[Click above for the video review.]
Airline: Qatar Airways (QR)
Flight Number: QR927
Route: CRK-DOH
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: A7-BCK
Delivered: December 2012
Flight Duration: 9 Hours 30 Minutes
Distance: 4,486 Miles
Overall Impression:
Flying with Qatar Airways from Clark Airport was once again a testament to why the airline is consistently rated among the best in the world. From attentive onboard service to exceptional dining, the experience delivered many high points—though not without a few drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of what stood out and what could use improvement.
What I Liked:
The Service – The crew was warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our journey exceptional. From the pre-departure beverage and arabic coffee service and refreshing towel to the beautifully presented meals, every touch reflected Qatar Airways’ high service standards. The crew responded promptly to requests and consistently went above and beyond throughout the flight. Turndown service was offered when we were ready to sleep, complete with mattress pads for added comfort. We were also given a box of chocolates and a scented towel before landing as a parting gift.
The Catering – Qatar Airways’ catering out of Clark was superb, consistent with our previous experiences. The dine-on-demand concept allowed us to choose exactly when we wanted to eat, adding a personalized touch. The meal began with a delicious Marinated Tuna Tartare amuse-bouche, followed by an Arabic Mezze starter served with warm artisan and pita breads. My main course—grilled beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce—was cooked to a perfect medium and satisfyingly hearty. Dessert was a refreshing jackfruit and vanilla ice cream pairing that rounded out the experience beautifully.
Mid-flight, a snack bar was set up in the common area with fresh fruits and packaged snacks—an appreciated detail for those wanting a quick bite between meals.
Before landing, I opted for a pre-arrival meal starting with a Marinated Salmon appetizer and fresh breads. For the main course, I selected Qatar Airways’ take on Filipino Chicken Adobo, which was tender, well-marinated, and full of flavor. The Apple and Walnut Pie for dessert was rich and indulgent—a fitting end to a great meal.
The Amenities – Business Class passengers received a Diptyque amenity kit and Loungewear (available upon request). Each seat was also stocked with bottled water and noise-canceling headphones.
The inclusion of a duvet, two pillows, and a mattress pad enhanced the lie-flat bed’s comfort, making sleep easier on the long journey.
Lavatories were consistently clean and thoughtfully stocked with premium amenities like facial mist, hand lotion, disposable razors, and toothbrushes—ensuring passengers could stay refreshed throughout the flight.
The IFE – The in-flight entertainment on this aircraft was powered by Qatar Airways’ Oryx One system, which offered an impressive mix of content—from the latest movie releases to classic films, TV series, music, and games. The interface was intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate and find something to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a full movie or just want to pass time watching the moving map, the selection had more than enough variety to keep things interesting.
What I Didn’t Like:
In-Flight WiFi on the 787s – The onboard internet was both expensive and unreliable. Unlike Qatar’s newer 777 and A350 aircraft that feature free Starlink connectivity, the 787s still use the outdated OryxComms system. Pricing options included $10 for 100MB or 3 hours (whichever comes first), and $20 for 200MB or the full flight. While I don’t mind paying for WiFi, 200MB is far too limited for modern browsing, and the connection was spotty at best. Even basic tasks like checking Instagram or opening websites were often unsuccessful, making the service frustrating and ineffective.
It’s OK, I Guess…
The Seats – I was seated in seat 2A, a window seat on the port side of the plane. While not the flagship QSuites, the reverse herringbone seats were still spacious, lie-flat, and comfortable. Though they lack the privacy of a sliding door, some may prefer the more open design. The seats featured a large tray table, ample storage, a good in-flight entertainment system, and even personal air nozzles—something I always appreciate. Overall, they remain a solid, if not cutting-edge, business class option.
The Marhaba Lounge at Clark – Qatar Airways uses the Marhaba Lounge at Clark International Airport. My expectations were modest, but I was pleasantly surprised. The lounge was clean, bright, and comfortably furnished. It was quiet during our visit, offering plenty of seating and space. While the food and beverage selection was limited, it was sufficient for a light meal before boarding. Additional amenities like showers, sleeping pods (available for a fee), and a smoking room added convenience for travelers with extra time before departure.
Bottom Line:
Qatar Airways delivered an overall excellent Business Class experience on this 9-hour flight, with standout service, top-notch catering, thoughtful amenities, and a comfortable cabin environment. While the older reverse herringbone seats and the third-party lounge in Clark weren’t as luxurious as Qatar’s newer offerings, they still provided comfort and functionality. The only significant letdown was the expensive and unreliable in-flight WiFi—a surprising drawback in an otherwise premium journey.
TravelingFoody.com 