I review flight QR 1378, a scheduled Qatar Airways flight, operating from Johannesburg to Doha on 8 October.
The flight was scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 20:25 on 9 October and arrive in Doha at 05:45 the following day.
QATAR AIRWAYS JOHANNESBURG TO DOHA FLIGHT REVIEW
Highlights of this flight:
- Impressive hard and soft products
- Exceptional customer service on the ground and in the air
- Premium brands available in Economy Class
- Excellent on-time performance
CHECK IN
I did not check in online for this flight as I arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport four hours prior to departure, giving me ample time to do this at the airport. Check in was Terminal A, counters 31 to 38.
I was warned to proceed to security screening and immigration early as there had been delays.
Check in was handled relatively quickly, taking only about 20 minutes from joining the queue to reaching the counter.
The agent assisting me, was courteous, humorous and cheerful. I was allowed to travel with two pieces of checked baggage, one cabin case and a laptop bag.
However, I experienced no delays and was through both of these within 20 minutes, allowing me to enjoy some views of the apron and aircraft from an airside bar called Jacksons.
AT THE GATE
I proceeded to Gate A 03 at 19:30. Boarding was scheduled to begin at 19:35. On arrival, there were already long lines of people.
Boarding began with Business Class, Privilege Members and then Zone 1. This was followed by Zones 2 and 3. I was seated in Zone 4 and was among the last passengers to board.
ENTERING THE AIRCRAFT
When entering the spacious Boeing 787-900, crew greeted and directed passengers to their seats.
I was seated in 16 F, an aisle seat in the front section of economy class. The economy cabin is configured in a 3-3-3 seating layout.
Seats were equipped with pillows, blankets, headphones and an amenity kit. There was ample room in the overhead bins for my suitcase, laptop and jacket.
Being amongst the last to board the aircraft often means that the baggage bins are full. This was not the case on this flight.
At 19:55, Captain Julian Evans introduced the crew and outlined the route, expected weather conditions and the expected time of arrival.
The captain did suggest that seatbelts be worn at all times, in case of unexpected turbulence.
At 20:20 cabin crew commenced a cold towel service in economy class.
Five minutes later, the doors were closed and the aircraft was pushed back for the eight-hour flight to Doha.
A bespoke inflight safety presentation was given, using the inflight entertainment system in the seat. This memorable video featured American comedian and actor Kevin Hart.
Each seat has a USB port but use of it is not permitted during taxi, take off and landing.
The aircraft taxied to runway 03L-21R for take off. This is a busy time of the day at the airport, as many long-haul flights depart in the evening. At 20:48, the aircraft took off.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Qatar Airways fits its aircraft with the Oryx 1 inflight entertainment systems.
Oryx offers passengers an exciting range of TV, movies, music, podcasts, games and apps. In fact, it offers passengers up to 8000 options during flights. I was most impressed and pleased to discover the range of music available.
On long-haul flights I enjoy taking a walk down memory lane with some of the greatest music of all time. I enjoyed listening to albums from Annie Lennox, Robert Palmer, Mary J Blige, Roxette, Kate Bush, Elvis, Madonna, Paul Simon, Kylie Minogue, Simple Minds, Duran Duran and a whole lot more during the flight. It felt like revisiting my youth!
Qatar Airways did provide complimentary WIFI connectivity for all passengers on the flight. In Economy Class passengers are provided with one hour’s free connectivity. Thereafter, it is necessary to purchase WIFI.
THE FLIGHT
At 20:55 the seatbelt signs were turned on – when light turbulence was encountered. This lasted only about 5 minutes. At 21:00 these lights were switched off and passengers could again move about the cabin.
I reclined my seat, from its 79 cm pitch, and tuned into the sounds of the 80s.
At 21:15 cabin crew commenced with an initial beverage service. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic services were on offer.
I was particularly impressed with the range of premium brands on offer in Economy Class. Dewars Whisky, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Veuve Ambal were among the premium brands available. They were offered alongside juices, beers, wines, water and sodas.
Looking after passengers in this section of aircraft was South African crew member, Gomolemo, who made the flight much more than just a journey. Her attentive manner and cheerful demeanour is to be commended.
She put service-above-self and worked tirelessly during the flight, ensuring mothers with infants were cared for, over and above her other duties. Cabin Supervisor, Dalibor was also ever-present, directing crew and lending a hand where needed.
ECONOMY CLASS SEATING
Economy Class seating on the Boeing 787-900 was satisfactory with enough legroom between rows. I am not the tallest person on the planet so the legroom was sufficient.
I enjoyed the tranquil ambience in the cabin. The soft overhead lighting lent a calm and peaceful atmosphere, conducive to resting or sleeping.
There was little noise throughout the flight so one could easily sleep. When I walked down the cabin in the middle of the flight, it was evident that most passengers were in fact peacefully asleep.
Something else I really liked was comfortable temperature in the cabin. I was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and did not even use a blanket at any stage during the flight. On some airlines the cabin temperature is so low, creating the need for blankets and sweaters.
INFLIGHT PASSENGER EXPERIENCE
Just after 22:00 the crew began to serve dinner. There were three options: Roast Chicken, Beef Bobotie and Vegetable Stir Fry. I opted for the Beef Bobotie, a traditional South African dish.
Qatar Airways serves a couple of traditional South African dishes on its flights from South Africa. The airline has operated services to the country for over two decades and now includes South African cuisine on some flights. In fact, many South African employees work in all areas of the airline’s operations.
By this time, the aircraft has reached its cruising altitude (37 000 feet above sea level) and was flying smoothly at almost 900 kilometres per hour.
After dinner, a second beverage service was offered. Again, premium brands were available. I enjoyed another gin and tonic while my ears were soaking up the sounds of the 80s.
After dinner, coffee and tea were served with Biscoff biscuits. Again, this was unexpected as premium brands are often out of reach for Economy Class passengers.
The cabin lights were lowered again and it was time to settle in for some rest. After 40 winks, I felt thirsty. Crew were on hand, offering drinks and snacks during the quiet time. I enjoyed some potato chips and a water.
Then, two hours before the landing, a light breakfast was offered. I opted for a bacon and egg pastry with mango juice.
ARRIVING IN DOHA
Forty-five minutes before landing, the captain addressed passengers, announcing that the expected time of arrival was 05:45 and that the temperature in Doha was 29 degrees celsius.
With sunrise on the horizon (on the starboard side of the aircraft), the Boeing 787 began its descent.
Cabin crew prepared the cabin for landing.
The aircraft touched down in Doha at 05:30 and taxied to its parking bay, arriving on time, at 05:45.
Minutes later, passengers began disembarking, with crew greeting and thanking passengers for flying with Qatar Airways.
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