The modern global aviation industry era has seen many full-service carriers entirely forego first class cabins as premium economy and business class cabins take over, as now commonly seen on the configurations of newer aircraft fleets. The absence of first class cabins is so significant that encountering a flight with a first class offering is considered a relatively rare opportunity.
This sometimes happens when airlines bring back a particular fleet of older aircraft that still have first class cabins in their configuration. For example, Qatar Airways reactivated the Airbus A380 last year in light of aircraft delivery delays and other problems. Since the superjumbo is one of only two Qatar Airways aircraft types with first class cabins currently in service, you might not know what the airline offers.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has publicly stated that his airline does not need first class cabins, since its famous business class cabins, known as Qsuites or the ‘First in Business,’ are already considered top-tier. However, the carrier still does have a first class cabin offering. At present, only a handful of the airline’s Airbus A380s that are in service are configured with these cabins.
Photo: MBekir | Shutterstock
The Doha-based carrier also offers first class on selected Boeing 777-300ERs that are on lease from Cathay Pacific. So, while there are opportunities for passengers to fly first class with Qatar Airways, keen passengers must realize that time is considerably short and the airline is planning for a future without long-haul first class.
By next year, the airline plans to retire the Airbus A380s completely, and the Boeing widebodies will eventually be returned to the Hong Kong flag carrier. The new aircraft will also not be configured with first class cabin.
As is the case when flying in any prestigious cabin class, passengers flying first class with Qatar Airways can anticipate full access to a dedicated lounge. Specifically, the Al Safwa First Lounge, where every inch and feature is said to be specially designed to create the ultimate luxurious lounge experience for passengers, is on offer.
Inspired by Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, the Al Safwa First Lounge captures the building’s cultural surroundings with interesting installations and grand features.
Photo: Qatar Airways
The lounge features a family area, quiet area, seating area, parents room, and shower rooms. Also available are the Qspa with nine treatment rooms and a thermal jacuzzi, a tea area, business centers, a deli dining area, a bar, and a 250-seat dining room flavored with international and exquisite Arabic cuisines. These ensure that passengers are rejuvenated and well-satisfied in every aspect before their flight.
Qatar Airways describes its first class cabin as every passenger’s private sanctuary, with eight seats spread out across two rows in a cozy 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck of the Airbus A380, and six seats spread out across two rows in a 1-1-1 configuration onboard the Boeing 777-300ERs.
Each seat is relatively massive on both aircraft, although the seats on the Boeing widebody are slightly less modernly furnished as compared to those on the Airbus superjumbo.
Photo: Qatar Airways
On the Airbus A380, all eight seats have direct aisle access, and there’s an electronically-controlled divider beside each aisle to allow passengers to have more privacy. There are also no overhead baggage bins above, providing ample headroom and beyond for passengers.
Concerning the Boeing 777, passengers who prefer more private would prefer to sit in the ‘A’ aisle which provides a divider to separate themselves from the rest of the cabin. However, the bonus with all first class seats is the fact that passengers can enjoy a complete lie-flat long bed.
Besides an all-in-one lounge and a private yet comfortable cabin, passengers have access to on-demand à la carte menus that allow for cravings to be satisfied whenever they wish. This includes the caviar service, artisanal bread, light hot or cold delicacies, savory main dishes, desserts, and well-made mocktails.
According to the oneworld alliance member, flying first class on the Airbus A380 has an additional highlight featuring the upper deck premium open-bar lounge.
It’s worth noting that the bar lounge is not exclusive to first class passengers, as business class passengers may also patronize the bar. Otherwise, first class passengers are treated to amenity kits from French fragrance brand Diptique and designer loungewear a leading UK lifestyle brand known as The White Company.
With onboard WiFi, USB plugs, and access to about 4,000 entertainment options, passengers are settled in for either work or full-on relaxation onboard.
Suppose all these sound enticing and passengers have the miles and cash to spend for a first class ticket, Qatar Airways will be flying the Airbus A380s from Doha to Bangkok daily, London Heathrow twice daily, Perth daily, and Sydney daily this summer. As for the borrowed Boeing 777-300ERs with first class, passengers can try catching a flight from Doha to the dedicated destinations of Male, Istanbul, Hong Kong, and Kuwait City.
Have you tried flying first class with Qatar Airways? Please share your experience with us in the comments below.
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