Retro Review: 2013 Qatar Airways A340-600 Business Class London - Doha

Introduction

As Konrad previously mentioned, I have a lot of retro reviews under my belt. I was very fortunate as a child and teenager to have the opportunity to travel the world, with many trips in premium cabins. Today I want to highlight a flight from 2013, arguably one of the best flights I ever had. I was 15 at the time, all the pics were taken on an iPhone 4, which felt very high tech at the time, so please excuse the quality of the images!

This trip was onboard Qatar Airways, after a month long trip to the UK and Spain, heading back to Thailand on their A340-600 Business Class. Back when I think QR was truly world class, no arrogance, not relying on their 5 star rating like today, just pure understated luxury. To this day, I still consider it one of the best flights ever taken, everything from the catering to the crew were just spot on!

Flight details (from what I can remember)

Route: London (LHR) - Doha (DOH)

Flight Number: QR008

Seat: 10K

Aircraft: Airbus A340-600 (A7-AGC)

Date: August 7th, 2013

The cabin

We start off in the cabin as I unfortunately do not have any pictures of the airport experience of this trip, although I do remember the Qatar Heathrow lounge (newly opened at the time was phenomenal). As to be expected this was Qatar's older 2-2-2 cabins, although starting to show their age even in 2013, I found it truly comfortable to stretch out in. It helped a lot that the flight was empty as well.

I was originally sat in 11K with my Mum, with my Dad and brother behind us in Row 12 but quickly moved to 10K before we took off, the bulkhead row. This meant I had a whole row to myself, so privacy was not an issue at all.

A view of the entire Business Class cabin taken after take off

My seat, 10K. I think even 12 years later, Qatar's burgundy and dark wood theme looks so elegant

The food and drinks

I remember the dining on the flight being second to none, from start to finish. The flight started off with what is my 2nd favourite pre-departure drink ever (after Champagne), Qatar's lime and mint juice. I would drink this by the gallon, if I could! I think I had about 3 glasses of this before we even left the gate!

One of the best non-alcoholic drinks offered by any airline!

Once we took off, drinks and canapes were served. On this flight I remember the canape was crispy rice with spicy mayo. A simple dish but if done well can be delicious, and this sure was! It was paired with Qatar's So Jenny alcohol-free champagne. As I was 15 the crew would not serve me the good stuff! haha. Oh well, the So Jenny was tasty though from what I can remember, with lovely hints of rose.

This was followed by an amazing lunch, which consisted of Butternut Squash Soup for starters. For mains, I chose what I believe was braised lamb shank with chick peas and mash. I remember the lamb melting in my mouth. Followed by a dessert of ice-cream and berries. Everything was just spot on!

The excellent meal service

Before we landed in Doha, I was then asked if I wanted to have afternoon tea. They offered a Champagne afternoon tea, which they modified to suit me, by serving me the So Jenny instead, I also remember this being spot on, a perfect pre-arrival meal.

The afternoon tea service

The entertainment

While I remember that this flight had an older entertainment system, there was still plenty to choose from, much like Qatar's system today, it was world class at the time. Although obviously the screen quality was nowhere near as good as today, I remember having no issue finding anything to watch at all, but I did spend a good time on the moving map and looking out the window.

The older style IFE system, common still in 2013, and common today, if you choose the right airlines ;)

A wing view from the Business Class' loo with a view

The service

I think its safe to say that the service on this flight was absolutely world-class. Maria, the Filipino Cabin Crew working my aisle was, to this day the best cabin crew I have ever had on any flight. Her service felt warm and from the heart. It was clear that she loved what she did, made time to chat with all of her passengers, she made sure each and everyone of us were well looked after and was quick to respond to any request. She was truly excellent.

15 year old me outside the Business Lounge, in those days at the old Doha Airport, QR Business pax would go to a dedicated premium terminal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this was easily one of my best flights. I think that QR in those days were truly world class, before they became so image obsessed like they are today. Everything about the experience was pure luxury and indulgence. A flight that no airline has managed to top yet. A flight that I remember fondly, even 12 years later!