Flight Review - Qatar Airways 3rd String Business Class.... The One They Keep Hidden!

[@craiggemmell3558]

I came across these videos by chance on KZbin and really enjoy them, we flew Qatar a few times from Melbourne to London and thankfully it wasn't on that 330-200, it looked extremely dated but as mentioned they had no choice but to use these old planes. Keep up the great work.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks and g'day! Another exotic Qatar business class video out later today!

[@richardstreet7518]

The quicker QR get all their A350s back up and flying the better.. Great as ever Matt

[@MattsPlanet]

And so say all of us! Well, me at least...

[@johnt6022]

An honest and direct video. Thank you.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@ThePanzoAdventures]

I flew in this business class from DAR to Doha. Thankfully no one was next to me. But I can see how awkward it will be with someone next to you when trying to get up and go to the toilet. Business class should really have direct isle access. Great video though.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! My first time on this from DOH to BKK was with an empty seat next door and it was really quite tolerable - you can overflow your stuff there as well as get in and out without gymnastics... Not on this flight though!

[@racheltoner1906]

Thank you my son is travelling Dub to Phuket today it was great to get a feel of what his flight ✈️ experience is going to be. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@MattsPlanet]

I hope he enjoys it! Not too shabby when he gets off the plane too!

[@racheltoner1906]

Thank you he arrived in his destination safely so I am a happy mother. Your video really helped me seeing how his journey was going to be.

[@Chris-fp3ol]

Good video Matt, I look forward to Sunday's, having been 'sticking around' for a while now! I have a healthy Avios balance so i will definately check out the same routing to see what I can get.

[@MattsPlanet]

Unfortunately what Qatar suggests you'll get often doesn't jive with what you get!

[@amiraleah7780]

Just discovered your videos Matt. Love them! I’m flying business with Qatar from Dublin to Bangkok in Jan and I’m looking forward to it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Welcome! Have a great time!

[@peterlefevre4]

Thank you, Matt, for an excellent and informative video, as always. I recently had equipment change on a BA flight in business from LHR to BLR return. We were supposed to have refurbished 777s on both journeys but ended up with 787-9s. Somewhat of a let down as I had looked forward to trying the club suite.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's really annoying... I'm keen to fly club suites but the risk of not getting them is still high...

[@PointsTravelTechAustria]

I had booked Bkk-Doh-Zrh in first class. Specifically to fly the Cathay 777 first class and they switched the 777 to the 787-9. So no FC on the second leg. The new Business Suites of the 787-9 are very nice but I was quite mad of missing out that once in a lifetime opportunity. No where near the bad experience you had though ;)

[@MattsPlanet]

How annoying... A rare chance to fly something unusual... Hopefully it was still a good experience?

[@PointsTravelTechAustria]

@@MattsPlanet comparing the First Class flight on the A380 to a Lufthansa First Class flight, we enjoyed LH more as a whole. The business flight on the 787 was excellent considering it was „only“ biz. So the experience confirmed what almost every flight reviewer has said. Qatar first: not much better than their business.

[@geoff544]

There are even older 2-2-2 seating on some of the 777s, which we ended up on to JNB, which are similar to those but less staggered. The AM lounge is not solely Qatar business, BA business is OK, but it is not a OW lounge so status alone wont get you in. The main AM lounge seems quieter now that the north lounge is open. I quite like the new OW lounges but that did look pretty busy - and I wonder if the name (eg Platinum South) implies that there will be a OW lounge north at some stage?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Geoff. The new North lounges weren't quite open when I passed though... I think there will also be status lounges "Up North" too in the fullness of time...

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Detailed and objective video Matt. The Orchard must be Doha emulating what Singapore Changi has. As you suggest the equipment downgrade is likely to be because Phuket isn't a business route. Another carrier famed for plane changes is TG.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Alex. You can see the Changi's fingerprints on the Orchard!

[@shivanshjha]

I'll be visiting doha airport after 15 days ( April 11th ) ... very excited to see it for the first time .. but unfortunately I won't have any lounge ascess as I am still a kid and travelling in Economy

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - there's plenty to do even without lounges these days! Decide whether the bear is nice or scary and go visit the trees!

[@shivanshjha]

@@MattsPlanet thanks a lot .. will surely do !!!

[@gregepps4710]

Agree with you, those seats are dreadful. Flown on it numerous times unfortunately

[@MattsPlanet]

Hopefully they are getting re-retired as the Airbus deliveries recommence....

[@nezbrun872]

I think there's a 2.5 String QR Business Class, the 77W in 2-2-2. I'm surprised it's still going, but it is. I don't remember the tight cubby hole for your legs on the 77W. Some say it's not 180, but IME it's pretty darned close, so close I thought it actually was fully horizontal when I was in it pre-covid. Looks like I have it again this coming weekend. Sure, given the choice, we'd all like the QSuites or the 1-2-1. Sometimes schedules and other scenarios get in the way. For a day flight, it's not such a big deal. I'm rather ambivalent QSuites vs the 1-2-1: I actually find the 1-2-1 mode comfortable as a bed, and I find the QSuites have a slight ridge at my lower back making it less comfortable. Anyway, one day I hope to bump into you on a flight because I just know we'd be super nerdy on air travel opinions both retrospectively and now, gushing with that enthusiasm that only geeks can do, but also over a Champagne of three.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks so much. I did a 2-2-2 on a KLM 777 and looked it up when I flew on the A330 - the 777 has a foot more width in the cabin which doesn't sound much but it really made a difference - an A330 as a 2-2-2 is really snug! And I did make a "contrarian" video very early on in the channel's history where I dared suggest that the QSuite may not be quite as perfect as people make out... Having flown it again since then, it is really quite good, but there's a few improvements you could make to it to make it even better.... Cheers!

[@rtb5365]

Informative and detailed as always, Matt. I've really come to appreciate that about your videos. As to equipment changes - ugh, they can be a pain. Lately, I've had VS switch out the A350 LHR-Antigua, BA swiched out the A350 LHR-AUS, and then AA/BA just "involuntarily rerouted" me so that I missed BA A380 flight to DFW and from ORD. In those instances, they did lay on the A350 after schedule shennanigans. And in the US, going from a 737-800 to an Embraer 175 can feel almost clausterphobic - particularly if you plan to have 737-sized overhead bins and then dont. Will you be doing a 'destination' video of Phuket?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I actually had a flight recently where the equipment was changed to a better plane - that video will be along in a few weeks... Merlions might feature! I did take some footage of Phuket but my destination videos do so badly I'm planning an overarching "round the world" video which will include coverage of the destinations.

[@mikiewifnoe360]

As usual, I enjoy your posts. I will be taking Delta on four flights to get to my destination, and as usual, they changed my flights but did give me the ability to change things with no penalty. Delta has done this on my last four flights. Delta is pretty much the company I use since it is the easiest to use out of my home airport, being a small airport.

[@MattsPlanet]

If you're origin is a smaller airport you do find your choices of airline constrained... And Delta is a decent choice - good they proactively told you about changes and gave you a choice.

[@victoria7105]

Informative, as always 👍👍

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@tonyracks2956]

ANOTHER GREAT AND HONEST video thanks matt

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching!

[@guitarsingaporeRapture]

Very interesting. I never knew Qatar had these business class seats in 2-2-2. Thanks for the video.

[@MattsPlanet]

Now you know! And now you know to avoid them!!!

[@GLAFly]

Looks like the same seats that AA use on their A321 Transcon aircraft - absolutely agree at how awkwardly placed everything is around the seat! I think i'd be pretty cheesed off if I got an equipment swap like that - from one end of the scale to the other! Hope the break in Phuket made up for it at least!

[@MattsPlanet]

Phuket was fab!!! I should have gone straight to sleep and just thrown everything in the overhead bin but I wanted to make a video!

[@GLAFly]

@@MattsPlanet your sacrifice is appreciated 🙂

[@MarkWebster1]

Agree that the signage is really bad up that end of the terminal

[@MattsPlanet]

I think I'll be fine when I next pass through but it was really confusing the first time through...

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good review. That mezze is the thing I would most look forward to on QA. I've only been to Phuket once, flying there and back with QA, in the back. I couldn't fault the airline.

[@MattsPlanet]

The mezze is pretty good! As was Phuket

[@nav33d]

Great video Matt. Would you encourage folks to long haul from Dublin whenever they can due to the UK air passenger duty being higher? In your experience has it worked out cheaper for the most part?

[@MattsPlanet]

That was my reason... Although on this occasion I gave a lot of the saving back with an overnight in DUB. Plus DUB had availability and a better connection timing in DOH than LON flights did... But DUB or AMS are good places to start from to avoid the APD

[@nickf619]

Due to travel Qatar in a few months time and scheduled on a non-qsuite 777 with the 2-2-2 bus seat, I’m awfully hoping for an equipment swap in my favour with qsuite but seems unlikely given they seen to have a lot of 777’s in a 2-2-2 which quietly never gets mentioned often

[@MattsPlanet]

Its possible with the return to service of the A350s... But I wouldn't be holding my breath!

[@chrisburton4694]

Last year. I went to Bangkok for work. Flew q suite from Lhr. On way back I went a changed q suite 777 to a 2-2-2 biz. Seat was older than this one. Think klm/turkishs old 2-2-2. Service saved it but a family hoping for a suite were really angry

[@MattsPlanet]

Qatar is notorious for doing this and you have no recourse if they do.... Not great...

[@jarman365]

Still looks better than the coach seat I got from Dallas to Doha and back! 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

That is very true... Long way from DFW to DOH too....

[@jarman365]

@@MattsPlanet you just gained a subscriber, love the videos!

[@Joe-lb8qn]

I'll be flying Qatar business in a few months with stopovers of a few hours at Doha in both directions. Can you explain the different business lounges you mentioned? Business platinum etc? I have no Qatar status.

[@MattsPlanet]

The Al Mourjan is the lounge for people travelling on Qatar in business... It's the only one you'll have access to if you don't also have status, although its probably the best option... A new Al Mourjan North lounge will soon open close to the Orchard which is reportedly going to be a bit special....

[@Joe-lb8qn]

@@MattsPlanet thanks

[@paulhg1ztn]

Hi Matt Yes I had equipment change on BA LHR to DFW went from A 777 to a recent refrubed 747 this was in 2007.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Paul. That sounds like a positive swap! Lots of people would pay good money to get back on a 747 today!

[@ryanwangf]

was confused about the logic. If travelling with QR business class, will choice their own lounge anyway. Why the new platinum lounge will reduce the numbers in the QR business lounge?

[@MattsPlanet]

There were gold and silver lounges for travellers flying with status in economy on Qatar. They didn't want to dilute the experience of their business lounge by letting status travellers in, so built these other lounges. Both weren't brilliant, and during th you-know-what they allowed status holders into the main lounge, and it turned into a crowded zoo. So they've built 2 new lounges to relieve the pressure on the "proper" business class lounges. BA allows status holders into their "prime" lounges in Heathrow - Qatar doesn't.

[@lifelessordinaryxyz]

One always know’s where one is when one is close to the bear!

[@lifelessordinaryxyz]

Sat in that exact spot in Al M lounge. Bottomless Sushi and Mimosas!

[@MattsPlanet]

Absolutely!

[@madds6678]

Same experience at Doha Matt eventually found the silver (or gold) lounge on our return flight it was busy too, the gold lounge in your video looked nice though. The terminal is massive as you mentioned with every expensive designer shop & I’ve never seen so many staff in a terminal before but it is immaculately clean & cathedral like. I have to say I’d be very disappointed if that’s the business seat I was allocated it looked really cramped for your legs the whole seating pod felt claustrophobic to me. I flew on a new Qatar Dreamliner to Phuket but in economy which wasn’t pleasant, the plane lovely but seats cramped. I see tui fly direct to Thailand which if I ever go back I’ll choose rather than changing at Doha

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks... TUI direct versus Qatar indirect in economy.... Interesting choice. Quite nice to just get it over but at least on Qatar you get to have a nice stretch midway...

[@Daniel27600]

Socialblade, the KZbin analytics website, predicts that you will reach 10,000 subscribers on the 8th of May this year! Do you have any plans for what you will do when (not if) you reach this monumental, well-deserved milestone?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Daniel! Not thought too much about it... Did a Q&A special for the 5k so tempting to do another.... What would you like to see??

[@Daniel27600]

@@MattsPlanet Oh yes, a Q&A would be great. I am currently studying accountancy at university and was actually wondering how you got to travel so much with your job. So a sort of ‘Draw My Life’ video could be interesting. And also finding out what other travel youtubers you watch. And your opinion about BA’s downfall. Gosh i keep thinking of new questions while I’m writing this comment, i better stop now! 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

@@Daniel27600 Hey - ping me an email and ask away! It's in the description to every video. Always happy to help if I can

[@kevindonnelly6007]

It's conjecture, obvs, but it seems that particular biz class seat was designed to pack in an extra row while also not having to deliver 1-2-1 seating in the narrower aircraft. Reaching around, over, under, etc. may be geographically efficient but ignores real-life use. Glad those aircraft are going back into mothballs.

[@MattsPlanet]

I remember it being rather good in its day... But times have certainly moved on!

[@iFlyTheWorld]

At least you weren’t on an a320/321 which has even less storage and space. QR often swaps aircraft which is so disappointing.

[@MattsPlanet]

Planning a trip on one later this year to see for myself... And the equipment changes are annoying - they never seem to be positive changes either...

[@tekkieman]

These seats are actually somewhat new. Installed in 2015.

[@MattsPlanet]

Interesting - that's a less impressive choice if they thought this was good in 2015

[@VisualApproach]

IMO they will probably keep the A330s until at least the new gen B777s come online. There is enough demand for QR to shrug their shoulders and send these A330 frames to secondary markets.

[@MattsPlanet]

Demand seems to be off the charts for Qatar so you're probably right... Probably not such a problem on a day flight...

[@peterbrown6224]

That doesn't look too good. I've flown QR to BKK in J a few times, thankfully in something newer and quieter. Usually £1200 ex-EU, but that's return 🙂

[@MattsPlanet]

Hopefully those fares will be back again soon! This was very much the short straw!

[@demiphillips9770]

Singapore vs Qatar vs Emirates vs Quantas?

[@MattsPlanet]

Can only compare Singapore to Qatar - I think Qatar has the better seat, the food is very similar and Singapore has the better service. So neck and neck overall...

[@jjjddd231]

Qantas has the best pilots in control of the aircraft. Do you want service or safety?

[@timtony7153]

Hi Matt, I guess as with everything in life, it is all very subjective. If you were in Y all your life, saved up to fly upfront for that one special occasion, you would have been amazed with that product. Depending on points of reference, money paid, frequency of flying upfront, one could become a little more critical I suppose. I flew QR A320,A321,A340,A350,A380,777,787, andA330 so had the pleasure of trying( read forced on) all the products QR offer. Sure Q suite is fun, 787 seat better in my view, old style 2 ,2,2 on A340 and others,......not so great, until you end up on a A321 on a red eye!! Being lucky to fly F and J when flying one does become desensitised to these kind of differences. I find myself eating, drinking less and less when flying. A comfy seat, legroom, no toilet queue, and little time in overcrowded terminals is what I value alot more these days!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Thomas. Its a really good point - if that's your first J experience after a life in Y you'll be amazed! But even if that's your situation and you've researched Qatar's business offerings and board to find that, you might be a bit less thrilled! Particularly if it was a 787 when you booked and you hadn't noticed the equipment change!

[@timtony7153]

@Matt's Planet I accept that comment as excellent. You are right. If its a one off, you would research in depth, as wanting to know what service you would get!!... so fair point!

[@TarrelScot]

Ouch, that looks pretty punishing on the body; too little space, a disincentive to get up and move around and, probably, too much food! I’d have been pee’d off if I’d splashed £3k on that trip. Looks like they’ve tried to wedge a contemporary business class experience into an old cabin layout that’s not really geared up for it. I do think though, whatever the cabin design , or even whatever class you’re flying in, a flight has a completely different vibe when it’s packed compared to when it’s quiet. Maybe the “suite” design is the closest airlines have come to insulating customers from this “crowded in” feeling?

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Mark. This design is 17+ years old and was competitive when it launched! Its just not competitive now... I just wish Qatar would adapt things to reflect that you're not sitting in a QSuite!

[@paololim3513]

Yes, last minute equipment swaps can be annoying, especially for those AV Geeks who choose to fly business class on a particular flight. A few months ago, I was hoping to fly business class with TG on their 787-9 from KUL to BKK. Yet not too long after it was advertised, they changed it to a 772/77E. Talk about a downgrade. Lucky I didn't fork up the money yet because I haven't decided. I stuck with MH because even if it is a 738 on reclining business class seats, it couldn't get any worse than that and the price was more reasonable. UPDATE: TG changed it again to an A330 which had a 1-2-1 configuration but it was clearly too late and too expensive. SIA for some reason was a bit guilty with that on SIN-KUL flights too. One flight was expected to be on the 737Max (with an infamous "throne seat") but it was pulled and replaced with a regular 738.

[@MattsPlanet]

KLM did it to me again.... Funny how these equipment changes are never improvements!

[@Tee55118]

If I should start saying "signage" in place of "sign" or "signs;" then please relieve me of all my status cards. Thank you.

[@MattsPlanet]

Will do!

[@Dave-sb7hx]

Seems like a bit of whining to me. QR shouldn't offer pajamas because of a few people who are travelling by themselves, sitting by a window and don't want to disturb their neighbor. That probably affects so few people.

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers - I think Qatar should provide pyjamas, but they should also have a seat where you have some chance of being able to store them if you're not changing immediately!

[@_rhin0_590]

Wow I just flew Iberia’s A330 from MAD to LHR and the cabin was a world apart better than this.

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha! Qatar shows what business class was all about 17 year ago!

[@IWTBF]

Looks and sounds like the cabin for this class is rubbish, not user friendly

[@MattsPlanet]

In its day it was good! That day has passed...

[@lincolncallander6111]

Awful airline

[@MattsPlanet]

That flight was... And they're not the best for customer service. But when things go well, its pretty good