[Click above for the video review.]
- Flight: QR180
- Route: OSL-DOH
- Equipment: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Cabin: Business Class
- Seat: 4K/5K
After spending a few days in beautiful (and very expensive) Oslo, it was time to continue on with the trip. We checked out of our hotel, and took the train to the airport. The train ride was pleasant and quick.
Upon arrival at the airport, we found the Qatar Airways check-in counters at the very end of the terminal. There was a bit of Drama going on as someone left their baggage unattended and the agents had to call the police. We waited for about 10 minutes in line, and then we were helped by a very nice Norwegian agent. She printed our boarding passes, and gave us our lounge invites. Unfortunately, we were running a bit late for our flight and we still had to clear security and exit immigration. Hence, we did not get a chance to visit the lounge –womp womp.
Upon clearing immigration, we headed straight to the gate, which was at the very end of the long terminal. Boarding had already started by the time we arrived, so we didn’t have to wait long. Our boarding passes were scanned, and off we went. I really love how some airports have glass jet bridges. Most modern airports have them, except in North America because they were outlawed for the longest time, and it was only until very recently when they lifted the ban.
Upon arriving at the plane door, we were greeted by the Service Manager and pointed us left to our seat. We were seated in 4K and 5K on the starboard side of the plane.
The business class seats on the QR’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner are similar to the seats on their Airbus A380 and A350, which I’ve already covered in the following posts: here, here, and here .
Upon settling in, we were offered a pre-departure beverage, and a hot towel. I ordered a glass of rosé champagne.
We were also offered wine & dining menus, as well as a Giorgio Armani amenity kit.
After a few minutes, boarding was complete and the Captain made his pre-flight announcement. He mentioned our flight time of 6 hours and 20 minutes to Doha.
We soon pushed back from the gate, and QR’s soccer themed safety video played. During taxi, Claudia, the flight attendant in charge of our aisle came over and took our beverage and meal orders.
Before we knew it, we were almost at the end of the runway. The takeoff roll seemed very long for some reason for a Dreamliner. It almost felt like we were flying on an Airbus A340, which is known for their “lumbering” takeoffs. The takeoff roll, rotation, and ascent were all very smooth. It was a partly cloudy day in Oslo, but the views on the way up certainly did not disappoint.
After about 10 minutes, the Captain switched off the seatbelt sign, and the crew sprung into action.
First, our beverage orders were brought along with a ramekin of mixed nuts.
Then our table was set, along with QR’s signature bread “basket” bowl.
For starters, I ordered the corn soup, which was served at the right temperature. I was expecting it to be really salty, as is the norm with most soups served in an airplane, but I was pleasantly surprised that this one was not. It was perfectly seasoned.
For the main entrée, I ordered the spiced chicken and rice. Not only was the presentation en pointe, it was also delicious!
For dessert, I opted for some mixed fruits.
After the meal, I went and visited the lavatory to freshen up. I love how some of the 787’s lavatories (depending on the configuration) have windows! The lav was a good size, and features a changing bench and diaper changing table. It was also well stocked with Toothbrushes, razors, and other toiletries.
Before heading back to my seat, I checked-out the “bar area” in-between the front and aft business class cabin. Normally, there would be a wine, fruits, and snack setup at the bar, but this flight for some reason did not have it. It was still beautiful though.
Upon arriving back at my seat, I decided to recline it all the way back and made my bed. I also flipped through the IFE selections, and decided on watching The Shallows.
Before I knew it, we were fast approaching Doha. I ordered a glass of orange juice before landing as I was still very full from the previous meal. We were also given a small package of Valrhona chocolates as a parting gift.
The Captain soon announced our initial descent into Doha. The lights came on, and the mood lighting was in full effect.
We started descending around sunset, which made some very nice views outside.
Sadly, by the time we were on approach, it was already pitch black outside. The landing was smooth very smooth. We taxied for a few minutes and soon parked at a remote stand, which meant we needed to carry all of luggage down the stairs – ugh!
We were one of the first people off the plane, and business class passengers had their own bus to take them to the terminal. One consolation for parking in a remote stand, though is that you get an amazing view of the airplane that you just flew and other planes on the tarmac.
The bus ride was a quick 5 minutes to the airport terminal. We took the escalators up to airport security, and we were through security in less than 2 minutes.
Then we made our way back to the amazing Al Mourjan lounge, while waiting for our next flight.
This was another excellent flight on Qatar Airways. Great seats, good service, and delicious food! Will we ever get tired of QR? Probably… but not right now. LOL I give this flight a very good 8 out of 10.
TravelingFoody.com 