Emirates or Qatar ?

[geisha]

Hi , both airlines fly from my home town Nice to Bangkok. I have used Emirates for many years, but last year being disappointed with them , I took Swiss Air which was absolutely fantastic.  I’ve looked at Qatar recently, seems very good ( business class) and the rates are a good bit cheaper than Emirates.  My main necessity is a good lie flat bed due to my back problems.  Can anyone here compare the 2 for me please, advantages / disadvantages.  The difference between Swiss and Emirates,  to take Swiss I have to do a Nice Zurich , then Zurich Bangkok direct , and a little cheaper than Emirates.  With Emirates it’s Nice to Dubai to Bangkok. 
The Swiss flight is shorter. Thanks. 

[SingAPorn]

Swiss seems a better and safer deal mainly in the present troubled times in the Middle East. I would personnaly avoid all those areas in the Middle East with the ongoing war of Israel and Co. And with Swiss you pay less compared to the other airlines and if you have back issues, you obviously do not want to spend to much time in any plane whatsoever. Have a "Nice" flight !!

 

Do also agree that the service and standards of Emirates are slowly dropping.

 

One tip, plan enough time for plane changes in ZRH as they do tend not to load the luggage during transfers if the time is to short (allow more then 1 hour during plane transfer).

Edited November 1 by SingAPorn

[Hummin]

5 minutes ago, geisha said:

Hi , both airlines fly from my home town Nice to Bangkok. I have used Emirates for many years, but last year being disappointed with them , I took Swiss Air which was absolutely fantastic.  I’ve looked at Qatar recently, seems very good ( business class) and the rates are a good bit cheaper than Emirates.  My main necessity is a good lie flat bed due to my back problems.  Can anyone here compare the 2 for me please, advantages / disadvantages.  The difference between Swiss and Emirates,  to take Swiss I have to do a Nice Zurich , then Zurich Bangkok direct , and a little cheaper than Emirates.  With Emirates it’s Nice to Dubai to Bangkok. 
The Swiss flight is shorter. Thanks. 

Not much difference between Emirates or Qatar, and been flying them equally to and from Europe. 

 

Never done Swiss business class, but I prefer Swiss if price is lower. I like the transit during the afternoon, instead of in the middle of the night

[FarangRimPing]

I recently used Qatar business class for a round trip from Bangkok to the US. Absolutely the best service and best equipment I've ever had, by far!

 

Their Q-Suite is fantastic, better than any cubicle I've had before, on any airline.

 

The Business Class lounge in Doha is huge! They have restaurants with waiters/waitresses who take your order. All free, of course.

 

I couldn't recommend more highly.

[GypsyT]

1 hour ago, FarangRimPing said:

I recently used Qatar business class for a round trip from Bangkok to the US. Absolutely the best service and best equipment I've ever had, by far!

I fly Qatar, not a business but among other unwashed, and the service is excellent! Great food, many variations and friendly service. Lot of leg room and thick blankets.

Doha stop over is nice too. Easy transfers.

PS. I use my One World points for free tickets.

[sungod]

Qatar have 2 types of business, what you would term normal business and then Q suite which is fantastic. You have to check which flights Q suite is available on for example I flew to Qatar and business and returned on Q suite.

[geisha]

On 11/1/2024 at 7:10 PM, SingAPorn said:

Swiss seems a better and safer deal mainly in the present troubled times in the Middle East. I would personnaly avoid all those areas in the Middle East with the ongoing war of Israel and Co. And with Swiss you pay less compared to the other airlines and if you have back issues, you obviously do not want to spend to much time in any plane whatsoever. Have a "Nice" flight !!

 

Do also agree that the service and standards of Emirates are slowly dropping.

 

One tip, plan enough time for plane changes in ZRH as they do tend not to load the luggage during transfers if the time is to short (allow more then 1 hour during plane transfer).

Thanks for the reply. I always have a through ticket so no problem of luggage. 

[geisha]

17 hours ago, sungod said:

Qatar have 2 types of business, what you would term normal business and then Q suite which is fantastic. You have to check which flights Q suite is available on for example I flew to Qatar and business and returned on Q suite.

Yes, saw that, apparently you rarely get the Q suite on both flights.  The reason I’m asking for thoughts is that the reviews of Qatar online are terrible. And all recent too ??

[sungod]

11 hours ago, geisha said:

Yes, saw that, apparently you rarely get the Q suite on both flights.  The reason I’m asking for thoughts is that the reviews of Qatar online are terrible. And all recent too ??

I was very happy with Qatar

[treetops]

 Splitting the journey in half via the ME is mcuh more comforable than the short then long flights via Switzerland.  Qatar currently don't offer their Q Suite from Nice and you would have a longer transit to get the Q Suite from Doha to Bangkok so stick with Emirates and you'll be on their A380 all the way.

[richard_smith237]

I've been Gold with Both Emirates and Qatar...   Flown regularly in both business class and Eco...

 

Qatar Q-Suites wins hands down, no brainer... 

 

Otherise, if is not a Q-Suite flight, then Emirates beds are more comfortable as they add thin (about 1") materess which makes a difference to the comfort. 

 

BUT... and this is a big but...  Its not uncommon for Qatar Airways change their planes last minute.. and when you think you have a Q-Suite you get 'gazumpped' with the standard Business class seats, which are no worse than Emirates - but you don't get the thin mattress thingy.... 

 

 

As another poster mentioned...    check the routing, as Q-Suites definately make a big difference - when booking / searching with the Qatar Website it tells you whether the flight has Q-Suites or not.

 

 

Another point: When comfortably sleeping (with a little medicinal aid) you only get a bout 5 hours sleep (max) and thats going without the meal etc...  So... that may be taken into consideration...   

 

If you are in no rush - taking a layover is a favoured option of mine...  fly into Dubai or Doha on a day flight... get an over night hotel near the airport... (less than 24 hour layover so the bags go throgh automatically)... then wake up the next morning fresh, got to the airport an hour before the flight, no need to check in (as you already have a boarding pass) and go stright to the gate.... (check-in in Dubai and Doha is extremly quick as most passengers are transit).

 

 

Doha is also a better airport - its newer and less crowded (IMO).

Lounges are good at both Airports - perhaps Doha lounges 'edge it'... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 3 by richard_smith237

[CallumWK]

1 hour ago, treetops said:

Qatar currently don't offer their Q Suite from Nice

 

I have a flight with Qatar in May, and as far as I'm aware all flights to EU are 787-8, which never will have Q-suites

[FarangRimPing]

On 11/3/2024 at 4:01 AM, geisha said:

Yes, saw that, apparently you rarely get the Q suite on both flights.  The reason I’m asking for thoughts is that the reviews of Qatar online are terrible. And all recent too ??

Qatar is currently rated number 1 in the world overall and number 1 for business class.

 

(from news reports but I am in a hurry to source)

 

But Google AI reports:

"Qatar Airways takes the No. 1 spot again after falling second behind Singapore Airlines last year. It's a familiar position for the airline, which also claimed top honors in 2022, 2021, and 2019. This year, Qatar Airways also won awards for the best business class cabin and lounge."

 

 

 

[treetops]

7 hours ago, CallumWK said:

I have a flight with Qatar in May, and as far as I'm aware all flights to EU are 787-8, which never will have Q-suites

 

Lots of EU destinations get Qsuites, unfortunately for the OP Nice isn't one of them.

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

On 11/2/2024 at 8:41 AM, FarangRimPing said:

I recently used Qatar business class for a round trip from Bangkok to the US. Absolutely the best service and best equipment I've ever had, by far!

 

Their Q-Suite is fantastic, better than any cubicle I've had before, on any airline.

 

The Business Class lounge in Doha is huge! They have restaurants with waiters/waitresses who take your order. All free, of course.

 

I couldn't recommend more highly.

Some Qatar business class fares don't include lounge access or free seat selection prior to check in.

[Will B Good]

Emirates.....I'm still sulking after booking Q Suites on Qatar for me and SWMBO......only to find.....

 

"Sorry sir, we know you booked and paid for Q Suites, but this aircraft doesn't have them"

[Will B Good]

On 11/2/2024 at 1:03 AM, geisha said:

Hi , both airlines fly from my home town Nice to Bangkok. I have used Emirates for many years, but last year being disappointed with them , I took Swiss Air which was absolutely fantastic.  I’ve looked at Qatar recently, seems very good ( business class) and the rates are a good bit cheaper than Emirates.  My main necessity is a good lie flat bed due to my back problems.  Can anyone here compare the 2 for me please, advantages / disadvantages.  The difference between Swiss and Emirates,  to take Swiss I have to do a Nice Zurich , then Zurich Bangkok direct , and a little cheaper than Emirates.  With Emirates it’s Nice to Dubai to Bangkok. 
The Swiss flight is shorter. Thanks. 

 Just read your post.....read mine above  if a flat bed is important.

[Scottie12]

I have been disappointed with Qatar the last twice I have flown them Business class,on board service not what it used to be and the interminable bus journey between plane and terminal is soul destroying.

[josephbloggs]

Qatar is the only middle eastern carrier I haven't tried business class and it is precisely for the reasons mentioned: unpredictable. Many of their flights to Bangkok don't have Q Suites and, as others have mentioned, you definitely don't get it from Nice.

I have friends who have been in Q Suites and they all rave about it but I'm not risking paying that money and potentially not getting what I expected. With Emirates you know what you are getting and it is extremely consistent as long as you make sure you are on the A380. Do not risk a 777 until their entire fleet is retrofitted as they still have 2-3-2 which is tragic.

If you do go Emirates make sure you book an "A" or a "K" seat as these have the most privacy and space.

[sungod]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

Many of their flights to Bangkok don't have Q Suites

 

Do your homework, they tell you when selecting flights which have and which dont. For example I had an extra hour in the lounge at Qatar so the flight I took to BKK did have Q Suite.

 

As with regards to predictability, I've always had what it says on the tin when selecting flights, Q Suite.

[josephbloggs]

31 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

Do your homework, they tell you when selecting flights which have and which dont. For example I had an extra hour in the lounge at Qatar so the flight I took to BKK did have Q Suite.

Yes, I know. And when I have done my homework there were no flights between Doha and BKK with Q Suites, I would only have had it from LHR to Doha. So I went with Emirates.

 

Quote

As with regards to predictability, I've always had what it says on the tin when selecting flights, Q Suite.

That's good. Not everyone has been so lucky though.

[FarangRimPing]

1 hour ago, sungod said:

 

Do your homework, they tell you when selecting flights which have and which dont. For example I had an extra hour in the lounge at Qatar so the flight I took to BKK did have Q Suite.

 

As with regards to predictability, I've always had what it says on the tin when selecting flights, Q Suite.

I've had Qatar business class flights that weren't Q-Suites and the seats were as good as the other carriers, if not better.

 

For me, Q-Suites are a bonus, not a requirement.

[sungod]

2 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Yes, I know. And when I have done my homework there were no flights between Doha and BKK with Q Suites, I would only have had it from LHR to Doha. So I went with Emirates.

 

Strange, I came from Doha to BKK in Q suite only 3 weeks ago.

[josephbloggs]

7 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

Strange, I came from Doha to BKK in Q suite only 3 weeks ago.

Yeah, it was a couple of years ago I last tried looking.

[geisha]

On 11/3/2024 at 4:45 PM, treetops said:

 Splitting the journey in half via the ME is mcuh more comforable than the short then long flights via Switzerland.  Qatar currently don't offer their Q Suite from Nice and you would have a longer transit to get the Q Suite from Doha to Bangkok so stick with Emirates and you'll be on their A380 all the way.

Thanks, very useful info.  Is the normal business ( comfort ) good ?

[geisha]

14 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Yes, I know. And when I have done my homework there were no flights between Doha and BKK with Q Suites, I would only have had it from LHR to Doha. So I went with Emirates.

 

That's good. Not everyone has been so lucky though.

I do prefer the shorter flights, I get very sleepy waiting for my next leg. 

[geisha]

16 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Qatar is the only middle eastern carrier I haven't tried business class and it is precisely for the reasons mentioned: unpredictable. Many of their flights to Bangkok don't have Q Suites and, as others have mentioned, you definitely don't get it from Nice.

I have friends who have been in Q Suites and they all rave about it but I'm not risking paying that money and potentially not getting what I expected. With Emirates you know what you are getting and it is extremely consistent as long as you make sure you are on the A380. Do not risk a 777 until their entire fleet is retrofitted as they still have 2-3-2 which is tragic.

If you do go Emirates make sure you book an "A" or a "K" seat as these have the most privacy and space.

Yes, that’s why I went with Swiss Air because of the older 777 . 2  3 2 .

Thanks for seat tips.

[NoshowJones]

On 11/2/2024 at 10:01 AM, GypsyT said:

I fly Qatar, not a business but among other unwashed, and the service is excellent! Great food, many variations and friendly service. Lot of leg room and thick blankets.

Doha stop over is nice too. Easy transfers.

PS. I use my One World points for free tickets.

I think Emirates would be the best if it was not for all the hassle changing at Dubai for Bangkok. 

[GypsyT]

4 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

I think Emirates would be the best if it was not for all the hassle changing at Dubai for Bangkok. 

I don't fly to sleep, eat or drink fancy way.

 

One time I tried 1st class by upgrading my cattle class ticket. I wanted to see how bill gates of the world travel 😉

It was on Air France, LA to Paris, and the only one who still had 1st class to Europe.

 

Eating lasted 4+ hours. Chef w tall white hat came to take specific orders what and how to prep.

I had no clue what to say or order so I told him that and "Do what you want, I trust you!"

He took me under his wing and make many small portions to try and came back often to ask if I liked. Everything was awesome!  I had lived in France so I could some French to thank him in French. He liked that. We were only 6 in the first. Some rich fat bozos were clearly jealous of attention I got 🙂

 

Then came champagne selection (that time I liked to drink). Again, I didn't know what to order and WHAT YEAR, like others.

So, I told pretty stewardess "pick me something, please, I got no clue". She said "try them all" and opened 6 (!) bottles, maybe 400-500 usd each. I later checked, all had been top shelve stuff.

All were heavenly good! I had tried champagne before but lower quality. We all got pretty wasted and they thanked me getting to taste all 6! We finished them all plus what they had ordered.

 

Would I do it again? Sure, but not to pay much extra. 

 

[geisha]

On 11/4/2024 at 7:27 AM, Scottie12 said:

I have been disappointed with Qatar the last twice I have flown them Business class,on board service not what it used to be and the interminable bus journey between plane and terminal is soul destroying.

Emirates is the same. That is why I am asking about Qatar. My last flight with Emirates was an older plane, food not good. And the bus, freezing cold and soooo long.