At the last minute I decided to attend my cousin’s wedding in the UK so set about finding a flight. It would be the third time in the UK this year, so maybe after this I might have some points! Qatar Airways have the reputation for having the best economy class and they also have a small upper deck in economy, of course for additional cost. Still because it was short notice and high season it was expensive.
Booking a flexible ticket rather than just the basic enabled me to choose my seats at no extra charge. I weighed up the basic with paid chosen seats and the flexible ticket and the flexible ticket came out slightly cheaper.
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Perth to Doha
The flight time is 11 hours and 15 minutes. The upper deck consists of 56 seats with a 2-4-2 seat configuration. When I booked my ticket all the 2 seats had already been taken. So I took an aisle seat. I thought I had struck lucky with the only spare seat next to me, just as the announcement came that all passengers had now boarded, a lady appeared dressed in flowing black robes and took that seat. As she settled herself in I watched in astonishment as she proceeded to get into the lotus position, contorting herself in the process. She managed one leg. Throughout the flight though she tried on several occasions to raise the other leg. The man behind me was over 6ft and built like a rugby player and it seemed he couldn’t fold his tray without banging it roughly into the back of my seat.
Front and back views of the upper deck. Courtesy of Business Traveller
The service is exemplary and the meals and drinks are served quickly and efficiently. I suppose the cons of this deck would be that you cannot walk far, so there isn’t much space to wander around to stretch your legs.
Unfortunately I didn’t manage to sleep very much due to catching yet another cold the same day.
Doha to London
I had just over two hours in Doha before the next flight, so once I had cleared transit I looked around for somewhere to have a much needed coffee. I settled on Harrod’s Tea Rooms and was happy I did. After a great coffee and a healthy bowl of porridge I felt revived.
Above is the famous Golden/Yellow Bear at Hammad International Airport, Doha.
A few facts about this famous bear. The big yellow teddy bear is known as “Untitled (Lamp/Bear),” and it was designed by Swiss contemporary artist Urs Fischer. The teddy bear is 23 feet tall and weighs 35,000 pounds, as it is sculpted from bronze.
This is the same teddy that used to be displayed in front of the Seagram Building on New York’s Park Avenue, but was bought by a member of Qatari royal family for almost $ 7 million. Source: Afar.Com
Boarding time was soon here and this flight takes 7 hours 15 minutes. I was hoping to get more sleep on this flight and was soon dozing off just after takeoff, only to be rudely awakened by someone’s foot poking my arm! I turned around and saw the girl behind me had her feet on both my armrests. I didn’t say anything at first, but after being poked for the third time I did have to ask her to remove her feet.
You would think with a smaller deck it would be quieter, but no. Across the aisle there was a father travelling alone with his four children, I would say ten and under. Oh boy did they yell and shout, at one point I woke up to see half the other passengers all looking. Absolutely no control. He was up and down the whole flight taking turns to sit with each child.
Out of all the airlines I feel Qatar is the best, especially if you can obtain a seat on the upper deck. Ease of check-in, boarding and retrieving luggage is smooth and efficient. Of course if you can manage business class all the better!
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Glad you arrived safe and sound Alison ! Have a good trip.
Thanks Marion 🙂
Well, feet on the armrest is a new one, not had that happen. However, that guy who keeps banging the bloody tray against the back of your seat every few minutes…I don’t know how he came to be on your plane because that bloody annoying idiot ALWAYS sits behind me! On what bloody planet is it necessary to keep opening and closing your bloody tray, let alone slamming it every time. Oh anyway, enjoy being back in Blighty (again) and enjoy the wedding day.
There’s always one! Wedding was fantastic, I’ve got lots of cousins and second cousins so was a great way to see everyone all at once
What a glutton for punishment, Alison! That’s a lot of flying time. I hope the wedding was worth it but I’m sure it would be. Ours certainly was, though just a fraction of the distance.
Haha yes I really am Jo, especially since I lost my voice the day after. Had a wonderful time at the wedding though
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I photographed that bear when we changed at Doha on our way to Nepal last year, but I didn’t know anything about it – thanks for filling me in 🙂 I can never believe how many ill-behaved and inconsiderate passengers there are, as there’s always at least one seated near me. But I have to say @ve never had anyone put their feet on my arm rests 😮
I know, very rude
What an interesting and long flight, Ali. The plane itself looks fairly comfortable, but someone putting their feet on your arm rests? Unacceptable. I hope this finds you having a wonderful time in the UK. Safe travels.
Thanks Kellye 😊
glad you arrived safe, Ali. hope you enjoyed the wedding and great time in london!
Thanks Lola 🙂
Nice flight, shame about the passengers! You seem to have encountered some especially obnoxious ones this time.
I suppose it was inevitable this time with being a jam packed plane!
Oooh banging behind the seat would be totally annoying especially if you’re trying to catch some sleep. Glad to read from the comments that you had a good time at the wedding because Perth to London is pretty far. I find Singapore to London is already very far.
Thanks Amor, it’s so far and the third time this year. It’s a visit also to see my dear mum who is in a care home now with dementia
That’s a lot of air miles. I heard from my sister who manages the nursing staff in a care in London that they genuinely care about their patients, so that’s a good thing and I hope your mum’s care is the same. 🙂
I’ve never flown anywhere with Qatar, good to hear a positive review for future ref though. how annoying – having the back of your seat thrashed against, even if not intentionally….the joys of air travel 😊✈️
Thanks for your comments Cheryl, yes always a few hiccups 🙂
I just cant even imagine having multiple decks on an airplane. The giant yellow bear is a pretty unique welcome to the airport. Glad you were able to go to the wedding 🙂
Thanks Meg, it was a fabulous day 😊
Such a jet setter you are Ali! Your experience is making me feel anxious thinking of my upcoming flight haha
Well anyway, glad you got there safely.
Take Valium ..works every time, I have a great GP 😄
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Wow! Back to the UK – you really are a champion traveller!
It is challenging when there are active and vocal kids in one’s cabin – goodness! that Dad travelling with 4 kiddies sure is brave.
Yes travelling has figured largely on my agenda this year!
Long flight, but i wanna to London. my dream destination
One day you will 🙂