A week before my girlfriend and I were scheduled to leave for Cape Town we had to completely rebook our trip. Originally we were going to fly from New York to Hong Kong and onto Cape Town with Cathay Pacific in premium economy. However, a week before our departure date we decided that we didn’t want to risk getting stranded somewhere because of the coronavirus. So, just 7 days before our scheduled departure date I went to work looking for new flights.
While searching for new flights I found a great deal in business class on Qatar Airways from Oslo to Cape Town via Doha. The fare was only slightly more than we paid originally for Cathay Pacific premium economy so I jumped on it. After all, we would be getting a refund on our Cathay Pacific tickets anyway.
I’ve been wanting to fly in business class with Qatar Airways ever since my insane Qatar Airways mileage runs back in 2017. Since then I’ve compared every single international premium cabin trip to Qatar Airways. So, I wanted to fly with them again to see if they are still as good as I remember. I’ve also been wanting to share the experience with my girlfriend for some time now. I’ve told her countless times about how much I love Qatar Airways so I was excited to finally show her first hand.
Arriving At Oslo Gardermoen Airport
My girlfriend and I arrived at Oslo Gardermoen Airport the morning of our flight to Doha. To get to Oslo we first took a Lufthansa First Class flight from New York to Frankfurt. Next, we caught a intra-Europe business class flight, also on Lufthansa, to Oslo. By the time we arrived at the airport we were already exhausted.
When I first booked our flights we were originally going to arrive in Oslo at noon. This would leave us just a three hour connection before leaving for Doha. Sure the connection was a bit tight (especially when connecting in Europe, in winter, and the flights weren’t protected), but I had faith that it would all work out (gulp). Thankfully it did, but because of a Lufthansa flight change we now arrived in Oslo much earlier. Ultimately our new layover in Oslo totaled 6 hours which turned out to be a bit painful.
See, Qatar Airways (and many other airlines) doesn’t open the check-in counters until 3 hours prior to a scheduled departure. This meant that we had to sit in departures hall with all of our luggage for just over 3 hours before we could go airside and visit the OSL lounge.
As we were both exhausted, the long layover was a bit frustrating. I would have much rather spent the time in the Lufthansa First Class terminal as originally planned.
Thankfully, the layover passed by fairly quickly and before we knew it the Qatar Airways check-in counters were open. On the plus side, Oslo’s airport is beautiful so there are definitely worse airports in the world to wait for a flight.
Qatar Airways Business Class Check-In
Because of the 3 hour check-in window, the lines for checking into a Qatar Airways flight can be quite long. This was definitely the case for any economy passengers wishing to travel to Doha on our flight.
Luckily, Qatar Airways offers dedicated Business Class check-in lanes (with rugs) for passengers with elite status or sitting in the premium cabin.
Even better, Qatar Airways agents do not allow economy customers to use these lanes when there aren’t any business class passengers present. This meant that when we showed up to the counter we did not have to wait for an agent.
When we arrived at the check-in counter we immediately handed our passports over to the check-in agent. Within a few moments the agent collected our checked baggage and handed us our boarding cards. The entire check-in process took less than 2 minutes.
Navigating Oslo’s Airport
The check-in agent who handed us our boarding passes also told us that we could use the “Fast Track” security lanes. These security lanes are located on either side of the departures area. To access the fast track lanes you only need to scan your boarding card. From there, the gate will open automatically and you can proceed to the security checkpoint.
Security took all of a few moments and before we knew it we were airside in the departures hall. From there, we had to proceed through a set of secure doors into the International Departure gates (D, E, and F).
After passing through the automatic doors we were in the international departures area of the airport. We then had to pass through a customs checkpoint to officially “leave” Europe. Once through customs we then proceeded upstairs to the OSL Lounge
The lounge was extremely crowded and not much to look at so I decided to avoid taking any photos. It is nice that Qatar Airways offers lounge access in Oslo, but it is a far cry from other Qatar Airways lounges.
Boarding Our Qatar Airways Flight To Doha
After a quick visit to the lounge we proceeded to our departure gate. Our flight to Doha departed from gate F12 which turned out to be a secured gate. That means, you have to present your boarding card to enter the glass enclosed gate area. Once inside, you could not come and go as you pleased. Instead, you’d have to wait inside until the agent called your boarding zone forward.
Because of this, my girlfriend and I opted to wait in the departures hall until we heard the boarding announcement for business class passengers. When we finally entered the gate area, I couldn’t believe how crowded it was. Every single seat in the area was taken by other passengers. I’m very glad we decided to instead wait outside.
As expected, the boarding process went very smoothly. We just handed our boarding cards to the agent who directed us toward the jet bridge door.
Passengers could board the aircraft from either the L1 or L2 boarding door. Inside the jet bridge, Business Class passengers were directly left toward the L1 boarding door while economy passengers were directed right to the L2 boarding door.
The L2 boarding door actually splits the business class cabin. Rows 1-6 are forward of the L2 door while rows 7-9 are aft of the L2 door. Since we were seated in row 9 we should have used economy class jet bridge to enter the aircraft as it would have been a shorter walk to our seats.
Qatar Airways A350-900 Business Class Cabin
As I write this I’m actually at a loss for words. I think it’s hard to explain just how truly beautiful the business class cabin is on Qatar’s A350-900. I remember flying on this aircraft a few years ago and feeling a bit sad. Back then, I thought that Qatar would phase this cabin design our in favor QSuites. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened because this cabin remains as stunning as ever.
As I mentioned, the business class cabin is divided into two sections by a boarding area. Most airlines simply have a mid-cabin galley in this space, but Qatar Airways instead put in a rotunda of sorts. This center area double as an in-flight self-service bar area for business class passengers.
One of the things I love most about the cabin design of the A350-900 is how spacious it feels due to the lack of overhead bins and a central galley. There is just so much open space in this cabin it’s staggering. The only drawback of course is the limited privacy, which I don’t mind. I much prefer the open design as it eases any claustrophobia you may experience during a long-haul flight.
On the forward wall of the business class cabin is a large entertainment monitor which either displayed the aircraft tail camera of moving map throughout the flight. On the back wall of the cabin is a beautiful photograph of the iconic Doha skyline.
I really can’t think of a prettier aircraft cabin design. The whole business class cabin just feels so elegant and spacious.
Qatar Airways A350-900 Business Class Seat
The business class cabin features 36 business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. Window seats area the obvious chose for passengers traveling alone as they offer the most privacy.
While the middle seats are the better option for a couple traveling together.
For the relatively short flight to Doha, my girlfriend and I selected seats 9E and 9F at the very rear of the cabin.
Each seat offers a generously sized in-flight entertainment monitor with Qatar Airways’ Oryx One entertainment system.
The IFE screen is touch sensitive, but can also be controlled via the handheld remote found in the seat.
The seat’s controls are prominently displayed along the center counter of the seat and are especially intuitive to use.
Perhaps the thing I love most about these particular seats is the ample storage available while seated. There is a large bin on the inside of the seat that is large enough to store personal items.
Likewise, the armrest opens to store the provided Oryx One headphones and a bottle of water.
Finally, there is a clever little drawer beneath the seat in front of you to store footwear.
This seat has among the most in-seat storage I’ve ever found in business class. This really is a welcomed feature of any great business class seat.
Qatar Airways Business Class Pre-Departure Service
As we settled into our seats the cabin crew stopped by to introduce themselves. One of the nice parts of traveling as a couple is that we were able to interact with crew members assigned to either side of the aircraft. So, if my girlfriend asked for something, the crew member would also lean over to make sure that I was comfortable as well. I noticed this right away when we first ordered our pre-departure Champagne.
The pre-departure Champagne arrived with the business class food and wine menus. These menus were considerably smaller than those offered just a few years ago which is a welcomed change from the last time I flew with Qatar Airways.
As we enjoyed our pre-departure Champagne we switched the IFE screen over to the high definition A350 tail cam. It’s always interesting to see just how much activity there is surrounding the aircraft before departure.
Before long we pushed back from the gate and quickly taxied to our departure runway. In total we made the final turn for the departure runway within 10 minutes of pushing back from the gate.
Then, in short order, we were in the skies above Oslo making a sweeping turn toward Doha. My girlfriend and I ended up watching the tail cam for well over the first hour of the flight.
It is especially nice to have the tail cam when seated in the middle seats away from a nearby window.
Qatar Airways Business Class Lavatories
Shortly after takeoff I visited the lavatory to freshen up before the meal service. The business class cabin on the A350-900 features 3 lavatories reserved for premium cabin passengers. The forward lavatory is located near the cockpit door while the other two are located near the rotunda. I’d personally recommend visiting the two center lavatories as they are a bit larger than the forward lavatory.
As with the rest of the aircraft, Qatar Airways’ business class lavatories are very well designed. The bathrooms feature faux wood finishes and a smart black marble (looking) counter. The lavatories are also outfitted with Rituals lotion and body mist.
Complimentary dental and shave kits are also available to Qatar Airways business class passengers in either lavatory.
When I exited the lavatory the cabin had completely transformed thanks to the impressive recessed mood lighting.
Admiring The Business Class Cabin
My goodness just look how stunning this cabin is in the afternoon light with the gold and purple mood lighting. For what it’s worth, that photo is unedited, that’s exactly how the cabin looks in person.
I also love Qatar’s use of texture on the rotunda bar area and the subtle backlit “Qatar” branding on the right corner.
Lastly, it’s incredible how much the feel of the entire cabin changes thanks to the dramatic lighting scenes. The above photo was taken shortly before the meal service began when the cabin crew lowered the automatic sheer window shades.
Qatar Airways Business Class Dining Menus
As I returned to my seat it was time for dinner. Well, technically Qatar Airways offers a “dine on demand” meal service. This means that you can order anything on the menu at any time throughout the flight. This sounds fantastic, but it doesn’t always work in practice. I say this because, often the best dinner choices get taken immediately, so if you chose to wait to eat, you might miss out on your first choice. However, you can technically order anything on the menu whenever you please.
Prior to placing my order I first browsed the business class menu and wine list.
The wine list began with a short introduction which explained the careful ongoing curation of the in-flight wine menu. The next two pages were dedicated to the two Champagnes offered on our flight to Doha.
The wine menu continued with various white wines from all over the world.
There was a nice mix of traditional wine options and more unique options.
The menu continued with a few red wines which were also available throughout the flight.
Finally, there was also a port and dessert wine available to polish off the meal service.
On the final page of the wine menu was a list of spirits, beers, cocktails, and liqueurs available on the flight.
After browsing the wine list (I stuck with Champagne) I opened the dining menu to select my meal options.
Qatar Airways Business Class Dining Menu
Because the flight to Doha was a daytime flight there was only one “meal service” available. In this case, due to the afternoon departure, passengers were offered a dinner service. On the menu were three different entrees along with the usual soup and appetizer offerings.
Following the meal options was a beverage menu consisting of coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic mock-tails.
As I browsed the various menus a flight attendant reached my seat and took my meal order. It was at that time that I reserved my meal options and requested the dining service to begin as soon as available. However, as I mentioned before, with Qatar Airways’ “dine on demand” service, I could have requested my meal at any time throughout the flight.
Qatar Airways Business Class Dining
The dining service began about 30 minutes after I reserved my entree options. Shortly before the flight attendant visited my seat to set my table, she delivered another glass of Champagne paired with a bowl of warm nuts.
A short while later the flight attendant returned with a tablecloth, a bowl of warm assorted breads, a drinking glass, and a tea candle. The little candle is battery operated and flickers inside of the paper lantern. It’s a very nice touch that helps elevate the whole eating on an airplane thing.
The flight attendant also dropped off a pair of salt and pepper mills similar to those offered in Lufthansa First Class.
A short while later the flight attendant returned to drop off a smoked salmon amuse bouche.
The amuse bouche was followed up by the signature Arabic mezze which I order anytime I fly with Qatar. It’s a fantastic dish made better by the warm pita pairing.
Following the mezze I ordered an Old Fashioned to drink and the sliders as my entree. Both the sliders and the drink were adequate although neither were great.
I picked at the sliders for a bit, but ultimately did not end up finishing the entree. I wasn’t all that hungry to begin with, but the sliders just didn’t really hit the spot. When the flight attendant returned I informed them that I was finished and they promptly cleared the tray table. It was then that I asked for a cappuccino which arrived a short while later with a box of Godiva chocolates.
Overall the dinner service was fine, but looking back I wish I would have ordered the beef cheeks. I didn’t as the time because I wasn’t all that hungry, but I bet that dish would have been better than the sliders.
Arriving In Doha
Immediately following the meal service I reclined my seat into the mostly reclined setting and took a much needed nap. I ended up sleeping for about 3 hours and woke up right as we were beginning our initial decent into Doha. At this point it was night time and the cabin was mostly dark. Likewise there wasn’t much to see from the HD Tail Cam.
Before long we touched down at Doha’s Hamad International Airport shortly before midnight local time. From there we had a fairly lengthy taxi around the airport to eventually come to rest at a remote stand. Of all the times I’ve flown Qatar Airways I’ve almost always arrived at a remote gate. Even though a remote gate isn’t as nice as a standard gate, Qatar Airways makes disembarking plenty comfortable.
Business class passengers proceeded down the mobile stairs into a luxury bus which drove us to the main terminal. The bus ride only lasted a few minutes, but was plenty comfortable given the spacious seating arrangement. After the short ride to the terminal we exited the bus and entered the transit area of the terminal. From there we cleared security in moments and were inside the main terminal.
Final Thoughts
Simply put, I can’t believe how well the Qatar Airways A350-900 has aged. I haven’t flown on this aircraft in a little less than three years, but the cabin looks as beautiful as ever. I’m not sure if we were on a newer aircraft, but the plane showed virtually no signs of wear and tear that you’d expect to see on a several year old jet. So, overall, I love the Qatar Airways A350-900 business class cabin.
As far as the rest of the flight, we ended up with an incredible crew that attentively looked after my girlfriend and I. Each time my girlfriend asked for something the flight attendant would also ask me how I was doing. The same was true on my end whenever I requested anything. Likewise, the crew was constantly stopping by to make sure we were happy. We were fortunate enough to have an incredible crew on our flight which absolutely makes or breaks a flight like this.
My only complaint about the flight has to do with the catering. I’m not sure if my expectations were too high from when I flew Qatar last, but the catering felt a bit reserved. There were only three dinner entree options available which seemed limited. However, the flight was just 6 hours which is on the shorter side for Qatar. Overall, the catering just felt like a miss. Still, the food was fine and turned out to be far superior to anything I’ve come to expect on American Airlines…
