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Dom A trip
David Morrisa
2023-08-26T11:36:00Z
- I spent over 40 hoursflying business classto Qatar, Kenya and Tanzania with Qatar Airways.
- Dining options, luxury facilities and staff service were top notch.
- It was the best business class experience I have ever had.
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I was lucky enough to experience itbusiness and first-class seatswhen I travel, but since tickets can cost upwards of $10,000, I try to use my frequent flyer points to book them.
When planning my mother's birthday trip to Africa, we were thrilled to find a reward destination - airfare redeemable for points or miles - to Nairobi, Kenya and back from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Qatar Airways using American Airline AAdvantage Loyalty Program.
Qatar Airways wonThe title of the World Airline Awardsit was ranked in the world's best business class more than once (last time in 2023), so it was an offer I couldn't pass up indifferently.
In total, Mom and I parted with 150,000 miles and paid $300 for flights. Our friends chose the free miles ticket and paid $8,600 per flight. person.
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The Qatar Airways check-in queue was long, but there was no waiting for business class passengers.
After dinner in Dallas, Texas, my brother drove us to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Although there were more than 100 people in line to sign up,Qatari Airlineshad a special line for business class customers.
The agent checked our documents, confirmed that our bags from the previous flight had been received and issued our boarding passes before sending us to the lounge.
Qatar Airways business class passengers have access to the American Airlines main lounge.
When we entered the salon, we were greeted with a glass of champagne. We were immediately placed in chairs with our friends who had just arrived. The lounge was comfortable and had a self service bar and buffet.
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The boarding gate was busy, but not for business class passengers.
The agents called business class customers so we boarded quickly and avoided the long line.
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Soon we were sitting in our Qsuites, Qatar Airways' elevated business class seats.
Qatar Airways has launched its Qsuite business classin 2017, Qsuites allow you to convert four seats into a mini-quad cabin, providing privacy and comfort.
My mom and I chose the two forward-facing seats for more separation, and our friends chose the seats that convert to a double bed.
I was impressed with the spaciousness of the suite and loved the privacy door - there was even a do not disturb button.
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We got some extra perks.
Most airlines reserve pajamasfor premium customers, but Qatar Airways offers them to long-haul passengers in business class.
I paired withWhite society- her pajamas cost more than $100 - in a huge business class bathroom stocked with French luxury brand Diptyque.
We were also offered a kit of toiletries filled with self care samples and a chilled towel.
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After take off I had a glass of champagne and a cheese plate.
Although I was tired, I treated myself to a glass of 2007 Laurent-Perrier Grande Cuvee Alexandra Rosé - at over $150 a bottle - and a cheese plate.
The flight attendant also insisted that I have a glass of De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon, an Australian dessert wine.
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I slept a full eight hours.
Thestewardesswe completed the capsule setup by placing a mattress covered with a duvet on top of our beds. I fell asleep immediately.
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When I woke up, I ordered lunch.
I woke up and set my watch to Nairobi, Kenya, the time before I ordered lunch.
Qatar Airways offers a "meal on demand" policy, so you can order any dish from the menu at any time. To start I was offered a small bowl of corn soup amuse-bouche. I chose tandoori prawns with kachumber salad as a starter and chicken biryani as a main course.
Everything was delicious and something I would happily eat in a real restaurant.
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The flight attendant insisted that I try the dessert as well.
Even though I was full, the steward insisted that I try to get dessert. I tried the delicious lime and lime cheesecake andcardamom tea.
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I ate dinner before landing.
Considering how long the flight wasFor lunch I ordered a cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. I paired it with a Bloody Mary and a glass of Bordeaux.
I also got a tea service which included scones, sandwiches and cakes.
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We had a five-hour layover in Doha, Qatar.
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar was fantastic. I saw amazing shops, restaurants and art installations. The most striking artwork at the exhibition was a massive 20 ton teddy bear by Urs Fischer.
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We went to Al Mourjan Garden, Qatar Airways' new business class lounge.
Business class customers can choose between two lounges, which is why we chose the recently opened Al Mourjan Garden Lounge.
Spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, the space includes 24 quiet rooms, a not-yet-open Dior spa, showers and plenty of seating overlooking the airport's beautiful architecture.
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There were also plenty of food options in the lounge.
The salon had a buffet table, a deli,and a well-stocked bar. There was even a sushi bar where I ordered some rolls that tasted fresh.
Soon it was time for the next part of our journey, the flight to Tanzania.
On this flight lie flat seats were offered instead of Qsuites - angled seats instead of a full 180 degrees.
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I went straight to bed but had a light breakfast before I got there.
I skipped dinner because the flight left at 02.00 and managed to get five hours of sleep. I woke up 45 minutes before landing and was served a quick breakfast of almond praline clafoutis, croissants and saffron tea.
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We landed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, checked in and were invited to use the Twiga Business Lounge.
A salon representative met us at check-in and escorted us through security, immigration and to the salon.
The waiter asked if we wanted anything from their limited menu, including curry fries and samosas.
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We went to the gate and were surprised to see an Oman Air plane.
We were a bit confused when we reached the entrance and found an Oman Air plane at the door.
The agent at the gate explained that Qatar Airways leases these aircraft to increase their operational efficiency, but they are still operated by Qatar Airways.
The Oman Air plane was new and fresh.
While I liked the extra legroom, the seats were a bit narrower than other flights we've flown on.
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We had a four course lunch with wine.
The service on this flight was excellent. I chose pumpkin soup with boiled red lobster salad and fried snapper. For lunch I had coconut curry with sesame and basmati rice, and for dessert vanilla and passion fruit panna cotta.
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After landing, we checked into a hotel room for a layover and returned to the airport in the morning.
Qatar Airways offers a super-luxury immigration channel for business class customers, so customs clearance was hassle-free.
We had a long stay in Doha, in Qatar, so yesI reserved a roomat the Mandarin Oriental in Doha and returned to the airport in the morning.
As with our arrival in Qatar, there was an exclusive departure channel for premium passengers.
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All in all it was the best business class experience I have ever had.
Our return flight to Dallas coincided with our return flight. In about 15 hours I treated myself to good food andI fell into a peaceful sleep. I also paid $10 for an internet card to make up for the work.
Although there was no caviar and slightly less legroom than first class, the service and overall experience was excellent. This is by far the best business class experience I have ever had.
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