Shame on Qatar Airways

Review of Qatar Airways Flight QR1364 from Johannesburg to Doha – December 2, 2024

I recently flew Qatar Airways on flight QR1364 from Johannesburg to Doha on December 2, 2024, and regrettably, my experience was far from the high standards one would expect from a premium airline. From boarding to the in-flight conditions, the experience left much to be desired.

Boarding Process – Disorganized and Delayed The boarding process was chaotic and disorganized. It took an unusually long time to get everyone on board, with no clear communication from the crew. This inefficiency created an unpleasant start to the journey, especially considering this is supposed to be a world-class airline.

Seat Selection – A Disgrace Upon boarding, I was assigned to seat 14C. This seat, along with others in the same row, was absolutely disgraceful for any paying customer. The legroom was shockingly limited, and the seat was cramped. I would strongly advise against selecting seats in this area of the aircraft. The passenger in seats 14A and 14B were equally dissatisfied with the lack of space and the overall discomfort. The airline’s failure to disclose the limited legroom in advance is a blatant example of poor customer service. For what I paid for the flight, this was unacceptable, and I wouldn't recommend paying a cent extra for these seats.

Cabin Conditions – Faulty Air Conditioning To make matters worse, the air conditioning was faulty. The cabin temperature was uncomfortably hot, and passengers, including myself, were visibly distressed. The heat was so unbearable that at least one passenger had to be escorted off the aircraft for their safety. This is a serious oversight on Qatar Airways' part, and it's beyond disappointing that a major international airline could have such a critical issue affecting passenger comfort.

Service and Experience – Below Expectations Throughout the flight, the service did not live up to the standards typically associated with Qatar Airways. The crew, while polite, did not seem particularly attentive or responsive to the passengers’ discomforts, particularly regarding the cabin temperature.

Final Thoughts – Time to Rethink Qatar Airways This experience has made me reconsider flying with Qatar Airways in the future. It was a far cry from the level of service and comfort I expected, and I will likely choose airlines such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, or Lufthansa next time. One should not have to pay for cheaper flights if it compromises comfort and quality. Airlines should be held accountable for their seating arrangements and the comfort of their passengers.

I strongly believe that aviation authorities, like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), should regulate the seat measurements and conditions, as it is unacceptable for airlines to treat humans like cattle. As a paying customer, I am extremely disappointed and would demand a refund or full reimbur*****t for the unsatisfactory experience. Shame on Qatar Airways for letting these issues go unchecked.