After 2.5+ years into pandemic, the wait is over! I am flying far again! With border relaxation in most countries, I am going for a multi-country trip again! This time, flying with Qatar Airways!
For long, I had wanted to fly Qatar Airways in its Qsuite. In early 2021, I bought the tickets for December flight. Unfortunately, by that time many countries were still not open, or were open but required many COVID-19 test procedures and processes to enter. I postponed the trip to March 2022. I then postponed again to Summer 2022. And this time, for real, I am flying international!
Booking
Booking the tickets via the Qatar Airways website was easy. Thanks to Qatar Airways’ flexible booking policies, changes and full refund were allowed. In fact, as of this writing, it is still the case. Since my initial booking, I had made several itinerary changes and also had requested a refund for several times.
At the Airport
Our trip is from San Francisco to Phuket with a 3-hour stopover at Doha. With full excitements, we arrive at the airport 4 hours before our flight. I am surprised the check-in counters have been open. There is not really a waiting line at the counters but our check-in process is taking longer than I expect due to the checking of destination entry documents, such as travel insurance, COVID vaccination certificates, etc.
At the Lounge
At San Francisco Interntional Airport, Qatar Airways shares the lounge with Air France and KLM airlines. After the security checkpoint at Terminal G, the lounge is located right to the left.
There are various lounges at this place. Our lounge is on the first floor.
The lounge is very small – this area as shown below; one smaller room to the left side, and finally one more small area beyond the door at far right.
Food choices are limited.
And some seating area with aircraft view.
Hanging around at Airport
It’s a beautiful afternoon. After eating at the lounge, I walk around at the airport to spot some airplanes.
And here is the Airbus A350-1000 bringing me to Qatar!
Boarding
It’s time to board the plane.
There are 46 QSuites on this aircraft.
For welcome drink, I opt for the Qatar Airway signature drink – lemon mint juice.
Departure
A very beautiful, rolling takeoff on runway 28R. Flying through the thick cloud, into the blue sky. Very mesmerizing scene!
Seats
There are 46 business class seats (Qsuites) in 1-2-1 configuration. Qsuites can be found in certain Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircrafts. Basically, it’s a seat with a sliding door. When the door is closed, the passenger has more privacy inside.
If you travel as a party of 4, a Quad can be chosen. A Quad is a cluster of 4 center seats customized for travel companions.
The seat can be changed to a 180-degree flat bed. There is an ottoman to the right. With that, the bed becomes more spacious, which I find that sleeping position is more comfortable.
The footrest.
The other 2 seats in the Quad can be changed into a full-size bed.
Food and Service
The flight crew is very friendly and attentive. With Qatar Airways, for business class passengers, dinning can be at any time from its extensive a la carte menu. After take-off, the crew members begin to take meal orders but again, business class passengers can order food and drink any time during the flight. Besides the main courses, there are light options for food. The food is very delicious.
Internet access is available on this flight. Qatar Airway Privilege Club members (free to join) get a 1-hour free WIFI access. WIFI for the entire flight costs $10 USD. The think the price is not expensive at all. I measure the internet speed using Ookla. The download speed is 22 mbps and upload is 2.14 mbps.
Landing
Right before landing, flight crew members hand out a box of chocolate candies.
Time flies fast. After flying for 14 hours and 55 minutes, we finally land at Doha International Airport. It is a extremely smooth landing, thanks to the pilots.
Conclusion
Qatar Airways is a great airlines. It has great food and service. Their business class product, Qsuite is exceptional. I definitely recommend Qatar Airways to anyone.