The Flight Review: Qatar Airways Short Haul Business Class on a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777
Luxury Reviews Says 9/10
Can the worlds self proclaimed 5 star airline make a 50 minute flight on an other airlines old aircraft luxurious?
The Airline
Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways has enjoyed a remarkably swift ascent, evolving from a small regional carrier into a global powerhouse. They famously collect the “World’s Best Airline” titles from Skytrax like others collect air miles. Ambition has always been the airline’s true signature, a fact cemented when they joined the Oneworld alliance in 2013.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The cabin contained a cosmopolitan mix of business travellers, families, and seasoned frequent flyers connecting across continents and seeking a luxury experience. Even with a full cabin, the 1-2-1 layout was calm—everyone tucked into their own private suite, shielded from the usual bustle of a short-haul hop. It’s the defining difference between this flight and most other regional carriers.
The First Impression 6/10
For a first impression, Qatar Airways at Dubai Terminal 1 was not putting on a show. The dedicated Business Class check-in was efficient enough but lacked the wow factor you expect from an airline trying to steal Emirates’ customers. There was no sign of the signature burgundy welcome carpet or any grand ceremony. It was functional but instantly forgettable.
The Fast Track5/10
There was no dedicated Fast Track service for immigration and security. Although e-gate processing was quick and queue-free, the total lack of separate Business Class lanes meant the experience was fast, but certainly not premium. After all, who doesn’t like sailing through a Fast Track lane to feel special, even when it’s not strictly needed?
The Lounge 7/10
Access to the Ahlan Lounge’s First Class section in Dubai was a welcome perk of Oneworld Emerald status. This offered a separate and quieter part of the lounge with seated table service and upgraded menu away from the main lounge’s busy buffet. The space, though comfortable, felt a little tired and dated, and the relaxed environment was often spoilt by other passengers using loud video calling.
The Priority Boarding 8/10
The perfectly executed zone system eliminated the usual scrum and fight at the gate, making me almost miss the entertainment value of the chaos. The premium experience truly began when Qatar Airways’ own staff replaced the ground handlers at the aircraft door, providing a genuinely warm welcome and seating directions.
The Seat & Cabin 8/10
This Qatar Airways Boeing 777 used an old Cathay Pacific cabin. Forget the modern Qsuite—this dated 1-2-1 reverse herringbone was clearly ahead of its time. The real ridiculousness here is a full lie-flat seat for a mere short-hop. That completely unnecessary flat-bed, and the promise of a nap you won’t take, easily overshadows the cabin’s older colour scheme.
The Amenities10/10
For a journey this brief, all you expect is a rushed glance at the safety card. Instead, Qatar Airways provides the full luxury performance: a proper menu, a quality headset, a bottle of water, and a choice of fresh welcome juices. This is, quite frankly, excessive for this journey, but it’s the kind of overkill that justifies the ticket.
The Service 10/10
The service was fantastic. While Qatar Airways is often praised for being efficient, this crew made it personal. Starting with bright smiles at 0500, my attendant was completely proactive—addressing me by name, providing a thorough seat and product introduction, and taking the meal order before we even left the gate. This whole interaction felt perfectly polished and was defined by genuine warmth, not robotic procedure.
The Dining 10/10
The dining experience was superb. For a mere 50-minute flight—a concept alien to many carriers—Qatar Airways put on a full show. They started with the theatre of a tablecloth appearing on every table before presenting a light breakfast. The pastries were worthy of a fine Parisian patisserie, and all ingredients were of high quality. The only drawback was the speed of the flight, which allowed only just enough time to appreciate it all.
The Entertainment 10/10
The level of Inflight Entertainment was way over the top. The full Qatar Airways ORYX system was available—a massive system entirely built for long-haul—again on a mere 50-minute flight. This does mean that you can happily browse your movie selection for the next, longer flight. And, since the entire experience is timed perfectly, you’ll find that by the time you finish that incredible Parisian pastry, the entire 50 minutes will have already vanished.
The Attention to Detail 9/10
Qatar Airways truly leads in attention to detail. This was an over-the-top luxury of receiving full long-haul service compressed into a short flight, proven by touches like the pre-takeoff menu, the seat introduction, and the tablecloth that appeared for breakfast. They ensured this high standard never dipped. The ultimate test came at the landing: the dreaded remote parking stand was instantly handled, not by a crowded bus, but by an upgraded coach exclusively for Business Class passengers. This commitment to aesthetics even extends to the aircraft’s undercarriage, as evidenced by a dedicated team ensuring the wheels are pristine—a detail most passengers never notice, but one that confirms their pursuit of perfection. The high-end experience was maintained right to the terminal door.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It? Yes. It almost made the inconvenience of having to take a short connecting flight enjoyable.
Fly This For The absurd pleasure of a long-haul flatbed and a tablecloth breakfast before the plane even reaches cruising altitude.
Don’t Fly This ForA check-in and security process that feels remotely special, or a lounge free of public video-calling.
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Luxury Reviews Says 9/10
Can the worlds self proclaimed 5 star airline make a 50 minute flight on an other airlines old aircraft luxurious?
The Airline
Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways has enjoyed a remarkably swift ascent, evolving from a small regional carrier into a global powerhouse. They famously collect the “World’s Best Airline” titles from Skytrax like others collect air miles. Ambition has always been the airline’s true signature, a fact cemented when they joined the Oneworld alliance in 2013.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The cabin contained a cosmopolitan mix of business travellers, families, and seasoned frequent flyers connecting across continents and seeking a luxury experience. Even with a full cabin, the 1-2-1 layout was calm—everyone tucked into their own private suite, shielded from the usual bustle of a short-haul hop. It’s the defining difference between this flight and most other regional carriers.
The First Impression 6/10
For a first impression, Qatar Airways at Dubai Terminal 1 was not putting on a show. The dedicated Business Class check-in was efficient enough but lacked the wow factor you expect from an airline trying to steal Emirates’ customers. There was no sign of the signature burgundy welcome carpet or any grand ceremony. It was functional but instantly forgettable.
The Fast Track5/10
There was no dedicated Fast Track service for immigration and security. Although e-gate processing was quick and queue-free, the total lack of separate Business Class lanes meant the experience was fast, but certainly not premium. After all, who doesn’t like sailing through a Fast Track lane to feel special, even when it’s not strictly needed?
The Lounge 7/10
Access to the Ahlan Lounge’s First Class section in Dubai was a welcome perk of Oneworld Emerald status. This offered a separate and quieter part of the lounge with seated table service and upgraded menu away from the main lounge’s busy buffet. The space, though comfortable, felt a little tired and dated, and the relaxed environment was often spoilt by other passengers using loud video calling.
The Priority Boarding 8/10
The perfectly executed zone system eliminated the usual scrum and fight at the gate, making me almost miss the entertainment value of the chaos. The premium experience truly began when Qatar Airways’ own staff replaced the ground handlers at the aircraft door, providing a genuinely warm welcome and seating directions.
The Seat & Cabin 8/10
This Qatar Airways Boeing 777 used an old Cathay Pacific cabin. Forget the modern Qsuite—this dated 1-2-1 reverse herringbone was clearly ahead of its time. The real ridiculousness here is a full lie-flat seat for a mere short-hop. That completely unnecessary flat-bed, and the promise of a nap you won’t take, easily overshadows the cabin’s older colour scheme.
The Amenities10/10
For a journey this brief, all you expect is a rushed glance at the safety card. Instead, Qatar Airways provides the full luxury performance: a proper menu, a quality headset, a bottle of water, and a choice of fresh welcome juices. This is, quite frankly, excessive for this journey, but it’s the kind of overkill that justifies the ticket.
The Service 10/10
The service was fantastic. While Qatar Airways is often praised for being efficient, this crew made it personal. Starting with bright smiles at 0500, my attendant was completely proactive—addressing me by name, providing a thorough seat and product introduction, and taking the meal order before we even left the gate. This whole interaction felt perfectly polished and was defined by genuine warmth, not robotic procedure.
The Dining 10/10
The dining experience was superb. For a mere 50-minute flight—a concept alien to many carriers—Qatar Airways put on a full show. They started with the theatre of a tablecloth appearing on every table before presenting a light breakfast. The pastries were worthy of a fine Parisian patisserie, and all ingredients were of high quality. The only drawback was the speed of the flight, which allowed only just enough time to appreciate it all.
The Entertainment 10/10
The level of Inflight Entertainment was way over the top. The full Qatar Airways ORYX system was available—a massive system entirely built for long-haul—again on a mere 50-minute flight. This does mean that you can happily browse your movie selection for the next, longer flight. And, since the entire experience is timed perfectly, you’ll find that by the time you finish that incredible Parisian pastry, the entire 50 minutes will have already vanished.
The Attention to Detail 9/10
Qatar Airways truly leads in attention to detail. This was an over-the-top luxury of receiving full long-haul service compressed into a short flight, proven by touches like the pre-takeoff menu, the seat introduction, and the tablecloth that appeared for breakfast. They ensured this high standard never dipped. The ultimate test came at the landing: the dreaded remote parking stand was instantly handled, not by a crowded bus, but by an upgraded coach exclusively for Business Class passengers. This commitment to aesthetics even extends to the aircraft’s undercarriage, as evidenced by a dedicated team ensuring the wheels are pristine—a detail most passengers never notice, but one that confirms their pursuit of perfection. The high-end experience was maintained right to the terminal door.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It? Yes. It almost made the inconvenience of having to take a short connecting flight enjoyable.
Fly This For The absurd pleasure of a long-haul flatbed and a tablecloth breakfast before the plane even reaches cruising altitude.
Don’t Fly This ForA check-in and security process that feels remotely special, or a lounge free of public video-calling.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Luxury Reviews Says 9/10
Can the worlds self proclaimed 5 star airline make a 50 minute flight on an other airlines old aircraft luxurious?
The Airline
Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways has enjoyed a remarkably swift ascent, evolving from a small regional carrier into a global powerhouse. They famously collect the “World’s Best Airline” titles from Skytrax like others collect air miles. Ambition has always been the airline’s true signature, a fact cemented when they joined the Oneworld alliance in 2013.
The Vibe & Fellow Flyers
The cabin contained a cosmopolitan mix of business travellers, families, and seasoned frequent flyers connecting across continents and seeking a luxury experience. Even with a full cabin, the 1-2-1 layout was calm—everyone tucked into their own private suite, shielded from the usual bustle of a short-haul hop. It’s the defining difference between this flight and most other regional carriers.
The First Impression 6/10
For a first impression, Qatar Airways at Dubai Terminal 1 was not putting on a show. The dedicated Business Class check-in was efficient enough but lacked the wow factor you expect from an airline trying to steal Emirates’ customers. There was no sign of the signature burgundy welcome carpet or any grand ceremony. It was functional but instantly forgettable.
The Fast Track5/10
There was no dedicated Fast Track service for immigration and security. Although e-gate processing was quick and queue-free, the total lack of separate Business Class lanes meant the experience was fast, but certainly not premium. After all, who doesn’t like sailing through a Fast Track lane to feel special, even when it’s not strictly needed?
The Lounge 7/10
Access to the Ahlan Lounge’s First Class section in Dubai was a welcome perk of Oneworld Emerald status. This offered a separate and quieter part of the lounge with seated table service and upgraded menu away from the main lounge’s busy buffet. The space, though comfortable, felt a little tired and dated, and the relaxed environment was often spoilt by other passengers using loud video calling.
The Priority Boarding 8/10
The perfectly executed zone system eliminated the usual scrum and fight at the gate, making me almost miss the entertainment value of the chaos. The premium experience truly began when Qatar Airways’ own staff replaced the ground handlers at the aircraft door, providing a genuinely warm welcome and seating directions.
The Seat & Cabin 8/10
This Qatar Airways Boeing 777 used an old Cathay Pacific cabin. Forget the modern Qsuite—this dated 1-2-1 reverse herringbone was clearly ahead of its time. The real ridiculousness here is a full lie-flat seat for a mere short-hop. That completely unnecessary flat-bed, and the promise of a nap you won’t take, easily overshadows the cabin’s older colour scheme.
The Amenities10/10
For a journey this brief, all you expect is a rushed glance at the safety card. Instead, Qatar Airways provides the full luxury performance: a proper menu, a quality headset, a bottle of water, and a choice of fresh welcome juices. This is, quite frankly, excessive for this journey, but it’s the kind of overkill that justifies the ticket.
The Service 10/10
The service was fantastic. While Qatar Airways is often praised for being efficient, this crew made it personal. Starting with bright smiles at 0500, my attendant was completely proactive—addressing me by name, providing a thorough seat and product introduction, and taking the meal order before we even left the gate. This whole interaction felt perfectly polished and was defined by genuine warmth, not robotic procedure.
The Dining 10/10
The dining experience was superb. For a mere 50-minute flight—a concept alien to many carriers—Qatar Airways put on a full show. They started with the theatre of a tablecloth appearing on every table before presenting a light breakfast. The pastries were worthy of a fine Parisian patisserie, and all ingredients were of high quality. The only drawback was the speed of the flight, which allowed only just enough time to appreciate it all.
The Entertainment 10/10
The level of Inflight Entertainment was way over the top. The full Qatar Airways ORYX system was available—a massive system entirely built for long-haul—again on a mere 50-minute flight. This does mean that you can happily browse your movie selection for the next, longer flight. And, since the entire experience is timed perfectly, you’ll find that by the time you finish that incredible Parisian pastry, the entire 50 minutes will have already vanished.
The Attention to Detail 9/10
Qatar Airways truly leads in attention to detail. This was an over-the-top luxury of receiving full long-haul service compressed into a short flight, proven by touches like the pre-takeoff menu, the seat introduction, and the tablecloth that appeared for breakfast. They ensured this high standard never dipped. The ultimate test came at the landing: the dreaded remote parking stand was instantly handled, not by a crowded bus, but by an upgraded coach exclusively for Business Class passengers. This commitment to aesthetics even extends to the aircraft’s undercarriage, as evidenced by a dedicated team ensuring the wheels are pristine—a detail most passengers never notice, but one that confirms their pursuit of perfection. The high-end experience was maintained right to the terminal door.
The Good, Bad & Turbulent
Is it Worth It? Yes. It almost made the inconvenience of having to take a short connecting flight enjoyable.
Fly This For The absurd pleasure of a long-haul flatbed and a tablecloth breakfast before the plane even reaches cruising altitude.
Don’t Fly This ForA check-in and security process that feels remotely special, or a lounge free of public video-calling.
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