Qatar Airways

I've traveled a lot of times to London from New Delhi via Doha and have always enjoyed my experience. The food is good. The entertainment systems provide a varsity of options. The window seats in economy can be a bit inconvenient as there's some plane's equipment under every window seat.

CMB - DOH used the business class lounge at Colombo food was cold and of limited choice. Plane was A321 of reasonable standard business class was half full. Seats were uncomfortable and the leg rest could not be raised when the seat back was in the upright position. Meal provided was reasonable but not business class standard. Not overly impressed with Qatar on this flight.

Edinburgh-Doha-Male return. Check completed in under five minutes but surprised no fast track through security Qatar use the No 1 traveller lounge adequate but nothing special. Boarding was quick and staff apologised for small delay whilst a family with young children boarded in front of us. We flew the Dreamliner and had chosen window seats specifically with my partner seated directly behind me. Seat was very comfortable and the general cabin ambience was excellent the cabin layout is 1x2x1. Served a very nice rose champagne after boarding food choice of wines and entertainment all very good. Crew excellent and very attentive flight departed on time was a bit concerned as we had a fairly tight connection but we arrived early into Doha - security was a breeze with a dedicated Business class area and we passed through in under 5 minutes. Had time to make a quick visit to the new lounge and very pleasing on the eye. Onward flight was on an A320 with the newly refurbished cabin seat excellent and very comfortable - even managed a few hours sleep. On arrival and departure from Male they now have a fast track desk for Business class passengers. On return through Doha Business class immigration processing took around 20 minutes the queues for Economy were fairly large and doubt those in that queue would clear in anything under an hour. Checking in at Doha on the return was very quick and Hamad Airport pretty special small queue in front of us so asked to take a seat for no more in 2-3 minutes and a staff member came over and assisted us with the bags to check in. Had more time to see the new Al Mourjan Lounge this time it's very large good choice of food and lots of seating although at 06.00 it was very busy. All in all great experience and would have no hesitation flying Qatar on future trips.

Flew PER-LHR in Economy early August 2014. Aircraft PER-DOH B777ER. Plane was fairly new clean and comfortable a good flight. DOH-LHR was supposed to be a B787 but was changed to an A340 with no notice. Originally selected 2 seats together (window and aisle) these were changed to 1 window and 1 middle row several rows away. Only found out at online check-in. Managed to get 2 seats together with negotiation with other passengers. Cabin staff did not assist. Return LHR-DOH again supposed to be a B787 was changed to a B777ER. Plane still OK but older. Again seats changed (2 together this time) with no notification and further back than originals. Food a little better than average and cabin staff attentive. Seat leg room good but seemed hard. Overall a good airline- Doha airport is big and roomy but few places to get coffee if you have a wait. No alcohol but that is expected.

Doha - Manchester A330 seemed to be a new plane very clean and seat material bright and comfortable. Business class was full. Took off bang on time and was informed that dine on demand was available. When looking at the menu it seemed that there was only a choice of snacks or omelette and chicken sausage. Companions IFE did not work and had to be reset four times. For a seven hour flight I was very disappointed with the food offered. Flying to Thailand in February 2015 I will not be using Qatar for this journey.

Qatar Airways has really gone downhill at least from the UK. I have flown with them several times to Asia over the last 8 years and it was OK but last week I went to Dubai via Doha. Unless I have got a lot bigger the seats are cramped and uncomfortable and designed so that when the person in front reclines you have hardly any room. The food was average too. Then I had only one hour to change at Doha and had to literally run to get my connecting flight to Dubai as the airport is quite big. Exhausting. On the way back the check in lady at Dubai told me the flight was quiet (it wasn't) and again the seats were really cramped so much so my leg ached. The inflight crew were bossy and you very much were made to feel like a second class citizen in Economy. They couldn't even serve you a cold beer. I will book Emirates next time.

Manchester - Doha business class plane was A330 in good condition. Seats were comfortable and everything worked as it should. We were greeted by name and cabin crew were attentive and friendly. Dine on demand but I was not impressed with the food offered although the wine on offer was very good. Took off on time and landed on time. Have travelled previously with Qatar and am a frequent flyer member but I feel that the level of service is slipping.

Doha to Colombo. Plane was a B777 and appeared to be almost new. Flight was 20 minutes late being pushed back and then we spent 30 minutes riding round the airfield no announcement why we were delayed. Business class only half full so service was excellent. Food offered was uninspiring but drinks were good and were refilled regularly. No comfort pack supplied on this flight. Seats were very comfortable and the 777 is in my opinion better than the A330.

HAN-BKK-HAN on Boeing 777-300 on 1 and 4th October 2014. Flights on time. Check-in in Hanoi and Bangkok smooth and excellent. Lounge access without problem (as gold card holder). Lounge in Hanoi suffer from dormant staff busy with own activities but the airport view is gorgeous and food is plenty though mainly industrial. Onboard recognized and nourished as gold member. New wines in economy and for the first time after 50 flights with QR they changed the beer to Foster from the usual Heineken. So a boring brand replaced by an even more boring brand. However hot snacks were tasty service on board excellent and caring. From BKK till Hanoi 3 days later I was upgraded to business class by 8 only Q-credits (from Privilege FF-Program). What a pleasure in the Airport as fast track gives you better service. The Lounge (they use Thai Airways lounges) was very spacious and quiet but no wines nor champagnes were offered. Food displayed nicely but hardly acceptable except for loads of Chinese dishes (all Chinese tend to go to Thailand these days as they are not welcomed in Vietnam). The QR flight (got seat 1K in a 2x2x2 configuration) and service onboard was very very good and matches that of a 5-stars airline as Qatar retains.

London to Doha return. Economy class just average no signs the five stars advertised on TV. Seats are fine if you manage to avoid the numerous seats that have a box in the foot space. Entertainment system is old and tired. Better with your own tablet. Food basic. Cabin service very slow on both legs of my journey and staff seemed very tired and stressed. Flight almost on time and baggage all safe and sound.