Europe Self Recalibration

I popped my Qatar Airlines cherry today, and wow what a great way to do it 🤩. Although it wasn’t Q-suites, which is their best product, the 787-9 suite was great. A private door, full flat bed, HD screen, pillows a plenty and more importantly - lovely, friendly and engaging crew proving a personalised service.

Once onboard the personalised service started immediately. None of this walking the cabin with a tray of pre take off drinks. Everyone served individually with whatever you wanted. I opted for the Mint lemon drink. Delish. I was then given an introduction to the suite, how everything worked and how the food service would operate today. Basically it’s all al carte and you order what you want when you want it. That said she advised that I should pre select some dishes to ensure they were reserved for me.

Having recently eaten in the lounge I decided to have a few small dishes first then have a main meal prior to landing around dinner time. A delicious mistake! I started with some nuts and a champagne cocktail, followed by a mezze plate and a pink gin cocktail. Once that was down I had a high tea with an old fashioned. Scones with jam and cream for the win.

The original plan was to finish that off with a brownie, but I just couldn’t fit another bite in. The crew were amazing in ensuring that the pace of the meal was dictated by the passenger instead of their schedule. A huge product differentiator right there. A cute touch was the fake candle on the table setting. Never before have I dined in the sky by candlelight. The crew noticed I was taking photos and instead of Qantas telling me off, she cleaned up my table crumbs so the pictures would “look better”. Bless.

I decided to try and nap, so while I went off to change into my Qatar PJ’s (they call them lounge wear) my seat was made into a bed complete with mattress, blanket and pluffy pillow. I rested for a while but didn’t get to sleep. Not for the lack of comfort, most likely due to my earlier ground nap. Probably for the best anyway so I sleep tonight in Madrid.

I watched Aladdin while I ate (flying over the Middle East it seemed appropriate right?). After that I browsed the extensive collection of music available onboard. The noise cancelling headphones provided are great quality so happily bopped along while composing this footprint. I paid $15 for Wifi for the flight and it was nice to share some chats before everyone back home went to sleep.

The route today took me over Saudi Arabia, Egypt and then across the Mediterranean Sea all the way into Spain. Abeam Greece I decided to unhide certain apps on my phone that are frowned upon in the Middle East. I was hesitant to book Qatar after being told off by Qatar staff in Melbourne for kissing Thom before a flight a decade ago. It’s always an extra bit of hesitation and re-entering the closet when you’re in this part of the world sadly 🏳️‍🌈. That said there are a couple in this flight holding hands which harmed my heart.

Side note. I’ve notice that on the 787’s my phone is unable to get a GPS signal to track my movement in the app. Yet on the A330 and A350 it could easily and made a very detailed map. I thought it might be the carbon fibre of the 787, but isn’t the A350 the same? Anyway, if you know let me know. #curiositykilledthecat

Passing over Malta the crew noticed I was awake and offered a beverage. Do I also eat the second meal? I want to try it but have eaten so much today. Will give it another 30mins and see how I feel. Cut to 30 seconds after writing this me agreeing to take the chicken. As I fly over Algeria the cordon Bleu chicken comes out. I manage one bite of the chicken and decide I’m literally at breaking point when it comes to eating. I’ve eaten way too many meals today. All the food was delicious and I’d love to come back and try it all again sometime soon.

The last 45mins I spent watching some Night Judge as the long day of flying comes to an end. Really enjoyed this flight and if only Qatar were less anti-lgbtiq I’d probably fly them often with less hesitation. Arrived in Madrid I’m looking forward to my first non pre 4am wake up tomorrow morning. I need the sleep in. Goodnight! (Even though it’s 10pm here you’d think it’s 4 in the afternoon how busy the city is).Leia mais