Kiek flew business with Qatar Airways: ‘This is not normal’

It's that you get a lot in return, but otherwise flying is usually just counting down until you land. Right? At least, with some airlines. Not with Qatar Airways. In fact: this is a mini-vacation in itself. All of us crammed like a bunch of sheep between two seats. Elbows out to get your suitcase above your luggage compartment. Sandwiches with plastic cheese and a coffee for four euros. The crying child behind you. It's that you get a lot in return, but otherwise flying is usually just counting down until you land. Right? At least, with some airlines. Not with Qatar Airways. In fact: this is a mini-vacation in itself.

I'm flying with five other journalists to Doha and at the airport we hear that we're getting an upgrade to Freaking. Business. So here I am, with my butt parked in my own little cocoon hoping we keep flying forever. Do you know that scene from Sex and the City The Movie where Carrie and her harem fly to the Middle East? Totally over the top in those sleeping cabins? Exactly: it really exists. And at the moment I'm typing this, I'm experiencing it.

It actually starts at the airport where we walk via a red carpet (I kid you not) towards the check-in desk. There are hardly any lines. when you fly business and everything seems designed to get you from A to B as easily and comfortably as possible. And yes, the difference with economy is intensely large. Flying business class is literally a different kind of transport. Now there is also a hefty price tag attached to it (for business you quickly pay three to four times as much as for economy), but what you get in return is – especially if you're wealthy – more than worth it.

If you ask me, you don't even need to fly business with Qatar, because even their economy is what most airlines call ‘Economy Plus’. But honestly? It's wonderfully decadent that there's a personal butler (handsome, and Portuguese by the way) coming around every twenty minutes asking if he can assist you with anything. Nice. Just a light cola, please. ‘Would you like some ice cubes and lemon with that, Mrs. Düren?’ Uh sure, the whole shebang. Once in the cocoon, the exploration begins. Let's see if the seat can really lie flat. Yes, it works. The movie selection, the care kit, the legroom paradise, the compartments, the buttons, the lights, the headphones, THE FOOD (with cutlery)… My god. You never get used to this.

If they know anything at this airline, it's luxury. And so we are welcomed with the best rosé champagne I've tasted in ages, the menu is one as if Jamie Oliver not only cooks for you but is also in love with you, and the airplane seats have a massage function. Sigh. Thank you Qatar for this unforgettable experience. You understand: forever spoiled a thousand times over. Crying that we have to get off like this.

P.S.: A tip from my side: if you're flying with Qatar Airways (to places like Bali, Africa, you name it), I would really extend your vacation by doing a mini-stopover in Doha. You can stay up to four nights in a 4- or 5-star hotel in Qatar for about 21 euros per night. Check this maar even.