Flights

[buckshot85]

I see a fair number of you folks liking Qatar Airlines.
I was searching prices and layovers and was wondering, American has reasonable pricing and says operated by Qatar. Are these flights as reliable as the Qatar flights y'all are referencing?

 

[Marcus bock]

I have traveled 3 times to SA with Qatar. Business class was best ever!! But, prices are going up significantly so now too expensive for me. Connecting flights were with American airlines. They were as reliable as any American airline, from my experience. One of the most important things, I feel, when coming back into the US as well as making connecting flights to and from, leave at least 3 hours layover. Took us over 2 hours to clear Miami on American to get on Qatar airlines. Philadelphia was much quicker getting to Qatar airlines flight.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

No idea on the American-Qatar relationship. My only trip to Africa was Qatar, at the recommendation of @TRAVEL EXPRESS. I honestly can't imagine air travel being done better.

 

[jeff]

I flew Qatar and it was my worst flight experience in 14 trips to Africa. Would much rather a direct flight from the states. Emirates was my second worst experience.

 

[buckshot85]

I flew Qatar and it was my worst flight experience in 14 trips to Africa. Would much rather a direct flight from the states. Emirates was my second worst experience.

How long ago?

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I flew Qatar economy class last year to Johannesburg and it was great! Flew Emirates to Zambia years ago without guns and it was even better than Qatar. Taking guns on Emirates via UAE seemed like it would have been troublesome. I am probably paranoid about that....

This year we are taking Delta from Detroit to avoid having to drive to Chicago to take Qatar.

 

[jeff]

How long ago?

A year ago April on Qatar and 5 years ago with Emirates.

 

[Doug3006]

Nothing but good things to say about Qatar and Emirates airlines. So much better than Delta it‘s not even close. I’ve only flown them once each, but am planning to fly Emirates again next year to Durban.

 

[jbaker1]

Qatar business class last year. Excellent. We we’re delayed leaving Joberg coming home and missed connections in Doha. The 17 hour layover was terrible but the lounge was a big bonus. Sleeping areas, showers, and multiple restaurants. Major problem when arrived in Chicago they had no record of me on the connecting flight to Detroit, which Qatar Air arranged. Used the Delta app and rebooked a new flight Chicago to Detroit. Jennifer at travel express was able to secure a refund for that portion of the trip.
Taking Delta through Atlanta this summer. Qatar was excellent just adds time to a long haul

 

[wesheltonj]

Are those flights Qatar all the way or an AA flight connected to an AA/Qatar code share flight on Qatar. Transferring a gun from AA to another carrier is problematic, check with AA on their latest rule.

 

[jbaker1]

American Detroit to Chicago. Must collect baggage and recheck in Chicago

 

[outwestidaho]

I flew Qatar and it was my worst flight experience in 14 trips to Africa. Would much rather a direct flight from the states. Emirates was my second worst experience.

We have never flown Qatar. But Emirates is the absolute worst nightmare of a flight we have ever flown. We have taken Delta 3 times with out a single problem---ever. We have also taken two other carriers and was ok. But our experiences are just about always the opposite of everyone else. Maybe its an Idaho thing, huh Jeff LOL !

 

[BloodyKnuckles]

I flew Qatar last month and it was fantastic.
The only issue I have with it is adding several hours to what is already a very long trip.
But the service was great.

 

[shootist~]

Are those flights Qatar all the way or an AA flight connected to an AA/Qatar code share flight on Qatar. Transferring a gun from AA to another carrier is problematic, check with AA on their latest rule.

I flew AA to DFW, connecting with Qatar (with rifle), last a July. Booked thru @TRAVEL EXPRESS

I knew from Jennifer that I would have to claim my rifle in DFW and re-check it with Qatar. A required Qatar firearms declaration form clearly stated that firearms must be checked and signed by a Qatar employee. Jennifer also handled the required advance notification to Qatar that I was traveling with a rifle.

The only issue I had was convincing the Albuquerque AA staff that No - they could not check it all the way to JNB. Once I showed them the Qatar firearms form with the QR signature requirement, they figured it out and things progressed smoothly.

BTW, my suitcase, including ammo box, did get checked all the way through - (ABQ, DOH, JNB). AA staff in Albuquerque did weigh the ammo box, IIRC.

 

[wesheltonj]

American Detroit to Chicago. Must collect baggage and recheck in Chicago

I went thru Chicago last year without a gun, there is not way I would do that with a gun. In fact I would never go thru Chicago again domestic to international if I could help it.

 

[Hunt anything]

My Qatar airlines was just ok, flew American from Pensacola Florida to Dallas Fort Worth and Qatar would not honor the boarding passes issued to us in Pensacola so another hour and a half standing in line for new boarding passes. When we arrived in Doha only a couple of shops and no restaurants were open for a 6 hour layover. The food was ok but a cooked tomato on top of eggs was a little strange. I did get a kick out of the flight attendant asking that no one poop on the flight from Doha to Johannesburg.( didn’t know about the oryx lounge at the time and that may have made a difference)

 

[Red Leg]

I have not flown United to Africa (though darn near everywhere else on the planet - I am a million miler), I truly do not care for Delta - unless I am comparing it to American.

The most consistent and positive international service that I have had over the last decade has been Quatar and Emirates - by a significant margin. I'll gladly fly either of them whenever it is an option and Qatar when it is a choice between them.

 

[Andrew62]

I've really enjoyed reading this thread, great information. For me, I drive to Pittsburgh, take a 45 minute flight to Newark (terrible airport) then it's nonstop to JNB. From Pittsburgh, that is about a 20 hour process, going with these other airlines pushes my flight time out to 30-36 hours. I've flown this route 2 times in the past few months, once Premium Economy, the other business. I hear wonderful things about Emirates, however, for me, I am all about getting there, so I'll deal with United.

 

[TRAVEL EXPRESS]

Thanks for the plug @Tundra Tiger @jbaker1 @shootist~ !
@buckshot85 If the flights you found are operated by Qatar, then yes it's just "marketed by" American, and you're truly on a Qatar plane. If you're taking guns, just be sure you contact Qatar to get them confirmed in advance! We find most clients really like Qatar and the service they provide. But yes they do add some travel time overall.

 

[cajunchefray]

I've really enjoyed reading this thread, great information. For me, I drive to Pittsburgh, take a 45 minute flight to Newark (terrible airport) then it's nonstop to JNB. From Pittsburgh, that is about a 20 hour process, going with these other airlines pushes my flight time out to 30-36 hours. I've flown this route 2 times in the past few months, once Premium Economy, the other business. I hear wonderful things about Emirates, however, for me, I am all about getting there, so I'll deal with United.

Very interesting, current thread. I'm looking to go back to Africa, not for work but this time for hunting. 25 years ago the airlines were different, in ownership, and service. BA was my go to but not anymore. I have been reading reviews about Quatar Airways, and they sound like what Emirates was 25 years ago. Looking at flying out of Houston Intercontinental on a non stop to JNB.