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.
Roy Cavanagh says
Looks fantastic, especially the food. Have to say I've been very impressed with the food and service in economy on Qatar Airways flights London to Bangkok via Doha. More recently I've been using Etihad who have also been very good in economy. Like you, I had a welcome surprise with a business class upgrade when I flew back to London for the Olympics. Food in economy is good with Etihad, but the menu in business class is something else. Seeing all these photos of food made me chuckle, because I was taking photos of everything I ordered too. I guess you can tell us people who don't get to fly business class too often!
Cheri Arnold says
I was lucky enough to have that same kind of experience when traveling from Thailand to Paris! I was all ready to ask for a change to an aisle seat when they surprised me with an upgrade to Business Class! Wonderful service, very clean cabin and restrooms, and delicious food! Best flying experience EVER! ! !
Michael Stellwag says
Dave, we are pleased that you enjoyed your trip with us and had a successful journey. You certainly gave some very good exposure to the beautiful country of Indonesia.
We truly pride ourselves in the premium cabin services we provide, and it's great you were able to experience it first-hand. So, how was the Black Cod? That's Chef Nobu's specialties, and a personal favourite of mine as well.
We hope to serve you again on another Qatar Airways flight.
A warm thank you from the entire Qatar Airways Community team.
Michael S.
Dave says
The Black Cod was fantastic. I thought it was impressive that you partnered with world class chefs to create the menu.
I'm still amazed at how well everything tasted, and was presented. And the champagne...I could get use to that!
Anita Mac says
While I have not flown with Qatar, I did fly business with Air Canada to Europe to begin my European adventure this year! It was a real treat - especially the sky beds for stretching out! I am actually looking forward to my return flight as it will again be business, especially after the debacle with EasyJet as I flew to Paris. I realize they are a discount airline - but a little help and a smile goes a long way when there are hiccups in the system!
Now I just have to wait and see what happens with the hurricane hitting the Eastern Seaboard - could be extending my time in Europe!
Jam@icoSnap says
Nice! I have flown business with Lufthansa but not Qatar yet, their food looks amazing... Hummus on an airplane FTW.
kamal gangwal says
we got a surprise upgrade from india to doha on the 9th august 2016 it was a fantastic experience service etc was unbelievable traveling with wife and son hope that same happens on way back on the 12th september US to DOHA keeping fingers crossed
Stuart Bates says
Whilst I have never flown with Quatar Airlines before,your write up has really made me enthusiastic for my forthcoming flight with them in February to the Maldives,I do have to change at Doha, and have not heard many good reports about the airport!. I am sure the flight will more than compensate for that though, even though I am booked in economy! Thanks for the article!
Dave says
Stuart, the current Doha airport is fine. I've had a total of 4 layovers/transfers there, and it's well-marked and easy to get around. The hard part is being there at ridiculous hours, like 1-3 AM.
I flew back from Bali to Berlin in economy, and was perfectly fine. I did miss the champagne though :)
Victoria says
Hi Dave,
I really like your post about Qatar. I've never flown them but you have made an excellent write-up about both the Economy flights and the Business Class flights. I might be flying with them next year and your flight assures me somewhat ''cos even though I'm well travelled I've never flown a Middle Eastern airline before!
Nice one!
Dave says
You're welcome Victoria. Like I said in the article, I had a great time flying economy and would do so again. I'm curious to see their new airport in Doha too!
Benjie says
Many Middle Eastern airlines are luxurious. Asian airlines are generally luxurious. They offer way better services than any airline globally. Of the few 5-star airlines (by Skytrax) in the world, all are based in Asia (including Qatar Airways, the only 5-star airline from the Middle East). I'd say Qatar's Business Class services is better than Cathay Pacific's, another 5-star airline.
Edidiong says
What did you do to earn a surprise upgrade. Did you pay any amount of money? I'll be going back to Nigeria from Delhi nextweek and I need to upgrade to business class from economy cos I'm in love with their business class.please hint me on how to go about it.
Dave says
I don't know, it's still a mystery to me, but I suspect they saw me tweeting about my upcoming flight, and that I'd had a good experience flying with Qatar in the past. They didn't ask for anything in return, but I suspect they were hoping I'd share my experience via social media (which I did), and maybe even write a blog post (which as you can tell, I couldn't resist doing either).
Andre clermont says
It's nice that you were upgraded. I personally would have dressed up more appropriately ( pants and shirt) but hey.... Flight attendants is now the term used instead of stewardesses.