Review: Qatar Airways A320 First Class, Abu Dhabi-Doha

 

Qatar Airways A320 First Class, Abu Dhabi to Doha


Trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Cebu Flying Qatar Airways & Turkish Airlines Business Class

Flight: QR1955
Departure time in Abu Dhabi (AUH): 1:50
Arrival time in Doha (DOH): 1:55
Aircraft: Airbus A320 (A7-AHF)
Seat: 2A
Duration: 1h 5m
Date of flight: April 3, 2022
*This is a revenue ticket (upgraded with Q credits), Business Class flight #224

Video on YouTube



Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1

We arrived at Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1 around 10:30pm for our 1:50am flight.

Check-in, Desk 9

As a first class passenger (and status passenger), I was able to use desk 9 to check-in.

Check-in was efficient and quick. Interestingly, we were told by the agent to use the VIP Lounge located to the right but on the way there was told by another agent to go left for security and use the lounge there.

Security

Al Dhabi Lounge

Al Dhabi Lounge was really crowded when we came although it eventually got quieter after some departures. This is actually managed by Plaza Premium Lounge and during our visit a few years ago, only a small part of the lounge was being used so it´s nice to know that the area had been expanded.

Boarding, Gate 5A

Before 1am, we decided to leave the lounge and head to our boarding gate.

Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1 Duty Free shops

This way to Gate 5A.

Gate 5A

Boarding began at 1:10am beginning with those flying in first class and those with status.

Aircraft, Airbus A320

Qatar Airways A320 flying us to Doha

First Class Cabin

This is actually a 2-class cabin, although Qatar Airways markets the premium class as first class when flying within the Gulf.

Seat map showing the first class cabin with a total of 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration. On this flight, 8 seats were taken.

Seat 2A

My seat 2A was a window seat and was actually very comfortable. Already waiting at my seat is a pillow, a very nice duvet, the menu card and a protective kit.

Seat pocket

Safety card, air-sickness bag, menu card

Qatar Airways protective kit

The kit consisted of a face mask, sanitizer and disposable gloves.

Under the left armrest, you´d find the foldable tray table.

There are also power ports under the middle console.

Pre-Departure Beverage, Arabic Coffee & Dates

Moments after settling in, I was greeted by the flight attendant working in the first class cabin. She offered me something to drink and I chose the usual apple juice. A refreshing towel was also offered.

I was also offered some dates ...

... as well as some Arabic coffee which I gladly took. My choice for my main course was also taken.

At 1:35am, the captain came on the PA to welcome us onboard and inform us of our flight time of 45 minutes. A couple of minutes later, the safety demo was done and at 1:50am, we began our push back.

Take Off

At 2pm, we were airborne!

Dining

First class menu card

All Day Platter

Beverages

Beverages

About 10 minutes after take-off, the crew started setting the table. This is a very short flight so the crew working here I would say are the most efficient timewise as they need to make sure they can serve a great meal on this short flight.

Everything was served on a tray. For my main course, I chose the camel wrap which was interesting and good 😋 The whole meal was actually very good.

Oryx One Play



Since there are no personal screens, Qatar Airways offer free connection to Oryx One Play.



Not that I would really want to watch something on this very short flight but it is nice to know you can browse some programs.

Airshow

Airshow enroute to Doha

Lavatory

There is one lavatory located in front of the cabin, on the left side.

Transitting in Doha Airport

The flight went smoothly and we landed in Doha at 1:37am.

Unfortunately, we parked in a remote stand due to works being done at the airport.

Fortunately, we were driven in a private bus (for first class passengers) to the terminal.

It took us exactly 10 minutes to reach the terminal.

As usual, there was fast track for premium passengers which is always appreciated.

Everything went smoothly and moments later, we were on our way to the Al Safwa Lounge.

CONCLUSION

This was definitely another great flight in Qatar Airways first class. For a short flight like this, I always commend the crew for always being able to deliver great service. The seats were very comfortable and the meal served was fantastic especially getting the chance to taste the camel wrap. Parking in a remote stand in Doha was not very ideal, although I guess it was due to some works and is something which can not be avoided. Overall, a very nice flight. To all the crew on this flight, Shukran!

Comments

Post a Comment