As you probably have heard by now... Gal and I fly A LOT!
...in economy.
Which is great, all we need, and we're so lucky to be able to travel at all. That being said, as people who spend thousands of hours in economy seats, it doesn't take long before your mind wanders and you start dreaming up ways to move up the plan and find yourself in business or first class.
At this time in our lives, we find it hard to justify the large price difference between economy and business, but for our honeymoon we decided to splurge and get one leg of our flight in Qatar Airway's business class.
UGH - AND WHAT A DECISION THAT WAS! *heart eyes*
If you're new to flying, let me start off by saying that international business class is far different to domestic flight business class. International business class seats are what First Class seats used to be - especially when it comes to Qatar, who don't even have a first class - they just have business, but they call themselves, "First in Business." And I totally see why.
Let's jump right into it!
The experience started with business class lounge access. Essentially what that is is a private sectioned off part of the airport dedicated to business class flyers.
Each lounge can be a bit different, but the Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Hamad International Airport was voted the largest airport lounge in the world! This lounge spreads across 2 and a half acres of space.
This lounge has 2 restaurants, large buffet selections, a gaming room, WiFi, sleeping areas, shower facilities (with toiletries provided), business center (with printers and computers), smoking rooms, large reflection pool and several seating areas.
All of this is included at no additional charge!
They also have announced that they are adding more restaurants, a gym, spa facilities and an indoor tropical garden within the next couple of years!
This lounge really starts the business class experience off strong!
--------
Now moving onto the actual in-flight experience:
* NOTE: We flew during the pandemic which changed the flying experience a bit. At least in economy class we noticed different airlines don't provide as much, such as toiletry bags, multiple food + drink options, etc. So our business class experience could be a bit different than usual - we've never flown business prior so we have nothing to compare it to, but one thing I do know is that Qatar usually has a communal area in business with fresh fruit and other goodies which they didn't have due to Covid. Really no biggie though!
From the moment we arrived on the plane, the flight attendants check your tickets and start referring to you by name. They are super personable, asking about your trip, your dietary preferences, a drink order to start off with, etc. I don't know if I just got used to being referred to as seat 34D or what - but this added touch made me feel like a million bucks.
When we got to our seat there was the usual blanket and pillow set up- but these were niiiiceee. This blanket could actually keep you warm - it was much thicker than the standard blankets provided on flights. There was also a clothing bag on our seat which had a pair of pajamas and slippers inside! How wonderful is that?!
And to top off all the goodies - there was a toiletry bag full of travel sized skincare products! I mean... just the way to my heart! <3 After getting settled in, we were greeted with a glass of champagne and then we got straight into playing with our chairs - this is hands down what we were most looking forward to!
With a push of a button our seats fold down into a flat bed - this really is the biggest game changer in flying. Jumping ahead a bit but Gal and I have never felt so refreshed after a long international flight - ever!
The only predicament we found ourselves in was to stay awake to enjoy all that the flight had to offer or sleep and enjoy the benefits of having a bed on-board. Tough life haha
While flying you have access to one free hour of WiFi, a pretty decent sized wine list, plenty of fresh juices, smoothies and coffees to choose from, a large screen to watch movies/shows, a menu showcasing your fancy meal options (Gal ordered shakshuka while I indulged in chocolate chip waffles for breakfast) and spending time in the bathroom wasn't too bad either - they had a shaving kit and toothbrush at your disposal, along with luxury scents, soaps/lotions and towels to wash up with!
My overall thoughts on the business class experience was... WOW - how am I going to go back to economy after that? haha
It really just makes long flights.... enjoyable!
I've heard it time and time again, "Once you fly first you can't go back," and I definitely feel like I got a taste of that.
To think that prior to the flight, I couldn't imagine justifying the price to fly like this regularly... but now I can really see why people do it and it has added fuel to my desire to be financially successful. I would love to be able to not only afford this sort of travel for Gal and myself, but for our parents, so they can visit us more often and comfortably!
--------------
We vlogged it! Our first time flying business class - check it out on YouTube!
Still practicing and learning my way around the camera in different lighting and situations - definitely something different recording on a flight. I hope our visual diary entertains you, informs you, inspires you... any or all the above!
Thank you for reading and watching! Xx
Mariah
