I just returned from a trip to South Africa in Limpopo. I have seen many post asking about Qatar airways on the site, so thought I would give a review of my experience.
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I flew from Nashville to Dallas on American. Dallas to Doha, Qatar. Doha to Johannesburg. Return was the same except flew through Philly on return flight. I flew on business class with my son. I did this because two Business class tickets were less roundtrip than a single business class ticket on South African Air.
The only drawback was it was two long leg flights versus one, and lengthy layovers (8hrs) in Doha, but I had time.
Qatar ticketing staff were excellent. I emailed special services with Qatar(
specialservices@us.qatarairways.com ) about travel with my guns. I emailed them my itinerary, my US 4457 forms, letter of invite, and copy of passport. They quickly responded that all airports would be notified in advance. All locations were aware in advance, but take a hard copy of the above info as they will still want to see it at ticket counters both at origin and destination. My guns were locked in a Pelican double rifle case, and ammo was in two cheap, lockable survival containers I got from Cabelas($9 each). You will be directed to take rifle case directly from ticket counter to TSA oversize location and they will also check guns, then you relock and leave with them.
Qatar business class is great. Comfortable and very attentive and courteous staff. Just awesome service.
Doha airport is world class, and just voted best airport in world by traveler survey. When you depart plane to head to transfers, you will go through an additional security screening. Very quick, but you do have to take ALL electronics, camera, phone, laptop, CPAP out of your bag. Large bins are provided.
From there we went to Al Mourjan Business Lounge. It is located past the huge teddy bear sculpture, across from the BumbleBee Store(with dinosaur display) and then up private escalator.
The lounge is spacious, comfortable, and well attended.
If you do not travel business class, there is a hotel in the airport(inside security) where you can get a day room(I think it was about $300), or you can get a pool and fitness room pass for $52.
The lounge has numerous areas to chill out, including a business center with reclined couches for sleeping. The buffet is traditional middle eastern food, but is excellent and spacious. There are drink stations and bars located throughout(except no alcohol during Ramadan). The main bathroom has large private commodes, and attendants who are very polite and engaging. There is also a shower area with security if you need to refresh.
I was quite fond of the smoking lounge as I love my cigars. It is large, well ventilated, with leather chairs, glass ashtrays, and individual metal tables. There is an attendant 24/7, it is spotless, and they will come through and take beverage orders, as well as announce last call for flights departing.
There are no loud flight announcements. There are multiple boards with flight info. In addition, you may give them your flight details, and one of a dozen attendees will track you down prior to your flight.
All in all, for the money, it is an excellent value. I would equate the overall level of service to that of Disney. Everyone is courteous, helpful, and goes beyond the norm.
The only thing I would say is that plan to get to your return flight out of J’burg at least 3 hours before flight. The ticketing agents for Qatar in J’burg are African. While courteous, they operate at African pace. They seemed confused when dealing with the whole gun transport thing, and it took me about 45 minutes at the counter. Not bad unless you breakdown on way back to airport as we did and arrived only an hour before flight. We still made our flight, with our luggage and guns, but it was tight. Your funs will have to be cleared by airport security after you check in, but the officer was nice enough, and a handed him a $20 once in inspection room and we were in and out in under 1 minute. I consider it a preemptive tip, not a bribe. It worked.
I have many many more notes. But this is long enough as is. If you have questions, I will be more than happy to answer.
One last note. When we arrived back in Philly and cleared passport, everyone must collect bags to transfer before traveling home. A Qatar representative already had my guns and bags. He took us through customs/gun inspection. Everything in order the officer then escorted the Qatar agent and us thru customs, with no further inspections, and the Qatar agent carried our guns/baggage to the American ticketing counter where he made sure we were taken care of. Very nice at the end of a long flight. While he was just doing his job, these are the guys who deserve a tip because of his level of service.
Best of luck in your future travels and I highly recommend Qatar Airways!
