Dear Qatar Airways,
In August 2008, my wife and I flew with you from London Heathrow to Doha and on to Dubai. We had high hopes as you claimed to be "the world's 5-star airline". We were left disappointed.
First of all, we called your airline weeks in advance to guarantee a window seat on the flight from London to Doha. No online seat selection or check-in was available at the time (not very five star!). So we checked in at the airport and were given centre seats in the middle of the aircraft with no direct access to the aisle (not very five star!). The people in front of us reclined their seats all the way back. I'm 6'4 and my wife is 5'11. A very uncomfortable experience (not very five star!). On top of that, the crew did not seem to be able to smile (not very five star!). When I asked for a beer the surly female cabin crew slammed the can down on my table and spilt some of it without even a hint of an apology (not very five star!).
When we got to Doha there were no airbridges. Passengers are bussed from aircraft to/from the terminal in the heat (not very five star!). When we got to Dubai the airport had airbridges but Qatar Airways did not use one (not very five star!).
We had thirty minute wait for our bag in Dubai. When it finally showed up, the handle had been ripped off. The bag was a decent brand (Delsey) and brand new (not very five star!). I reported to the damaged bag to the handling agent but nothing came of it despite subsequently writing to your airline (not very five star!).
I know all this makes me sound like a prima donna but I can assure you I am nothing of the sort. I guess I was just disappointed by the whole experience. I have experienced many LCCs that were better than this so-called 5-star airline.
However, I am prepared to try you again and I am flying you from London to Male via Doha this month. Let's try again!
Yours faithfully,
Global Aviator
