We had option of flying direct flight from US to New Delhi in India with some of the US carriers. Unfortunately we got persuaded by high ratings on service of Qatar airlines. It turned out to be disappointment. Change of flight at Doha airport is torture. Very crowded and lack of services. Airplanes do not connect to terminal and one has to go back forth on a bus in 110 degree weather. Flights are crowded and service has nothing distinctive about it. Flight staff appears to be less experienced and tend to be more eager to attend to Arabs with long white robes.
I got offloaded from my return flight from Delhi as they could not accept payment for extra bag. Reason: their credit card machine did not work. They could only accept Indian currency in cash which by Indian laws you are not supposed be carrying. Next available flight was offered two months later. I bought another ticket from other airline and came back to US. Never never fly agian with these middle eastern rackets.
Qatar airlines: avoid if you can
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I think the stellar reviews that Qatar gets (as do other world-class airlines) stem from their first and business products. Coach is going to be coach on any airline.
The new Doha airport is expected to open in 2013. I've heard that should alleviate the problem of busing pax between plane and terminal.
The business of the credit card machine not working is ridiculous though.
Jeff is right as I've only had good experiences with Qatar but I have only flown their 1st or business class. The transit in Doha is the only drawback with being exposed to the heat when getting on and off the plane but only for a very short time.
The current Premium Terminal in Doha for 1st and business class passengers is getting dated and "cramp" at peak hours but their lounges around the world is getting better. Example the Premium lounge at Heathrow is one of the best lounge in the world IMO.
Service can be from average to very good but never experienced bad personally. For a Middle Eastern airline I rank them 3rd behind Emirates and Etihad but I rank them very highly in the world ranking especially when you consider their extremely good prices.
More on my Qatar Airways experiences:
1st Class - same as the other top airlines of the world but their flat seat design is getting old and cannot match Emirates, Etihad, Singapore, Cathay etc.. 1st class suites.
Business Class - very good product on their 777s only. Fully flat seats with very generous amenities inc. pyjamas, toiletry kits, and drink service. Have not seen the other airlines giving so much to their business class passengers both on the ground and in the air.
We flew Qatar coach from London to Nairobi and return. Had several hour layover at Doha. First airport we have been to that had seperate terminals for different classes. Our coach terminal had long lines to get thru immigration, food, etc. the food possibilities were limited but big duty free tho not our interest.
They loaded our fights very early...we were always the last on the plane. Qatar was ok for us. Sorry you had such a miserable experience.