After a pleasant layover in Doha, it was time to complete my outbound journey with a short three-hour flight from Doha to Delhi, operated by a Qatar Airways 787-8 in business class.
Qatar Airways 787-8 Business Class – My First Impressions
Even though it was only afternoon in Los Angeles, my body seemed to have already adjusted to the new time zone and I was very tired as I boarded the flight, which went out full. This aircraft featured Qatar Airway’s older but still very comfortable reverse herringbone seat. Without center overhead bins, the cabin was very spacious.
It had been several hours since I had eaten and was looking forward to the meal onboard, though I know I could have easily had another meal in the lounge in order to maximize sleep onboard (to offer complete reviews, I make it a point to eat onboard whenever a meal is served). I kicked off the meal with a Negroni, which was served with warm mixed nuts.
For my appetizer, I had a mezze platter with minted garlic labneh, beetroot hummus, and moutabel…very, very nice, especially with warmed pita bread.
My main course, pan-seared sea bass with mustard sauce served with spinach and potato galette with grilled asparagus, was also tremendous, even at 3:30 am in the morning.
I rounded out the meal with a surprisingly delicious carrot crémeux with burfi (apparently a classic Indian dessert, but I was not familiar with it).
What a lovely meal for any flight, let alone one in the middle of the night on a flight that is under four hours. Emirates, Etihad, or Turkish Airlines would have served breakfast on this overnight flight and I am glad that dinner was served instead…it still felt like evening rather than morning to me.
Flight attendants were excellent: very attentive and friendly. One was a bit surprised I was going to India in the summer, but strongly recommended I return to Taj Mahal (I don’t plan to leave Delhi, though…not this trip when I’m traveling solo).
After dinner, I did manage to get a bit of sleep, though it wasn’t much…the lights came on 90 minutes later as we prepared for landing in Delhi.
The windows had been locked shut in the darkened position but suddenly light filled the cabin.
What a pleasant this flight was, with friendly service and a delicious three-course dinner, even in the middle of the night. I had a great outbound journey on Qatar Airways – a wonderful carrier that continues to deliver.
But now I need some rest…
I’ll have more details about the menu, seat, IFE, and Wi-Fi in my full review.
Not sure how you didn’t catch it, but you flew on a 787-8, not a 787-9.
Yes. Was a swap, but I wasn’t paying attention.
What was seat width? 24″ ?
Matt that is a 787-8. Qatar’s 787-9 have modified qsuites with doors.
Yep. My bad.
The photos show a 787-8, you wrote 787-9…
Ja, got it. My bad.
I think they’re hinting for you to ‘self-flagellate’ ! …lol
You going for Silas from the Da Vinci Code? “Castigo corpus meum!!” *hhwoopshhh*
When and if Qatar downgrades aircraft from Q-Suite to this 1-2-1 lie-flat new-ish business class, it is less of a let-down from the 2-2-2 ancient business class. Of course, there’s also the 787 that have suites with doors, mini-Q-Suite. Again, glad you made it out of Doha, under the circumstances (war.) Hope Delhi isn’t too hot or smoggy.
This is not a 787-9, this is a 787-8
I was under the impression QR’s 789 is the one with the mini-Q-Suite, no? So, yes, if so, Matt may have been on 788. When I checked FlightAware, it also shows only 788 on the DOH-DEL route (QR570), and a359 (QR578).
You’re right (and I’ve flown it too!)
This was a 788.
https://www.aerolopa.com/qr-788-1
I’ll update story later. And yes, this then must have been a last-minute swap.
If you have time in Delhi, go to Indian Accent for a meal. You won’t be disappointed!
I was going to suggest the same thing. The tasting menu for lunch is great!
https://www.indianaccent.com/newdelhi
Plenty to see in Delhi of course but if you’re staying near Connaught Place consider checking out the Sikh temple – has an interesting history and I think you’d appreciate seeing it – among other things the number of meals they serve there every day is amazing.