A First class airline (Qatar Airways)

Member Name: smudge377

Product:	Qatar Airways
Date:	15/02/09 (296 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very comfortable, good entertainment and reasonable prices

Disadvantages: none really

I wanted to write this review, to let everyone know how happy I had been with the service Qatar airlines offered us on our recent trip to India.

To begin with I have to praise the reservations staff, which was really helpful when I realised 7 days before we flew, that I had booked a flight that flew out on Gatwick, but into Heathrow. This would have been very tricky as car was due to be parked at Gatwick, so would have had to get coach or taxi transfer would not be cheap. Rang the lovely staff at Qatar airlines and they arranged for a change of flight and instead of charging me £270.00, which is there standard rate, only charged me £70.00. So I was well pleased.

Checked in on line on outbound leg, all very straightforward, and meant we just had to drop bags, and wander though to departures. Boarded plane, and were welcomed by very smiley airline staff.

Having a husband that is 6 ft 2, means leg room is paramount, and he felt very comfortable with the space. (Interestingly seat pitch is the same as Air Sri Lanka, but the way they placed metal boxes under seats meant they felt very cramped).

Our flight was only about half full, so many people chose to stretch out on middle 4 seats (my husband did), but I was very happy having my 2 seats to myself.

The food was excellent, best airline food I have had. Complimentary drinks as required, and later on in the flight a light snack.

Really enjoyed their entertainment package on first leg, as you could choose what you wanted to watch, and when, then pause it, rewind at your leisure etc.
Husband recommended the music channels, as you could go through and make your own play list. There were also a few good games. I'm not a "gamer" but played solitaire, and "who wants to be a millionaire" which kept me amused.

Flight was on time, and we landed ahead of schedule in Doha. LHR to Doha flying time 6.5 hours. We had about 1hr 30 mins in between flights, just perfect.
I loved it because there was a smoking room, so I could go and top up nicotine levels. Also had chance to have a wander around, and stretch legs.
Interestingly, went to buy drinks, but they only accepted dollars or pounds. I only had £2.50 in change, and the drinks came to £4.89 for 2 cokes, but the man accepted £2.50. Never bartered for airport drinks before!

Second leg was in a smaller plane with a 3-4-3 formation, but again as plane not full, we had 3 seats between 2, so were very comfortable.
Sadly, entertainment on this leg was not so good. It was the traditional 1 screen bet 6 seats, and they were showing a Hindi musical with subtitles. Husband said it was entertaining, but I resorted to my book. The flight was just over four hours, and we landed smoothly in Cochin.

Our return journey meant a 5am flight from Cochin, so 3am check in, as we couldn't do it online. Again all very smooth, plenty of spare seats on both legs, and nice food. The return flight was one of the best and most comfortable ever, and the 12 hour journey flew by.

Our flight price was around £485. Per person, this seemed very reasonable to me.

I've just booked our holiday for next year, and insisted on flying Qatar again.
Well worth a try

Summary: I reccommend them highly