The “friendly mode on” comment is quite true. For us crew, top of descent is the only time we get to breathe and finally be human. JFK flights mean you don’t have time to even sip a glass of water or even sit when you’re not on your inflight rest. While half the crew are away, only 2 or 3 take care of the entire business class and the handover is challenging because you deal with the kitchen, and serving more than 2 areas with Little to no idea of the particulars (you power bank issue) The boarding “cameras off” is due to the fear culture in the company, you didn’t say anything bad, but because of the video, crew will be grounded with no salary, even for months until forced to resign or fired due to videos where slight issues occur. I once got called to the office and was served a warning letter because a passenger Spilled water on her “LV” bag during turbulence in economy. And I 1000% agree, some of us are Too good, others lazy, others stupid…happens when attrition is record high and the only company where we cheer for those who resign (and I was a manager at Amazon before)
Hey! Very interesting take on this. I'm really intrigued because of your last sentence... how did you transition from operations management into... what I assume is flight attending? I may or may not be looking for a career change and absolutely love to travel and fly. :)
This is really the difference between EU with well regulated laws for working class and most other countries. And also the reason why I almost never comply, except I really feel it's absolutely necessary (outside EU. Inside EU, complaining has no effect whatsoever, because no one ever cares about your complains or troubles in anything, even if they are absolutely mandatory).
Love watching your reviews, Kevin. Brutally honest, but fair, and always informative and helpful. I've sadly been the recipient of many, many downgrades on Qatar Business Class - the worst being the old 2-2-2 configuration. Surprisingly, I've never experienced an "upgrade" to Q-Suite when travelling on, for example, the Herringbone configuration. Thanks again for an awesome review.
Love the honest and fair reviews. Keep it up ❤👍🏼✨ btw, having worked there for 9 years, I can say that you can definitely film yourself and the surroundings as long as it doesn’t breach privacy of other passengers and crew. If the crew fail to do so, they will definitely be in trouble. So I understand that he just wanted to protect himself from an unnecessary visit to the office. And I totally agreed with you that there are better ways to communicate and relay that message to a passenger. // Looking forward to your next video ❤
Thanks very much for sharing. I think this perfectly illustrates how many 'reviews' of QR out there are invited or sponsored in some way. I can think of countless creators who have videos with crew in full and extended (purposeful) view- many even with crew interactions and conversations. To know that the crew would be in trouble for that, without prior permission, says a lot.
Strange, that after spending huge sums of money on building their name, that condescending cabin crew still abound on Qatar. Something I would consider when flying any airline! That is a deal breaker for me, especially when paying a larger sum of money. Fyi: i saw the guy too. 😂
Thank you for introducing me to this airline through a timely video that clears up any misconceptions. As someone who has never flown, I appreciate the insight into what seems to be an exceptional airline.
Did you see what recently happened to Josh Cahill regarding what Qatar did to him, and his follow up video? Quite interesting. I love following you, Josh,and trek trendy. I think you 3 are top notch, and super honest. Non stop dan is annoying with the Oscar and vegan crap rubbed into us every video. Josh fully has my support for what is happening to him. Pisses me off what big airline tries to do to a RU-vidr. In the end, I think Josh will come out on top. Kevin, keep up the incredible videos
I did see it, but I also saw a lot of weird inconsistencies in his video which I think hurt his case. Either way though, I'm quite sure it will be resolved fairly publicly by QR and certainly they won't ban filming across the board- so this could be a good thing for us as a precedent from QR that filming is okay. Need to wait and see.
I really e joyed this video. Nicely filmed and edited, and your soundtrack is fantastic. Regarding Qatar, for as long as they’re going to treat their staff and their crew practically like garbage , they will not treat passengers well. And I will be taking other airlines, where crew have decent salaries and work conditions.
I'm glad I found your channel! I flew Qatar in business from Houston to Saigon 2 weeks ago. Returned 2 days ago. I agree with your overall impression. Great food and the hard product is world class. Service was somewhat inconsistent, but overall more than acceptable. Qatar is at the top of my list when it comes to international travel. Not quite at Singapore level, but significantly less expensive. If I can get 8 hours of sleep. a good meal, and friendly service, I'm happy. Qatar makes me happy. Great review!!!
Kia Ora Kevin!! I have been waiting for your review of this!! Whilst I know many friends praise the Q-Suites with Qatar flying from Auckland to Doha, I am looking forward flying with them in February!!! Each person has their own experiences and whilst the service lacked with enthusiasm by the staff, I am happier to hear you enjoyed the Manhattans Clam Chowder as I too am a fan of this delight!! Look forward to your next review at the Fairmount Jaipur which sounds like you did not have a great experience!! Thanks Kevin - Love your work 🙂
At the end of the day, it was still a great flight, reflected in the overall score. Even with the same exact service/crew, I'd happily fly the same route again since a bad day at Qatar is still bettter than many good days at other airlines. Thanks for watching 🩴
I am (was) an avid fan of Qsuites, and have traveled at least 15-16 times. I must say the quality has waned more than 6-7 years ago when I flew in Qsuites for the first time. Don't get me wrong, the reception by hostesses, ambiance, etc. are still great. But the quality of food and the hard products have fallen behind other airlines. The worst part, Qatar changes flights very often, and if you are stuck with 2-2-2 business class seats (777-200), you're screwed! And that has happened to me once while flying through ATL. Qatar is also extremely restrictive in offering open seats using AA miles, these days. Qatar can't control the crowd in Doha if you are flying to Asian destinations, esp. India; has no clue how to handle business class passengers separately. And if you fly to Saudi (Zeddah for example), it's another horror. Their behavior with passengers is horrible, often outright racist! And I am talking about business class passengers, can't imagine what horrors Econ class go through. Hence, I fly with JAL (being an AA patron) these days, but I might also try ANA business next year.
I have found that long-haul lights out of Doha often are better than those inbound. catering seems consistently better, you can pre-choose your meal (which you can't do on inbound flights) and crews are better. May be they are more relaxed as they've had more rest prior to the outbound leg. who knows.
I have found American crew in business class and domestic FC much more friendly than the average business class FA on Qatar. Some Qatar FAs were really friendly and proactive. Others had body language of "dont bother me'.
Had 4 Q suites flights this year and on all of them they claimed to have the Alexandria Rosé but they actually only had it on 1. 2 crews tried to cover it up and served us Gosset Rosé hoping we didn’t notice with only one being honest. All in all a great product but the crew can be hit and miss. Only 1/4 flights was outstanding
To be fair, as the flutes were filled in the galley I likely wouldn't have noticed if they gave me a sub rose anyway. The only reason I even asked for it was because he asked me haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
Just sooo much to love with Qatar. Nearly got Qatared on SOF-SIN A350 900. Booked Qsuite, then watched for weeks as this particular flight switched to lie flat seat 😒. On the day, boarded expecting just the Diamond seat, to find it equipped with the Qsuite afterall 😊 💜
I wonder if the filming issue on board was due to Josh Cahill's Qatar problems? I've watched a few RU-vid reviews of Qatar airways and all have said that service has dropped noticeably recently. That sure was a remote stand! wow! Thanks for your review - I'd never fly them.
Hailing you from Vietnam. Another nice upload. Never commented here before but I have been watching your videos for a long time. Your efforts must be applauded. Yes, 777. Though a dying breed, they are still one of my favorites. Big space, comfy ride and amazing hauling capacity with a lot of power. They say new 787 is better especially in terms of cabin noise. But jury is still out, I suppose. 777s are Like old Cadillacs and S class Benzes. Gas guzzling to boot😊
The jury isn't out for me haha. The 787 and A350 have great sounding spool ups (though not as good as the 777...) but i wish they were louder in flight... and don't even get me started with the A380s... feels like spooling up an electric bus! lol
It is heartbreaking to see Qatar service not being on point. I have only had the privilege to go on QR QSuite only twice but both those times it was a fantastic experience! I am sorry you had to experience subpar service on here and I really hope they get back the groove as I have been hearing this lately a lot about QR.
QR is in a huge transition period now due to the change of CEOs. I expect a year form now it will be praise across the board, yet again. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft here’s hoping! Like you said, I hope they don’t turn into the United or the AA (given the one world association). As always an absolute pleasure to watch your videos.
really really like your videos kevin but could we have more economy class not all of us can afford business class some of us can only fly on a budget , thanks agian for great content
8:00 the response was in the light of the Josh Cahill fiasco with Qatar under the Bakar regime. Where they fought really hard to get Cahill's video removed and then when they couldn't , proceeded to fire the crew and state the policy of no filming crew without permission. And regarding your comments on the crew, they also have been very taxed overworked, all due to the toxic work culture at qatar.
It always shocks me when I see a long haul avios award without insane taxes and fees. I guess thats the benefit of skipping Heathrow landing fees. Alaska and AA seem to not be devaluing as fast at least. Surprised you didn’t use the priority pass benefit at Bobby Vans! The $28 credit usually covers a burger or wings. Would love to see you do a oneworld emerald status match, though I guess that moves away from your core mission.
Problem with QATAR is you never know which of their 3 products you will enjoy. Saying that, there very old 2 x 2 seats, nothing wrong and still very comfortable.
Another great review. I love your pickiness because I am too! My experience with Qatar is the same as yours. I first flew QSuite in 2018 and it was amazing. I last flew it a year ago and whilst the hard product is the same the flight attendant on my final leg was kinda rough and ready. He had no finess and verged on rude. He also got my orders wrong. I’ve heard tho (Josh) that Qatar treat their flight attendants badly so we should have some sympathy for them.
I'm not saying QR treats them well- I'm not saying either way becuase I don't know first hand. But what I do know is Josh's two videos on these two topics had a whole lot of speculation in them- especially concerning staff and them being fired. Either way though, I always have sympathy for service staff, it's the industry I grew up in... but at the same time, you do need to get what you're paying for... Thanks for watching 🩴
Yeah hi Flip flop traveller awesome video as well .I do have a request for you if possible please show your face in your videos so next time when I see you I can recognise you 😊😊😊
Great report. What I don't fully understand is why they use the remote stands at times when the majority of the gates are empty. Not complaining, as i love the aircraft views from ground level, but remote parking can really eat in to tight connections.
Likely it's about when that aircraft will next be used. If we land at 6:00 and the aircraft won't be used again until 23:00, after deplaning at a jetbridge, the plane would then need to be towed to a remote stand. I won't say it saves time or money becuase of the busses and things involved, but it definitly reduces the need to ferry around empty planes.
Not a fan of Q-Suites personally due to the sleeping position (especially Knee/ Foot-well). Had my own "Warm-Nuts ala Korean Air" moment - Crew missed giving it with Post Takeoff Drink, upon asking for it, said it wasn't loaded today. Later in the flight, mentioned to the Purser who was horrified and promptly got it out. Never had that happen to me!
I really did enjoy this review. My wife and I have our first Qsuites flight scheduled next year SFO-DOH... I often watch reviews where reviewers are critical of FAs and usually I feel like thats not a big deal and it wouldn't bother me... but some of the examples you gave were just careless and at some point you do need to expect better. Hopefully we get a good crew. Everything else looked pretty great IMHO (as someone whos only flown Business class 2 times Turkish airlines SEA-IST and Singapore FRA-JFK) Its funny my wife preferred Turkish service because Singapore was too attentive. 😅😅😅😅
I just saw you paid the same as I did. 95k BA +$208 and we too are heading to BKK after. DOH to BKK is on an A380 that will be our first time on an A380. Coming out with that part of the trip too?
Thanks for the link. Being Qatared is always a fear of mine. I just don't get the filming thing - Al Bakar would encourage it. Shame about the patchy service. Sometimes, I find it's dependant on which row you're on. Each time I've travel Qatar with someone and we're on opposite sides, they've had so so service, and I've had lovely people. I wonder if it's because we've come to expect high standards from them, that anything less stands out clearly. Great review as always.
Yah, I said similar in reply to another comment. The worst part about being “the best” is that everyone will expect that forever and always. No matter how many small service issues there were on this flight, compared to the VAST majority of airlines it’s still miles ahead of them. Thanks for watching 🩴
Hi, Kevin. Great report as usual. Just goes to show it's not just the hard product that makes a great flight. Just the opposite in some cases. I would rather have a mediocre seat with a great ground and flight crew. I am planning a trip to NYC sometime with Virgin Atlantic and was wondering which is the best airport there, JFK or EWR? Keep them coming❤
From Manhattan south of 57th, they’re equidistant and the same time via transit. With origins like London and its many frequencies it’s much more important to time your arrival away from commuting times.
Terminal wise JFK, whether is BA or VIrgin. Delta has renovated its terminal and AA has updated theirs as well. EWR is not the best design wise. Though they have a shinny new terminal mostly for domestic and Canada service but most international flights all still use the old terminals.
Loved , loved loved this review - it was so spot on - I guess because it seems I had an almost exact experience-with the exception of the substituted Qsuite which really pissed me off - oh and the Great 5star stairs and buses routine that I always seem to be subjected to - really !!!! Our crew.. whilst nice seemed to be just going through the motions - your comment about the “rolling” ads which seemed to turn my monitor on in the middle of the night was just so annoying - oh well .. thanks again for sharing
I flew qatar airways business once with my little brother. They treated my little brother like a prince while i got treated normally. 😂😂😂 Still quite good experience.
On my first JFK- SFO flight (summer 2021), i spent time in the Greenwich lounge back when it was the flagship lounge. I enjoyed it, though disappointed that the flagship first dining room was closed. When i found an amazing mileage redemption for this route back in February, i spent time in the Chelsea lounge which I throughly enjoyed. Since there was no windows, i went over to the Soho lounge for a bit. Fyi, both flights were in flagship first on their a321t. With their cabin refresh, I'm guessing flagship passengers will be invited to soho or Greenwich. I'd pay to go into Chelsea if offered & if the price is right.
I just saw on their website yesterday that they actually don't advertise QSuites as full flat, but rather "177°"... but for me it's the protruding head rests that always make me crazy. Like, that's my arm space haha.
Good review. Bonus points for fighting the temptation to skip a meal. Qatar? Still on my 'no fly list' - with three others - which is a shame as the airline would be a good option for getting rid of my Avios balance. Don't your legs get cold?
Hi Kevin, I really enjoy your videos for a long time now. One question regarding QR carry-on policy: they state that hand luggage may not exceed 20x15x10 inches but most carry-ons are 21.5'' tall. Which hand luggage did you use and have you ever experienced trouble with that as business class traveler?
Walking through the old FFD area in the Greenwich lounge you get to the bridge, which has some cooked to order food options and was quiet when I last visited. Views minorly obstructed but ok.
Clouds below, hazy sky, sunshine over the horizon ensared me, add engine to it I got infatuated. Bright beautiful city lights in between sea under cumulus clouds enthralled me, clear dark sky, dark clouds with sliver of sunset was enough visuals to lose myself in the moment. Clearly it can be my wallpaper. The entire video is studio quality for a one man army and luckily RU-vid to captivate its audience is programming its algorithm to drive more traffic towards high quality production and engaging videos that people watch more percentage of total video time and discouraging content farms.
I sure hope you're correct about the algorithm driving viewers towards higher quality stuff... but sometimes all I feel like they're showing me are shorts haha. Thanks very much for the support 🙏
Aside from your detail report and video editing skill, i want you to know that i am always a fan of your script writing. The comparison of Qatar crews to United - you got me there😆
it gets me so mad when you add up all those little missteps and you end up getting a not so cool experience. They should know better. More United than Qatar, hahahaha....loved it. Great review, thanks!
Kevin, you are definitely the best tourism reviewer (is that a word?) that I know. And once in a while I would like to contact you to ask, tell or laugh about something. Is there any way to contact you other than RU-vid comments? Big hug from Argentina.
Was thinking of BsAs this morning! The comments are the best way for general questions or insights about the videos or anything. My Patreon has different levels available for more in depth advise or information that may be needed.
I have flown Qatar LH every month for 6 years now. Both economy and business. Think i have had a bad experience once. Other than that the service has been great onboard. Maybe i am just lucky. Great video though. Cant you just complain to the purser onboard about the one staff. I work in the service business and they should know.
@@tfft haha ok But it is not easy to get an "normal" experience too because i fly alot like you and we get treated little bit different when you have "high" status with oneworld or star A.
I have been going backwards viewing your excellent flight videos. Maybe you are doing this in later videos but any chance while you are taxiing, apron views etc...that you can pull flight data for planes that are in view and mention the destination etc.....in a small dialog box? I know it is more work but it would enhance the experience. I personally just like knowing where planes are going to!!
I had this thought once (ironic for your handle) in Miami. When editing that video it became quickly apparant it would take far too long- so, I too would like it, but it won't be happening.
I would say you are a very demanding American customer lol. But I appreciate the honesty and these struggles you had really show how capable the crew is of service. Also you payed for it so its their job
The NY/NJ Port Authority which controls the airports requires notice of filming or photography in advance which is limited only to public areas , even Media have to get approval in advance.
I need the flimsy little pillow. I’m 6’7” and both my feet don’t fit comfortably in them footwell at once so need to bend my leg and rest it against the side - the flimsy little pillow stops my knee getting sore from resting against the hard surface 😂
The worst thing about being the best, is that everyone expects you to be the best always and forever. I agree with you, but at the same time, I think we all hold them to different standards than their peers. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft true and I also think they should also maybe provide the menu a month or so before flight so you can choose the item you want so you wont be disappointed if it runs out.
"For RU-vid, I eat." UH HUH XD Kind of an odd flight experience tho, all things considered. Generally I would say its a lot more disappointing that I would've expected from Qatar Airways.
As I've mentioned in a lot of other comments, this comes with the territory of being known as 'the best' (regardless of if they are or not)... Those are big shoes to fill day in and out and makes certain misteps all the more obvious. The exact same crew/service on a litany of other airlines would be in the good-great category.
The service opportunities were many small things. Not one thing in and of itself was a disaster. All annoyances, nothing that made the flight “bad”… I think 70% for on board experience (14/20) is fair for what the experience was.
Is it physically quicker to fly East Asian carriers to Vietnam or Thailand? For sure… the rest is all subjective and dependent on the deals. The quickest way from point A to point B is very very rarely my main priority lol.
i have flown business with them many times via doha to south africa , and back to the untied states,and although i like the product/food, 99% of the crew have been unfriendly and kind of rude/stoic at times. ( definitely diminishes the experience ) hopefully the upcoming flights this month and next are better.
Great review Kevin. It looked like they missed the mark a bit, not truly great service from the crew. I'm not sure how often you are back in the U.S. but if you ever get a chance, can you throw in a First Class review on a U.S. domestic flight? Would love to hear your thoughts. Your reviews are awesome, i never miss them.
I have a few domestic F videos on the channel, from AA. One of them was REALLY good and so I think part of me doesn't want to absolutely destroy that memory haha. But, I do have some US domestic flying coming up next year, surely at least some of it would be F. Thanks for watching 🩴
Kevin, just curious...you never wear a pant and or a sneaker when travelling?!? What about winter season,man!! ( I am a brazilian and love "Havaianas" too!)
I mean, watch some of my reviews from places I visited in cooler weather and you'll see pants haha. Hot weather, definitely I will not wear pants, I don't even pack them.
Interesting that your 3A seat didn't have working power. I was watching another review who also had issues in a 3A seat about 6 months prior, wondering if it was the same plane on a different route.
Dude, I appreciate your motivation to remain commercially pure. However, it takes two to tango, so here’s the question I was hoping you could answer. Do you think the airlines and other services providers would be unaware of an influencer participating in their network product?
In a world where everyone records everything at all times, I assure you I blend in a lot more than you'd think- one of the reason I only use iPhones. Can the crew see I am recording if they pay attention to me? Yes. Is everyone else also recording and taking photos? Yes.
Hey there! Thanks for the video. Just flew suites SIN-DOHA. I had the same exact sassy crew as you did😂 soured my experience since it was my FIRST q suite business class in my entire life. Overall I echo what people are saying here. The service does need to improve! Had a more pleasant experience flying in their economy on my return leg😂 could be my luck but hey, if everyone’s saying something it could actually be happening
Ahhhh ok haha. Was curious simply becuase "sassy" was the exact word I wanted to use in the video, but I didn't becuase I didn't want completely irrelevant conclusions to be made about said flight attendant.
Such a shame with such a beautiful product, it is so inconsistent. Hearing and seeing more and more stories of uninterested and underperforming crew. Wonder where Qatar Airways is heading with Al Baker retiring. Thank you for including the playlist, so many times have Shazammed music and it would not be recognised, especially with the (unsurprisingly) India content…😅 Thank you for the very interesting video 🙏🏼
I've been thinking about this a lot recently- editing these two QR videos and I have a couple booked for next year. I'm wondering if QR is going to do a complete about face in some regards with the new CEO. You probably know, it's widely rumored that AAB was 'retired' due to the drama surrounding the Airbus stuff. His ego getting the best of him and putting the government in an awkward position. I've been thinking about that massive ego of his and specifically wondering about the future of the A380 and First Class. I have a feeling that both of them will find renewed interest under the new CEO. From the beginning AAB crapped on the A380s, in retrospect it feels like a jab at EK for them doing so well. About him saying there's no future in First Class, well... is that simply becuase his ego refused to believe something could be better than QSuites, his baby? In the coming months I expect cabin crew morale to be boosted, likely from the policies the new CEO has relaxed already like that draconian curfew, but I also think there's a good chance the the CEO breathes new life into the First program. Perhaps not a new product or expansion of it, but I could definitely see long term A380 usage and a much better First soft product on the horizon. Just my 2 🪙.
