akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Posted (2 months 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 14389 times:
Introduction
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
‘Spread your wings and fly away to Dubai, R. Kelly! Hey Suryo, don’t you and Herman have yet enough Qmiles for a return flight to DXB?’
‘We would rather keep those miles for another purpose,’
‘For a direct Qatar Airways flight from Amsterdam, you mean?’
’Heaven knows when it will happen! The only thing we know is your Qmiles’ expiry date. So off they go!’
‘ARIEL!’
Privilege Club homepage
’Just click on the Manage Booking tab from the homepage, insert your QR booking reference number along with your last name et voila!’
Your Current Booking
‘You will be able to update your APIS information and assign or change seats up to 24 hours before departure,’
Seat Selector and How to Select Seats
’However, your seat assignment is dependent on availability and will only be confirmed upon check-in,’
Check-in Online
’Remember to check-in online 36 hours before your flight departs,’
Check-in Online tab
‘You will need to have your last name and either booking reference, Privilege Club or E-ticket number,’
‘… and cooperating system. C’mon, will ya?’
Retrieve booking
‘Alright, let’s just tick off the person you want to check in,’
Passenger Details
’Update your personal details if necessary,’
Seat selection
’Does the display look familiar? It’s time to confirm your seat assignment!’
Confirmation
’We’ve made it! Now it’s about obtaining your boarding pass. Printout or mobile?’
Mobile boarding pass tab
صاح, صاحبة,
Allow me to dedicate this QR experience from BRU to Nils (Sultanils) and Marc (MSS658).
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (2 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 14540 times:
Brussels International Airport
’What do you think?’
Airport Terminal overview
’Of the weather?’
‘Of the terminal!’
Departure Hall 2. Note row 11 and 12
’Do you know that this part of the terminal dates from July 5, 1958? After its complete renovation, it has been reopened on March 30, 2010 as leisure check-in area,’
‘So, are we supposed to be here?’
FIDS
’No, row 10 actually,’
Map Tour operators & Airline ticketing desks. Note four languages
’That means departure hall 1. This way,’
Signage
’Departure hall 1 was used to be the newer part after being constructed in 1994 adjacent to the old 1958 building,’
Row 10
´Check in early at the airport three hours prior to departure or check in online and queue up at your leisure,´
Two for Business Class
One for Fast Bag Drop and two for Economy Class
´Hey, we may come forward to desk 10.3,’
Screen 10.3
Smiling Airport Service Agent Roxanna was at our service.
“Do you have any luggage to check in?”
“No, only hand luggage,”
“May I see the credit card used to make the booking?”
“Here you are,”
“Alright, everything is in our system now. Do you know where the lounge is located? It’s the British Airways lounge,”
“We’ll find our way. Thank you,”
“Have a pleasant flight,”
Banner
’All set abundantly within time limits! Hey, what do we have here?’
The Chocolate Company. Note Corné Port- Royal, Godiva and Neuhaus
’BRU is the number one seller of chocolates around the world with more than 800 tons per year! Do you know that duty-free items purchased on the day of our flight are not counted towards our hand baggage allowance?'
'Should we better go now for inspection?’
Security Checkpoint lanes
’You’re eager to use the Wi-Fi access, aren’t you?’
Pier B overview
’Not in this area as we’ll have to buy it. There’s just a better place!’
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (2 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 14505 times:
The Galleries Club
’The ultimate luxury for BA’s Club Europe customers we’re also entitled to,’
Facade
“Just your boarding pass, please,” Customer Service Agent Jeroen Janssens warmly greeted us.
My boarding pass
’I thought you’d come round to mobile boarding pass!’
‘Not yet! By the way, how do we get the Wi-Fi access?’
‘Ask Jeroen, I would say,’
Reception with Jeroen on duty
’Or we can go there instead,’
Business Centre
’Got it!’
’Let’s go inside! What do you think of the interior?’
The Blue Bar
’Inspired by the finest boutique hotels around the world, whilst incorporating an unique British heritage,’
Chairs
‘With exclusively designed furniture upholstered in Osborne & Little fabric, one of the world’s leading name in fabric and wallpaper design,’
Viewing area. Note the wallpaper
‘Do I see your eyes twinkle just here? Alright, how about helping ourselves to some beverages now?’
Coffee House
’Freshly brewed coffee perhaps? Brought to you by Java, passionate family company from Rotselaar since 1935,’
Coffee machine
‘Aren’t we more into the ones beneath?’
Beer selection
’Really? There’s no Heineken among them,’
‘Very funny!’
‘How about some food?’
Salad and cold cuts
Assorted bread, butter and sauces
Fresh fruits
’Would Herman need any entertainment?’
Newspapers and magazines
’He’ll be fine. Especially with his beloved Abbey beer,’
Proost, Nils, Marc
’So, what else have you got, Suryo?’
Smartlynx YL-LCD
’Though possessing its own Latvian AOC and thus JAA approved, Smartlynx only operates ad-hoc charter flights out of Riga and ACMI worldwide,’
Brussels Airlines OO-SSU
’Formerly EasyJet HB-JZH which flew Eric (Airbuseric) in 2005 and Hannah (infodesk) on August 26, 2010. As OO-SSU, it also flew Nils on April 25, 2012. And that one…’
Helvetic HB-JVE
‘It flew Hannah five times! One of them was even on New Year’s Eve of 2007! Hey, how about a toast to the highest level?’
Spirits and liquors
B29
‘Before descending to level 3,’
Gate overview
’Are they waiting for us?’
Waiting lounge
’Like the one outside?’
A7-AEJ
Boarding
“We kindly ask our customers with small children and customers in need of special assistance to come forward. Within five or ten minutes, we will start our boarding as indicated,”
Airport Service Agent Anthony simultaneously made the announcement in English, Dutch and French, while his colleague Roxanna dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s.
Can you spot customers with small children or in need of special assistance?
“Customers travelling in Business Class, Privilege Club Gold and Silver members are now invited to go on board,”
“Welcome aboard,” Cabin Attendant Dhruv greeted us past 2L. “Please turn left,”
05A and 05B for us
Cabin Attendant Erika was immediately on hand.
“May I offer you anything to drink?”
“Do you have champagne?”
“Sure. How about you, Sir?”
“Can I have lemon mint, please?”
Welcome drinks
’A refreshing alternative to champagne thanks to its flavor combination of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves. Do you know that an Israeli advertising agency invented it in the early nineties?’
‘An advertising agency? Get real!’
‘It was a fake ad campaign supposed to prove the efficacy of advertising on public buses. But, it generated so much consumer demand that the drink began to be actually produced by restaurateurs and manufacturers, becoming a summer staple in the Middle East!’
“Our customers are onboard,” Business Cabin Service Director Sayumporn from Thailand called on the microphone.
Forward cabin view
“Hot or cold towel, Sir?”
Piping hot towel on black wooden tray
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Sandeep and I will be your Captain on this flight,”
’Where is he? Hopefully not there!’
Sideward cabin view. Note 61 inch pitch
“We are having a delay due to slot time of Brussels, but we will be soon our way to Doha. A smooth journey ahead with flight time of six hours,”
My sanctuary. Note large pillow and wrapped luxury Italian Frette linen
“We are ready for departure,”
In-flight safety demonstration
Cabin Attendant Bianca from Romania proceeded to take meal orders as soon as 2L was securely closed.
Bianca dealing with Mr. 2B before Erika’s eyes
“Good afternoon, Sir. May I take your meal order?”
“Cabin crew, be seated for takeoff,”
Rolling on taxiway P9 to threshold 07R
‘Look! Former Sabena Technics hangar 40!’
Brussels Airlines hangar
‘After sadly being burned down on May 5, 2006 with four aircrafts inside, it has well recovered and got ready for another flying start!’
Liftoff before taxiway C1
‘Our safety is maximized,’
Control tower. Note CANAC building on the bottom left
‘Located at 500 meters from the national air traffic control centre CANAC, the BRU control tower set a standard for the rest of Europe and the world after its operation in December 2004, ensuring the highest safety level! The tower is also part of the Belgocontrol site in Steenokkerzeel,’
Steenokkerzeel, partly covered by the left wing
’Look! There’s where all Leffe brands are brewed nowadays!’
City of Leuven
’Also a home to the oldest Catholic university still in existence, The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven! Speaking of old, do you know how QR helps you stand up better to the ravages of time?’
Amenity kit
’Using the finest plants and marine extracts for its products, Molton Brown brings you enlivening toko-yuzu body lotion, cool buchu eau de toilette, protecting vitamin lipsaver, moisture lock 24hr replenisher and even more!’
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (2 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 14472 times:
In flight
‘Come! The fasten seat belt signs have been extinguished! Would Hannah love all of these?’
Naran Ji soothing hand lotion, fine liquid hand wash and home ambiente
‘How about private spa moment with a view?’
Windowed lavatory
‘What do you see?’
Liège Airport
’The biggest cargo airport in Belgium and 7th biggest in Europe at the end of 2011! Would our co-passengers notice it?’
Business Class cabin overview
’Apparently not. They’re more interested in In-Flight Entertainment,’
IFE main menu. Note time to destination
’Can you blame them for enjoying over 1,000 entertainment options whilst waiting for palate pleaser to come?’
Beef roll with herb cream cheese
’Rich and smoky bite, yet gentle to the palate. That calls for music!’
Featured artist. Can you guess which one?
‘I can’t hear a thing!’
‘Use this!’
Noise cancelling headset
“May I dress your table?” Smiling Bianca was on our side, holding crisp napkin and luxurious table linen.
Wallpaper designed table
Covered with linen. Note folded napkin on my lap
“Still or sparkling water?” Bianca inquired before her finishing touch.
Table set. Clockwise from left: side plate, salt cellar and pepper pot, bakery basket (whole meal roll, onion and sourdough), butter dish and a glass of still water
“Your seafood cocktail, Sir,”
Braised tiger prawns and glazed scallops on mango salad with Thai chili sauce
“And your Classic Arabic mezze. Bon appétit,”
Clockwise from top: baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, hummus and Arabic bread
’The bests of Levantine cuisine from intense, smoky baba ghanoush, along rich flavored hummus to refreshing finish of tabbouleh. True culinary journey through the Middle East on the back of Pita bread and there’s more!’
Grilled lamb with Arabic herbs, lemon yoghurt dressing, kouzi rice and Arabic green bean stew
‘Imagine how minty Köfte kebab whose juice nicely moisturized kouzi rice, melts in your mouth along with Loubieh, Lebanese classic of greens beans, tomatoes and onions sautéed in olive oil. Belly dancing on a splash of tangy, yet creamy lemon yoghurt dressing!’
“Would you like anything to drink with your dessert?”
Vanilla ice cream and mixed berries
“Can I have port wine, please?”
“Sure. How about you, Sir?”
“I’ll have the port wine as well, please,”
An individual plate of French double brie, gruyere, Danish blue, dried prune and apricot with an array of Carr’s Table Water Crackers. Note the glass of port wine on the upper right
’Courtesy of The Chocolate Company!’
Godiva mini chocolate boxes
“Should we go for digestive?”
Beverages, soft drinks and juices, water or beer
“Great idea. With double espresso?”
Double espresso and Camus XO Superieur. Note Evian water bottle to be mixed with Camus if desired
’Piping hot syrupy double espresso to unwind! Fruity and aromatic Camus to relax!’
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Reply 5, posted (2 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 14423 times:
’Wake up, Suryo! Bianca needs your attention!’
“Do you care for Indulgence? It is an array of small snacks,”
“Yes, please,”
”Would you like some wine to go with it?”
2 of 3 choices of red wine
1 of 3 choices of white wine
“Can I have Chivas Regal instead?”
“Sure,”
Clockwise from upper right: grilled lamb with herbs on pesto ciabatta, marinated prawn on white bread with sweet chili spread, warm sundried tomato and spinach savoury, coconut drum, chocolate glazed cake and forest berries in the middle. Note partly visible Chivas serving on upper right corner
’Tender lamb on flavorful ciabatta, spicy prawn on fluffy bread, creamy soufflé of tomato and spinach, crumbly coconut macaroon, moist chocolate cake and sweet forest berries, all washed down with rich and fruity Chivas!’
“Did you enjoy your meal?”
“Yes, thank you very much!”
’Suryo, you should pass it on to QR!’
Feedback form
“Thank you for taking good care of us,”
Mersi, Bianca. Courtesy of Erika
Landing
“We expect to land in Doha in thirty eight minutes,” Captain Sandeep was on the microphone. “I hope you have enjoyed your flight with us,”
Forward cabin after preparation for landing
’What are you doing?’
Shopping Extravaganza, Oryx Premium, Oryx entertainment
‘Looking for our copy to keep,’
“Cabin crew, be seated for landing,”
Touch down at 23.40 Qatari time
’Slowing down and straight to Bay 41!
Docked next to A7-BAP
Disembarking
‘’We may disembark!’
Ground handling in progress
‘Suryo, this way!’
‘I’m looking for Bianca to bid farewell. She’s nowhere to be seen,’
‘I hate to say this, but you keep Herman waiting,’
شكرًا, A7-AEJ
Conclusion
صاح, صاحبة,
Like Cathay Pacific, QR has been awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax . But, do you know that they also share the same mission? Both CX and QR aim to excel in everything they do and it is their people who make their tremendous achievement.
Allow me to express my gratitude to:
Bianca for taking good care of us on board; Roxanna and Jeroen for their assistance at BRU.
At the same time, I sincerely hope that my friends Nils and Marc will accept my dedication of the first part of our story on our way to Dubai.
Last but not least, my gratitude to all of you for reading. شكرًا
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 6, posted (2 months 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 14253 times:
Hello Akhmad,
It was like a few weeks we completed the wrap up of your Aussie series, and now this magical trip to the Middle East....So glad to read it!!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ‘For a direct Qatar Airways flight from Amsterdam, you mean?’
Soon you will have Etihad directly from Amsterdam!!! At least we can share our Brussels experience together comparing it to the flights I took with Etihad when Brussels was an intermediate stop between Toronto and Abu Dhabi!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know that duty-free items purchased on the day of our flight are not counted towards our hand baggage allowance?'
You will be happy to know the same applies for Dubai Airport as well....You can practically buy a suitcase full of things and it will be happily uploaded to your flight!!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’Formerly EasyJet HB-JZH which flew Eric (Airbuseric) in 2005 and Hannah (infodesk) on August 26, 2010. As OO-SSU, it also flew Nils on April 25, 2012. And that one…’
I really must give you credit for these everytime you mention these dates!!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “May I offer you anything to drink?”
“Do you have champagne?”
Ah this is what I should have asked on my one and only flight in Business Class with Etihad in Business Class
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Sure. How about you, Sir?”
“Can I have lemon mint, please?”
This is what I landed up asking for instead...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
’A refreshing alternative to champagne thanks to its flavor combination of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves. Do you know that an Israeli advertising agency invented it in the early nineties?’
‘An advertising agency? Get real!’
‘It was a fake ad campaign supposed to prove the efficacy of advertising on public buses. But, it generated so much consumer demand that the drink began to be actually produced by restaurateurs and manufacturers, becoming a summer staple in the Middle East!’
And here we get the real story behind the drink none other than wikiAkhmad himself!!
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2203 posts, RR: 14 Reply 9, posted (2 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 13156 times:
Hey Suryo
Nice read about Qatar, I did enjoy the read.
It's also nice to see a departure ex-BRU, I was interesting how this service was doing and I'm glad to see the cabin to be full.
Even with a bit of a delay you really describe the spring departure very good, thanks for the dedication as well.
More importantly, note the six-abreast. That's why QR can be rated five-star by Skytrax and EK, with its seven-abreast can't.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “Good afternoon, Sir. May I take your meal order?”
The meals look fresh and well-presented and of reasonable portions. Sometimes there can be too much on the plate and it is a shame to waste it. But if you eat it all, you can't sample the next course. I would have also chosen the mezze and the lamb. Cheese, fresh fruit and port to follow.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Note Evian water bottle to be mixed with Camus if desired
Sacrilege! If there isn't enough in the glass, ask for a top up. Don't water it down!
Perhaps I am jumping ahead but do QR still give out different coloured landing/ transfer cards depending on cabin class and on whether you are stopping in Doha or connecting to another flight?
The usual division of labour, trip director/ script-writer and camera crew have produced another fantastic report. Thanks to Herman and you for sharing.
Best wishes,
Roy / Quokka
“Not to laugh, not to cry, not to hate, but understand.” Spinoza
Totally empty, lucky you! Don't come here in the morning because you'll see a different view then and expect a sizeable queue!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’You’re eager to use the Wi-Fi access, aren’t you?’
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’Not in this area as we’ll have to buy it. There’s just a better place!’
Indeed, pay to surf at BRU unfortunately. But as a client of a certain cable and telecomoperator, I can use it for free luckily. For the more unfortunate, they'll have to try and steal some lounge signal lol!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Clockwise from upper right: grilled lamb with herbs on pesto ciabatta, marinated prawn on white bread with sweet chili spread, warm sundried tomato and spinach savoury, coconut drum, chocolate glazed cake and forest berries in the middle.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): At the same time, I sincerely hope that my friends Nils and Marc will accept my dedication of the first part of our story on our way to Dubai.
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 801 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (2 months 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 11875 times:
Hi Suryo, great TR as always and I love the commentary. I bet Hermann rolls his eyes at your excitement! The BA Lounge really does look wonderful at BRU. Better than some lounges at home airports for airlines! I hope you got to emjoy the Business Lounge in DOH too. I have traveled in both the QR First and Business Lounges and they are excellent! I found the QR Business Class service excellent as well! I flew on one of the after Inaugural 777 from JFK to DOH then DXB. Unfortunately for QR the JCL was empty...great for me! The return was great too because I got to hob nob with some of the world's professional tennis players returning from the DOH Open. It was great fun. Yes the food on QR is also excellent. I did find that the cabin crews were not as polished as EK but that was some years ago and it looks like they are great now! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Will
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 15, posted (2 months 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 11787 times:
WOW Suryo
Well done on another fantastic report. QR look really good. The Molten Brown and Godiva Chocs all favourites of mine so I would be very happy to see them on board
Food looks lovely. Really well presented and just what you want to see in premium products.
The BA lounge looks pretty decent also . Nice that you got access there
Looking forward to the next part.
Kind regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 18, posted (2 months 2 days ago) and read 10043 times:
Hello Suryo!
Very nice report just as usual! Glad to see that QR is good upfront as well. Would love to fly their Business Class some day as well, after sampling them in the back now.
Surprised to see QR using the BA lounge at BRU, but I guess it makes sense now with their upcoming Oneworld membership. The lounge looks nice!
Looking forward to the next report!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1241 posts, RR: 34 Reply 19, posted (1 month 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 8340 times:
Hi Suryo,
Such a delight to read another one of your wonderful reports. WOW is all I can say about QR. Everything about the flight looks excellent. You two were really spoiled by the crew, what a super way to start your trip.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): May I see the credit card used to make the booking?”
“Here you are,”
They really wanted to see it? This has never happened to me but I’m dreading the day the credit card is asked for and I don’t have it on me
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’Formerly EasyJet HB-JZH which flew Eric (Airbuseric) in 2005 and Hannah (infodesk) on August 26, 2010. And that one…’
Suryo, you’re so observant!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): It flew Hannah five times! One of them was even on New Year’s Eve of 2007! Hey, how about a toast to the highest level?’
Now, how did you know that?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’A refreshing alternative to champagne thanks to its flavor combination of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves. Do you know that an Israeli advertising agency invented it in the early nineties?’
Sounds divine. Would be just the thing for me.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Molton Brown brings you enlivening toko-yuzu body lotion, cool buchu eau de toilette, protecting vitamin lipsaver, moisture lock 24hr replenisher and even more!’
Molton Brown goodies on a plane, what more could you possibly want?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Come! The fasten seat belt signs have been extinguished! Would Hannah love all of these?’
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): It was like a few weeks we completed the wrap up of your Aussie series, and now this magical trip to the Middle East....So glad to read it!!
Do you know how glad I am to have you as the first one to reply?
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): Soon you will have Etihad directly from Amsterdam!!!
Starting from May 15!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): At least we can share our Brussels experience together comparing it to the flights I took with Etihad when Brussels was an intermediate stop between Toronto and Abu Dhabi!
Absolutely! Was Etihad flying to Toronto via Brussels from October 2005 until June 2007?
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): Some pooch though checking in at J class will be travelling in the cargo hold instead...Appetisers, doggie? lol
Even a service dog is only allowed in the passenger cabin given the itinerary including flights to or from the USA.
Speaking of transporting animals in the cabin, do you know that QR makes an exception for falcons? Customers are allowed to carry one falcon aboard the flight as long as they stay in Economy Class and keep their falcons hooded for the entire journey!
It should not be too difficult. How do you pack if you fly somewhere for a long weekend trip?
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): You will be happy to know the same applies for Dubai Airport as well....You can practically buy a suitcase full of things and it will be happily uploaded to your flight!!
Awesome! To be honest, I only refer to Qatar’s hand baggage allowance as Brussels Airport does not specifically mention duty free purchases in relation to carry on allowance.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): I really must give you credit for these everytime you mention these dates!!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): And here we get the real story behind the drink none other than wikiAkhmad himself!!
Thank you.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): Ah this is what I should have asked on my one and only flight in Business Class with Etihad in Business Class
There is always a next time, my friend!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 6): This is what I landed up asking for instead...
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Good to see you try QR again and they look really nice as usual.
Still one of the world’s best airline.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 8): Meal portion looks a bit on the small side though but there seems to be a lot of courses to compensate.
Roy has put it aptly.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Sometimes there can be too much on the plate and it is a shame to waste it. But if you eat it all, you can't sample the next course.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): it is good to see three options for receiving the boarding passes: print, email or mobile.
The choice has never been easier!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Gosh, you learn something new everyday.
Isn’t it great?
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Oddly enough, I'd not thought about Godiva being Belgian.
Godiva was established in 1926 by Belgian master chocolatier Joseph Draps by opening his first Godiva Chocolatier shop on a cobblestone street on Grand Place, Brussels’ central square.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Are they still owned by a Turkish company?
Yes, the Turkish Yıldız Holding, owner of the Ülker Group, has become the proud owner of Godiva since March 18, 2008.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Good to see that the lounge offers apron views.
Too right!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Yippee! They chose real beers instead.
Don’t you think that it can influence the way that passengers feel about flying with the airline?
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Does QR offer fashion advisors? Not one of them seems to understand smart-casual-comfortable.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): More importantly, note the six-abreast. That's why QR can be rated five-star by Skytrax and EK, with its seven-abreast can't.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): I would have also chosen the mezze and the lamb. Cheese, fresh fruit and port to follow.
Again, you and I just think alike!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Sacrilege! If there isn't enough in the glass, ask for a top up. Don't water it down!
Luckily we didn’t.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 10): Perhaps I am jumping ahead but do QR still give out different coloured landing/ transfer cards depending on cabin class and on whether you are stopping in Doha or connecting to another flight?
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Allow me to dedicate this reply to another most wonderful and entertaining story. Well written and photographed, it was a joy to read!
Thank you for the great honor!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Has there been any mention about this possibility?
There was a speculation back in 2010 that Qatar might commence passenger flights due to slot allocations.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Sure there's quite some competition for that region already at AMS, no?
Yes, Emirates with its A380 and soon Etihad as well.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): A familiar sight, BRU's departure zone. And such good weather, I'm surprised!
That Whitsunday weekend was particularly sunny at 24 Centigrade.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Totally empty, lucky you! Don't come here in the morning because you'll see a different view then and expect a sizeable queue!
I believe you.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): But as a client of a certain cable and telecomoperator, I can use it for free luckily.
Great customer benefit, I would say!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): For the more unfortunate, they'll have to try and steal some lounge signal lol!
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): Hi Suryo, great TR as always and I love the commentary.
Thank you. I am very happy that you appreciate the commentary.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): I bet Hermann rolls his eyes at your excitement!
He is used to it.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): I hope you got to emjoy the Business Lounge in DOH too.
Not this time though.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): I have traveled in both the QR First and Business Lounges and they are excellent!
That was our experience as well during previous visits, though alcohol is not available during The Holy Month of Ramadan.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): I flew on one of the after Inaugural 777 from JFK to DOH then DXB. Unfortunately for QR the JCL was empty...great for me!
It is just great to have your own private cabin. We had that experience while flying FCL from DOH to MUC in 2010.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): The return was great too because I got to hob nob with some of the world's professional tennis players returning from the DOH Open. It was great fun.
Wow! Please tell me, did you get talking to Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal?
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 14): I did find that the cabin crews were not as polished as EK but that was some years ago
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): Well done on another fantastic report.
Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you every time I finish my writing.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): The Molten Brown and Godiva Chocs all favourites of mine so I would be very happy to see them on board
I am sure QR would be happy to see you on board.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): Really well presented and just what you want to see in premium products.
All to please our five senses.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15): Nice that you got access there
Thanks to QR’s arrangement.
**********************************************************
Hi Mark,
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): I've not used the BA lounge @ BRU before, looks very nice, much better than the AMS lounge and the food offerings are far far better than AMS!
You have made a point here. The AMS lounge seems smaller as well.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): but the mezze plate looks smaller than I remember.
Really? Look at this similar plate from 2010.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): As Philip mentioned, nice to see all those Molton Brown products, very nice!
Made in England, inspired by the world.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): QR will make a great addition to the OW Alliance.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 18): Would love to fly their Business Class some day as well, after sampling them in the back now.
If the day comes, I would love to hear from you.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 18): Surprised to see QR using the BA lounge at BRU, but I guess it makes sense now with their upcoming Oneworld membership.
Yes. If we purchase our ticket online with QR, we have to make sure we bring the credit card used to make the booking.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 19): This has never happened to me but I’m dreading the day the credit card is asked for and I don’t have it on me
Just bear in mind to have it with you when flying with QR. Failure to produce the credit card may lead to travelling delays or denial to board your flight.
ojas From India, joined Mar 2008, 2785 posts, RR: 23 Reply 21, posted (1 month 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 7670 times:
hi Suryo,
An excellent TR, good to see you cover BRU - DOH
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): he Chocolate Company. Note Corné Port- Royal, Godiva and Neuhaus
Chocolates!!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ’BRU is the number one seller of chocolates around the world with more than 800 tons per year! Do you know that duty-free items purchased on the day of our flight are not counted towards our hand baggage allowance?'
'Should we better go now for inspection?’
That is something to learn!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): “Alright, everything is in our system now. Do you know where the lounge is located? It’s the British Airways lounge,”
QR - OW in action!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): ‘How about private spa moment with a view?’
Tomskii From Belgium, joined May 2011, 453 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 month 3 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 7361 times:
Hey there Akmad! Nice TR again.
Small correction the SN maintenance hangar is hangar 41 and not the burned down 40 (which to date doesn't exist anymore) That's why for instance JetairFly is building it's new hangar next to 41 on the place where 40 used to stand.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 23, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 6850 times:
Hi Suryo,
excellent report with countless nice pictures! Well done, I truly enjoyed it. QR's J Class product looks great as usual. Wouldn't mind to try that. But I guess I will wait until the new airport will be in service. I don't like these plane to bus transfers (and vice versa) in the heat.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’A refreshing alternative to champagne thanks to its flavor combination of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves.
Nice, I would have tried that, too.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): ’Using the finest plants and marine extracts for its products, Molton Brown brings you enlivening toko-yuzu body lotion, cool buchu eau de toilette, protecting vitamin lipsaver, moisture lock 24hr replenisher and even more!’
That looks delicious, like most other food on that flight.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Clockwise from upper right: grilled lamb with herbs on pesto ciabatta, marinated prawn on white bread with sweet chili spread, warm sundried tomato and spinach savoury, coconut drum, chocolate glazed cake and forest berries in the middle. Note partly visible Chivas serving on upper right corner
Quokkas From Australia, joined Jan 2012, 1355 posts, RR: 9 Reply 24, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 6803 times:
Hi Suryo,
Thank you for your reply.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Godiva was established in 1926 by Belgian master chocolatier
When I took my mother to Hamburg I let her have my Godiva chocolates as I knew she likes them. I recall walking through Bruges/Brugge in 2005 and seeing a number of shops displaying very delicious arrangements of chocolates. They came in all shapes and sizes but I prefer rich, dark chocolate to the sweet, milk chocolates that are very popular.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Don’t you think that it can influence the way that passengers feel about flying with the airline?
Certainly it can. Brash reds and oranges usually suggest cheapness but the addition of some swirls or other motifs can suggest quality. "Brand appearance" is clearly considered by airlines and some do it successfully, blending their printed information with web design and continuing to aircraft painting and even crew uniforms. The airlines certainly wish to create a "feel". Of course the on-board experience may not always align with the pre-perception and some people won't look further than who is seemingly the cheapest, anyway.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 20): Is this an answer to your question?
Yes, thank you. I guess that once the new terminal is ready these will be less necessary as there will be fewer bus transfers, so the need to isolate passengers in the way that occurs at present will not be present.
“Not to laugh, not to cry, not to hate, but understand.” Spinoza
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 25, posted (1 month 3 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 6337 times:
Hi Suryo !
this time I will dedicate this comment to Ariel ... without him Suryo would be lost in his enthusiasm and excitement and probably overslept "Indulgence" service ... not to mantion more important thing, that he probably would be in prison convicted for "refusing to deboard , locking into the cockpit , chasing around plane with a camera and for "liberation small things from aircraft" ... thank you Ariel for protecting our birthright ..."Suryo trip reporting" must be preserved ...
always joy and happiness when Suryo is around hiihihhi ... stipica
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 27, posted (1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 6067 times:
Great trip Report!
Looks like you had a great flight with Qatar... The lounge at brussels looks really nice....
I am planing on trying Qatar or any middle eastern carrier as soon as they start service from/to atlanta...
The meze platter looks delicious!
Cheers
Pradat
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 28, posted (1 month 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 6006 times:
This TR is just splendid in every detail
It must been very difficult to retrieve the aircraft flown by other a.netters... so congratulation for that and also for the names of the employees.
Good to see QR uses the nice BA lounge. What were the standards at BRU before its integration to Oneworld?
Obviously the catering looks very tasty.
According to your previous experiences, what is the best in term of comfort (seat, noise engine, ife...) the A330 or the B777?
Thanks for sharing Suryo, looking forward to reading the next journey to DXB .
Regards
Léonard
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 775 posts, RR: 2 Reply 29, posted (1 month 3 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 5931 times:
Hoi Suryo,
It's great to see this beginning of I'm sure another great series! Fantastic report with many nice pictures, as always a joy to read from start to finish
The Galleries lounge at BRU sure looks nice and relaxing, a perfect way to begin this trip!
Qatars service looks very nice here, the food looks delicious!
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 30, posted (1 month 3 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 5199 times:
Hello Suryo, nice report as always.
I didn't know you had flown so much with Qatar Airways that you had managed to accumulate enough miles with them. But I guess loyalty pays off at the end, and it's good to see that those miles were put to good use.
The BA Lounge in BRU looks far like the best lounge of them all, bearing in mind the sad excuse of a flagship lounge that SN offers.
QR seem to offer a world class Business Class product as always. Food looked delicious, and the crew seemed very friendly too. That girl Bianca was gorgeous btw, too bad you don't see many flight attendants like her these days
//J
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 29): It's great to see this beginning of I'm sure another great series! Fantastic report with many nice pictures, as always a joy to read from start to finish
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 26): Also interesting to see the BA lounge. I like how they keep the design consistent no matter which country they're located in.
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 27): The lounge at brussels looks really nice....
Quoting Tomskii (Reply 22): Small correction the SN maintenance hangar is hangar 41 and not the burned down 40 (which to date doesn't exist anymore) That's why for instance JetairFly is building it's new hangar next to 41 on the place where 40 used to stand.
Thank you for the valuable correction!
**********************************************************
Hi PH,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 23): But I guess I will wait until the new airport will be in service. I don't like these plane to bus transfers (and vice versa) in the heat.
To be honest , the bus transfers aren’t that bad since all busses have air-conditioning.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): When I took my mother to Hamburg I let her have my Godiva chocolates as I knew she likes them.
You are such a caring son! How is your mother doing? I hope everything is fine under circumstances.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): I recall walking through Bruges/Brugge in 2005 and seeing a number of shops displaying very delicious arrangements of chocolates.
Like this one?
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): They came in all shapes and sizes but I prefer rich, dark chocolate to the sweet, milk chocolates that are very popular.
Again you and I think alike!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): Certainly it can. Brash reds and oranges usually suggest cheapness but the addition of some swirls or other motifs can suggest quality.
Interesting philosophy, isn’t it?
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): "Brand appearance" is clearly considered by airlines and some do it successfully, blending their printed information with web design and continuing to aircraft painting and even crew uniforms. The airlines certainly wish to create a "feel".
One airline came to mind, Garuda Indonesia after its rebranding!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): Of course the on-board experience may not always align with the pre-perception and some people won't look further than who is seemingly the cheapest, anyway.
Brand appearance may help airlines manage people’s expectations, but then agan you can’t satisfy everyone.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 24): I guess that once the new terminal is ready these will be less necessary as there will be fewer bus transfers, so the need to isolate passengers in the way that occurs at present will not be present.
Quoting stipica (Reply 25): without him Suryo would be lost in his enthusiasm and excitement and probably overslept "Indulgence" service ... not to mantion more important thing, that he probably would be in prison convicted for "refusing to deboard , locking into the cockpit , chasing around plane with a camera and for "liberation small things from aircraft"
I hate to admit it, but you are right!
**********************************************************
Hi there James,
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 26): Good to see a bit of BRU - brings back the memories of my trip to Brussels last year.
How nice! I was trying to find your report, but to no avail. Can you share me the link?
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 26): although every time I look to fly with them they seem pretty pricey compared to the likes of EK and AY.
It has been a while indeed that I noticed QR’s special offers in Business.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 28): It must been very difficult to retrieve the aircraft flown by other a.netters... so congratulation for that and also for the names of the employees.
Thank you for the acknowledgement.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 28): What were the standards at BRU before its integration to Oneworld?
AFAIK, Qatar has been using BA Lounge from the very beginning.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 28): According to your previous experiences, what is the best in term of comfort (seat, noise engine, ife...) the A330 or the B777?
B777 has the best IFE on board and also the most comfortable seat in Business Class. On the other hand, A330 Economy Class seat feels more comfortable than the B777 one.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 30): I didn't know you had flown so much with Qatar Airways that you had managed to accumulate enough miles with them. But I guess loyalty pays off at the end, and it's good to see that those miles were put to good use.
Without any prospect of Qatar’s direct passenger to Amsterdam in the near future, we just had to do something with our expiring Qmiles.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 30): bearing in mind the sad excuse of a flagship lounge that SN offers.
I have never been there, so I can’t really make any judgment.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 30): That girl Bianca was gorgeous btw, too bad you don't see many flight attendants like her these days
Well, I met gorgeous flight attendants on almost every flight! Or do you have a specific definition of gorgeous?
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 33, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 4518 times:
Hi Suryo,
another great report here from your hands, enjoyed it very much. Too bad you couldn't use QR from AMS, but flying from BRU is certainly also nice. Looks like you had a really enjoyable flight with them down to Doha. Good service on board it seems, and the food looks really delicious. I especially liked the array of snacks served prior to arrival, very nice.
knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1409 posts, RR: 17 Reply 35, posted (1 week 2 days 6 hours 33 minutes ago) and read 1459 times:
Hi Suryo
Thanks for the great report. I enjoyed that. Things have gone rather quiet regarding Qatar Airways of late. Nonetheless, judging by your pictures they're still at the top of their game. In particular, the food looks absolutely amazing. I especially liked the plate of Mezze with the flat bread for a starter. I could eat Hummus until it's coming out of my ears!
My impression is also that generally speaking Qatar has done a much better job than Emirates in maintaining the service level and standards of its cabin crew.
I also like the pictures of the BA lounge in Brussels. That blue light is very funky!
So thanks for posting, I'll look forward to your next exploit.
شكرً. You are most welcome. Thank you for your reply.
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 35): Things have gone rather quiet regarding Qatar Airways of late. Nonetheless, judging by your pictures they're still at the top of their game.
On the ground and in the air, you can always be assured of Qatar’s five stars service.
Exclusive signature dishes designed by four master Chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Ramzi Choueiri and Vineet Bhatia.
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 35): I especially liked the plate of Mezze with the flat bread for a starter. I could eat Hummus until it's coming out of my ears!
Good to know we have a similar taste!
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 35): My impression is also that generally speaking Qatar has done a much better job than Emirates in maintaining the service level and standards of its cabin crew.
Though the only four flights we had with Emirates date back from 2011, all of them were very nice and memorable. I still dare to say that Emirates’ service level and standards match the Qatar ones.
Quoting knightsofmalta (Reply 35): I also like the pictures of the BA lounge in Brussels.
Do you notice that this particular Gallery Lounge includes Coffee House, typical feature of Gallery First?
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