As a traveler from the US, the thought of Middle Eastern airlines often brings to mind memories of epic long-haul flights aboard large aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380. However, one might wonder if these airlines can provide a marvelous experience onboard smaller single-aisle planes as well.

On a recent flight from Doha to Zanzibar on Qatar Airways’ A320, named the best airline by Skytrax for 2024, I discovered the answer.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Over the six-hour journey, we explored what Qatar Airways has to offer on a narrowbody aircraft in terms of business class seating and medium-haul service.

Premium Cabin Perks

Passengers in premium cabins enjoy dedicated check-in areas and security checkpoints. We arrived at the Al Mourjan lounges, which are packed with delicious food and amenities. Expect a comprehensive review of these lounges in an upcoming article.

Al Mourjan Lounge

Even the Hamad International Terminal is bustling, leading to some operations taking place at remote stands instead of the usual jetways, providing spectacular views of the busy ramp.

Seating Configuration

Our Airbus A320 featured two distinct business class seat configurations. One design uses recliner seats, while the other includes twelve lie-flat seats suitable for longer flights like ours.

Seat Design

The Collins Diamond seating allows two passengers per row, which may be more suitable for couples, although there’s limited privacy for solo travelers.

Dining Experience

The flight attendants greeted us with a pre-departure drink served in real glassware. Qatar offers a dine-on-demand service, so be mindful to look over the menu early, as meals are ordered before takeoff.

In-flight Meal

Overall, the meal was impressive, featuring fresh vegetables that complemented the pasta dish.

In-flight Entertainment

The inflight entertainment system varies on Qatar’s fleet; while it provided a decent selection for our flight, it wasn’t as extensive as Emirates. However, the large screens and comfortable seating allowed for a pleasant in-flight experience.

In-flight Entertainment

After a restful night with excellent bedding, I awoke just in time for breakfast, which was beautifully plated and tasted outstanding.

Conclusion

In sum, the experience aboard Qatar Airways’ A320 was delightful, offering a substantial level of comfort akin to their larger aircraft. Do remember, though, that some A320s in their fleet may feature standard recliner seats, so checking the seat map during booking is advisable.

Stay tuned for more stories about our Qatar Airways experiences, including a detailed review of their QSuites.