On January 26th 2011 my wife and I flew from Manchester to Dabolim via Doha.The flight was mid morning at 08.55am which we thought was a good time.Check in was orderly and efficient with lots of Qatar airlines staff in attendance for assistance.
We had already joined the Qatar Privilage Club online so we presented our cards along with our tickets to be told we could have an additional 10kgs luggage allowance.We did not need it.After check in we proceeded through a very fast and efficient security system operated by Manchester airport.After a short time we proceeded to the departure lounge and got a pleasant surprise, a smoking area.Not for me but for my wife.Even as a non smoker I think all airports should have an area like this.After a short period we were bussed to our aircraft, a Airbus 330/200.We had selected a double seat together which we duly got.
After take off and about 1 hour into the flight the staff arrived with a trolley.This became the worst part of the flight.They were serving drinks at the SAME time as the breakfast meal.As a consequence some people got a not very hot breakfast. Later on in the flight we received a drink of fresh orange and even later a sandwich and Tea/Coffee.
After Six and a half ours flying we arrived in Doha.
We were bussed from the aircraft which took all of 15 minutes to the appropriate terminal.We then went through a security check which left a lot to be desired.Once through a multitude of staff were on hand to give directions to our connection to Dabolim/Goa.
After a couple of hours wait, which passed very quickly we were bussed out to our next flight.Next year they hope to have a new terminal which could alleviate a lot of this "Bussing".I must point out that Doha airport has a lot of "smoking" rooms for our smoking fraternity.
Our next flight on our trip was on an Airbus 321.Two rows of 3 seats.The same problem arose with the service, drinks and meals at the same time.This caused an even bigger problem in that the aircraft only had one isle and the cue for the toilet at one stage had 22 people in it.The flight itself was smooth and arrived 30 minutes early.Transition through immigration and baggage reclaim was quick, Not in any way like the return trip through Dabolim airport where there were ques everywhere.The scanner the check in and also immigration.Not to mention the gigantic ques trying to get into the airport.No one knows how we managed to board the plane on time.
After boarding the aircraft for the return flight the only problem was again the drinks/meal service.The plane landed in Doha 15 minutes early.The connecting time was even shorter for the plane to Manchester at 1hour and 25minutes, but once again it was efficiently done.Even with the seemingly usual chaos at security.We had expected to take of 20 minutes early but with the late arrival of some connecting passengers we took off 20 minutes late.The aircraft landed at Manchester spot on time at 12.30 pm.The trip from the aircraft via immigration took about 15 minutes so by the time we reached the carousel our luggage was already starting to appear.The general concensus of opinion is that although Qatar call themselves a 5*star airline they have a little way to go to acheive this status.They could take a few tips on in flight service from perhaps Emirates or British Airways.
We will fly with them again next year.