Report No: 2020-804
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to this brand new post-COVID series that I would fly transatlantic again. As I was satisfied with Qatar Airways the last time and their prices were reasonable, I decided to fly Qatar Airways again. In this series, you would realize that the experience is pretty similar to my last transatlantic series, however, I always find it useful to share FR's on repetitive routes for reference.
This time my journey would start in Sabiha Gökçen Airport rather than Istanbul Airport and I would review the ISG CIP Lounge at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Also, this time my flight from Turkey to Doha would be operated by a narrow-body aircraft rather than a wide-body aircraft. For the datamark, the aircraft type of this flight have changed from an Airbus A321 to Airbus A320, the day before the flight.
Here is the routing
Flight routing
- 1QR 244 Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to Doha ( Economy Class ), Airbus A320, ISG CIP Lounge
- 2
- 3
Loads for this flight
Business Class: 50% ( 6/12 pax )
Economy Class: 67% ( 89/132 pax )
UPGRADE OFFERS AND ONLINE CHECK-IN
As this itinerary was rebooked 2 days before the flight due to schedule changes, after my new ticket has been issued, I have immediately received upgrade offers for both QR flights on this itinerary. I didn't take both of the offers.
Online check-in was smooth, however, as my document needed to be verified at the counter, I was unable to get a boarding pass.
For the SAW-DOH leg, I have already requested an exit seat, which I had it.
Unfortunately for DOH-ORD, I was left with a regular window seat at OLCI.
ISTANBUL SABİHA GÖKÇEN AIRPORT - SAW
About 2h30mins before scheduled departure time, I was almost there at SAW
The entrance of the airport was crowded.
The terminal building
As the central entrance was empty, I've used that entrance to enter the terminal, there was no wait at the initial security checkpoint
The terminal was empty compared to my previous visit 2 weeks ago
FIDS as I've entered the terminal, not much international traffic that day
Check-in was done quickly and efficiently by the ground staff, I handed my checked baggage and my carry-on as well as due to Turkish Civil Aviation Directorate regulations, larger carry-ons that could not fit under the seat should be checked-in on hold and are not permitted inside the cabin. This applies for all flights from/to Turkey.
I was handed all three boarding passes, however, my bags were checked through Chicago as I would need to reclaim them over there due to customs formalities.
And the lounge invitation which we're not used to see anymore.
As I needed to go to one of the ATM's before exiting Turkey, I've headed to the arrivals level and noticed this COVID testing area. As the USA does not require COVID tests for arriving passengers, I didn't need to stop by, however it's located behind McDonald's at the arrivals level. It might be useful for some others traveling.
As I had time, I've enjoyed a drink and cookie at the Starbucks at the arrivals level.
After finishing my coffee, I've headed upstairs towards security and passport control where there was no wait. Before heading to passport control, a security officer was checking the dimensions of hand baggages and turning away people with larger hand bags as they needed to be checked-in.
Also at security, a family from Kazakstan were really angry as security has confiscated their water bottles and their kids toy super soaker. The family and the police officers were talking about the toy super soaker but there were no exceptions made for water. Also interestingly, liquids are permitted through security at Kazakstan so they might not be familiar to the rules in the rest of the world.
Most airside shops and restaurants were open at that time.
ISG LOUNGE - ISTANBUL SABİHA GÖKÇEN AIRPORT
In Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Qatar Airways contracts the ISG Lounge. While entering the lounge, I was handed a single use Wi-Fi code.
The lounge is pretty small, however, the seating was comfortable.
However, due to COVID, the offerings were reduced.
Only meals in plastic packages were served and the packages consisted a salad, a sandwich and a dessert.
There were also individual desserts available.
And soup was available and that is all. Compared to the contract lounge in IST, this lounge is far behind in terms of offerings.
Soft drinks were available, however, as an alcoholic beverage, only beer was being served. There was also a coffee machine that was not photographed.
While at the lounge, I was able to spot the incoming aircraft.
GATE AREA & BOARDING
While it was almost time for boarding, I've headed to the gate area.
FIDS
Our flight would depart from gate 201B.
Here is a shot of A7-AHD
Before boarding the ground staff handed face shields for passengers. About 40 minutes before departure, boarding started with priority eligible passengers in the left lane and Zone 1 passengers in the right lane.
At the jetbridge, also a QR personnel scanned boarding passes for verification.
Another photo of A7-AHD.
QR 244 ISTANBUL SABİHA GÖKÇEN AIRPORT TO Doha Hamad AIRPORT
After being welcomed by the crew, I have headed to my seat 14A located in the emergency exit row. Another crew was waiting for me at my row and greeted me and thanked me for being QR Platinum, she introduced herself and told me that she would be the crew serving me that day.
The legroom was great and the seat itself was comfortable; however, for a reason I don't know both window emergency exit seats in row 14 and 15 did not recline while the middle and aisle seats did.
The seat is equipped with the OryxOne IFE system and also has a USB port and power outlet.
The IFE system is the old one which almost has the same content, however, the touch screen did not respond all the time and the system was slow itself.
I don't know why boarding took a lot of time, however, there was a family blocking the aisle for 5 minutes as 2 of them were seated separately. The family had 2 blocks in the front ( 6 people ) and the other two passengers were seated at the back. The crew asked for them to take their original seat as they were going to figure out the issue after boarding was completed which they did.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways does not have printed inflight magazines anymore, however, the safety card is still there in the seat pocket.
Also, headphones were available at the seat pocket.
Shortly after boarding was completed, refreshing towels were provided by the crew.
And we had started our push back.
At that time the safety video featuring Robert Lewandowski was being monitored from the personal screens.
While pushing back, Pegasus aircraft were visible. For those who don't know, Pegasus Airlines handles the majority of flights in Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
While we were taxiing to the runway, the cabin crew have distributed the "Travel with Confidence" kits. The kit has masks, gloves and a small hand sanitizer.
Pegasus aircrafts are everywhere
The tower of SAW
The Turkish Technic hangar
We were going to take off from runway 06.
And we're taking off
Goodbye SAW
We're gaining altitude
The city of Izmit
Route map after we took off
After the seatbelt signs have turned off a video about the charity program was shown from the personal screens. At that moment, the crew came to take my food order. The options for this flight were chicken, beef stew and pasta. I've opted for the pasta option.
Before the meal service had started, I've also visited the lavatory, which was cleaned by the crew just before my usage.
Route details after I returned to my seat
During this flight, I've decided to watch the movie American Bistro which was good.
Shortly later, the meal service had begun. The tray was the same as my IST-DOH flight the previous month. The tray had a salad, Godiva chocolate, a bottle of water, milk, bread, and a dessert. Butter was available on request.
I have chosen the same main course as well, however, it was delicious so I didn't regret eating the same meal.
Penne Pasta, Tomato Salsa Sauce
Cheddar Cheese Grated, Green Peas, Parsley
After the meal service, tea&coffee service had begun so I've opted for a coffee with Bailey's.
Also, I was offered pretzels while enjoying my movie.
Route map just before we arrived at Doha
Before landing, a video about home quarantine at Qatar was shown for people returning to Qatar. This video was shown both in English and Arabic.
After the video, connecting gate information was available.
Before landing, the cabin supervisor and the crew serving my area came to me and thanked me for flying Qatar Airways. Both of them and the other crew on duty were great during the flight.
And we had landed to Doha ahead of schedule.
As usual, Qatar Airways aircraft were on sight.
More of them
And more,
Even more,
Even even more,
And finally, we had parked at remote stand H2 next to this Dreamliner that arrived from Budapest.
Doha Hamad AIRPORT - DOH
After saying goodbye to the crew, I have left the aircraft from the front door.
As I am a Qatar Privilege Club Platinum member, I am normally eligible for the Al Maha service, however, this time I didn't reserve it; interestingly, an Al Maha stewardess that served me in a previous flight recognized me, welcomed me to Doha and asked if I was the one that requested the service. Interestingly, the passenger who booked the Al Maha service did not show up.
And, after a short bus ride, we were inside the terminal.
This report has come to an end.
The journey would continue in the next report.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you in another report.
Thanks for sharing this FR
Always comprehensive and detailed, very pleasant to read
" I always find it useful to share FR's on repetitive routes for reference."
I agree with you.
It allows to see the consistency of the product.
"turning away people with larger hand bags as they needed to be checked-in."
Different rules depending on the country: it's a real headache now to travel
The lounge offer is very poor and it's poorly presented
On board the exit row seat has a confortable legroom
The meal was the same as your last IST-DOH flight but you liked it
A great crew during all the flight
Another good QR flight
See you soon
Hi lagentsecret and thanks for stopping by,
- I really hate this regulation, however, there is nothing to do about it.
- Yes, it's a poor lounge so it's interesting that EK did not contract this lounge pre-COVID, instead they handed meal vouchers valid in one of the restaurants in the terminal. I am also not a fan of COVID friendly cost-cutting measures.
- Yes, the legroom definitely better than the regular rows, although I am not that tall.
- Exactly
- You too.
Thank you for this new report once again.
The lounge at SAW is clearly a let down, but I guess, it's still better than waiting in the public area.
Seems like only very few QR A320 are flying compared to 787, 77W or 350, probably they don't have much cargo to/from SAW.
On board, it's still QR as usual with a descent meal and attentive crew.
Schedule and backtrack are not optimum for your routing but when we like flying and to have a "normal" experience, QR is indeed a very good option, especially when you are Platinum.
Btw, thanks for the shout-out on the FT post regarding the CDG lounge question ;)
Hi there and thanks for your comment,
- Unfortunately yes, it's not the best lounge, although yes, it's better than waiting in the public area, although, some of the restaurants in the terminal serve better food, however, it would not be a good idea to eat at a restaurant 5-6 hours before visiting Al Mourjan.
- Actually now, two or three of the 21 weekly services to SAW are operated by wide-bodies, I don't know how is the pattern for cargo to/from SAW but I think QR sends/receives most of their cargo from/at IST.
- Indeed yes
- Actually that is the case, QR constantly cancelled their 00:45 SAW-DOH flight last-minute which has optimal connection times for US flights so I ended up with a longer connection this time. Although status is helpful to make the journey comfortable and unless I have a time constraint, I am happy to do a backtrack with QR especially when they are one of the few carriers that have "normal" service as you've mentioned.
- You are very welcome. :)
Thanks for stopping by