Qatar Airways has emerged as the dominant airline into Europe with no less than 55 European cities in its network.
Its latest cites are Cardiff (Wales), Thessaloniki and Mykonos (Greece), and London Gatwick.
In the United Kingdom, the airline flies to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and also Dublin in Ireland.
In France, you can choose from Paris or Nice, while Italy there are four choices – Rome, Milan, Pisa, and Venice.
The airline has the Baltic covered as well with St Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Gothenburg from December, and Copenhagen on offer.
Some of the destinations are seasonal such as Mykonos in Greece, Malaga in Spain, Antalya, and Bodrum (below) in Turkey.
For those who want luxury the airline’s award-winning Business Class, Qsuite, flies daily to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, and Berlin from mid-October.
Connection times are excellent with most no more than two hours and many no more than 90 minutes.
From Australia, the airline has daily A380 flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or Adelaide on the A350 daily service.
Canberra and Sydney are also served with a daily Boeing 777 that includes QR’s new Qsuite in Business.
In passenger comfort, the Qsuite is a new high in comfort.
It is more a revolution than evolution because business class turns into first class and redefines expectations of business travelers.
On one hand, passengers get a private suite but at the same, there is the flexibility to turn the center suites into a family space with “paired rear and forward-facing suites” which take cabin innovation to an entirely new level.
And to stay in touch or connected there is a media panel with an all-access power port, with USB, HDMI and NFC capabilities for passenger convenience.
Each solo suite (on the 777-300ER) has two air vents which are certainly appreciated.
But the main event is the sliding door, although there is plenty of privacy with it open as the seating is off-set so you cannot see your fellow passenger even if the door is open.
And having the sliding door means you can keep your window open and see the world go by without worrying about disturbing other passengers.
For total privacy, you just need to press the ‘Do Not Disturb’ button and the flight attendant will leave you in peace.
And talking of peace, the flatbed is excellent and ensures a good sleep. You get two pillows – large and small – plus a cozy blanket.
While the European connection options are the best on offer the icing on the “travel cake” is the airline’s hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Light, bright, and super cool, HIA is the benchmark for airports.
Nine years in construction, it reflects the minute attention to detail that has defined Qatar Airways.
That attention means your experience in the airport is as seamless as it can be.
As wander around you ask yourself why can’t all airports be like this.
And if you are a tad weary, a visit to the wellness spa is the perfect solution.
The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre offers a selection of therapeutic massages, nail salon, and recreational spaces such as an indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy tub, gym, and squash courts.
The entrance fee of A$66 allows a passenger to access a range of facilities at the Vitality Spa that includes; 25m temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool; fully equipped gym; hydrotherapy tub and shower room.
And if you want to go further there are a variety of anti-jetlag massages, rejuvenating facials and body treatments available, starting from A$90. Also included in that cost is access to the Vitality Spa.
If your connection is a bit longer then the Oryx Airport Hotel is perfect. Located within the terminal it is there for in-transit guests. And it’s luxurious!
Take advantage of Qatar Airways’ early bird sale and plan your 2019 European adventure today, with fares starting from $1,029*. Qatar Airways flies to more than 55 European cities twice-daily from Sydney, and daily from Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra.
Use the promo code AIRLINERATINGS to receive up to 10% off* on Economy and Business Class fares to kick-start your next European and UK holiday. Book now at qatarairways.com/au. *Terms and conditions apply.
