Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What are the downsides of flying with Qatar Airways?

What are the downsides of flying with Qatar Airways?

Higher ticket prices

Qatar Airways is known for offering excellent service and luxury, but it is not usually the most affordable option, with ticket prices often higher than budget carriers or other international airlines. While Qatar Airways is known for its high-quality service, comfort, and amenities, the cost of flying with the airline is typically higher due to these premium offerings. Qatar Airways is usually not the cheapest airline when it comes to passengers who travel on a limited budget, or those that would like to use a transportation service that is affordable. You can discover that such companies as budget carriers or other international airline companies have lower prices on comparable routes, particularly on the shorter ones.

Longer layovers in Doha

When flying with Qatar Airways, layovers in Doha can sometimes be longer compared to airlines offering more direct flights, especially for long-haul routes. While long layovers in Doha can be tiring, Qatar Airways offers complimentary city tours for eligible transit passengers and provides access to sleep pods, premium lounges, and the Oryx Airport Hotel inside Hamad International Airport to enhance passenger comfort. While long layovers in Doha can be tiring, Qatar Airways offers complimentary city tours for eligible transit passengers and provides access to sleep pods, premium lounges, and the Oryx Airport Hotel inside Hamad International Airport to enhance passenger comfort.

Limited flight options from smaller airports

Qatar Airways primarily operates through major international hubs, particularly Hamad International Airport in Doha, which can limit direct flight options from smaller regional airports. This sometimes may imply that people who are traveling from smaller towns or regional airports may have few direct flights or perhaps not a great deal of choice when it comes to flying with Qatar Airways. This could lead to increased number of stops, longer travel times and estimated costs. Travelers from smaller regions may have to pass through bigger intercontinental airports, adding to the time and the hassle of their journey.

Inconsistent customer service experiences

While Qatar Airways is widely praised for its customer service, experiences can vary depending on the route, cabin class, and even the crew on duty. This is not a consistent issue but can occasionally affect the overall experience. Other passengers state that they did not receive ideal customer service on their flights, describing the fact that they were not responsive or attentive to the flight crew. Like any other airline, it can be a problem to be consistent in service delivery and some may not get a custom service expected relative to others especially when there is increased traffic during such times.

Limited availability of direct flights

Qatar Airways is known for offering many connecting flights via Doha, although it also provides direct flights to numerous major cities around the world. You might have to bear long stopovers or several stopovers depending on the city of departure and the place of arrival. Although the same applies to other international airlines, there are other passengers who might want to fly direct without numerous stopovers. This may be a major negative to take into account in case time happens to be a major influence to your traveling.

Limited in-flight entertainment options on some aircraft

Most Qatar Airways aircraft feature modern entertainment systems; however, on certain short- or mid-haul routes using older A320 aircraft or leased planes, the in-flight entertainment may be more limited. The older models may have fewer options regarding movies, television shows, and music than what is offered in newer models when it comes to passengers flying on older aircraft. This may prove to be a disadvantage on long distance flights where passengers seek to kill time with a lot of entertainment.

Excessive baggage fees for excess weight

Qatar Airways has such favorable baggage allowances as its passengers get a significant baggage allowance in superior classes, however, the economy passengers can face a lot of expenditure on extra baggage. If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, you may incur high fees for excess baggage. Qatar Airways has specific baggage allowances and charges that vary depending on the route and class. Moreover, although Qatar airways provide an opportunity to pre-pay extra luggage allowance, there is a late-minute rate at the airport that could increase the cost of your travelling budget without warning.

Conclusion

Although Qatar Airways is not based in Europe, it is considered one of the most highly rated international airlines operating flights to and from major European cities, praised for its high-quality service, modern aircraft, and luxury offerings. Higher ticket prices, longer layovers in Doha, and occasional inconsistencies in customer service are common drawbacks for some travelers, although these may vary. Also, restricted flights to/from many of the lesser airports and prohibitive cost of luggage may be turned off to some customers.

In conclusion, Qatar Airways may or may not suit you depending on your travel priorities. If you value affordability and short travel times, you might consider alternatives. Ultimately, Qatar Airways excels in premium service, modern aircraft, and a globally connected network. While it may not be the cheapest or most direct for all routes, it remains a top-tier airline for travelers who value comfort, quality, and global reliability.

Ultimately, Qatar Airways excels in premium service, modern aircraft, and a globally connected network. While it may not be the cheapest or most direct for all routes, it remains a top-tier airline for travelers who value comfort, quality, and global reliability.

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