Apr 22, 2008 02:11 PM
6791 Views
Hi Friends
I Had taken Qatar airways flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi Via Doha and Back. Both my experiences were quite different one was pathetic and one was just awesome.
On 16th of Feb 2008 I took a flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi Via DOHA, I Could not get a ticket on ethihad and hence decided to take Qatar, since it was rated by Skytrax as a 5 star airline. But this experience of mine was pathetic. I expected them to have the facility of online check in, so that I could come late to the airport and also choose my seat, but they did not have this facility and I had no option but to go 3 hours before departure the standard time required.
I Had with me 23 kgs in my suitcase although my ticket showed that I could carry 20 most of the airlines I have flown including the domestic airlines allow a grace of 5-10 kgs, plus I had one hand bag 6 kgs within the norms of 7.5 kg and my laptop. I told them I would take my hand carry and laptop in hand which they refused saying only one peice of luggage is allowed, now I have taken 2 peices of hand carry one bag and one laptop on other airlines, Over that they weighed all three bags and got the total to 37 kgs and chraged me excess for 10 kgs, made me feel like I was carrying gold on the flight. Paid the excess of 2800 INR, the ground staff were very inconsiderate.
Now the seating configuration in economy was 2-4-2 and business was 2-3-2, the leg room was good. The food was good but not very warm, I expected a small Tv in front of every seat but there were over head TV's for every 4 rows of seats, crappy in flight movie. Reached Doha on time that was one good thing on the flight that it was on time. Reached Doha Airport and took the bus to the main terminal building, went through security check and immeadiately proceeded to the Abu dhabi flight "Change of aircrafts here" A smaller air craft with a seating of 3-3 in economy and 2-2 in first. A Small snack was served as the flight was barely 45 mins. No inflight entertainment, also no hard drinks on this sector was served.
On my return I did not have high expectations from this airline, My cousin knew someone in Qatar airways so he let my excess weight of 7 kgs this time pass through, was happy about that. The leg from AUH - DOH was good and on time with a very smooth landing, again a small snack and a chohalate was served with a juice. You are not allowed to carry any liquor on Qatar airways from Abu Dhabi so I had to do my duty free shopping for booze in Doha.
In doha to my surprise there was no currecny exchange but they accepted AED "DHIRAMS" so I paid in AED. Did not loose much on the exchange rate, they accept GCC currencies and Major currencies like USD, Euro.
On the return league from DOHA to Mumbai the seats had ample leg room with a leg rest in economy too, we were served hard drinks like red label, wines etc, the meal was nice and warm and tasty, the best part of it was each screen had a small TV set and there was a huge selection of entertainment and audio channels in 5 languages, arabic, hindi, english, chinese and french. The programs were properly categorized under various titles like comedy, romantic, thriller etc, there was live news also, each seat had a phone to make calls Via Satelite. There were interactive games like who wants to be a millionaire, chess, cards, word games etc. Also a nice collection of Hindi and English Movies. The flight took off about 10 minutes late but reached about 20 minutes early. The cabin crew had a pleasing personality and looked good. I Would not have bothered if this flight would have been delayed, was watrhcing flintstones after a long time lol.
Still have had mixed experiences, I feel their services should be consistent to have the 5-star ratings also they should install a camera below the base of the air craft so that take off and landing could be viewed.
