOADS of leg room! I was comfortable and was able to snuggle in easily.
The Qatar to Bangkok flight was more comfortable for my husband than me. I am HATE being in the middle seats and sitting next to strangers. I ended up at the back of the plane in a middle seat next to some fellows who thought it was great fun to giggle at someone who was obviously not like them. I felt uncomfortable and tried to sleep for most of the flight. My husband, on the other hand was VERY comfortable and enjoyed the flight.
For the return flights, we made sure that we had a window and aisle seats. This should have worked except that we ended up behind a couple who thought that they should keep their seats in the full reclined position for most the time and they bounced around more than a toddler! I am short and they kept hitting my knees with the seat back!
The last leg of our trip was great. Seats were comfortable and all people around us pleasant. Hey, that is all I ask for!
~ Fight and Meals ~
The flights over all were good. The flight attendants were good and dealt with our request quickly and with a smile. There was a group of "older" lads who were complaining that they weren't getting their beers fast enough. The WERE drinking one after another. I think they were trying to drink the cost of their flight. They became very rude and at one point, my husband went to the back of the plane to show a presence and told the staff in a very loud voice how well they were coping with the flight and how well they were doing. They seemed to quiet the lads down a bit!
All of our flights had seat back tvs with a wide variety of video, tv and music choices. The flights from Manchester to Qatar and reverse were ON DEMAND. However, the Qatar to Bangkok and reverse were NOT on demand. Headsets were given for everyone.
The only time we received a comfort pack was on the flight from Qatar to Bangkok on the outward bound flight.
The food was good. There was a good choice and plenty of it. It was tasty on all the flights and they served drinks WITH the meals. I think that this is important. Too many times they come around with drinks an hour before meals are delivered and you have nothing to drink!
~ Cost ~
We flew out a few days before Christmas and came home a few days after New Years. This is one of the more expensive times of the year. However, we found the flights reasonable at approx. £700 per adult for economy class. We did look at business class and 1st Class. However, the price drastically climbs. There are also very few business class seats. I think I counted 21 seats on the planes we took.
~ Recommendation ~
I would recommend this airline. The problems I had were nothing to do with the airline themselves. The price was less than other airlines for that time of year and flights were on-time. It will be an airline I look at if we are headed out in that direction again.
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Advantages: Value for money in business, excellent service, good wine! Disadvantages: No flat bed in business, lower standard on Africa route, premium terminal falls short
Cat199 11.02.2009 (11.02.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Qatar Airways - QTR
Advantages: Five Star Service, Low Fares, Very New Aircraft, Generous Frequent Flyer Plan Disadvantages: Change of Plane at Doha...a very cramped Airport. Inconsistant Product.
caligulase19 15.06.2005 (15.06.2005)
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Review of Qatar Airways - QTR
Feb 11th, 2008
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