Luxury or Letdown? Qatar Airways FIRST CLASS & Al Safwa Lounge in 2024

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Fly Man Yann

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 90

@offel7565 5 ай бұрын

Your channel is so underrated, you should have x1000 amount of subs.

@michaelgask 9 ай бұрын

Oh man... the bean bags 🤦‍♂ / But at least you got your flight this time! / Wow, that lounge!!!! Thanks for sharing, Yann. Loved sharing this experience from my laptop. Awesome pyjama edit, too. 😉

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Yesss nice and early onboard this time. I set plenty of alarms in the sleeping room and asked the staff to wake me up if I wasn't out by a certain time! Thanks for watching again 🙏

@michaelgask 9 ай бұрын

@@FlyManYann 😅

@iainb9277 8 ай бұрын

Great video, my wife & son are flying that very flight in 1st in a couple of days, I'll be showing them your review!

@FlyManYann 7 ай бұрын

Hope they enjoyed the flight!

@terenceshepherd6031 9 ай бұрын

Lounges etc are fantastic, but I was somewhat underwhelmed by the flight itself. Far too lacking in privacy. The videography and commentary as ever superb.

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more, the lounge was definitely the highlight for me! Especially recently coming off the Etihad Apartment flight, the difference in privacy was stark. Thanks for watching again!

@seanp7dc 9 ай бұрын

Privacy doesn't bother me. There was no one next to me on my flight, and with the dividers up - it was perfect. Food and wine selections were outstanding. Al Safwa was hugely disappointing to me. Food was good, drink selection terrible (same as AM).

@akashsp 9 ай бұрын

Another cracking video! Love this channel 🙌🏽🔥

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Appreciate it man - the grind continues 😤

@garryb131 9 ай бұрын

1st class offering on the ground looked exceptional, can it get any better??? Sadly the on board experience had a few flaws, but still heaps of positives. As for bean bags....you did well not to go near them, at least this time you only missed the transit bus. You obviously learnt an expensive lesson.....whilst under the influence of excess bubbles, bean bags are best avoided!! .

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

I'd say it's probably the best ground experience I've had so far. I'm keen to try AF and SQ F as it looks like those two have great ground (and onboard) experiences too - although I don't think anything will come close to the grandeur of the Al Safwa lounge. And yeah haha, that was definitely an expensive lesson, as you say, my takeaway was to avoid bean bags but keep the bubbles flowing!!

@jayl549 9 ай бұрын

Breakfast isn’t invested as much as dinner for airlines. It’s strange. I agree - I’ve never had a good breakfast on a flight. Even in first class with other carriers

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

I try my best to avoid morning flights for this exact reason, although if the flight is long enough you can't always avoid breakfast!

@jayl549 9 ай бұрын

@@FlyManYann yea, I tend to skip breakfast in a long haul. Eat in the lounge, have the dinner on the flight, pray I can make it through immigration for real food!

@beach182 9 ай бұрын

Ace of spades champagne ?! Sick 🤩

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

I got my money's worth 🍾🍾🍾

@seanp7dc 8 ай бұрын

This champagne was very good. I think I had a full bottle (and maybe a bit more). Food catering on my flights DOH-SYD-DOH on QR F was outstanding (especially ex-Australia).

@abdullatheflightreviewer2877 2 ай бұрын

QR first is just different ✨

@bab3132 9 ай бұрын

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Last year I flew from Australia to the USA with Qatar, going from Melbourne to Doha and then on to LAX in Qsuites and then back again in Qsuites. I went with Qatar as flying in a QSuite was a bucket list for me. It was fantastic on all 4 sections of the flight. I am an introvert and solo flyer, so I preferred the privacy that Qsuites gave me when I closed the door and also the business class food selections. First class looks great, but for me I’ll stick with Qsuites. 🙂

@FlyManYann 8 ай бұрын

Woah that's a very long journey!! Glad you got Qsuites for all 4 segments. The privacy on Qsuite really is great and I think Qatar has one of the best (if not the best) catering in business class. Thanks for watching!

@armychap007 9 ай бұрын

Great trip report as always and to me your summary was absolutely spot on. The ground service is industry leading but the seat and onboard experience could be improved. Thanks for posting, look forward to your next trip report. Safe travels! ✈️

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Appreciate it! Already working on the next one

@flymajj 3 ай бұрын

I'm just about to book this from BKK to DOH next week. I was tempted to go with the ex-Cathay B777-300ER First Class for the smaller cabin and privacy, but connecting time in DOH is a bit longer from the A380 connection, so I am going with that (plus the A380 bar, of course). Also, it allows me just enough time to experience the Al Safwa lounge since the A380 flight offers a connection of almost 4 hours.

@lilian.bloom.petite.stylist Ай бұрын

Love the review. Since your flight was at 2am, what time did you check-in to enjoy the lounge? I would hope to have about 5-6 hours to use their amenities.

@kevinsmith2040 9 ай бұрын

so adorable....and al safwa is incredible

@seanp7dc 9 ай бұрын

The drink selection in Al Safwa right now is pretty poor. Food is good.

@FlyManYann 8 ай бұрын

Al Safwa has got to be one of my favourite first class lounges I've visited so far.

@walex19 5 ай бұрын

Booked this exact first class from Doha to Bangkok for next year. Can't wait!

@nezbrun872 7 ай бұрын

"First class passengers can board directly from the lounge via a first class bus": Not true unless it's at a remote stand, which is unlikely to be so with an A380, the only long haul QR F cabin. The F buses are primarily for regional narrow bodies that are often parked off-stand. You might get lucky and get an escort to/from the gate, although this service is quite infrequent nowadays IME.

@azeemkhandwala5716 4 ай бұрын

love the video and the thorough explanation of your experience! quick question, was the jacuzzi you booked at the Al Safwa lounge complimentary or was that an additional cost?

@gunvaldsandhaland7757 9 ай бұрын

I Havent Experience Qatar First Class Jet.Great Video

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@PaulAinsworthLord 9 ай бұрын

Excellent review, i was in first a few weeks ago and even i learnt some new things watching this.

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thanks - glad you found it useful!

@isaacgomez-avraham1694 9 ай бұрын

Another great video review, Yann! I'm flying from DOH to SYD in August in that product. I hope the catering will be better on a 14 hr. flight. I'll have to try all the amenities in the First Class lounges. Thanks for all the tips. Cheers, Ike

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thank you! Yeah for a flight of that length you'll get a full menu with a lot more choice. I would have loved to spend 14hrs here instead of just 6 - enjoy!!

@DecisionV2 9 ай бұрын

great video as usual

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@DPWestMids-u3c 9 ай бұрын

With First Class being phased out what do you suspect they will do with that stunning First Class lounge in Doha? Great video and up to your usual great concise and non-shouty style.

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Qatar's regional flights (within the GCC) in business class are marketed as first class so you'd get access to this lounge. To give an example, I recently flew from Doha to Bahrain in "first class" on an A320. The seat is a recliner in 2-2 config but as it's marketed as first class I got access to Al Safwa. I also believe QR Platinum members get access if they are flying on a cash business class flight. Thanks for watching again - glad you liked it!

@del_travels 9 ай бұрын

Having flown in 1st on the A380 a few times, I'd say it's hands down better than Q Suites. Privacy wasn't an issue at all for my wife and I. Only 1 other passenger on the last fllight and she slept about 90% of the journey. Bigger seat, more comfortable bed, the amazing bar as you stated. We've booked it again for Doha to Bangkok later this year, can't wait to fly it again

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

100% I'd fly this First seat over Qsuite every time. Enjoy your upcoming flight!!

@slavomt5832 5 ай бұрын

Fine review 🙂 My Japanese breakfast in Economy class,Turkish Airlines from Osaka to Istanbul was much better than Qatar Airways in First Class . Only caviar presentation looked great here. I tried Q-suite with Qatar from Doha to Bangkok and it was super nice, food was amazing, so was the service and comfort.

@mvaldman2001 5 ай бұрын

Well, some good news: the A380 is, for the foreseeable future, staying. Additionally, the new GCEO has put in the order to revamp and redesign the First class experience. So far, all changes made have been very good and welcoming by the staff, and the presence of QR products in the luxury market will be increasing… Qatar Airways will be surprising it’s customers with many interesting changes ahead!

@ReeM-wz7bs 8 ай бұрын

I wonder if they will introduce on board showers to compete with Emirates and Ethiad if they get rid of first?

@FlyManYann 8 ай бұрын

So the new Qatar Airways CEO has just announced that he is reversing the decision of the previous CEO and will be keeping first class and introducing a new first class seat!! Qatar are still retiring their A380s so I doubt they will introduce a shower, I don't see how that would work on a 777.

@billcrews6704 8 ай бұрын

Nice review I like Qatar 1st SYD - DOH with Qantas First Lounge in SYD and Al Safwa while on a long transit. Seat 1K is my preference because everyone else is pretty nuch behind you - my last two flights the seat across aisle was empty ;-) 22:00 departure had full menu I have another SYD - DOH with Transit to DXB for EK B77W To BRU in July for Birthday RTW. Then October Qsuites from NRT transit thru Al Safwa flying QR 1st to HKG on CX Plane (th CX 1st to HND I'll Defenitely do the Jacuzzi, bedroom, and bus again! Cheers Safe Landings

@jetawayjoe 9 ай бұрын

Great video. I will say this, your breakfast looked a lot better than the 1 rasher of bacon slapped into a dry stale bread roll I had thrown at me on BA economy back in December 😂

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thanks and yeah haha I can imagine - it's all relative 😂

@user-vh5mi9jf3p 9 ай бұрын

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 amazing

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏🙏

@LEONOROLE 9 ай бұрын

Heey Amazing. I’m there, at 2F 😅😅

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Hope you're doing well man! Was great to meet you 🙌 I spotted myself in the background of your video ahaha

@os2691 9 ай бұрын

Was that a first class double-yolker they served for breakfast?

@FlyManYann 8 ай бұрын

Ohh I was wondering for ages what you were talking about but I just went back and looked closer at the egg and I think you're right!! 2 for the price of 1, that's true first class service haha!

@ukdavepianoman 7 ай бұрын

Great video. I'd love to viist the Al Safwa Lounge - looks spectacular. Personally I'm not bothered about privacy - my experiences in business/First is that people aren't interested at looking at each other but I could understand celebrities etc. not liking it. Most disappointing is the food - some of it didn't look First class at all.

@FlyManYann 7 ай бұрын

Al Safwa was definitely a highlight, it's unlike any other lounge I've been to. At the time I made this video, Qatar has announced they were retiring First Class, but the new CEO has recently said they were going to make an entirely new First Class product so I'm keen to see what it looks like!

@speedendurance 9 ай бұрын

i am shocked how there is a lack of privacy... so wide open. Is it really designed for large groups & families?

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

I can't remember where I heard that now but I seem to recall that it was designed this way for Qatari families travelling together. In fact, there was actually a family in the first row on this flight and the setup seemed to work really well for them. But yeah I agree with you, for the solo traveller it's less ideal.

@kanthichas4386 9 ай бұрын

Hi handsome !!!! Welcome to Thailand ❤️❤️

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I love Thailand - I spent a month in Chiang Mai after filming this video, can't wait to go back.

@kanthichas4386 9 ай бұрын

You are so cute handsome and smart guy 🥰🥰

@kanthichas4386 9 ай бұрын

@@FlyManYann where are you from ? I just became your fan, I really like every your KZbin, and you do great job 👍👍

@TheThirdoftheFifth 9 ай бұрын

Qatar needs to look into updating their onboard first class product as their offerings can't even compete with their own business class. Given that first class seems to be venturing into "apartment class" or "suites class" it would be interesting to see what they can come up with to compete with Singapore Airlines, Emirates, JAL or Etihad (especially Etihad apartments my goodness). In truth something as basic as introducing a door would be a step up from what they currently have; competitive? no but, better? yes.

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Qatar are planning on retiring their A380s and their First Class offering by 2030 so I wouldn't expect to see any updates to this product. Their focus will be on Qsuite - will be interesting to see what Qsuite 2 on the 777X ends up looking like! But yeah I completely agree with you, the F suites on SQ and EY are miles ahead.

@leoarcilla6351 9 ай бұрын

Why do you always travel to Bangkok? Is it because it’s easier to find seats booked in points?

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

I love Thailand so have visited a few times recently, making a video along the way hits 2 birds with 1 stone! This was actually my first trip to Bangkok booked on points, my previous ones have been cash. And from what I remember when booking it, the first class availability wasn't great but luckily there was a date that worked perfectly for me.

@leoarcilla6351 9 ай бұрын

@@FlyManYann I’m glad you’re able to create your contents. They are always enjoyable to watch

@johntibbles1251 9 ай бұрын

Just flown LHR-DOH on 380 Q suite business class- exceptional and frankly aside from being ostentatious no reason to even consider F class . Like mobile phones they are so good now what can you add and that s the problem F class has

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

The business class on the A380 isn't Qsuite but their previous seat! I've made a couple videos on this particular product and I still think it's great although not as private as Qsuite. But exactly as you say, business is so good now it doesn't leave much room to differentiate.

@jbentley75 9 ай бұрын

Great review - thank you! Agree about the openness of the cabin - I always prefer options to make the seat/suite more private. Interesting they say the design is based on family use - I'd like to know what proportion of their Frist customers are family groups over individual travelers . The ground product is IMHO the best currently on offer, even an improvement on Emirates' and their mega lounges in Dubai and Singapore's Private Room at Changi. I also agree about Qatar's First offering being slightly out of place given the standard of their business (well the Q-Suites version anyway) and it would need more to justify the not insignificant uplift in price. Butlers, personal chefs, retrofitting showers would all help but I very much doubt that will be done now they've announced it will be discontinued.

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I don't have any numbers on the proportion of family travellers but on this flight at least it was: a family of 4 in row 1, a couple and 2 solo travellers. Couldn't agree more with regards to the ground experience, I would also place it above Emirates although I've yet to try Singapore F. I can't see any major improvements being made between now and the A380 retirement but I'd still pick F over Qsuite if available (although it's only available on 3 or 4 routes).

@veganduo27 5 ай бұрын

do you get to keep pyjamas

@ReeM-wz7bs 9 ай бұрын

So if they are getting rid of 1st class, what will happen to the Al Safwa lounge?

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Qatar Airways market their regional business class flights (within the GCC) as first class so I assume the lounge will remain for those customers. Also, I believe QR Platinum members travelling in business get access to Al Safwa too. And I assume most people in Al Safwa already fall into those categories since there are so few A380 flights.

@FlyManYann 8 ай бұрын

The new Qatar Airways CEO has just announced he is reversing the decision of the previous CEO and will actually be retaining first class and introducing a new first class seat! Let's see what they come up with!

@taewonhwang5416 9 ай бұрын

That first class second menu is exactly the same with business class

@FlyManYann 9 ай бұрын

Yep exactly... The business class catering is already great but would be nice if there was something a little extra special in first!

@idanceforpennies281 6 ай бұрын

Nearly all of the premium features in FC are also available in BC. No point.

@FlyManYann 6 ай бұрын

There's not so much to differentiate it, I agree. I'm curious to see what the new QR First Class will look like on the 777X - hopefully something special.