Checked out of the hotel and took the local train back to Oslo airport. Qatar Airways check-in counters were quite busy, but we were checked in swiftly. Bags were tagged through to the final destination Singapore.
There was a fast track lane through security for most airlines' premium passengers.
Departure hall and through the shops.
Qatar uses the OSL Lounge and we were invited into the Premium section.
The lounge was not too busy and there were sufficient seating.
However the food selection was not too inspiring, with the only hot option being the soup.
Decent beverage selection
Only had some fruits and drinks as I decided to spare my tummy for the inflight dining.
Leaving thee Premium section of the lounge, I actually preferred the 'normal' section as it seemed brighter, though a bit more crowded. Food and beverage selection seemed similar.
Left the lounge and headed to the gate. Our gate would be just after passport control.
13 August 2019
Qatar Airways
QR 176
Oslo (OSL) - Doha (DOH)
B787-8
A7-BCC
Business Class
Flight Time: 5H53M
Qatar's Dreamliner at the gate.
One thing I have noticed is that QR starts their boarding process very early, with boarding commenced 45min before STD. Headed straight towards the aircraft after boarding passes were checked.
Just steps away from my first Qatar Business Class experience. Would this really be the 'First in Business' experience as QR has always touted?
Warmly welcomed at the door and guided to the correct aisle. Business cabin was already half-filled early during the boarding. Though not equipped with Q-Suites, the B787-8 still offers the previous generation of herringbone designed lie-flat seats. These seats are still one of the better business class seats around.
Placed on each seat was a pillow, duvet, amenity kit and bottle of water. Headsets were in the side compartment.
Very good legroom.
View out the window.
After being seated, the 'First' experience begun. The purser as well as the crew serving our aisle came round to introduce themselves, update on the flight time, as well as did a quick introduction of the seat features. Wow, I have never expected that as a non-status passenger in business class! Even SQ doesn't do this in Business Class (unless you are a PPS maybe?), though I vaguely recalled that TG crew also introduced themselves on my last flight with them. There were 3 crew serving the full cabin of 22 passengers. Following this, our welcome beverage orders were taken (any drink from the menu), menus distributed, as well as an offer of hot or cold towel! Wow, you mean I can actually choose to have a cold towel?? I chose to have the signature lemon-mint drink along with an ice cold towel served on a towel tray. Already, I was very impressed by the ground service upon boarding.
Contents of the Brics amenity kit.
Exploring the seat features. There was a shoe drawer.
Headsets and side-table with magazine rack and bottle holder.
IFE controller and the various ports.
Seat controls
A bottle of still water already placed at each seat.
QR's fleet
Firing up the IFE system. However for some reason, this aircraft did not have the latest IFE selection updated or the system screwed up. This was made known to the crew inflight, who was very apologetic and offered to reset the system and see if the latest selection showed up. However, I had movies to watch from the current selection and all was fine.
All settled in for the mid-haul.
Crew also came round to take orders for after takeoff beverage, as well as your preference for meal timing and meal choices. Yes, you may have your meal anytime you like, and select from anything from the ala-carte menu. Impressive and certainly a First-ish service!
A brief shower while at the gate.
Safety video played as we pushed back.
Taxiing to the runway.
Departure from Rwy01L.
Reclined my seat to a very comfy position.
And started my first movie while playing with the dimmable windows.
My post-takeoff beverage of a Rose was served. The delivery was exceptional as the crew first placed an empty champagne flute on the side, went back to the galley to get the champagne, presented the champagne and followed by pouring the bubbles right at my seat, just like in First Class. It was served with a bowl of warm nuts.
Visit to the lavatory. There were 2 lavatories at the rear of the business cabin, and both had window views! Lavatory was stocked with the potions and lotions from Rituals, as well as toothbrushes and shavers.
View of the cosy cabin (taken slightly later into the flight).
There were separate food and wines menus.
Ala-carte menu
Non-alcoholic beverages
Extensive wine list
Setting sun
Dinner was served. The male crew from Macedonia serving our aisle was excellent, providing very personable and professional service, just like in a 5-stars restaurant.
Table was set with a bread bowl, condiments (there was even a choice of different flavours of olive oil), water, a candlelight and a amuse-bouche. Napkin was placed on your lap personally, and cutlery were presented and replaced after every course was served. First Class style.
The amuse-bouche was some sort of crab dish. It was fresh and light.
Breads and condiments.
Pink salt and whole pepper grinders. Wow!
The cauliflower and garlic soup was served next. It was amazing! Portion was huge too.
Tried the signature Arabic mezze. The portion was again suitable as a full meal. Taste wise, I am not a fan of Arabic food so could not comment, but many who had tasted swore by QR's Arabic mezze.
Also tried the Nordic salmon.
For the main, I chose the Cod fish sayadiyah. To be honest, I was already filled by then and did not manage to finish the dish, though the cod was tender and rice fragrant though a bit soggy.
To finish, my friend had the cheese plate.
While I had the fresh berries with orange syrup and gourmet ice-cream. I was bursting at this point.
Somewhere over Russia after dinner was done and starting with the second movie.
Some coffee and Godiva chocolates to end, and a hot towel to clean up. The entire meal service was very well-paced and totally felt like a First Class experience!
Sun has almost set.
There was a lounging area at Door 2, where there were fruits, snacks, champagne and magazines.
Reclined my seat to the bed mode to test out the comfort. Though not Q-Suite, it was still a very comfortable bed.
Cabin with lights turned off.
About an hour prior to arrival, the crew came round again, asking if we would like anything to eat or drink before landing. I was originally looking to have the afternoon tea set, but as I was still very full from the dinner, just opted to have a cappuccino which arrived with some cookies.
Lights turned up before descent.
And another hot towel given out to refresh ourselves as we started our descent. Total of 4 towels offered on this mid-haul (compared to only 2 on SQ Business Class long-haul after it revised its service procedures last month).
Descending and landing in Doha Rwy34L.
Last look at my seat before disembarking.
Parked at a bus gate, but there was a dedicated bus for Business Class passengers.
Next up, I would be checking out the hub lounge as well as the Q-Suites experience on the final leg!
Agreed assessment. I find it to be consistent too. SQ in business is no match. Be posting my rendition soon as well.