When Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism gave me the opportunity to choose my own flights from Berlin to Jakarta for a press trip, I jumped on Skyscanner and searched. Qatar Airways was one of the first airlines to appear for that route, so I knew my search was over, but little did I know I'd be flying Business Class.
I'd flown Qatar on another long, two-day route from Bangkok to South Africa. The service, and especially the food, impressed me so much that I wrote about it at the time. Fast-forward four years, and I'm standing first in line at the Qatar Airways check-in desk at Berlin's Tegel Airport. I'd arrived three hours early, only to learn check-in didn't start until two hours before the scheduled flight.
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The Upgrade
When the counter opened, I approached as usual, but this time, I was given the surprise of my adult flying life—a free upgrade to Business Class! Thomas Stetz, an Airport Services Manager for Qatar Airways, delivered the good news while I stood there in disbelief.
I don't mess around with loyalty programs and collecting frequent flyer miles, so "Business Class" and "airport lounges" are not part of my flying experience. After completing the check-in process, I was given directions to the airport lounge.
The quiet, comfortable atmosphere was a refreshing change from the rest of Tegel airport, which I didn't particularly care for (and which will close in 2013 due to the opening of Berlin's newer, larger airport).
Flight #1: Berlin to Doha
Later, upon passing security and boarding the flight, I took my window seat, 1A, at the front of the plane. To my right was a German businessman sipping a glass of champagne. When the stewardess offered me a pre-flight drink, I pointed at his drink and said, "I'll have what he's having."
Amenities
Then came the amenities. My favorite was the noise-canceling headphones. Now I understand why people walk around cities wearing these oversized headphones; they make a big difference. I don't know how I can go back to using my Apple earbuds after hearing how well the noise-canceling headphones block out the constant roar of plane engines.
Another bonus was the designer toiletries by Salvatore Ferragamo, offered both for him and her. The accompanying nylon bag was nice enough to keep, thus replacing the Hefty Ziploc bag I'd been using recently.
After takeoff, we were served mixed nuts and more drinks. I powered up the Oryx in-flight entertainment system, which featured many movies, TV shows, and music. The selection is the same for all passengers, which is an excellent aspect of flying Qatar Airways, whether in Business Class or Economy.
The Business Class bathrooms had extra amenities, including toothbrushes (precisely what I want after a long flight) and disposable razors. It also smelled nice. Because there were fewer passengers per bathroom, there was little to no wait time whenever you needed the facilities.
The Food: Dinner #1
Along with the entertainment system, I remembered the food best from my 2008 flights. I appreciated the food in Economy back then; Business Class blew my mind. The menus were akin to a restaurant on the ground, featuring the creations of celebrity chefs who'd designed them while considering the effects of eating in a dry cabin at 35,000 feet.
Every meal began with the setting of a white tablecloth. It added an elegant touch to the otherwise mundane atmosphere. A large, white cloth napkin was also provided, along with enough utensils to last a 7-course meal.
What impressed me most about the food in Business Class was that it tasted good, and so much attention was given to detail and presentation. I don't know how the chefs, stewards, and stewardesses pull it off, but they deserve to be commended.
I couldn't resist another few glasses of champagne during the flight. It was a novel experience, and who knows if I'll ever have the chance again. After dessert was served, we were presented with a box of two Godiva chocolate truffles. Even I have my limits. I tucked the box away in my backpack to enjoy the following day.
Layover in Doha
I didn't get any sleep on the flight from Berlin to Doha and was in a semi-conscious state when I was deposited in the main transfer terminal. Qatar Airways operates a separate terminal specifically for premium members, but due to my last-minute upgrade, I couldn't use it.
In 2013, Doha will be opening a new airport twice the size of the current one. I imagine the services for premium members at the new airport will be outstanding. The regular Doha transfer terminal was just as I remembered it. This time, I could access a lounge with free food and drinks.
Flight #2: Doha to Jakarta
Two and a half hours later, I boarded the Boeing 777 from Doha to Jakarta. This nine-hour flight necessitated a larger plane, allowing for a larger Business Class cabin. The seat positions were controlled by buttons on the armrest, and massage options were available. The TVs on the 777 were larger, though I thought the resolution was better on the smaller screens used on the previous flight.
We received the same amenities as before, including the noise-canceling headphones. Additionally, we were given Qatar Airways pajamas. They consist of a long-sleeve shirt and thin, sweatshirt-like pants. I didn't see anyone using them, but it was nice to have the option.
The Food: Dinner #2
I enjoyed another pre-flight glass of bubbly and perused the dinner service menu. I was still full from dinner on the first flight but wanted to continue sampling the Business-Class food, so I chose a few light options.
Ok, maybe chocolate mousse isn't "light" per se, but it was easily the best dessert I've eaten at 35,000 feet. Once the final morsels were consumed, I turned off the entertainment system, fully reclined my seat and slept for a few hours.
When I woke up, breakfast was being served. Still full from my two in-flight dinners, I chose the continental breakfast, which included a croissant, bread, and a fruity marmalade in a glass jar. Before I knew it, we landed on the tarmac in Jakarta, and my Indonesian adventure was about to begin.
Whether flying Business Class like a rock star or economy class (which I flew on my return flights), Qatar Airways continues to impress me with its friendly, attentive service and commitment to high-quality food.
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The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia arranged my Berlin to Jakarta flights in conjunction with a two-week trip to the country. Thank you again to Qatar Airways for the surprise upgrade to Business Class.
