Qatar introduces "low cost" business class, but the ticket is not much cheaper
The idea is not new; in fact, it originated in the Middle East, as the first airline to think of a version [...]
Qatar Airways
DOH
The idea is not new; in fact, it originated in the Middle East, as the first airline to think of a basic version of the business class ticket was Emirates (other carriers followed, but without much fanfare).
In this article:
The Doha-based airline's choice is simple: offer the passenger the chance to save a few euros in exchange for giving up lounge access and seat selection at the time of booking.
As a reminder, the Qatari airline adopts one of the world's best business class cabins, the Qsuite, on its fleet, with the option of creating a true private lounge if traveling in groups of four, or a single room if traveling alone.
If you opt for the basic fare, your seat will be assigned at the check-in counters at the airport, predictable then that you will have to make do with what is not chosen by other travelers.
Another waiver will be access to lounges, particularly the main one of Doha Airport's VIP lounges-the Al Mourjan.
As can be seen from the example above, the price difference between the "classic" and "comfort" fares is considerable, practically 1,000 euros.
I can, however, say that the current price of classic is very similar to what was paid before the new rate was introduced and included both seat selection and lounge access.
What is certain is that the difference on a round-trip flight of almost €2,000 does not justify the fare upgrade. True, you do not have access to the Al Mourjan lounge, but for elite status holders in the Oneworld alliance, other lounges are available, and if you are not an elite status holder, you will be able to visit one of the accredited lounges priority pass or lounge buddy if you are a holder of American Express Platinum.
Basically in the classic fare the seat selection is missing, but this is not a big news, already many airlines have chosen to charge extra for passengers who buy discounted business tickets: Swiss does it, Finnair and British Airways do it, it is a practice that will become more and more common in the world of post covid flights.
In conclusion, Qatar cuts less than Emirates, which, in addition to lounges and seat selection, also eliminated the private chauffeur service that would pick up the passenger from below and bring him or her back to the destination once he or she returned.
