World Traveller 73 
I recently flew a trans continental flight on Air Canada and enjoyed a massive delay in my travels. What was supposed to be seven hour trip with a four and a half hour flight time through the skies, ended up being a twelve hour journey with many mishaps throughout the day. In the end, my travels were delayed about four and half hours. I elected to pursue whether Air Canada would make good on it’s compensation obligations under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) statutory regimes. Read on to see how my experience went.
My Experience Claiming Compensation for a Delayed Flight with Air Canada under Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations
On June 1st, I was scheduled to travel on Air Canada AC 114 between Vancouver and Toronto. This was a pretty straight forward work trip on Air Canada’s High Density Boeing 777 aircraft on a weekday Thursday. The flight was scheduled to depart at 12:30 PM, arriving to Toronto at 7:58 PM.
On this day, Air Canada experienced a massive information technology outage, as a result of the airlines decision to upgrade it’s airline communicator system. The airline communication system was described as “one of the systems that we use to communicate with aircraft and monitor operational performance”.
The issue caused 40% of it’s flights (over 500 that day) to be cancelled. The amount of cancellations was so bad, it received national media attention.
Getting back to the day itself, as is the case with many delay experiences, I ended up getting a series of emails from Air Canada with updated flight departure times. I fell into the usual formula of that rolling delay, when a two hour delay was announced, that later became into a four hour delay.
My 12:30 PM flight would ultimately end up leaving at 4:15 PM; more than 4 hours and half hours late. The end result was that the flight would end up arriving in Toronto Pearson International Airport at 12:31 AM; more than 4 hours and 33 minutes late from our scheduled arrival time of 7:58 PM.
Given that information (and evidence) is often your best friend in this circumstances, I made the efforts to capture all sources of the delay through Flight Aware, Twitter, and even within the Air Canada app.
This length of delay beyond three hours made me eligible for compensation under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
The Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations:
Canada has recently introduced Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). It is also worth mentioning that there may be other statutory regulations that apply to your journey; such as the European Union Air Passenger Rights regulations which is typically more generous than the Canadian regime.
There has been some controversy on the application of the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations, as they have been seen to be very biased in favor of the airlines, instead of the travelling public.
The regulations have the force of law. This means that any oversight of this would occur within the civil disputes jurisdiction within your province or territory. In British Columbia, this means that it would fall into the Civil Disputes Resolution Tribunal for all claims under $5,000 Canadian Dollars.
I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on television, but the guidelines seem fairly clear.
The Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations require several essential elements that include:
- Information (communication)
- Re-Booking (option to rebook on alternative flights after three hours of delay)
- Refund (option to refund after three hours of delay)
- Standards of Treatment (numerous conditions apply)
- Compensation (numerous conditions apply)
- Recourse
Specific to my flight, as a result of the four and a half hour delay, I would have standing to pursue a claim under the Standards of Treatment and Compensation provisions of the statute. Let’s look at each of those in turn.
Canada Air Passenger Protection Regulations – Standards of Treatment:
The Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations outlines several standards of treatment.
If, due to a situation within Air Canada’s control or required for safety purposes, (i) you have been informed of the delay or cancellation less than 12 hours before the departure time indicated on your ticket, and (ii) you have waited two hours after the departure time indicated on your ticket, we’ll provide you with the following:
- Food and drink in reasonable quantities, considering the length of the wait, the time of day and location;
- Access to a means of communication; and
- Hotel or comparable accommodations within reasonable distance from the airport for overnight delays for out-of-town passengers, subject to availability.
I ended up killing off this delay at the Plaza Premium Lounge Vancouver Domestic. It happened to be where I was as the delay emails came in. Perhaps not surprisingly, there was no mention in the emails to see a gate agent for food and voucher compensation. As I had food available within the lounge, I didn’t bother to pursue any food of beverage vouchers. I also happened to be on a per diem allowance by my employer, so I didn’t have any immediate concerns there.
While I wasn’t at the gate, I haven’t typically found Air Canada to be all to generous with respect to handling passengers when it comes to delays. This is in contrast to Alaska Airlines that tends to bend over backwards for it’s delayed passengers. Alaska Airlines typically provides food and beverage vouchers in addition to pro-actively offering several thousand Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles, in my past experience.
Canada Air Passenger Protection Regulations – Compensation:
The Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations outlines several standards of compensation. This is where it gets a little more complicated in terms of terms and conditions:
If, due to a situation within Air Canada’s control, your flight was delayed three hours or more, or cancelled, you’ll be entitled to receive compensation, unless:
a) You do not have a confirmed reservation or are travelling on a fare that isn’t available, directly or indirectly, to the public;
b) You are informed of the delay or cancellation at least 15 days before the scheduled time of departure;
c) Your flight was delayed or cancelled due to situation outside of our control or required for safety purposes;
d) You have already been paid denied boarding compensation;
e) You have already been paid under another passenger rights regime for the same event;
f) You failed to submit your claim within one year of the flight delay or cancellation.
Compensation for delays and cancellations is calculated, based on your arrival time at final destination and is:
– 400 CAD for delays at arrival between 3 and 6 hours;
– 700 CAD for delays at arrival between 6 and 9 hours; and
– 1,000 CAD for delays at arrival of 9 hours and more.
Under my circumstances, with a four and half hour delay, I appeared to fall within the $400 CAD category and appeared to have the statutory ability to claim $400 Canadian Dollars.
Starting the Claims Process:
Given the length of the flight delay, I thought that I would make an attempt at making a claim under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations. I wasn’t being compensated for my time through my employer, and going to sleep at 3 AM as a result of the delay, caused some travel disruption in my days off and into the weekend.
Air Canada didn’t provide communication on how to apply for compensation, and I had to do a little research one line on their website on how to make an application.
I eventually located a flight compensation link from within the customer support section of the Air Canada website.
The website offered a look up feature to determine if you were eligible. for compensation. This involved entering your flight number, flight date and ticket information.
Perhaps not surprisingly, given Air Canada’s lack of a strong reputation in adhering to the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations, when I looked up my flight the day after arrival, initially it stated that it didn’t have a decision.
Secondly, when I looked up the flight around five days after the flight, it in it indicated I was not eligible for compensation.
Given the national media attention on this date, I figure that I’d give it a few days before submitting a claim. As a result of so many travellers being delayed, I figured eventually there would be a management decision on how to treat all travellers impacted by the delays on this date.
Submitting a Claim:
About ten days after my travels, I submitted a APPR claim through the Air Canada portal. This required filling out a small amount of information.
The hardest part was actually locating my ticket number, since by reference booking code had already expired, and was not searchable anymore.
I also submitted a claim on behalf of MrsWT73, who was travelling with me on the same flight- although on a completely separate ticket and reference number.
It’s worth mentioning that at the time of application, that my status under the eligibility status didn’t change, and was still showing as “Not Eligible” for compensation.
After submitting a claim, I received an automated message on the Air Canada website indicating that my claim had been received.
I also received an email to my email account, that indicated I would expect a response within thirty days.
The Result:
About three days after the flight, I received an email with great news.
My claim was successfully awarded. I was being given the $400 as required under the statutory provisions of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
The email contained a password to accept the Interac E-Transfer, with payment promised within two to four business days.
As promised, three days later, an email arrived in my account with a link to Interac e-transfer my funds. Following the link through, it took me to my financial institution and prompted entering of the password.
I entered the password. Instantly, $400 was instantly deposited into my preferred bank account.
The whole process took exactly seven calendar days from the time that I submitted the claim, to receiving funds in the back account. Overall, it was pretty timely considering some of the horror stories we’ve heard about passengers trying to get refunds, as a result of pandemic related cancellations and delays.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that my claim and MrsWT73’s claim was processed at different times. Despite submitting her claim after mine, her file seemed to be processed quicker. She ended up with her money a little bit earlier, at the 6 day mark.
What Other Options I May Have Had to Pursue:
If Air Canada decided to deny this claim, it would have been up to me to pursue this through the provincial disputes resolution process located in the province of territory that I resided in. This would have have involved “going to court” in order to file a claim against the air carrier.
This would have meant researching my circumstances, preparing and presenting legal arguments and taking time off of work in order to pursue the matter.
I would have had to establish that my circumstances were within the 5 elements required under the Air Passenger Regulations Act
a) You do not have a confirmed reservation or are travelling on a fare that isn’t available, directly or indirectly, to the public;
b) You are informed of the delay or cancellation at least 15 days before the scheduled time of departure;
c) Your flight was delayed or cancelled due to situation outside of our control or required for safety purposes;
d) You have already been paid denied boarding compensation;
e) You have already been paid under another passenger rights regime for the same event;
f) You failed to submit your claim within one year of the flight delay or cancellation.
Most noteworthy is the ability to challenge point “C”; that the matter was a circumstance outside of Air Canada’s control or required for safety purposes.
This would have resulted in attempting to argue that information technology upgrades are within the control of the airline’s purview of when they schedule or elect to perform such upgrades when planes are operational as opposed to when planes are parked on the ground.
Fortunately, the event caused wide scale national media attention and the reasons for the delay were well published. This many not have been the case for more minor delays where the delay reasons are usually much more opaque.
My Thoughts Air Canada’s Response to Claims under Air Passenger Protection Regulations:
My efforts at claiming compensation under Canada’s statutory program for a delay on Air Canada was pretty straightforward.
My claim was processed and adjudicated within 7 days; and was likely helped as likely assisted by national media attention as a result of the amount of cancellations that occurred.
Obviously, this was a case where everything worked out really quickly, but that’s not always the circumstances when dealing with flight delays. The lesson learned out of this incident, is always to make an application under the statutory regime applicable to you; and to research whether there are any better statutory regimes (such as the European Union’s regime) that might put you in a more favourable circumstance.
Have you been successful at making a statutory claim under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations?
The W Maldives would mark our first visit to a W property in the Indian Ocean sub Continent. The W Maldives was among the original W Hotels worldwide, and has been in operation for eighteen years in the North Air Atoll of the Maldives. The W Maldives brand is generally brash and aggressive, so we’d be curious to see what our stay experience would be like. We would end up discovering a new favourite chic luxury resort, that had many of the feels of home.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: The W Maldives, North Ari Atoll, Maldives
“The W Maldives still shines brightly after eighteen years since opening. With lots of inclusions, a terrific elite breakfast and likely the world’s best snorkelling house reef, the W Maldives remains an essential visit on any Maldives getaway.”
Booking The W Maldives:
We had previously stayed twice at the excellent Park Hyatt Maldives. These days, my World of Hyatt balance isn’t anywhere near where it should be for the number of points needed for a redemption in the Maldives. As a result, we ended up researching the Marriott Bonvoy properties for a new redemption opportunity.
We were drawn to the W Maldives as a result of its reputation of a world class house reef. We were staying at the St Regis Maldives during a later time in the trip. While we also looked at the Ritz Carlton Fari Island Maldives, I was really happy we ended up booking at The W Maldives instead. The W Maldives would ultimately surpass our expectations in marine life and reef activity.
Marriott Bonvoy Opportunities:
We booked the W Maldives using Marriott Bonvoy points. Marriott Bonvoy points have moved to variable pricing, so my strategy was to book the property as far in advance as possible, then watch for potential price reductions.
The basic reward redemption room is the 1 King Bed, Fabulous Overwater Villa. The next room category up was the 1 King Bed Spectacular Overwater Villa, which is the same room facing inwards towards an emerald blue lagoon with the addition of a relaxing mesh net over the lagoon. It’s worth noting that the Fabulous Overwater Villas have the house reef immediately at your feet, whereas the Spectacular Overwater Villas you’ll have to swim a short distance to get to the reef, since the area underneath the villas are mostly sandy.
Booking about a year in advance, I was able to locate a rate of 386,500 Marriott Bonvoy points for a five night stay, with the fifth night free in the base 1 King Bed, Fabulous Overwater Villa. This worked out to about 77,500 Marriott Bonvoy per night.
About two months before our stay, I noticed that the price point for the resort dropped to 361,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the same 5 night stay. This worked out to be a more reasonable 72,200 Marriott Bonvoy points per night based on a five night average with the fifth night free. As a result, I was able to cancel and re-book to get 24,500 Marriott Bonvoy points back, for a few clicks of the mouse.
For comparison, the paid cash rates were approximately $1,181 USD average per night. By using points, we were able to get $6,100 in room charges on a complimentary basis as a result of a great use of Marriott Bonvoy points.
If you value Marriott Bonvoy Points at 0.008 cents each, you’ll come out ahead by redeeming points against a room at the property if your room rate is above $580 USD. In the Maldives, you’re almost always better to redeem points as a result of the over the top costs of the hotels.
It’s worth noting that there is a Trans Maldivian Airways Sea Plane Transfer charge of $595 USD per person, and a service charge of 10%.
Although I had them, I wasn’t able to apply any Suite Night Awards at the W Maldives, since all rooms are considered Suites. While I understand their policy, it would have been nice to try and get a further confirmed upgrade with your elite status.
Getting to the W Maldives:
We arrived into the W Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha and Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé.
After arriving at Malé Velana International Airport, our bags were collected and we were checked into Trans Maldivian Airways. After passing through the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge Malé and the Trans Maldivian Airways Malé Noovuli – W Maldives Sea Plane flight, we arrived to the W Maldives. If you want to see more about this part of the journey, I encourage you to read those separate reviews.
The only comment I would make about this journey is that The W Maldives only pays for a seemingly low 44 lbs of checked baggage allowance. Trans Maldivian Airways charges $5 USD per kilo of overage excess baggage fees. This means that if you’re travelling with a 50 lbs standard baggage allowance suitcase, you’re likely to be over weight by $20 USD right away; more if you happen to be travelling on a business class ticket like we were.
In our case, we ended up paying for $60 USD in baggage overage before we even arrived to the resort. This isn’t something that we experience with our transfer to the St Regis Maldives, which provided a more generous 50 lbs checked baggage allowance. For a luxury resort, my only comment to the W Maldives would be to allow (or pay for) for a more standard 50lbs baggage allowance. It’s a bit of a sting when you’re already paying for a transfer charge of $595 USD per person.
The W Maldives is located in the North Ari Atoll in a westerly and slightly south location from the airport city of Malé.
It was about thirty minutes flight away from the Malé Noovuli Sea Plane Terminal, making it a mostly convenient hop from any international flight.
Checking into the W Maldives:
The check in activities for The W Maldives occurred at the Trans Maldivian Coral Lounge in Malé prior to your sea plane flight Your room assignment occurs in Male. Our Marriott Bonvoy Elite level was Platinum for this particular stay, which entitles a guest to the best available room at check in, including Select Suites.
While we’ve seen reports of travellers being upgraded from the 1 King Bed, Fabulous Overwater Villa to a 1 King Bed, Spectacular Over Water Villa, we didn’t get any further upgrade on this visit. Not withstanding the lack of upgrade, we were pretty happy with the assigned and booked 1 King Bed Fabulous Overwater Villa due to it’s proximity to the house reef. I wouldn’t see the need to book a higher room category on our next visit.
We also confirmed selecting Breakfast as a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Welcome Gift, which would entitle us to a full breakfast buffet at Kitchen Restaurant on a complimentary basis.
After a welcome drink on the arrival jetty, and an introduction to the resort management team, we were put onto a shared gold cart and given a tour of the resort property.
The Room: 1 King Bed, Fabulous Overwater Villa
We were led to our assigned Fabulous Overwater Villa #210. Our assigned villa was exactly seven villas out on the pontoon; just enough not to be far away from the island, but not too close that we could hear any noise.
Our host dropped us off from the golf cart to explore the villa, promising to return after he had dropped off the other guests we shared the golf cart with.
The 1 King Bed Fabulous Overwater Villa is a large 146sqm/1,571sqft one bedroom over water villa with every possibly amenity. Despite the villa being eighteen years old having opened in 2005, the room shows in excellent condition and almost “as new”.
Our host returned and provided us with a personalized tour of the room. Upon entering the room, you’ll find yourself in the large one bedroom with a king sized bed. The bedroom is tiered, perhaps a little controversially. There is a small step down to the lower living level. The lower level contains a couch and table, along with a work desk.
The lower tier of the living room floor could perhaps cause a little mis footing when trying to navigate to the washroom in the dark in the middle of the night. However, we didn’t have any accident issues with it, during our stay.
The lower tier also offered a small round window into the water below. While we didn’t use this feature all that much at the Le Meridien Bora Bora, there seemed to be a lot of needle fish that surrounded this space at the W Maldives. As a result, we enjoyed peeking in on them from time to time during our stay.
There were great views out of the bedroom on to the outdoor deck space and beyond. There is nothing that I couldn’t appreciate about that unlimited sea view that went to the end of the skyline.
The room was colourfully decorated in blues and other coral themes that fit the surrounding area of the Maldives. While it is not a look that I would choose for my own home, it certainly added to the colour and vibrance to the room.
The W Maldives left us a terrific Marriott Bonvoy Platinum welcome amenity consisting of a plate of macaroons and a chilled bottle of prosecco sparkling wine.
The room featured a small curved desk space that was more suitable for dropping laptops and telephone devices for charging than it was for actual working. There were a number of charge points. This space became a home for GoPro’s to charge, along with other underwater cameras.
The desk housed the Bluetooth Stereo that allowed you to play your music library indoors and outdoors on the Bose Sound system. Our host set this up for us on arrival to the suite, and it worked throughout the duration of our stay.
On the opposite site of the room, there was a curved storage chest that housed the in room refrigerator, mini bar and snack bar.
Being a W Maldives, there was a full snack and bar containing alcohol spirits. The pricing was pretty reasonable at $55 USD ++ ($70 USD) for a small bottle of Absolute Blue Vodka or Beef Eater Gin.
It’s worth mentioning that all the non alcoholic drinks were available for consumption on a complimentary basis. Accordingly, we had access to all these non alcoholic drinks for free; refillable on a daily basis. This was another example of some terrific inclusions for this resort.
W Hotels always offer proper glassware and every combination of beverage possible. Our room contained martini shakers, wine glasses and a full coffee and tea set available for those early morning coffees, along with sundowners on the outdoor deck.
The Bathroom:
The W Maldives Fabulous Overwater Villa offered a large bathroom with a double vanity sink. There was a large stand up rain shower, which was heavenly. Being an older hotel, the water pressure in the shower was strong and heavy.
The featured bathroom toiletries are by Momo of Bottega. These were featured in environmentally friendly dispenser tubes, that felt a lot more luxurious than your local Four Points.
Along with every room from the Fabulous overwater Villa, there were terrific views from the large soaker tub and the bathroom.
Outdoor Space:
The W Maldives Fabulous Overwater Villa offers a great outdoor deck space. The deck space offers two reclining loungers, a covered gazebo for dining (or lounging) and a table and chair for two combination.
Despite a north facing orientation with the Fabulous Overwater Villas, we were able to get full sun all day on the outdoor deck.
There was also a smaller infinity plunge pool. Given the heat of the Maldives, I used this for cooling off during the day. While the sides of the interior of the pool are a little rough around the edges and can scrape some knees, I didn’t have any scratches or scrapes throughout our stay.
Given that the upkeep on property in the Maldives is a major exercise in itself, it’s expected that some resorts will show some wear and tear. In this case, this turned up in the overall condition of the outdoor deck.
While the inside of our villa was in pristine condition, the outdoor deck had easily seen eighteen years worth of wear. There were a few lounger scratch marks and paint peeling occurring on the deck. While this wasn’t a deal breaker, this was easily the only part of the resort that looked older, as compared to other aspects of the resort.
The view from the outdoor space from the Fabulous Overwater Villas was terrific, and we couldn’t have been happier with the unlimited ocean views landscape.
Overall, the Fabulous Overwater Villa room was possibly the best “entry level” room I’ve ever experienced. With a fully featured bar, and a large outdoor space, we were really happy with the room. We wouldn’t feel the need to stay at a higher room category on a future visit. The housekeeping was also excellent and personable, with items being restocked to a level that was much more than was needed.
Around the Hotel Property:
Overwater Pontoons:
Every step outside of your overwater villa leads you to colourful overwater pontoons over an azure coloured sea. The W Maldives has a contemporary design of over water pontoons, with angles that lead out towards groups of three villas from each pontoon.
The W Maldives Beach:
The W Maldives Beach is centrally located. The W Maldives Beach features a west facing sunset orientation near the foot of the over water villa pontoons and the arrival jetty.
The beach is quite long in tidal length, and features a smooth entry into the water. While there aren’t many children at the resort, there wouldn’t be any issues with young children (or waves) at this particular location.
There are a limited number of resort chairs located high up on the beach. Despite being onsite for five days, I never saw a whole lot of people using the resort beach. I also never saw the area fully occupied, as a result, there wasn’t any issues getting seating on the beach.
The south side of the W Maldives island does continue to have solid beach front. This area doesn’t have any resort beach chairs as it contains Beachfront Estate frontage
The W Maldives Pool “Wet”
The W Maldives offers a pool area. Given that this is an older resort, the pool isn’t as sleek as some of the newer options. The pool does offer a plunge pool that runs the length of the boardwalk.
The pool offers peek – a – boo views to the W Maldives Beach. The pool doesn’t offer too many advantages, aside from perhaps being close to the bar- making it easy to get a drink on demand.
Gym:
Above the pool area is the W Maldives air conditioned gym. My younger self would have been using this every day. However, I didn’t make it there this trip; preferring sleep to overcome the jet lag instead of exercise.
The gym offered a nice daylight space for exercise. The space was also attended by a full time gym attendant.
Away Spa:
At the southern end of the island, W Maldives offers its Away Spa. The spa offers small format over water rooms for spa treatments.
For those that don’t want to trudge along the beach to their spa appointments, you can also take the well paved sandy walkways through the island to the Away Spa. You’ll find a number of Wonderful Beach Oasis rooms.
House Reef:
It goes without saying the house reef is probably the reason that you’ve travelled all this way to the Maldives.
Arguably, the house reef is among the best house reef’s in the world. The reef is absolutely packed and teeming with underwater life. The coral formation are mature in nature, and there are exceptionally large coral farms full of fish and life during the morning and evening hours.
We found the best snorkeling on the W Maldives island to be right at the foot of the fabulous over water villas. While we did snorkel around the south end of the island, we did find the most interesting corals right underneath our villas.
Much like many other reefs, the best activity was in the morning around 7 AM, and in the evening after 4:30 PM. The house reef rivalled some of the best snorkeling we’d had at the Park Hyatt Maldives; another property that has an excellent world class house reef.
Food and Beverage:
When you travel to a private island, the types of restaurants available are important and make a difference in any stay. The W Maldives offered a variety of dining choices that are enough to keep you satisfied during any week long stay.
Kitchen
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Breakfast
The Kitchen is the resort’s all day dining option. It is the only option open for breakfast, which started at an early 7:30 AM and ran to 10:00 AM. Kitchen is centrally located and is just off the resort pool “Wet”.
Kitchen features both an indoor and an outdoor seating arrangement. The outdoor seating arrangements offered “in water” seating, which was handy as there weren’t very many shady spots located outside.
Moving indoors, there is a large air conditioned dining space that was nicely decorated.
I am really happy to report that a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Breakfast consists of a full buffet breakfast offering. We’ve seen many North American hotels attempt to upsell or up charge an additional fee for the full breakfast. It was really pleasant to not have to go through this transaction in the Maldives and just get the full buffet breakfast. We ordered coffee and egg orders off our servers.
The buffet breakfast offered a complimentary free flow prosecco, along with Bloody Mary’s made to order.
The hotels’ breakfast selection was among the high points of the food and beverage program at the W Maldives. The staff were exceptionally friendly and worked very hard to make sure the guests were fully satisfied.
The breakfast buffet had more than enough food to keep anyone happy for a week long stay. Essential for a resort of this size, an egg station can make or break a resort buffet.
Along with an egg station, there was a fulsome buffet with fresh baked breads, muffins, doughnuts. There was an Asian Station with rotating dim sum every morning. There were cold cuts and cheese. There were heaps of various fruit smoothies along with fresh juices W style.
One of the more unique features of the buffet was the fresh fruit station. The W Maldives offered freshly cut fruit to order.
The W Maldives also offered the ability to get dozens of types of smoothies anf fresh fruit juices.
There was the excellent Maldivian Tuna Mashuni; a tuna dish mixed with coconut, onion and spice, along with many other dishes available for breakfast. We enjoyed french coast with coconut banana compoté, along with several other western and Indian breakfast dishes.
During the course of our stay, we also happened to dine at Kitchen for dinner. On the day that we arrived to the W Maldives, we enjoyed a Club Sandwich and a Margarita Pizza. The dishes were generously portioned. However, the western food was definitely the weaker spot(s) on the menu and a bit bland tasting.
The check for a club house sandwich and a margarita pizza, a corona beer and a glass of rosé was $111 USD including service charge (10%) and tax (6%).
Fish:
The W Maldives wouldn’t be a seaside resort without featuring a restaurant that offered terrific seafood. At the W Maldives, that restaurant is Fish.
Fish is located over the water on a pontoon just off shore. During the night time hours, you’ll get an intimate setting close to nature with the sounds of waves crashing ashore.
After checking out the catch of the day, we were led over to our table over the water. It was very quiet at the restaurant with only 4 other couples dining on a patio with seating for about 20. There was a little wind outside on the pier but the wind cooled down the skin from the sun burns.
Through some spot lighting into the water, we were able to watch a bit of the night tine reef activity in the waters below. These included small reef sharks looking for a little food which kept MrsWT73 entertained throughout the dinner.
For the main course, I enjoyed a Maldivian Tuna Belly. It was cooked through, with some light spice. Very light on the mango sauce.
MrsWT73 went with a lighter ravioli dish; which received decent marks in terms of a lighter portion control.
The check for a two entrees and a bottle of white South African Wine was $177 USD including service charge and tax
Sip:
The W Maldives offers a sunset cocktail bar in the form of Sip. Sip is located right on the water on the southern side of the island.
Cocktails at Sip were priced at $23 USD to start, with wine priced at $16 USD to start.
The nice about having whole island to your self is that you can roll up 30 minute before sunset on a Saturday night and get a prime unobstructed ocean view seat at sunset.
Visiting Sip was enjoyable and the views were pretty pleasant. Despite this, it didn’t form part of our regular daily stay routine while we were here.
Managers Reception:
During our visit, the W Maldives held a reception event every Friday night for Marriott Elite members. During our stay, it was between 5:30 – 6:30 PM. The event was held on the arrival jetty which featured a good sunset exposure.
There were about twenty people on site when we went; obviously signs of an elite heavy property. Adding to the ambience was d-jay spinning jazz music. The event was also used by the staff as an opportunity to get feed back on various areas of the resort. The whole event was very personable with all the managers on site.
The property was quite generous with the drink refills. In the space of an hour, I enjoyed at least three Cocktail with purple berries and dried pineapple inside it. MrsWT73 enjoyed several glasses of Babich Sauvingon Blanc.
Checking Out of the W Maldives:
Our departure plans had us transferring from the W Maldives to the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Although these resorts are reasonably close to each other by distance, our transfers had us returning back to Malé by Trans Maldivian Sea Plane to connect to another outbound seaplane flight.
Since sea plane schedules aren’t finalized until the day before travel, we received an email indicating that our departure time from the W Maldives was at 10 AM. We were assured a departure time to the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort of 12:30 PM on a relatively early flight allowing us to get settled at our new resort and still enjoy some of the day.
Our final payments for meals and incidentals were processed in the lobby of the resort. There weren’t any surprises on the bill and our overall bill for five days came out to $1,891 USD with two sea plane transfers, a 200ml bottle of in room Absolute Vodka, and three dinners. It was pretty reasonable price point for a five day stay in the Maldives.
Bottom Line: The W Maldives
The W Maldives exceeded our expectations for this particular stay. While we were thinking that we would end up at an older property, the warmth of the staff and the amount of inclusions more than made up for any perceived disadavantages.
We were treated to a full breakfast buffet including free flow champagne, a complimentary bottle of sparkling in the room, several plates of complimentary macaroons and snacks delivered in the room, free in room soft drinks and juices, and a weekly elite managers reception. While I may have been expecting one or two of these items, I was really impressed to see all of them and they added value to the stay.
Lastly, the staff at the W Maldives were absolutely terrific to deal with. They made sure our stay was comfortable, pleasant and that we were taken care of. It even rivalled some of our stay experiences at the St Regis; they were that pleasant to deal with.
Overall, the W Maldives is highly recommended. Despite being an older resort, i found great value for our Marriott Bonvoy points, and I would easily return without any hesitation.
If you have stayed at the W Maldives, what was your favourite part of the island visit ?
Every now and then, we get a launch of a route that we are really excited about. Air Canada has just announced that they will re-launching their Vancouver to Singapore service for April 4, 2023. This service will link to large Star Alliance hubs belonging to Air Canada and Singapore Airlines in both Vancouver, Canada and Singapore; providing a great deal of connecting traffic between the two cities. Read on to see all the details about this route and what to expect on board.
Air Canada Launches New Vancouver – Singapore Non Stop Fight.
Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and offers service to two hundred and twenty two destinations worldwide. Every now and then we get the launch of an interesting new route from Air Canada that is easy to get excited about.
Air Canada currently serves several Pacific Rim of Destinations out of it’s western hub in Vancouver, Canada:
The current Pacific destinations list include (in part):
- Tokyo, Japan
- Haneda, Japan
- Osaka, Japan
- Hong Kong, China
- Incheon, South Korea
- Bangkok, Thailand (seasonal)
- Sydney, Australia
- Brisbane, Australia
We had previously experienced long haul Air Canada Business Class on their Boeing 787 product, and you can see examples of what to expect on our Air Canada Business Class Vancouver – Incheon Seoul flights, as well as several trips on Air Canada Signature Class Vancouver Toronto and Air Canada Signature Class Toronto – Vancouver. On each flight, we enjoyed the comfort of the seats, as well as the comfort of the aircraft.
Air Canada Announcing the Return to Singapore from Vancouver
It looks as though we can re-add Singapore to the above Pacific Rim destination list.
Air Canada has announced that they will be returning to the Republic of Singapore as of April 4, 2023. Air Canada will be returning to Singapore on a 4 times a week frequency basis.
Truthfully, it’s not actually a new flight between the two countries, but more of a return after a thirty year long absence.
The flights are scheduled to depart as follows:
- AC 19 Vancouver – Singapore (Mon / Wed. /Fri / Sat) departing 00:15 AM arriving 7:20 AM + 1 (Flight Time of 14hrs & 55 minutes)
- AC 20 Singapore – Vancouver (Sun / Tues / Thurs / Sat) departing 9:10 AM arriving 8:40 AM (Flight Time of 15 hrs and 35 mins)
The schedule of the flights allow for the day’s connecting flights into Vancouver, allowing Air Canada to scoop up all the Canadian connecting traffic into Vancouver, before heading out at midnight plus fifteen minutes onwards to Singapore. Likewise, the eastbound returning flight to Canada arriving at 8:40 AM, allowing for plenty of daytime connection time into other areas and regions of domestic Canada.
The only passengers that this doesn’t allow for a great connection window are passengers that are connecting from International Flights to / from the United States, as the flight times are a little too late ore a little too early for the flights that typically leave on a transborder basis.
It’s perhaps also worth noting that Singapore Airlines has tried this route several times over the last thirty years. Singapore Airlines previously served Vancouver with direct service via Incheon Seoul. Singapore Airlines cancelled the routing via Soeul in the year 2009.
More recently in 2019, Singapore Airlines restarted the route with a combination of one stop service through Seattle, before settling on non stop service Vancouver – Singapore. Unfortunately, that non stop route didn’t last, and we are seeing that Singapore Airlines route be cut as of October 5, 2022.
United Airlines also serves Singapore on a non stop service from San Francisco in United Airlines Polaris Business Class. United Airlines also served Singapore with a non stop service from Los Angeles, but that route was also cut in favour of San Francisco – Singapore.
What does travel on Air Canada look like?
Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance and offers a three class service consisting of economy, premium economy and business class. It’s relationship to Star Alliance allows for elite benefits across all Star Alliance carriers.
Air Canada offers a Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats in a 1 – 2 – 1 configuration throughout it’s business class. It’s a really comfortable seat, and nicely set up for working, relaxing and watching television.
The Air Canada Business Class cabin has an upscale look to it, and is generally pleasing to the eye. Thanks to the reverse herringbone seats, east seat is relatively private , and you won’t have any other travellers looking at you, as you travel.
Travellers flying this route in business class will be in for a comfortable ride all the way to Singapore.
The Lounge Access Arrangement in Vancouver and Singapore:
The Air Canada Vancouver – Singapore flight will have access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver International. Those that are on a qualifying revenue flight will have access to the coveted Air Canada Vancouver International Signature Suite; Air Canada’s ultimate lounge offering. The Air Canada Signature Suite offers table side dining, along with premium spirits and cocktails on the second floor of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver International
Those holding an American Express Platinum Card may also have access to the other lounges in the Vancouver International Airport terminal; the Plaza Premium Lounge Vancouver International and the Skyteam Lounge Vancouver International. While both of these lounges are satisfactory and will meet your needs, they won’t be as nice as the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge which offers much more limited access.
At the Singapore end, while they haven’t officially announced which terminal it is expected that Air Canada will use, I will aim to guess that it will be Singapore Changi Airport Terminal Three. This is the same terminal that United Airlines uses, along with being Singapore Airlines’ flag carrier terminal, and many other Star Alliance carriers.
Singapore Airlines Changi Terminal Three offers both a Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Business Class Lounge for business class travellers, as well as a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge for it’s Star Alliance Gold travellers, travelling in any class of service. There are also several Priority Pass options at Singapore Changi International Airport, such as the SATS Premier Lounge Singapore, among others.
Frequent Flier Opportunities:
Air Canada allows access to this flight through redemptions from Air Canada’s Aeroplan. Other Star Alliance carriers would also likely have access to this Business Class Reward Space (I fare bucket) space.
Regrettably, as a result of a switch to dynamic pricing, Air Canada redemptions aren’t that terrific a value through the Air Canada Aeroplan program.
On the earning side, travellers are likely to earn 7,967 miles each way on this flight between the two cities. There is the potential to earn higher amounts in Air Canada comfort, latitude and premium economy and business class fare categories.
Flights are Already on Sale:
Air Canada has already loaded flights for sale into their website. The route is currently on sale, right up to the end the schedule.
At times, the launch of a new flight can bring along some promotional fares to get the demand going on the route to increase demand. Unfortunately, at the time of the press release, there were no promotional fares announced to kick off this particular flight.
The paid fares in Business Class are launching at around $6,700 Canadian Dollars. This is slightly higher than Philippine Airlines that generally offers the cheapest paid fares on this route at $4,950 Canadian Dollars.
It seems that Air Canada is deciding to forgo any introductory fares at the time of launch, as the non stop is definitely pricing at a bit of a premium. However, the route is pricing a lot cheaper than Singapore Airlines, which regularly priced this route at over $11,000 Canadian Dollars.
Along with any new route business class availability seems to be pretty good. There are at least two seats for sale on most days. Much like their Vancouver – Sydney routes, it is hopeful we will see Aeroplan award availability open up if revenue seats remain unsold shortly before departure.
Given that the seats on Air Canada are quite expensive when booked through the Air Canada Aeroplan program, the seats are settling for over 200,000 Aeroplan miles one way. This is much more expensive than the cheapest route between Vancouver and Singapore on Air India through New Delhi, which prices out at 85,000 in Business Class.
Hopefully, we will see pricing pressure come down on this route but I wouldn’t remain too hopeful in the short term given that Air Canada promotional sales aren’t typically too generous.
The Bottom Line: Air Canada is relaunching Service between Canada and Sinagpore.
It’s always exciting to see a new route get announced; especially if it is one that will offer some value to travellers. As a Vancouver based traveler, I expect that I may travel on this route at some point in the future.
Air Canada is re-launching service between Canada and Singapore through it’s western Air Canada hub in Vancouver. In doing so, both Air Canada and Singapore Airlines hope to collect much of the connecting traffic through these two Star Alliance Hubs. Travellers can expect to be seated in comfortable Air Canada business class seating; assuming they aim for that coveted business class cabin.
Let’s hope the route lasts a lot longer than the Singapore Airlines efforts at it; which were ultimately cancelled as a result of lack of long term demand.
Are you excited to see that Air Canada is launching service between Canada and Singapore?
Trans Maldivian Airways runs one of the largest commercial sea plane operations in the world. Trans Maldivian Airways runs a fleet of fifty four planes throughout the Maldives. Travelling by sea plane over the colourful atolls of the Maldives is a special experience that allows such close exposure to the colourful and emerald waters of the Maldives. Our transfer from Malé to the North Ari Atoll of the W Maldives would involve a sea plane flight over the Maldives. Read on to see what the whole experience is like…
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Trans Maldivian Airways De Havilland Twin Otter, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal – W Maldives
We landed into Malé Velana International Airport on Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé. We were headed off to The W Maldives resort.
Checking into Trans Maldivian Airways:
I outlined our check in experience, including getting a little soaked for excess baggage fees. We spent the hold time in the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge, while we waited for our sea plane flight.
We also completed check in procedures with a representative for the W Maldives while in the Travel Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge, including the assignment of rooms and processing of payments and deposits.
The Safety Briefing:
When it came time to depart, Trans Maldivian Airways staff arrived to the lounge and led us down from the Trans Maldivian Coral Lounge to the bottom floor of the Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal Building.
We were led over to the gates area and into one of twenty pre-flight safety briefing rooms. The Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal is really set up to handle hundreds, if not thousands, of sea plane travellers to the various resorts in a manner that allows them to keep all travellers organized and segregated to each assigned flight.
When we were in the briefing room, there was a looped video that provided an in flight safety briefing for emergencies. It included a discussion on weight balancing and the usual location of life jackets and water landing information. There was also instruction not to stand underneath the wings when on the loading pontoons.
There was also a sign board that indicated that our flight was headed to the W Maldives then onwards to Kandolhu Island
Boarding Trans Maldivian Airways:
The Trans Maldivian Airways staff arrived to collect us at 11:20 AM for a 11:30 AM departure. We were led out in a group outside to the walkways leading to the over water pontoons our towards the Twin Otters.
It’s an impressive sight seeing all of these Twin Otter bobbing up and down in the emerald green waters. It’s probably the largest concentration and fleet of float planes with any company.
We eventually located our assigned Twin Otter. We had those that needed assistance (from a wheelchair) boarded first, with general boarding occurring afterwards. Seating was on a first come first serve basis.
Trans Maldivian Airways
MLE – WWW (Male Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal – W Maldives)
TMA Flight 142
Flown: March 8, 2023
Departure: 11:56 AM (scheduled 11:30 AM)
Arrival: 12:27 PM
Booked: DeHavilland Twin Otter
Flown: DeHavilland Twin Otter
On Board Trans Maldivian Airways:
The Twin Otter aircraft are never super spacious and offer a compact seating environment. The Trans Maldivian Airways Twin Otter configuration are like all other Twin Otter’s; they are configured in a 1 – 2 configuration in a single class of service.
In my experience, the single left hand seats are usually the last to be taken. If you are a photographer, and you’re travelling with a partner, you might have better luck splitting up and each taking a single window seat, instead of occupying a double seat where you’ll each be fighting for the same single window.
Dependent on where you sit, you’ll also get a view into the cockpit. If watching the activity in the cockpit is something you’re interested in, then you’ll need to be seated in the first row closest to the cockpit.
The only cabin climate control is through a small fan that blows. It’s a little bit of a warm journey otherwise.
Flying a Sea Plane over the Maldives:
This marks my third trip to the Maldives. However, it’s my first trip transferring to a resort on a Trans Maldivian Airways Sea Plane. All of my previous transfers have been through Maldivian Air on their De Havilland Dash 8 service.
The Republic of the Maldives is a truly wonderful country to see from the air. The coral atolls scattered over all parts of the country are something that are truly memorable and unique. tothe world.
By flying a Trans Maldivian Sea Plane flight, you typically fly at a lower altitude. As such, you get a richer travel experience being that much closer to the water.
We departed from the Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal. We had an immediate left to take us on our track towards the W Maldives located in the North Ari Atoll west of Malé.
As we departed the capital city of Malé, we travelled over inhabited islands. The amount of building on this land starved Republic set against the light blue waters is truly an amazing sight.
We were also able to see some of the reclaimed land efforts that were underway. In this case, it appeared to be many of the industrial areas servicing the Maldives.
The further out we got, the further we were able to spot resorts. Most obviously, we were able to see the over water villa pontoons that made the Maldives such a popular luxury destination.
Our forty five minute flight travelled onwards, we were able to enjoy some of the coral atolls that the Maldives is famous for. There are no words for the colour combinations that you see in the Maldives. The blues, greens and emeralds that you see form the air are just out of this world and like no others.
Landing at the W Maldives:
We started to descend and come in for landing at the W Maldives. We had a short turn prior to the resort and pulled up to the arrival dock.
We were off loaded and led up to the arrival jetty for a wonderful welcome to the W Maldives.
We stayed at the W Maldives for five nights, prior to heading over to the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort for six nights.
My Thoughts on Trans Maldivian Airways:
There’s no question that a sea plane transfer to your resort in the maldives is the best way to get to your destination. It easily beats out a water transfer by boat.
Dependent on route, the Trans Maldivian Airways flight will take you over some interesting atolls. It’s a really easy way to spend the time watching colourful marine atolls pass underneath your aircraft as you travel towards your resort.
My only caution on this experience is to closely watch your weight allowances if you want to avoid getting charged excess fees.
If you’ve flown Trans Maldivian Airways, did you enjoy the experience of atoll spotting on your journey ?
The credit card frequent flier points earning environment never seems to stay the same for very long. Today, we’ve learned of a major change upcoming change for the MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard. MBNA has announced the end of the MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard and is planning to transition its customers to MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Read on to see what is in store for current cardholders and what details of the transition look like.
MBNA Cancels the Alaska Airlines Mastercard; Cardholders To Be Converted to MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
MBNA (Toronto Dominion Bank) has announced they are cancelling the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard and converting cardholders to the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard.
What is the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard?
The MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard was an exceptionally useful credit card for Canadian Credit Card holders. For our Canadian readers, this credit card is issued through MBNA (owned by Toronto Dominion Banking) as the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan World Elite Mastercard Credit Card.
The Current MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard Benefits:
The card offered a host of travel benefits that included the following:
- a sign up bonus of 30,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles, upon spending $1,000 CAD in the first three months
- An earn rate of 3 Alaska Mileage Plan points per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines
- An earn rate of 1 Alaska Mileage Plan points per dollar on everything else
- Annual Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare (2 for 1)
- A Free Checked Bag for Up to 6 Travellers on the Same Reservation
- An Annual Fee of $99
This card was especially valuable as it was one of the few Canadian Credit Cards that allowed direct spending accumulation onto a United States based frequent flier program airline; something that no other Canadian credit card currently offers.
Since Alaska Airlines- a Member of the One World Alliance, was a competitor to Air Canada’s Star Alliance, having a credit card that allowed for points accumulation in a competing frequent flier program allowed for a really nice balance between the two programs. With a healthy mileage balance in both programs, you could often find reward space in one program, when you could not find space in the other.
The MBNA Alaska Mileage Plan Mastercard was exceptionally valuable and had become the card that I’d typically pull second, assuming my American Express Platinum Card was not accepted by the merchant.
MBNA Closes the Alaska Airlines Mastercard Card to New Applications:
A few months ago, MBNA quietly stopped accepting new applications for the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard on the MBNA website. While this deletion was not publicly announced, it seemed from that point on, that the future of the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan card was in jeopardy.
Returning home from work today, I received a very plain looking envelope in the mail outlining the changes. MBNA went very basic on announcing the changes, in an envelope that seemed to have all the excitement of an updated credit card holder agreement.
Fortunately, there may be a silver lining amongst these changes.
MBNA Cancels the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Mastercard:
Plans to Transition all Cardholders to the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
In a letter to cardholders, MBNA has announced that on August 31, 2023, the relationship between Alaska Airlines and the card issuer MBNA (The Toronto Dominion Bank operating a division as MBNA) is ending.
MBNA has also posted the changes on their website outlining what is changing.
Details of the Conversion & What’s Changing to the Card:
Starting on September 1, 2023, the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard will be replaced by the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Under the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, the card holder account will no longer be able to be able to earn Alaska Airlines Mileages under the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program.
Card holders were assured that their Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program and miles at Alaska Airlines are still functional, but the replacement credit card will no longer be connected to them.
Instead, MBNA Rewards World Elite cardholders will be able to start earning MBNA Rewards Points.
MBNA Rewards World Elite Card holders will be able to redeem MBNA Rewards for cash back, merchandise, gift cards and travel.
MBNA Rewards World Elite Card Holders will also “within the next year, be able to redeem MBNA Rewards Points for Alaska Airlines Miles on a one – to one basis“. Specifically, 1 MBNA Rewards Point = 1 Alaska Airlines mile.
MBNA Rewards World Elite Card Holders will earn 5 points for every dollar for eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually (each) in the following categories
- Restaurant
- Groceries
- Digital Media (for example: e-books, movies and music)
- Memberships (for example: gym and club memberships)
- Household Utility (for example: cable, phone and utility payments)
MBNA Rewards World Elite Card Holders will earn 1 points for every dollar for every other category.
MBNA Rewards World Elite Cardholders will also receive an annual birthday bonus of 10% of all the MBNA Rewards Points earned in the 12 months prior to the Primary Cardholders
Any Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles earned up to and including August 31, 2023 will continue to be available at Alaska Airlines to be redeemed for travel on Alaska Airlines and its partners.
Up until August 31, 2023, you will be able to receive the final Alaska Airlines Companion Certificates based on your Alaska Airlines account anniversary. These can continue to be used to their published expiration dates.
Card Members will no longer receive a complimentary checked bag on Alaska Airlines after August 31, 2023. If you have Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold, or any level of One World Status (Ruby, Emerald or Sapphire), you’ll be exempt from this fee.
MBNA is offering customers who are not in agreement with this change the option to cancel their cards without cost by contacting them prior to September 1, 2023.
MBNA is stating that “within the next year” cardholders will be able to transfer MBNA Rewards Points to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles on a 1 to 1 basis. MBNA did not provide any further details on this proposal, but I would imagine this will be integrated into it’s MBNA Rewards portal at some point in the future.
Summary of the MBNA Rewards Card Changes:
MBNA outlined a table of the changes effective September 1, 2023. The table sets out clearly the differences between today’ card, and what can be expected after September 1, 2023.
| What’s Changing | Current – MBNA Alaska Airlines World Elite MasterCard | New – MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard |
| Rewards Program: | Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles | MBNA Rewards Points |
| Base Earn Rate: | 1 Mile / $1 on Net Purchase | $1 point / $1 on net purchase 1 Point for every dollar in purchases |
| Bonus Earn Rates: | Additional 2 miles per / $1 on purchases of Alaska Arlines Mileage Plan tickets, vacation packages, and cargo purchases | $5 points / $1 on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases, until $50,000 is spent annually in the applicable category |
| Birthday Bonus: | Not Applicable | 10% of the total number of point the account earned in the 12 months preceding the primary cardholder’s birthday month |
| Other Rewards: | Companion Certificates Complimentary Checked Bag | REMOVED: No Compantion Certificates Provided No Complimentary Checked Bag Provided |
| Redemptions: | All redemptions must be made through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Redemptions are made through MBNA Rewards and can be made for travel purchases, cash redemption options, other redemption options. These include: 100 points / $1 to pay for a travel purchase cost 120 points / $1 in cash rewards (minimum 6,000 points required to redeem) |
| Insurance Benefits: | Rental Vehicle Benefits Common Carrier Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits Unexpected Return Home Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty Legal Assistance Trip Assistance | NEW: Mobile Device Instuance; coverage up to $1,000 NEW: Travel Medical Insurance; up to $2,000,000 New: Flight & Trip Delay Insurance; up to $500 in coverage NEW: Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance; up to $1,000 |
Interestingly, MBNA didn’t include the ability to convert MBNA Rewards points into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles in the included chart. MBNA promises that this will occur “sometime in the next year”.
My Take on These Proposed Changes:
I was really disappointed to see the end of the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Mastercard. Although Alaska Airlines served mostly West Coast destinations such as Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton in Canada, I was still able to get a lot of miles out of this credit card.
The MBNA Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan credit card was exceptionally valuable for my travel patterns by allowing high value redemptions on Alaska Airlines, a great companion fare, along with the ability to earn miles on an US Based carrier’s frequent flier program, in my home country of Canada.
There is a silver lining in that, “sometime next year” there is likely the functionality to be added to convert MBNA Rewards Points into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. While this isn’t as direct as earning direct into your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account, I would imagine MBNA will need to finalize this agreement with Alaska Airlines and set up an IT portal to allow for these point conversions. MBNA Reward Elite customers will likely have the ability to request the conversion of miles, which will likely arrive in an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account sometime shortly thereafter.
If this conversion proceeds as planned, then the new card will likely earn a little higher rate at 5 points per $1 at Restaurants, Grocery Purchases and Utility purchases. This is a slightly better earn rate than the TD Infinite Visa Aeroplan Credit Card, that only earns 1.5 points for every $1 spend on groceries. While there is the possibility to be in a better earning circumstance leveraging the 5 points per dollar categories, this will likely require a lot of work and attention to your spending patterns.
Assuming the ability to convert the card’s new MBNA Reward points to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent flier points is actually established, then I’d rate these changes as neutral. The loss of the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a substantial blow to the value of this card. While the ability to convert points to Alaska Airlines may remain, the ability to convert points to miles likely involves a conversion delay as points are probably batch processed, which makes it less convenient to redeem instant rewards.
Before I keep or cancel this particular card, I’ll have to rate this as a “wait and see” situation. I can’t see continuing with an MBNA Reward card, unless the ability to convert to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is established rather quickly.
In Summary: MBNA Sunsets the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Mastercard
MBNA has announced the end of the Alaska Airlines Mastercard for it’s Canadian customers. MBNA plans to transition it’s card holders to the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, with a possible future ability to convert the points into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent flier program.
While there are enhanced earning categories for five times the points in the restaurant, grocery and utilities categories, this comes at the cost of a conversion portal in order to re-claim Alaska Airlines points that is going to be set up “sometime in the future”.
Ultimately, we’ll have to watch how this transition proceeds, in order to determine whether their remains any value left in this card.
If you have the MBNA Alaska Airlines Mastercard, does this news come as a surprise ?
Trans Maldivian Airways is the leading sea plane operator in the Maldives. Trans Maldivian Airways operates in the newly constructed Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal in Malé, Maldives. This newly constructed terminal offers a brand new departure lounge for Trans Maldivian Airways Sea Plane travellers. After checking into the W Maldives, we’d get an opportunity to try out their Coral Lounge. Read on to see what to expect after arriving off your international flight in the Maldives.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge, Malé Noovuli Seaplane Terminal, Maldives
Our third visit to the Maldives had us visiting both the W Maldives and the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. On this visit, we were coming off Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé and checking into our Trans Maldivian Airways Malé – W Maldives sea plane flight.
Checking into Trans Maldivian Airways:
After clearing customs and immigration, and collecting our luggage, we headed to the public side at Malé Velana International Airport.
Almost all visitors to the Maldives connect to a resort. As a result, there are dozens of transfer kiosks located outside the airport nearing almost the hundreds. We located our host from the W Maldives who was waiting for us with a sign outside of the international arrivals.
We were led over to the Trans Maldavian Airways check in area where our checked and carry on bags were weighed. Given that the maldives is an expensive destination, we had packaged a number of food and drink items with us that made the bags heavier than we would have liked.
Each resort pays for a certain amount of cargo weight and it would so happen that the W Maldives offered a less than generous 44 lbs weight allowance with their air transfer charges.
We were hit with a $60.32 USD overweight fee at 13 kg (28lbs) for the return trip. We made an effort to explain that some of the items were food and wouldn’t be accompanying us on the way back. However, this argument fell on completely deaf ears. It’s a bit of a sour way to start any trip, since you’re almost guaranteed to be over with a 50lb checked bag, but in fairness it was advertised in advance on our W Maldives reservation confirmation email.
While the bill was being processed to our hotel folio, Trans Maldivian Airways offered a map of their route network across a variety of Maldivian Atolls throughout the northern Maldives.
After our bags were processed, we were led out to a W Maldives van that would take us over to the brand new Malé Maldives Seaplane Terminal.
On our drive over to the sea plane terminal, we passed by the newly constructed (since our last visit) Friendship Bridge that links the Malé Velana International Airport to the island of Malé.
After a short six minute drive, we arrived at the new Malé Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. The Malé Noovilu Seaplane Terminal is a brand new building designed to accomodate the dozens of luxury resorts that the Maldives have to offer.
Since we had completed all check in procedures at the Trans Maldivian Airways Check In at Malé Velana international Airport, we were able to bypass the check in stands at the Malé Noovilu Seaplane Terminal.
We were led into a mall like building with a large central atrium. Our W Maldives handler led us directly to the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge.
While most luxury properties have a dedicated hotel branded lounge in the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal Buildling. The W Maldives either hasn’t committed to this effort, or are a bit behind on this initiative, perhaps as a result of pandemic delays. As a result, we were led up to the general Trans Maldivian Airways coral Lounge to await our flight departure.
Inside the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge:
We were led inside the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge. The lounge was a packed and busy place, with travellers arriving off of international flights waiting their transfer to their resort.
With one large corner lounge room, there were a variety of lounge chair seating options.
There was a small enclosed massage chair room off to the right hand side, that didn’t seem to get much traffic.
We ended up getting a spot outside on the covered outdoor decks. It was exceptionally breezy outside, but with the tropical heat, it was just the thing we needed after being in transit for almost forty hours.
The Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge has among the best views out there when it comes to airplane spotting. From the outdoor deck, you’ll probably see no less than forty De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft moored up to the terminal, floating on top of green emerald waters.
The flight board inside the lounge also featured a number of seaplane airport destinations that contained airport codes limited to the Maldives.
Another plane spotting treat included spotting large commercial jets departing from the nearby Malé Velana International Airport. We were able to spot a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 departing from the airport on a northward track back towards Doha International Airport.
Overall, the lounge seating was quite compact and limited. Despite this, we were able to enjoy our time outdoors in the tropical heat, which made the stay a lot more pleasant.
Food and Beverage:
The Trans Maldivian Airways coral Lounge offered a number of food and beverages. Considering that food is likely to cost ten times the price when on a resort, I took the opportunity to stock up on what I could while I was here
The food buffet offered both hot and cold items with buffet items that appeared remarkably fresh.
There were a surprising number of baked goods. In addition, I was able to enjoy some tuna fish sandwiches; a great comfort food given that there is ample tuna located in the Maldives.
Tinned soft drinks were available, in addition to a coffee machine for those jet lagged people having difficulty in staying awake on the Maldivian Time Zone.
Much like the other lounges in Malé such as the Leili Lounge Malé Velana International Airport, this lounge is also a dry lounge that does not serve any alcoholic beverages. If you’re looking to celebrate with some bubbles or another cocktail, you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer until you get to your resort.
We spent about one hour in the lounge prior to heading off on our Trans Maldivian Airways Malé – W Maldives flight before a wonderful five day stay at the W Maldives.
My Thoughts on the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge:
The Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge at Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal meets all the needs for a space to relax, prior to a sea plane transfer to your luxury resort.
The lounge itself offers a solid range of snacks and sandwiches. Aside from being a dry lounge, everything on offer was fresh and appealing, which isn’t something that always happens in a transfer lounge. The lounge offered bright outdoor seating, which is where we comfortably relaxed prior to our transfer.
The only potential negative about flying Trans Maldivian Airways is that your hotel may have a light baggage allowance, which will find you getting stung with an excess overage charge.
If you’ve visited the Trans Maldivian Airways Coral Lounge, did you find the facility met your needs ?
Qatar Airways leased a number of aircraft from Cathay Pacific and has been using them on their Doha – Malé routes to service the elevated demand for luxury travel to the Republic of the Maldives. These unique aircraft are configured in a four class cabin with business class and a first class cabin. Our overnight flight would allow us to test out this configuration on our way to an extended stay at the Maldives. Read on to see how our flight into the Maldives compared to our Qatar Airways Q Suites flight into Doha.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Qatar Airways Business Class B777-300, Doha Hamad International Airport – Malé Velana International Airport
Qatar Airways offers a world class Qatar Airways Q Suite Business Class configuration. Along with recent expansion plans, Qatar Airways made the decision to recently lease a number of Boeing 777-300 aircraft from One World Alliance partner Cathay Pacific, in order to add capacity to their fleet.
These leased Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 777-300 aircraft operate in a four class configuration. We’d flown these aircraft previously on Cathay Pacific First Class Vancouver – New York and Cathay Pacific First Class New York – Vancouver. Today’ we’d get the opportunity to fly the Qatar Airways version of this aircraft on our flight into the Republic of the Maldives.
Connecting at Doha Hamad International Airport:
We arrived into Doha Hamad International Airport on Qatar Airways Q Suites San Francisco – Doha, which was an excellent international long haul experience.
We had a long layover of about nine hours at Hamad International Airport, during which I was able to re-visit the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, along with a brief visit to The Al Maha Lounge Doha, courtesy of Priority Pass.
Our departure gate from Doha Hamad was gate C42, which was quite a ways out on the “C D E” concourse. We passed by the Gold store; one of the first few gold retail stores that I’d seen in an airport.
It’s quite a walk out towards the outer concourse. We were happy that we allowed ourselves some time. Although there is an elevated and internal tram, we were happy to stretch the legs a little after being seated for fourteen hours and another seven hour lounge visit.
When we got out towards the new Doha Hamad International Airport “Garden” area, we realized we were headed towards a bus gate. We descended down escalators from the main concourse area to the lower level which contained a second series of gates.
Boarding Qatar Airways:
The boarding process for Qatar Airways at the bus gate was a little confusing. Qatar Airways’ boarding process was that they planned to board Qatar Airways Business Class last.
However, they didn’t actually announce that. Rather, the gate agent announced economy classes with business class “take a seat”, which led to a bit of confusion amongst all the business class and Qatar Airways Elites.
Eventually we got on board a bus and headed out to the east apron to a remote loading stand. When we arrived, we climbed up the air stairs got onto a leased Cathay Pacific plane that was fully painted as Qatar airways.
Qatar Airways
Business Class
DOH-MLE (Doha Hamad International Airport – Velana International Airport)
QR 670
Flown: March 8, 2023
Departure: 2:00 AM
Arrival: 6:40 AM
Booked: Boeing 777-300
Flown: Boeing 777-300 (Cathay Pacific Lease)
On Board Qatar Airways Business Class:
We boarded our flight by stairs at door 2L and turned left into the mini cabin of business class. The Qatar Airways Business Class is set up in a 1 – 2 – 1 configuration across the aircraft.
The Qatar Airways Business Class cabin is split across two different cabins. This aircraft configuration has 2 rows of business class in the forward mini cabin, followed by a further 12 rows of business class in a rear cabin leading towards the economy class cabin.
The seat itself is Cirrus Seat made by Zodiac Aerospace, now operating under Safran Seats. The seat itself is very compact and upright. I would almost describe it as “coffin” like since the walls surrounding the seat are quite high. Despite the design, the configuration of the cabin means that all travellers have direct aisle access with no need to step over anyone to get out of your seat and move around.
The centre of the cabin offers seating that angles inward towards each other. With two people travelling together, you have some privacy from the seat console, along with a privacy screen that can be raised.
Settling into the business class seat, we were offered enough real estate for two airplane windows. There was a small shelf area available for wallets, drinks and passports, although the space wasn’t as large enough for laptop’s or some others that we have seen, particularly in the newer reverse herringbone configurations.
The seat console featured an upright cupboard that could be used for storage. On today’s flight, the cupboard featured a bottle of water and some noise cancelling headphones. I always have mixed feelings about cupboard storage on business class seats since items tend to fall out when the cupboard is opened mid flight. As a result, I didn’t use this for any storage space on my flight.
My seat 11K (a bulkhead), featured a fold aware television monitor. It required a little bit of a stretch to unfold the monitor from it’s housing. The monitor could also not be used during take off and landing.
The business cabin featured a small foot rest seat that allowed for sleeping or resting your feet. It was pretty standard sized, and not all too spacious for side sleepers.
Ultimately, Qatar Airways leased Cathay Pacific planes offer a fully flat seat. The seat has limited real estate, but at least you will have direct aisle access, and a pretty private seating environment.
On Board Qatar Airways First Class:
Since these planes were leased from Cathay Pacific in a four class configuration, Qatar Airways has the ability to offer a First Class cabin on this particular route. If this aircraft is scheduled for your journey, you’ll have the ability to purchase a ticket in the First Class cabin.
It’s worth noting that Qatar Airways First Class is usually limited to its Qatar Airways Airbus 380-8 configuration, along with First Class branding on short haul flights throughout the Middle East departing from Doha.
The Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 First Class cabin is set up in a very spacious 1 – 1 -1 configuration. Aside from some Qatar Airways purple colour accents, it is identical to Cathay Pacific First Class seating.
The Qatar Airways First Class cabin is so similar, it even has the same Cathay Pacific art work on the walls, but otherwise the cabin is entirely rebranded with Qatar materials.
Pre-Departure Services:
Qatar Airways offered a purser introduction while we settled in and were waiting for departure. Despite asking for it, Qatar Airways didn’t offer their more expensive Champagne Alexandra Laurent Perrier Rosé 2016 while on the ground in Doha, Qatar. Instead, we enjoyed the more mainstream Piper Heinsciek NV champagne.
A towel service was also provided. The towel service was provided in a wrapped container, which was a slightly low rent but pandemic safe touch.
The Amenity Kit:
While we were waiting on the ground, we also had a light amenity kit dropped off. We are generally seeing airlines provide less amenity kits on short haul international flights, and this was no exception.
Today’s amenity kits consisted of a simple eye mark, ear plugs and socks in a recycled plastic bag. Generally speaking, it wasn’t worthy enough to take with you.
While it was a nice touch to offer an amenity kit, this one in particular wasn’t one that was very memorable. I can’t blame Qatar Airways for trying to cut some costs, but it was nicer to have something instead of nothing at all.
The Dinner Menu:
As final flight preparations were finishing, we were offered a dinner and wine menu for this flight.
We were departing at 2 AM and arriving into Malé at 6 AM. As expected, we had a light food menu offering consisting of the choice of light sandwiches, omelette and a tasting menu presented all at once. There was also a second breakfast service offered.
Qatar Airways always offers a terrific and exceptional wine list. Today’s shorter international flight was no different. With premium wines available from every corner of the old and new world, we didn’t have any issues with finding something delicious to drink.
For those that were not into wine, there were a small number of cocktails available, in addition to regular whiskies and upscale Grey Goose Vodka.
The wine lists were much more impressive than the food menu and there was something for everyone on the list.
In Flight Entertainment:
Normally, Qatar Airways offers an excellent world class entertainment system called Oryx One. However, on today’s flight, we ended up with the inherited Cathay Pacific system. Despite being branded as Qatar Airways, it seemed to have less functionality and features than it’s comparable gold standard in Oryx One.
The moving map seemed to have no actual mapping landscape loaded into the system. As a result, we were left with cities painted overtop of a black night landscape.
The system featured a few international movies, but featured a lot less quantity that you might expect with it’s gold standard Oryx One Entertainment system.
Given the overnight nature of this flight, I didn’t get into a movie but stuck with the minimalistic moving map.
The Meal: A Light Snack
Our flight departed Doha Hamad International Airport at 2AM, with an arrival time of 6:40 AM at Velana International Airport. That overnight time period is a challenging time to offer two meal services for connecting world travellers, since everyone is on a different schedule and clock.
I ended up enjoying a glass of the Alexandra Laurent Perrier Rosé 2016 Champagne, along with some warmed mixed nuts.
For the main course, I ended up ordering the corn soup. It was a fairly simple meal to present, but regrettably it took until 3:40 AM (or one hour and forty minutes after takeoff) to be prepared and plated. On a four and a half hour flight, the first service seriously cut into your sleeping time and I would probably just skip the snack if I was taking this route again.
After the soup course, I bedded down into the fully flat seat. Although there were no fluffy blankets or mattress pads, I slept pretty soundly for about two hours.
The Second Service: Breakfast
As I went off to sleep, there was no official confirmation or instructions taken (or given) for the second service. I ended up waking up to the sounds of clattering crockery and found many around me eating.
I ended up hastily ordering a breakfast omelette, which was served up only one hour and fifteen minutes before landing. The breakfast omelette was presented as a tomato Onion and Grilled Cheese Omelette with Cream Cheese Roasted Potatoes and Creamy Spinach. This was served with a mixed fruit breakfast smoothie. Given time constraints, I didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy any bread basket with any jams or butters.
Towards the end of the second service, we were provided another towel service. This time, we received a proper towel that wasn’t wrapped, but rather served on a tray.
If I were taking this flight next time, I would probably aim to eat in the lounge before travels, and leave instructions with my flight attendant to be woken up in order to enjoy a larger breakfast. This way, I’d probably be fuller getting off the plane before getting to expensive resort pricing.
Landing at Velana Malé International Airport:
We descended into the Republic of the Maldives. While I might have hoped for great Maldivian Atoll views, I’d have to save those for the Trans Maldivian Airways Sea Plane ride from Malé to W Hotels and Malé to St Regis Vommuli Atolls. We had a few peek a boo views of the atolls on our descent into Malé Velana International Airport.
Returning to Malé for the third time, there were quite a few changes in the airport since my last visit in the year 2015. The new international airport was well under construction, and there were a larger number of planes on the apron than before. These included an Austrian Airways and another Qatar Airways flight.
Since Malé Velana International Airport does not currently have jet bridges, we deplaned from our Boeing 777-300 and descended air stairs into a bus.
We arrived off our Qatar Airways Business Class flight. We had a shared checked bag which took some time to be put out on the conveyor belts since Maldavian Customs was X-Ray’ing all the bags.
We ended up transferring onwards, staying at both the W Maldives and the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort for a wonderful eleven day stay in the Republic of the Maldives.
My Thoughts on Qatar Airways Business Class:
The Qatar Airways Business Class flight on the leased Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300 was a comfortable fully flat way to get to the Maldives on the short four and a half hour hop from Doha Hamad International Airport. Although it wasn’t to the level of Qatar Airways Q Suites, it was still an exceptionally comfortable experience.
The red eye flight through the night made for a bit of a complicated service delivery issue for the food presentation with the presentation being quite rushed. I would probably end up just eating in the lounge next time. Despite this, the early arrival into the Maldives is well timed for sea plane departures and allows you to connect to your resort with the most available daylight time.
If you’ve flown Qatar Airways Business Class to the Maldives, did you find the timing of the flight to be challenging?
Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar is one of the largest connection airports in the Middle East region. With Qatar Airways de-bundling business class fares to no longer automatically include business class lounge access, and a large number of travellers passing through the region, you may find yourself in Doha without automatic access to the lounge. The Al Maha Lounge is the answer to your lounge dilemma, as it offers access to a business class lounge on a pay per use basis or through a Priority Pass membership card. Read on to see how our visit was to this particular lounge.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar
This review is of the Al Maha Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar.
For a review of another lounge of which you might have access to at Doha Hamad International Airport, please visit our review of the excellent Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge.
We arrived into Doha Hamad International Airport on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha before departing on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class Doha – Malé.
After some time at the neighbouring Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, I took a look at one of the other lounges available to some travellers, the Al Maha Lounge located in Doha Hamad International Airport.
Locating the Al Maha Lounge
The Al Maha Lounge is centrally located in Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar. It’s conveniently located next to the giant Lamp Bear designed by Urs Fischer that’s located in the immediate departure hall of the international terminal.
The lounge access is located immediately to the left of the Lamp Bear. It’s conveniently located on the left hand side up a series of double escalators just under the “C D E” gates sign. In terms of location, the Al Maha Lounge is very centrally located in the main departures hall.
Locating the Al Maha Lounge – Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar
Despite being easy to locate, in terms of marking and branding, the Al Maha Lounge isn’t all that easy to find. Aside from a small podium sign at the bottom of the escalator, the overhead signs don’t have any obvious markings to the Al Maha Lounge.
Aside from the lack of obvious signs, the lounge is well located for departing passengers. If you happen to be connecting through, you’ll likely find yourself coming through the airport departure concourse at one of the connection security check points located around the Lamp Bear.
Accessing the Al Maha Lounge:
The Al Maha Lounge Doha Hamad International Airport is available through a number of ways:
The pricing for paid visit to the Al Maha Lounge is:
- Adult / Child / Infant – 230 QAR ($63 USD) per person, for a 6 hour visit
The lounge is also a member of Priority Pass. I visited the Al Maha Lounge today courtesy of Priority Pass Select, granted through a membership with my American Express Platinum Card.
Priority Pass offers it’s members a complimentary four hour visit. At the time of my visit, there was a note indicating that the access may be restricted due to capacity constraints. As a result, this may be something you may want to consider when planning your visit.
After my Priority Pass membership was validated at the reception, I was invited in. There was no wait at all when I attended to reception, and I was processed immediately.
Inside the Al Maha Lounge:
The Al Maha Lounge forms a part of the Al Maha Priority Services, which include the possibility of arranging a VIP meet and greet function. The Al Maha Lounge forms part of the lounge services for that collection of VIP products.
The Al Maha Lounge is one of those lounges that happens to have lounge space on either side of the reception desk. After being granted admission, I was invited into the left hand side of the lounge entry.
The left hand side offered a large and leafy green space wall that faced the outer walls. The green space was a nice feature for a window less lounge that happened to have no outdoor daylight.
The lounge seating space continued along the green wall in a long rectangular hall way that contained lounge chair seating for most of the way down. During my visit, the lounge was quite busy, and it was a little bit of a challenge to find an empty lounge chair for seating.
Moving my way to the back of the lounge, there was a small water feature that separated the lounge seating area from the food service area. You won’t be confusing the water feature in this particular space with the more opulent Qatar Airways Al Mourjan fountain, but it’s worthwhile noting that Al Maha at least made an effort in design for something interesting in this space.
On the opposite side of the fountain, the Al Maha Lounge offers it’s food and beverage area.
During my visit, there were quite a few people in this portion of the lounge. While you didn’t have your first choice of seats, it wasn’t hard to find something available.
Food and Beverage:
The Al Maha Lounge offered a number of self service options in it’s food and beverage department.
In terms of drinks, the Al Maha Lounge offered self service wines, along with a wide variety of soda and soft drinks.
The lounge offered a number of light food items that I’d best consider as snacks, rather than a full meal replacement.
There were also some wrapped sandwiches, which could probably make do in a pinch, but I probably wouldn’t be using this as a meal replacement by any stretch of my imagination.
There were a limited number of hot items available. I didn’t see many people indulging in the buffet. However, it was appreciated to have a small snack in the event you found yourself between meals while travelling.
While the lounge did offer some food, it was a far cry from what you might expect at a proper international airlines’ alliance business class lounge. I would have to say that the food offering is probably the Al Maha Lounge’s weakest spot. It was certainly a lot less appealing when compared to the opulent table waiter served restaurant upstairs at the nearby Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge.
Heading back towards the reception entrance, there were a few blue lounge chairs similar the chairs found in the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge.
On the right hand side of the reception area, I wandered over into the other side of the lounge. There was another completely different lounge seating area on the right hand side that was a lot less used than the primary left hand side lounge seating area.
The right hand side of the lounge offered several smaller seating areas, in contrast to the larger rectangular room. The right hand side seating area offered smaller leather lounge chairs in a series of rooms that led towards a darker space.
Heading further into the lounge, I located another leafy green wall. As noted, there were substantially less people seated on this part of the lounge. It made for a much more peaceful lounge environment.
Rounding the corner at the back of the right hand side of the lounge, there was a quieter sleeping area. I located a number of people asleep in this zone, and it was pretty tranquil and isolated by comparison to all other areas in the lounge.
While you won’t ever mix this place up with the more opulent and much larger Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, the Al Maha Lounge Doha does offer a reasonable space in order to relax in, including a few hidden corners where you can possibly catch up for a nap.
Additional Features:
The Al Maha Lounge offered a few additional features that are worth mentioning.
The Al Maha Lounge did offer some showers that were available for travellers. There didn’t appear to be a wait available during my visit, and the showers were located in the back of the left hand side of the lounge.
The Al Maha Lounge also offered a self service baggage room. This meant that travellers could potentially store their bags in the lounge (for fee) and perhaps take off into the city for sightseeing.
We’ve found this feature to be really useful during our trips to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul, Turkey. Admittedly, I didn’t see many people using this feature here, and the space seemed mostly empty.
We spent about twenty minutes in the lounge prior to heading off on a Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé flight.
My Thoughts on the Al Maha Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport:
The Al Maha Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is part of the Al Maha VIP Services that include a meet and greet service, along with lounge access for travels who need assistance on a pay per use basis.
The Al Maha Lounge offered a variety of lounge seating areas that varied in between large rooms and more intimate smaller spaces. Although there was a small food buffet, the lounge’s dining options were not the most luxurious in nature.
For those without access to Qatar’s Airways Al Mourjan’s lounge, the Al Maha Lounge is likely the best option, as opposed to being in the terminal.
If you’ve visited the Al Maha Lounge, did you prefer it over the Doha Hamad International Airport terminal ?
The low cost carrier market within domestic Canada has always been a hyper competitive and cutthroat environment. Over the years, we have seen a number of low cost carrier’s come and go, including Canada 3000, Jetsgo, Greyhound Air, Air Canada Tango and Harmony Airways. Low Cost Carriers almost always typically enter bankruptcy protection, or are eventually absorbed by another carrier. Now, after five years of operation, we can see the route ahead for Swoop Airlines; the carrier is being absorbed into Westjet Airlines.
Another Low Cost Carrier Disappears: Westjet Airlines Cancels Swoop’s Future
Westjet Airlines has announced they are cancelling Swoop Airlines by integrating it into the future of Westjet Airlines regular operations.
What is Swoop Airlines:
Swoop Airlines was Westjet Airlines version of an ultra low cost carrier. The airlines was headquartered in Calgary and was named after Westjet’s desire to “swoop” into the Canadian market with a low cost carrier business model.
Swoop operated completely on a low cost model. On this principle, all of it’s fares were de-bundled. There were separate charges for base airfare, seat selection, carry on baggage, checked baggage, oversized baggage, cancellations, contact centre fees and on board wifi and snacks.
Swoop operated the following types of aircraft:
- Boeing 737-800 (10)
- Beoing 737 Max 8 (6)
The similarity through the fleet make it a very consistent fleet for it’s employees to operate.
There was no Swoop Frequent Flier Program, therefore all those miles earned travelling on Swoop, did not yield any additional incentive.
While it was always a consideration for me to fly Swoop, the fact that an unbundled fare with every add on pretty much equalled what I would get flying with Air Canada – along with earning Air Canada Aeroplan miles, pretty much put Swoop out of my interest. As a result, I personally tended to stick with the Canadian Business traveller’s favourite: Air Canada for my travels around Canada.
Where Swoop Flied:
When it started operations, the airline announced it’s intention to operate from nearby airports of Edmonton, Abbotsford, Hamilton and Winnipeg. In doing so, it operated a number of odd ball domestic routes just as Abbotsford – London (Ontario) and Hamilton – St John. It also offered transborder service from select markets from Canada to the United States.
At the very least, Swoop operated an interesting route network and appeared to have a fairly loyal client base with a younger demographic of leisure travellers.
Westjet Pulls the Plug on Swoop:
In a Westjet press release announced yesterday, Westjet announced that Swoop would be discontinuing operations.
Within the press release two items were announced:
Westjet Pilots Finalize A Wage Increase:
Westjet announced that their pilots have ratified their collective agreement, which will see pilot’s pay increase by 24%. Under the ratified deal, Westjet pilots will receive a 15.5% hourly pay raise this year retroactive to Jan. 1, and a cumulative 8.5 per cent hike to their hourly wage over the remainder of the contract.
The collective agreement is based on a four year deal from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2006. This comes during a time of increase pilot labour pressure, with many pilots leaving Canada for higher paid compensation opportunities in the United States.
Westjet Announces Swoop Airlines will be intergrated into Westjet:
In conjunction with this announcement, Westjet announced that after Westjet pilots ratified their collective agreement, Swoop Airlines operations would be folded into Westjet operations.
Within the press release, Westjet Airlines stated:
As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline, Swoop.
Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October.
To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of its published schedule on October 28. Swoop employees will move to WestJet.
The results of this are that the sixteen Boeing 737 and Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft operated by Swoop will move towards a Westjet model by end of year. This means that we can expect these aircraft will be converted to Westjet livery at some point in the near future.
My Thoughts on Canada Losing another Low Cost Carrier:
The history of low cost carriers in Canada hasn’t ever been too sustainable in the long term. Over the years, we’ve seen carriers like Canada 3000, Jetsgo, Air Canada Tango, Greyhound Air disappear into thin air, or otherwise merged into larger organizations.
While Swoop Airlines will follow the absorption trajectory into Westjet Airlines, the largest winners of this will be Westjet Airlines and Swoop Employees.
Westjet Airlines will have an easier job of integrating the fleet. This is as a result of the Boeing 737-800 equipment type being the equipment that Westjet uses in its regular day – to – day operations. Westjet presently runs an all Boeing fleet of 112 aircraft featuring Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-8 Max and Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This will likely make training and conversion efforts as simple as they possibly could be, from a human resource, financial and acquisition aspect. Swoop employees, including their pilots will also likely be the winners here, as they will gain access to better routes, likely higher compensation and better benefits.
The largest losers in this business decision will be Swoop’s dedicated younger customer base and travellers dedicated to the lowest cost model. This customer demographic will likely see higher fares on Westjet, and may decide to move their travel business to Canada’s remaining low cost carriers such as Lynx Air or Flair Airlines.
The other large losers in this scenario will be the smaller suburban airports which we can anticipate to see a reduction in service. Airports such as Abbotsford, British Columbia, London / Hamilton, Ontario and Deer Lake , Newfoundland will likely see a reduction in service as they align operations with Westjet and business efficiencies are found and optimized. While these are often branded as greater access to the mainline network, often these route eventually disappear from service, leaving the travellers around these airports the losers in this equation.
In Summary: Westjet Pulls the Plug on Swoop Low Cost Carrier
Westjet has announced that it’s low cost carrier Swoop Airlines will be integrated into Westjet Airlines. Swoop Airlines will cease operations as of October 28, 2023.
The largest winners in this story are the Swoop employees and Westjet Airlines that doesn’t have to operate two brands, along with the resource challenges and administration costs that a two brand model entails.
The largest losers in this story are the cost conscious travellers that are looking for the lowest cost model at all costs. In addition, the Swoop Airlines suburban airport that are served by Swoop are likely to lose some service as a result of integration of operations, as Westjet harmonizes it’s overall operational efficiencies.
If you have flown Swoop Airlines, does this news come as a surprise ?
The premier business class lounge in the Qatar Airways network is the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport. Through its airport in Doha, Qatar Airways has based its whole airline network on connecting travel. It must continue to operate in a competitive market in order to pamper its business travellers. The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge is thankfully one of the top business lounges in the world. See how it excels at what it does, by reading on.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar
It had been about six years since I had visited the excellent Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge. Since it had been such a long period of time, I figured that it was worth taking a look to see what had changed.
If you’d like to read about our past visit, please see our previous review of the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge.
Locating the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge:
We arrived into Doha Hamad International Airport on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha. The Qatar Alrways Al Mourjan Lounge access escalators are is located adjacent to the giant Lamp Bear designed by Urs Fischer.
Our visit was shortly after the Qatar World Cup. There were concourse displays that were selling official Qatar Fifa World Cup Soccer balls, which made for a great regional souvenir.
We transferred through the airport and landmarked ourselves near the remarkable Lamp Bear art designed by Urs Fischer.
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge access was a short three minute walk from the Lamp Bear.
Accessing the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge:
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge is the primary Qatar Airways Business Lounge in Doha Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Airways First Class and Business Class (Elite, Comfort) and One World First Class and Business Class passengers can access this lounge on a complimentary basis.
Qatar Airways has unbunded some of their business class fares. Accordingly, some Qatar Business Class Fares do not automatically offer lounge access.
Fortunately, basic business class passenger and Economy Class passengers throughout the network can purchase lounge access on line, at the check-in counters, preferred travel agents, or Qatar Airways’ sales offices.
Access is also granted per the One World First and Business Class Lounge Access policy:
- Customers flying First or Business Class have access to the equivalent class of lounge regardless of their frequent flyer status. First Class passengers may use a Business Class or frequent flyer lounge if a First Class lounge is not available.
- First Class passengers may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld airline.
- Access is available on the day of travel (or before 06:00am the following day), at the airport from which the oneworld flight on which the eligible customer is travelling departs.
- Connecting between oneworld marketed and operated flights:
- First and Business Class customers connecting on the same day of travel, or before 6am the following day, can access the lounge when travelling between an international long haul (a oneworld international long haul flight is defined as an international flight marketed and operated by any oneworld carrier with a scheduled flight time longer than 5 hours) and an international short haul or domestic flight (and vice-versa).
- Lounge access will be determined on the international long haul ticketed flight (either First of Business Class) regardless of the ticketed class of travel on the international short haul or domestic flight.
- You must be prepared to show your boarding pass or itinerary showing travel in First or Business class on the international long haul flight, in order to access the lounge before your international short haul or domestic flight.
Today’s access was courtesy of our Qatar Airways Business Class Ticket, which was redeemed through Alaska Mileage Plan.
Our boarding cards were scanned by a host at the bottom of the escalator. We were let up the escalator
At the top of the escalator, we were permitted to proceed directly into the lounge. We didn’t have to attend the front reception counter.
Inside Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge:
Returning to the lounge after all those years, the lounge retains many of the features that make this place so popular.
Turning left from the entrance, the lounge offers it’s primary seating space which consists of blue lounge chairs spread out in a high ceiling atrium.
The lounge seating is broad, spacious and offers plenty of elbow room that’s available . We were able to locate a seat without any issues, with a wide variety of seating locations throughout the lounge available for seating.
The main seating area offered small drink and refreshment stations at select ends of the lounge. The refrigerated chests weren’t all that cold, but the nearness of these drink stations sure outweighed the need for coldness.
At the other end of the lounge, Qatar’s Al Mourjan Lounge has the largest water feature I’ve ever seen in a lounge. The Qatar Al Mourjan Lounge offers a giant reflection fountain across the right centre of the lounge. With a few select seats immediately located next to the reflection fountain, this marks one of the most interesting views available in a business lounge in the world today.
Near the water fountain marks the grand staircase that leads up to the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Restaurant which is located on the second level. At times, this area is manned for crowd control, although it was completely empty during our after supper hour visit.
In the middle of the lounge, Qatar Airways offered an elevated lounge space surrounded by railings. This lounge space wasn’t frequently used, although it contained a number of loungers that looked remarkably comfortable.
On the far side of the lounge, Qatar Airways offered a study area which was hidden behind glass doors. While it was a quieter space, it didn’t seem to be any less busy in terms of seating occupancy.
There were a number of quiet chairs, which were quite empty on our visit. There were also a number of horizontal relax chairs, which could make do for sleeping if absolutely necessary.
Getting back outside of the enclosed study, there was some additional seating around the main lounge area. I typically find this side to be a little quieter than the main entry area, mostly as a result of the fact that you’ll have to cross the elevated terrace area to access this space, or wander your rolling suitcase all the way around to the opposite side of the entrance.
At the very end of the lounge on the ground floor, there was a small dining area.
Shower Suites:
After travelling fourteen hours on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha, I was ready for a little refreshing. I put my name on the list for a shower. I was initially told it would be a fifteen minute wait. However, I was provided a shower suite after only five minutes.
The shower suite was reasonable, but it wasn’t super spacious. There was enough space for a change of clothes, the ability to hang up your clothes and enough space to spread out for a shave. As can be expected, the space was remarkably clean consider the amount of use that it likely got.
After a hot shower, the shower room itself was quite humid as a result of a weaker air conditioning system. It could also be that, as a Canadian, I’m having a hot shower in an environment where many are having room temperature water showers. Either way, it was a warm experience and I ended up a little sweaty after the session.
Sleeping in the Lounge:
Qatar Airways offers a few sleep areas in the Al Mourjan lounge. These aren’t private rooms that you night find at the Qatar Al Safwa First Class Lounge, but rather, sleep and nap chairs located within a quieter area of the lounge.
For those with a longer connection that don’t want to go into Doha for a stay at a hotel, Qatar Airways Al Mourjan offers about twenty sleep loungers located immediately ot the right of the entrance.
Al Mourjan Restaurant:
On the second floor of the lounge, Qatar Airways offers a table service restaurant. There is no cost for dining in the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Restaurant, and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
I’ve never had an issue getting seated immediately on my visits, but I have occasionally seen lines during the busier late evening periods between 9 PM – 12 AM when there are a larger number of flights connecting through Doha Hamad International Airport.
We visited the reception host and were led and assigned a comfortable booth near the glass, overlooking the rest of the lounge itself.
We were provided a menu that outlined all of the breakfast, lunch and dinner choices available at the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. There was exceptional variety for the a – la – carte choices. In addition to the table ordering service, there was a self service buffet available for those that were un willing (or unable) to wait for table service.
After placing an a – la – carte order, I took a walk around the lounge. The full service buffet was on display, where dishes were plated by staff.
The liquor bar offered all alcohlic beverages and wine available in the lounge. These were available for ordering through wait staff, or through walking up to the bar.
In a surprising combination, the bar also offered the lounge’s salad bar. A fresh salad can be a little hard to find in the Middle East. At the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan lounge, you have the ability of ordering a fresh salad to acompany a meal.
Bar Service – Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge
There were also a handful of small self service dishes available from pick up from the island. These consisted of middle eastern snacks such as tabbouleh, hummus and other tasty salads.
The lounge even offered sushi as an item to order. While I didn’t think that’ I’d actually get reasonable tasting sushi in an airport lounge, I’m happy to report that the sushi was more than edible, it was actually very good.
We enjoyed our time here before heading off to our Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé flight. The lounge offered a great place to relax, re-charge and even take in a wonderful meal in between your connecting flights.
My Thoughts the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport:
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge is easily one of my favourite business lounges in the world. It’s probably among the nicest international business lounge in the One World Alliance, and is likely the best business lounge in the middle east when compared to business lounges within the Emirates, Etihad and Qatar airways networks.
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge offers a great selection of places to relax, a wonderful tabled served restaurant, and a functional shower suite if you happen to need it. The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge offers everything that you’d possibly need in an international business lounge positioned in a wonderful environment.
If you’ve regularly flown on one of the Middle Eastern Three carriers, is the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge your preferred business lounge, between Qatar, Emirates or Etihad ?
Qatar Airways developed the world class Q – Suites Business Class Cabin that set new standards throughout the world for business class travel. The Qatar Airways Q Suites are so swish, it’s been argued that a first class cabin isn’t even needed. Our return to Qatar Airways would have us testing out their new Q Suites cabin on a fourteen hour flight from the West Coast of the United States all the way to Doha, Qatar. During our flight, we’d get to try out all of the Qatar amenities and service. How would our flight live up to these lofty expectations?
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class A350-1000, San Francisco International Airport – Doha Hamad International Airport
“Qatar Airways Double Q Suites has elevated international business class into a supremely private travel setting, accompanied with a stellar wine list and comfortable sleeping amenities in a cuddle class double bed”
This flight is of travels on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha. For the return journey, please see our separate review of Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class Doha – San Francisco.
Checking into Qatar Airways:
After spending a night at the San Francisco Airport Waterfront Marriott hotel, we checked in to Qatar Airways Business Class at the San Francisco International Airport – International Terminal. Our travels today were taking us from San Francisco over to the Maldives, through Qatar’s hub in Doha.
We arrived about three hours before our flight. We had absolutely no line at check in and were served almost immediately at the Qatar Premium Check In Counters.
Unfortunately, the Qatar Business Class check in was not the smoothest experience. We started off with our bags being weighed, including our hand luggage. After having previous theft from checked luggage along with delayed baggage while flying Qatar, we had packed as much as possible to carry on board with us in our rolling carry on suitcases.
Our reception agent took issue with our twenty five pounds weight in our total combinations of carry on luggage items and directed us to re-pack our bags up to seventy pounds in our checked luggage. Since we were only travelling with one checked bag, and two carry on suitcases, this became a real challenge. We were directed over to an unused aisle where we ended up laying with the the scales from what appeared to be the Turkish Airlines check in.
This cost us twenty five minutes, until a manager took pity on us, and allowed us to proceed when our hand luggage was just a few pounds over. Closing our the check in process, we were provided a lounge voucher in addition to our boarding cards. The manager also ensured we had our TSA Pre-Check printed on our boarding cards, to avoid any delays with security.
Visiting the Air France / KLM Lounge:
After our bags were accepted, we headed over to security screening and over to the “A” Gates in the San Francisco International Terminal. We visited the contracted Air France / KLM Lounge San Francisco, which I reviewed separately. The lounge was fairly plain, but met all the basic needs of a business class lounge in a small confined space.
During my pre flight time, I made an attempt to visit the One World affiliated Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge under the One World Business Class Lounge access policy, but the lounge reception attendant wouldn’t have any part of it and denied access. If you’re planning on visiting the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge while flying One World Partner Qatar Airways, be prepared for a bit of a discussion and a difference of opinions on whether you’re allowed to visit.
Boarding Qatar Airways:
After some time spent in the uninspiring but simple Air France / KLM Lounge, we headed down concourse to the gate. The San Francisco International Terminal “A” Gates are pretty large for an American airport, but leans more towards functional than over the top inspiring.
We had a great view of the Qatar Airways A350-1000 parked at the gate. It looked ever so sleek with it’s sunglasses painted over the cockpit windows.
We descended the escalators into the holding gate A9. The boarding area was pretty congested, and there was a queue of about twenty five people lined up in between chairs and bench seating when we arrived.
Qatar Airways started boarding immediately at 14:10 hrs, which was the time indicated on the boarding card. Qatar Airways didn’t have the most efficient boarding, as they elected to board Business Class at the same time as Group #1.
Despite having two jet bridges connected, the business class jet bridge wasn’t ready to go until about ten minutes after boarding had started. Add in a secondary security screening table at the start of the jet bridge, and you had a real congested mess on your hands.
Once they finally connected the second jet bridge, and the aircraft was ready to receive us, we made it through this crowded boarding process and settled into one of the world’s best business class cabins.
Qatar Airways
Business Class
SFO-DOH (San Francisco International Airport “A” Gates – Doha Hamad International Airport)
QR 738
Flown: March 7, 2023
Departure: 4:05 PM
Arrival: 6:10 PM + 1
Booked: Airbus 350-1000
Flown: Airbus 350-1000
On Board Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class:
We hopped on board at door L1 and entered in to the Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class Cabin. Qatar Airways had it’s boarding music playing, which sets a traditional, understated, but elegant middle eastern mood.
On board, I located my centre facing rear seat at 5F. The Qatar Airways Q Suite purple cabin is elegant looking and offers a contemporary look with modern colors.
Qatar Airways offers a combination of seating throughout it’s Q Suites Cabin. The Qatar Airways Business Class Cabin offers seating in either a 1 – 2 – 1 configuration with separated middle seats (branded as a Twin Q Suite), or a 1 – 2 – 1 configuration with joined middle seats (branded a Double Q Suite). The outer single seats facing the windows are branded as a Single Q Suite.
The Double Q Suite:
Booking the combination of joined Twin or Double Q Suites in the middle requires a call to the Qatar Airways Reservation Centre. With calls placed well in advance to hold our seats, we settled into Double Q Suites – Seats 5E and 5F.
It is worth noting that all of the Double Q Suites face rearwards towards the back of the plane. While this may bother some, I didn’t find it all that bad once you were underway.
The Qatar Airways Q Suites offer a double walled suite with sliding doors. The space offered with the Qatar Airways Q Suites rivals some International First Class cabins with the amount of privacy that is offered.
Each suite offers a walled space that is highly functional. The seat offers a small adjacent space for articles, in addition to a small table for storage.
The Qatar Q Suites Business Class Cabin only offers overhead bins storage found on the outer seats. With no storage bins over the centre seats, the outer bins can tend to get a little fuller than some other business class cabins. Despite there being less space, we had no issues storing our luggage.
Sitting into the Q Suite, the suite itself offers wide twenty six inch entertainment monitors, and a remarkably interconnected space when the middle privacy screen is lowered.
An adjustable partition wall offers either privacy or connectedness, dependent on whether it is raised or lowered. In a raised position, the Double Q Suite is remarkably private, with a privacy screen that rises to well above your head, while in a seated position.
The Double Q Suite was more than comfortable for a couple travelling together.
Single Q Suite:
The Qatar Airways Single Q Suites on the outer edges of the business class cabin offer bright windows that allow for a brighter environment. With seating that is aligned against the window, or closer to the aisle, each of these single Q Suites are terrific.
Features of the Q Suite:
The Qatar Airways Q Suite is a world class leading business class cabin. No matter whether you find yourself in a Qatar Airways Single Q Suite, a Twin Q Suite or a Double Q Suite, you’ll find an array of features designed to make your business class experience much more comfortable.
Each Q Suite is fitted with a personal and individual reading light. Unlike the larger British Airways suite lamps in First Class, the Qatar Airways suite lights are more specific and targeted with an adjustable beam lamp.
A small storage compartment was located in the space underneath the space in the arm rest. The space was ideal for wallets and other valuables that you’d want next to you, but not sitting out in the open during an overnight flight. The storage compartment contained a bottle of water for use during the flight.
The foot rest well offered a somewhat compact space. While you won’t store anything here, it was a comfortable rest for your feet.
The Q Suite offered in seat power, in addition to a variety of seat functions for recline, relax and dining. There was also a credit card payment set up, but it wasn’t ever used during our flight.
On our seat, a pillow with a Qatar Airways slip cover was waiting for us. The slogan “Beautiful Destinations often lead to everlasting memories” was travel oriented, but it appealed to MrsWT73.
Waiting for us on the seat when we arrived was a puffy Qatar Airways purple blanket, that was super comfortable. In addition, there was also a Diptyque Branded Amenity kit.
The Q Suite Table was located underneath the entertainment monitor. The table provided a solid space that was comfortable for working and equally for dining.
The Amenity Kit:
Qatar Airways has currently partnered with Diptyque Parfumeur Paris for it’s amenity kits. Qatar Airways describes these as “Offering signature fragrances inside each amenity kit, premium passengers will receive signature body and face care products designed to elevate the senses, packaged beautifully in elegant Diptyque branded amenity bags and luxurious bespoke gift boxes”.
I’m not too sure whether this qualifies as a luxurious bespoke gift box. It was more of a cardboard box that was rather inconvenient to pack and carry off the flight.It was memorable in patterning and design.
Inside the box, there were several Diptyque products including Fresh Hand Cream, Essential Face Cream and Nourishing Lip Palm.
Qatar Airways Pyjamas by The White Company:
Qatar Airways provides pjyamas for all of it’s business class customers on overseas flights that have a night time component. The current provider for Qatar Airways Business Class is The White Company. We’ve also seen these pjyama’s on British Airways First Class.
The pjyamas were loose fitting and appropriately sized. As a 187 cm person (6ft 2 inches) with an athletic build, I easily fit a large size. Given the long fourteen hour flight, I used the pjyamas and found them very comfortable for a long haul flight.
Pre-Departure Services:
Qatar Airways offered a purser introduction while we settled in waiting for departure. Qatar Airways opens their great champagne while on the ground in San Francisco. Today’s champagne was the outrageously expensive Champagne Alexandra Laurent Perrier Rosé 2016, currently retailing for $500 USD a bottle. I am happy to report that the champagne was also properly chilled; something that doesn’t always happen during pre-departure beverages if the champagne was recently catered on board.
A towel service was also provided. The towel service was provided in a wrapped container, which was a slightly low rent but pandemic safe touch.
The Dinner Menu:
While we were waiting to depart San Francisco, the menus were dropped off. Qatar Airways offers an impressive and showy dinner menu and wine list printed on elegant paper stock.
For this flight departing in the afternoon and leading towards an overnight flight that arrived in the late evening, there was a dinner option and a second service of a mid day breakfast / lunch option.
The dinner menu offered an evening dinner option with a soup option, two appetizer options, four main options, a cheese plate and three dessert options.
The second service of breakfast or lunch offered a mostly breakfast menu with light starters along with four choices of main courses. Snack options were also available in between meal periods.
The dinner meal service orders were taken on the ground in San Francisco.
Qatar Airways has a great wine program that rivals almost any airline worldwide. On this flight, Qatar Airways offered a choice of two champagnes, several whites, and several reads, including a Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux.
I was really impressed with the wine list. Given the amount of selection, I wouldn’t have any problem finding something to enjoy on this particular long haul flight.
Oryx One In Flight Entertainment:
Qatar Airways offers an excellent world class entertainment system called Oryx One. The enterainment is delivered through a twenty six inch monitor, which is class leading for business class cabins.
As we got underway, departing San Francisco International Airport we had a small Islamic prayer. I took the time to review the options on Oryx One, while I enjoyed a champagne.
The Qatar Airways Oryx One entertainment system has a large number of movies. With an international audience, Oryx One separates the movies in to Hollywood, Arabic, Bollywood and African categories.
Like many modern entertainment systems, I watched the flight time tick away from the top status bar of the Oryx One entertainment system.
With an international audience, there are always a few movies that have really unusual plot lines.
The flight map was comprehensive and allowed travellers to track the progress of the flight. Since I was seated in the middle of the plane without windows, I pretty much followed along with our journey through the flight map as we departed San Francisco.
Qatar Airways also offered wifi on board our flight from San Francisco to Doha. The pricing was at $10 USD for a full flight, or a free hour for Qatar Airways Privlege Club Members.
I didn’t test out the speed, but it remained an option in the event you absolutely needed to stay connected.
The Meal: A Full A La Carte Dinner Service
Shortly after we took off, the meal service started. I enjoyed a second glass of the Alexandra Laurent Perrier Rosé 2016 Champagne, which was served with warmed mixed nuts in a small but elegant bowl.
Shortly after the pre supper beverage, the flight attendant came to present the table service. A large white table cloth was presented, and the table was set. This included a tea light (similar to long haul Turkish Airlines), a small bread basket, an elegant purple water glass and lastly, individual salt and pepper shakers.
The first amuse bouche was presented. It was not listed on the menu, but it was a lobster with caviar pearls, along with celeriac slivers.
Given that we had a long flight, I went with the full meal. The first course was presented as roasted sweet potato soup with coconut cream and feta crumble. It was delivered with a food domed cover which was an elegant touch.
The second course was the appetizer. It was presented as herb crusted balik salmon with beetroot hummus, stuffed with tomato radish and lemon wedge. This dish was exceptionally tasty with edible flowers, which was an upscale touch for dining on board.
For the main course, instead of going for the traditional chettinad with basmati rice, I went with the meat option which was an innovative American Style Barbecue Brisket with braising jus, creamy mac and cheese with sautéed kale. The dish was paired with Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé Pauillac 2015.
The wine was really enjoyable on the nose with smooth flavour on the palette, as you’d might expect for a Grand Cru Classé wine. The American Brisket was great with the sauce with sauce but dry really quickly and not enough demi glace sauce.
For dessert, it was time for an absolutely heavenly triple chocolate brownie sundae with chocolate ice cream, raspberry and hot chocolate sauce. While United Airlines Business Class has been known for it’s sundaes for years, this was quite possibly the best dessert I’ve ever had on an airplane. It was a little small on the serving size for my tastes but what a treat and the flavours went together really well..
After dinner, the cabin was turned down for sleeping. It was a mostly dark experience in the centre Double Q Suites, with the occasional group of people working. By this point, we had only undergone about three hours and fifteen minutes of flight with eleven hours still to go.
Sleeping in Qatar Airways Q Suites:
Qatar Airways Q Suites offers an excellent sleep experience that rivals the worlds best business class. Qatar Airways offers full mattress pads, a sleep sheet along with fluffly purple blankets.
I called the flight attendant to have the bed made up. The space was converted into a Double Q Suite sleeping area. The combination is one of the few double beds in the sky; perfect for cuddling with your travel partner.
After a short night’s sleep the night before, I went down for about nine hours worth of sleep.
In terms of sleep quality, the seat itself was quite firm. I would say that it was about eight out of ten on the firmness scale. This was great for a performance car, but a little firm for a comfortable sleep.
In terms of the space, the Q Suite bed was a little compact for the tall sleepers like me. Much like United Polaris Business Class, the space cavity is a little compact for side sleepers, although I managed and was able to get accustomed to it.
There were no air jets nozzles in the centre of the cabin, which made for a little bit of a hot cabin when you’re ensconced in the sheets, fluffy blankets and pillows.
I ended up waking up just over the Caspian sea, with about three hours and forty five minutes left in the flight. With time zones out of touch, this was the equivalent of about 3:20 AM Pacific Standard Time.
Given that there were three hours left, I decided that it was a great time to have breakfast.
The Second Service: Breakfast
I pressed the call button to order breakfast. I was promptly attended to. After placing my order, I was told that it would be about fifteen minutes to warm up the food.
I started off with a café latte, which was nicely prepared.
After the table was set, I enjoyed a greek yoghurt with mixed berry compote and nut granola.
For the main breakfast course, I had the Four Cheese Omelette with roasted fingering potato with chives, cherry tomato and turkey bacon. While omelettes can usually taste the same on a plane, this one was nicely prepared. It was served with fresh orange juice in nice glassware.
Breakfast was followed up with Läderach Swiss Chocolates presented in a small box. Each box was different, so it was a bit of a surprise to see what was inside.
Landing at Doha Hamad International Airport:
Our flight time ticked down to zero. Our flight path took us over Greenland, Eastern Europe, around Ukraine and through the Middle East to Qatar.
The cabin was turned down and prepared for landing. It was lights back on for our early evening arrival.
I enjoyed a final glass of the Alexandra Champagne. I was surprised that they actually had some left to serve at fifteen hours into the flight.
I played around with the tail camera, which gave us a great view of arriving into Doha Hamad International Airport.
It was a reasonably quick taxi up to the gate at Doha Hamad International Airport.
We disembarked the Airbus 350 and had a long walk across moving travellators in Doha Hamad International Airport to the security screening check point.
Before we knew it, we were at the giant Lamp Teddy Bear display by artist Urs Fischer in the centre terminal of Doha Hamad International Airport. This display always brings a smile to my face. It’s an interesting piece of modern art that seems to align with travel; invoking memories of travels to home.
We killed off our layover in Doha at the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, before getting onto Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé.
My Thoughts on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class:
Qatar Airways Q Suites is arguably the world’s best business class. From a seating configuration that offers a private suite with doors that rivals some first class configurations, to a stellar world class wine menu, to a food program that is modern, contemporary and tasty,
The “Worlds’ Five Star Airline” kept us comfortable during our travels. It’s clear that Qatar Airways Q Suites is among the leading business class cabin’s in the world.
If you’ve flown Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class, did it live up to being one of your favourite business class air travel experiences ?
San Francisco is a major market for European travel. As a result, the city remains well served by Skyteam airlines Air France and KLM. With non stop flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam, it’s essential that Skyteam offer a business lounge for it’s travellers. Our visit to the Air France / KLM Lounge allowed us to experience the fundamentals of their current lounge offering.
This post is one chapter on my trip to the Republic of the Maldives. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Air Canada’s Aeroplan. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Introduction: Breakaway to the Maldives via Qatar Airways Q Suites
- The All New American Express Centurion Lounge: Seattle Tacoma International Airport
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle – San Francisco
- San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront USA
- Air France KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport, USA
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: San Francisco – Doha
- Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Doha Hamad International Airport
- Al Maha Lounge, Doha Hamad International Airport
- Qatar Airways Business Class: Doha – Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Coral Lounge, Malé
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Malé – W Maldives
- The W Maldives
- Trans Maldivian Airways: W Maldives – Malé
- The St Regis Maldives Lounge, Malé Noovilu Sea Plane Terminal, Maldives
- Trans Maldavian Airways: Malé – Vommuli
- The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Vommuli – Malé
- The Leeli Lounge, Malé Velana International Airport, Maldives
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Malé – Doha
- Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Business Class Lounge, Doha, Qatar
- The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class: Doha – San Francisco
- United Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Vancouver
Review: Air France / KLM Lounge, San Francisco International Airport California, USA
Our travels today had us departing from the San Francisco International Terminal on a wonderful flight on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha and onwards on Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé. We had visited the San Francisco Waterfront Airport Marriott for a brief overnight stay, before setting out to the airport.
Locating the Lounge:
The Air France KLM Lounge is located in the San Francisco International Terminal near the start of the “A” Gates.
Map Courtesy of Flysfo.com
After checking in with Qatar Airways, and passing through TSA Pre-Check International Terminal, we found ourselves on the secure side of the San Francisco International Airport “A” Gates. While this is a nice terminal by American standards, I find it a little sterile and without much personality.
It’s a hard left for the lounge entrances. With the exception of British Airways Galleries Lounge San Francisco, the lounges are located immediately at the start of the “A” Gates concourse.
It’s worth mentioning that it is technically possible to get to the San Francisco International Airport “A” Gates through a secure passage way from the Terminal One – “B” Gates and the Terminal Two – “C” and “D” Gates. This is quite a walk but perhaps it’s an option if you plan to access these lounges through Priority Pass or other credit card memberships.
Getting back to the San Francisco International Terminal “A” Gates, a pathway takes you to a lounge lobby, where all the lounges in this precinct are displayed. The Air France / KLM Lounge is located near the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge, the China Airlines Lounge, the Cathay Pacific Lounge and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge.
Rounding the corner, we ascended a long escalator up to the second floor, and passed down a long narrow office like hallway to the right hand side.
The entrance for the Air France / KLM Lounge is pretty minimal and functional in nature. There were no grand lobbies or other entrance features, just a reception desk and a lobby area to validate your access.
Accessing the Air France / KLM Lounge:
After arriving to the small reception, we presented our boarding cards for access.
Air France / KLM advertises access to the Air France / KLM Lounges as follows:
Enjoy complimentary access to our lounges:
- For yourself and a guest, if you are traveling in the La Première cabin
- For yourself, if you are traveling in the Business cabin
You may also enjoy complimentary access:
- For yourself and a guest, if you have Flying Blue Platinum status**
- For yourself and a guest, if you have Flying Blue Gold status
- For yourself and a guest if you have SkyTeam Elite Plus status
All guests are welcome, pending availability, and must also be traveling on either an Air France, KLM or SkyTeam flight departing from the same hall.
The lounge is also a member of Priority Pass, which is accessible with a membership to several premium credit cards, including the American Express Platinum Card. During our visit, due to high capacity, Priority Pass visitors were only permitted a take way box containing a sandwich, chips and tinned soft drink.
Our access today was provided courtesy of Qatar Airways, which surprisingly didn’t have an agreement with the neighbouring One World based Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge or the One World based Cathay Pacific Lounge.
Inside The Air France / KLM Lounge:
The Air France / KLM Lounge advertises itself as a temporary space while the San Francisco Lounge is getting a makeover. The new lounge is set to open in the fall of 2023. In the meantime, Air France / KLM is offering this space, which is on the compact size.
Immediately after entering the lounge, you’ll find yourself in a small corridor space. The lounge is set up in a small “U” shape with compact rooms. The first room only had about fifteen seats set up in a table and chairs configuration.
Taking a left around the corner, visitors would find themselves in the main lounge space. The primary lounge room is also the food service area. Combining these two areas as a result of space constraints makes the area a little congested and busy.
Walking further into the lounge, there is a very small area beyond the main room. The space also featured high density table and chair seating areas, along with bar rail seating against the windows.
The lounge was initially really busy when we first arrived as a result of an Air France and a KLM flight departing at around the same time. The lounge had a much different feel when it was at capacity. When it was packed with limited spaces to sit, it was decidedly a lot less enjoyable.
The lounge offered some daylight apron views with a peek – a – boo basis, with some reasonable plane spotting from the lounge itself. All the views are from a profile basis, so you’ll get a great view of the first plane, then an obstructed view of the next gate and so on.
Food and Beverage:
The Air France / KLM Lounge was one of the highlights of this lounge. In a compact space, the lounge was able to offer a surprisingly good food and beverage offering.
From the bar, there was a fresh looking charcuterie platter with cut salami, fresh ham, brie cheese and sliced baguette.
Fresh turkey and vegetable sandwiches were also available. For some thing so simple, it’s amazing that over a meal period that sandwiches aren’t always on offer.
Salads were also available, along with select grapes and sliced fruit.
On the food service bar, there were self service wines and sprits. The wines were of surprisingly good quality for a lounge, with french sparkling wine from Albert Bichot making an appearance, along with Etude Pinot Gris from Carneros California.
Despite the reasonable wines, service of the wines was in plastic throw away highball cups, as pictured in the bottom right of this photograph.
The Food and Beverage offering at the Air France / KLM Lounge was probably the highlight of this compact space, with the plastic cup offerings a little bit of a low rent touch.
We enjoyed a little time in the lounge and more so once it emptied out and was a little less chaotic from the Air France and KLM Departing Flights. We later went on to depart on Qatar Airways Q Suites Business Class San Francisco – Doha and onwards to Qatar Airways Business Class Doha – Malé.
In Summary:
The Air France KLM Lounge provided a small format business class lounge for departing travellers from the San Francisco International Airport. While the lounge can best be described as “intimate”, there is enough in the lounge in order to snack on and enjoy a drink prior to your departing flight.
World Traveller 73 
Recent Comments