If its a destination you’ve been saving up for and dreaming for so long, then making it an experience like no other can start with the airline you choose. Yes we travel the world to embrace beautiful places, experience new cultures and expand our horizons and that journey can be enjoyed even before you reach your destination, it can happen the moment you check-in at the airport.
If there are 5-star hotels, there are also 5-star airlines. The 5-Star Airline rating recognizes high standards of Airport and Onboard Product, together with consistent and high standards of Staff Service delivery across both the Airport and Cabin service environments. This prestigious 5-Star Airline rating recognizes airlines at the forefront of product and/or service delivery excellence.
Qatar Airways has won Airline of the Year for a third time – a major accomplishment for an airline to reach multiple times. The highest ranking in the annual Skytrax awards category is a testament to the commitment and dedication to service excellence and a high quality travel experience for all passengers that fly with Qatar Airways.
Let me take you on a business class ride to let you feel what it is to travel 5-star. On my trip to Spain, I rode the Boeing 777 aircraft of Qatar Airways going to Doha. This Manila-Doha route features 24 Business Class seats and 356 seats in Economy class. Qatar Airways was also awarded the title of the World’s Best Business Class.
With extra space, special seat features and attentive award-winning service, you will be immersed in privacy, comfort and luxury.
The 2-2-2 seating configuration creates a spacious cabin area, with wide seats that recline 180 degrees to create a fully-flat bed. With easy aisle access, you can work or relax in ultimate comfort. The seat comes with a power outlet for your laptop and personal devices, USB and audio sockets, and LED lighting.
If you’re on long-hours flight, nothing compares to relaxing on endless entertainment options. The latest blockbuster movies, documentaries, TV series, music and games are available with a wide LCD screen that can be accessed through the touch screen or personal remote-control. Oryx One is an interface for inflight entertainment with up to 2,000 choices for movie & TV shows.
I wanted to do a little throwback with “Back to the Future”. Hello Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
While you relax, the cabin crew anticipates your every need because ensuring comfort is Qatar Airways number one priority. Now that’s what this airline is world-renowned for – its hospitality.
You get a blissful world of comfort with seats that feature extra storage space, allowing you to stow away your belongings within reach. Designer sleeper suits & slippers are offered to complement your lie-flat bed. To help you revive & refresh, exclusive amenity kits from Iconic Italian brands Giorgio Armani Fragrances & Beauty deliver five-star indulgence in the sky.
These kits, given a signature touch, features “Acqua di Gio” and “Armani pour Homme” together with Armani men skincare products and the new feminine Giorgio Armani “Si” range and “Crema Negra Extrema supreme reviving creme”, as well as eyeshades, socks, earplugs, a nourishing lip balm by Rituals Cosmetics and a hair brush for female passengers.
The fine cuisine is a delight with creations by world-renowned Michelin star chefs Nobu Matsuhina and Vineet Bhatia. Exquisite meals specifically for the skies. The on-demand ala carte menu allows you to choose your meal from a wide selection of options, and lets you decide your preferred time to dine.
Here’s a sample menu I had :
- Coconut soup with shredded chicken, cube rice & wine
- Lemon & garlic marinated grilled chicken with chive, mashed potato, cherry tomato confit, balsamic glazed pear onions
- Blue, brie & cheddar cheese with fig chutney and red grapes
- Seasonal fresh fruits
Qatar Airways has also appointed James Cluer, a world-renowned wine expert, to select the finest wines for you from around the world to enchance your meal and complement you palate.
Had a glass of Kopke Colheita 1974 Port Wine – medium sweet, ultra smooth, powerful flavors of toffee & dried fruit with a nutty aroma – the finish is long & complex – the hallmark of a very fine wine and specially awesome for a good Adam Sandler movie in front of you.
Even kids will enjoy the traveling experience with Qatar Airways young traveler entertainment options. A TV channel filled with the latest movies, shows and games to keep them entertained. There are also activity kits filled with puzzles, coloring pages and crayons.
The economy class of Qatar Airways is comfort redefined. With the 3-3-3 seating configuration on-board the Boeing 777, it offers a more spacious setting. The design of the seats offers generous legroom and enough space to eat, relax and sleep comfortably. You can also enjoy a selection of meals catering to a variety of tastes & preferences. A wide selection of fine wines and champagnes are on all US flights.
Qatar Airway’s new gateway to the world is located in Doha, on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Hamad International Airport immerses you in a world-class environment with progressive design, effortless luxury and sophisticated technology.
Your preflight experience is made quick and easy with abundant service desks, wide check-in counters and speedy security clearance.
A main attraction in the Hamad International Airport is the giant teddy bear. Its a 6.8 million dollar, 23 foot, 35,000 pound bear! It was made by New York based Swiss artist Urs Fischer and bought by a member of the Qatar Royal family.
If you’re meeting someone, just say you’ll meet at the teddy bear because its very hard to miss. Everyone was taking a selfie in front of the bear. This one was taken from outside my hotel window.
What? A hotel inside the airport? The Airport Hotel at Hamad International Airport has 100 rooms available providing customers with exceptional facilities and services to help them relax between flights.
