Qatar First B777 (ex-Cathay) - Doha to HKG.
Due to late arrival of prior flight, no time to really experience lounge in Doha. No direct access to the aircraft - via bus. Boarding had started but I was advised First wasn't boarding and invited to wait a further 10 minutes. The staff came to tell me personally that the bus was ready and a dedicated bus collected First and Biz passengers for the plane. I was escorted personally to my seat - which was really spacious even compared with the Bus class ones. The cabin organisation gives the A seats the most privacy as there is a part wall closing off the D and K seats. Was given the usual PJs, served drinks and menu explained. Took off exactly on time. Seat area very spacious with plenty of storage and place to put things easily at hand. But this aircraft is feeling old and almost run-down. In fact when setting up the dining table the crew joked that everything was old and a little bit delicate ! Service was friendly but impeccable from start to finish. Food and drink selection awesome. Qatar has this service to perfection in both Business and First. The cabin attendant offered to set up the bed - which I declined as I didn't want to sleep. Toilets a bit on the small size (compared with a380) but all amenities were there (Diptyque for toiletries). WiFi was OK - but had to be paid at extra 10USD - not expensive at all but could be included in the price maybe ? We arrived smoothly into HK more than an hour early. However … as the bags weren't delivered as priority I waited (along with other First and Bus class) almost 45 mins for them to arrive after most of the other passengers left (despite them being tagged properly). This isn't down to the airline I guess - but same happened with Qatar when I arrived in CDG (and I haven't had this issue before). Overall you really cannot beat the pricing and the level of service of Qatar. I have booked my next set of trips with them and will strive to use them when possible. But it's probably time for them to upgrade the 777 to something a bit newer for the DOH-HKG route ?
