Airsnaps From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 3207 times:
I'm planning a trip to Dubai for various reasons at the end of this month and have a choice of flying either British Airways or Qatar Airways for around £270 return in economy ex-Manchester. Bargain!
The BA would mean a connection in LHR on an A320 and then a B772 to Dubai.
The QR is of course direct to Doha and then onto Dubai after a short stop (which I don't mind!) of which both flights would be on the A332.
I'd usually make my own decision but considering that I haven't flown a BA B772 previously it would be great to hear any reports of your experiences. The last time I flew BA long-haul was to Singapore and it was average.
My personal preference would be to always fly a Boeing as opposed to an Airbus jet but something is telling me that the Qatar Airways may be better.
Who would you go with any why? Look forward to reading your comments.
HB88 From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2005, 810 posts, RR: 31 Reply 2, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 3151 times:
QR - wins hands down on this comparison.
I've flown to the far east 4-5 times with QR and an equal number with BA on their 777 equipment. I've always found the 777 the least pax-friendly aircraft I've flown medium/long-haul - noisy and just a sort of uncomfortable ride. This goes for Malaysian and SQ 777 experiences also. I'm not sure why there seems to be the noise differential, but I've noticed it on almost every 777 service I've flown on.
Having said that, BA is one of my favourite airlines and find their long haul service with B747 a/c great, but the BA 777 services, no. I'd avoid it if there is a good alternative.
I've always found QR very good. Also, the 332 is a fantastic aircraft for passenger comfort. Quiet and IMO have a good 'ride' (if that's the right word). If you're travelling as a couple, request an aisle/window (they use an econ 2-4-2 configuration on the 332s).
Of course, my impressions are subjective, but I've noticed these things over quite a lot of travel over the years. My advice would be to give QR a try.
B747-437B From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 3078 times:
The only drawback about flying QR is that you get to transit the absolutely horrible Doha airport during its evening peak.
Having flown both BA and QR rather extensively, I would personally opt for QR - but that is because I get lounge access due to my elite status with them. As a normal traveler in Economy Class, the impact of the inconvenience of a DOH transit at that hour of day cannot be understated. Avoid QR and go for BA instead - even LHR T1-T4 is less stressful than Doha.
QatarA340 From Qatar, joined May 2006, 1618 posts, RR: 7 Reply 5, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 3028 times:
Well, I don't want to be biased or anything, but I would definitly recomment QR. The service is absolutely wonderful. QR's IFE is much better than BA. (I have travelled with BA over the summer). Its service and atmosphere is better overall. BA is also a great airline, but I think QR wins. Currently, DOH has opened an extention and possibly, this extention will solve the problem of over-congestion at the current airport. Give it a try!
A389 From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2005, 59 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 2952 times:
Quoting B747-437B (Reply 4): The only drawback about flying QR is that you get to transit the absolutely horrible Doha airport during its evening peak.
Would just add that not only the evening peak is a problem... when i last flew QR to MAD it was mid morning and we took off 2 hours late due to the shortage of gates.... on the way back i lost both my scheduled connection and the alternative i was given still in MAD...arrived DXB 8 hours later then schedule! ... however i do acknowledge QR service is quite good!
EK156 From United Arab Emirates, joined May 2005, 765 posts, RR: 3 Reply 7, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2907 times:
Quoting B747-437B (Reply 4): The only drawback about flying QR is that you get to transit the absolutely horrible Doha airport during its evening peak.
I agree 100%. As much as I like the service of QR onboard, the numerous bad experiences at their airport and the last one where the QR ground staff were extremely rude to me... led me to never want to fly QR again!!! Sorry
Quoting QatarA340 (Reply 5): Well, I don't want to be biased or anything, but I would definitly recomment QR. The service is absolutely wonderful. QR's IFE is much better than BA. (I have travelled with BA over the summer). Its service and atmosphere is better overall. BA is also a great airline, but I think QR wins. Currently, DOH has opened an extention and possibly, this extention will solve the problem of over-congestion at the current airport. Give it a try!
I didn't know about the extension but I was there last in May and it was HORRIBLE... sorry... again, QR service is very good...
Did you try EK?? It flies direct from Manchester to Dubai
Airsnaps From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 2805 times:
Thank you for your comments so far...
Quoting EK156 (Reply 7): Did you try EK?? It flies direct from Manchester to Dubai
I'd only fly Emirates Business Class out of the UK and considering work are paying for the flights on this trip I have to meet a budget. They certainly won't appreciate an expenses claim in excess of £1000 for return business class tickets!
With the BA World Offer Seats currently on sale and the great fares that QR constantly offer for flights out of the UK my choice between these two appeared realistic.
I must admit that my last experience of DOH was excellent although the place was a little over-crowded. I was however planning on taking the QR044 out of MAN which arrives into Doha early morning around 6am. Does anyone know if there is the same early morning rush as there usually is in the evening?
QatarA340 From Qatar, joined May 2006, 1618 posts, RR: 7 Reply 10, posted (6 years 9 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2754 times:
Yes there is a rush, if you arrive at 6 AM, then the next flight to Dubai is two hours later at 8 AM. That time is usually also packed since a lot of the flights head out to the Middle East/ Far East/ London. However, it is less than the midnight pre-midnight rush of planes. But, the airport is not unbearable. As I said before, they recently opened (end of summer) an extention to departure and arrival main terminal. Hope that helps!
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