Airline review: Economy class on the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for 2024

The airline: Qatar Airways

• Route Sydney to Doha
• Frequency Daily
• Aircraft Airbus A350-1000
• Class Economy
• Flight time 14 hours, 50 minutes (departs 20 minutes late, arrives on time)

A Qatar Airways Airbus A350. The airline was recently named the world’s best.Credit: iStock

Checking in

I fly a few weeks before Qatar Airways takes the top spot at this year’s World Airline Awards and I’m about to get a taste of how good this airline can be. I arrive at the airport more than three hours before the flight and I am delighted to find the counters are already open. Check-in is fast and seamless.

Baggage

Up to 25 kilograms of checked luggage for “Economy Classic” passengers, plus one cabin bag up to 7 kilograms. On an “Economy Convenience” ticket, your checked luggage allowance rises to 30 kilograms.

The loyalty scheme

Privilege Club, part of oneworld. Members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program can also earn points with Qatar Airways.

The seat

Decent legroom even with a reclined seat in front.

I’m sitting in 43C, an aisle seat towards the front of economy. The seats are in a 3-3-3 configuration, with a width of 17 inches (43cm) and a pitch ranging between 31 and 32 inches (79 to 81cm), and I feel pretty comfortable in a seat with that extra inch. Shortly after take-off, the passenger in front of me reclines his seat the whole way. I expect the seat to crash into my knees as usual (I’m tall with long legs) but it somehow stays clear. That’s a win!

Entertainment

A good selection of films, TV box sets and audio is available. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, starting at $US5 for 30MB. There is seatback charging for phones and a power point for laptops beneath the seat.

Service

The friendly and efficient crew respond quickly to call bells and they clean the toilets more often than any other flight crew I have travelled with. They are also diplomatic when parents seated near me let their toddler sleep on the floor. Staying sympathetic and polite, they eventually convince the parents to follow safety procedures and put the child in her seat.

Food

Dinner is served not long after take-off with a choice of massaman beef with jasmine rice; herbed chicken with mashed potato; and spinach ravioli. The beef is pretty good; the rice and quinoa salad that accompanies it is even better. Breakfast is a choice of frittata with sausage, pancakes with shaved coconut and berry compote and my choice, the mee goreng, which is OK, rather than great.

Carbon emissions

1.9 tonnes for flying business class. The airline offers an offset program (which can be done at any time before or after the flight) and it has committed to net zero emissions by 2050.

One more thing

Connecting with another Qatar Airways flight out of Doha and wishing you had lounge access? Purchase an Al Maha platinum transit package and you will be met at your arrival gate, escorted to a lounge and finally on to your departure gate for boarding.

The price

Return flights to major European hubs start from about $2100 return*.

The verdict

Someone give this crew a gold medal – their service is exemplary. Add in the surprising amount of legroom and it’s easy to understand why Qatar Airways was recently named best in the world.

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

The writer flew as a guest of Qatar Airways. See qatarairways.com

Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and are subject to change.