Airport Lounge Experience: Turkish Airlines vs. Qatar Airways
These days, traveling is made easy with the influx of travel fairs and explosive deals made by airlines, travel agencies, and even credit cards companies. While I firmly believe in the benefits one can derive from travel, one shouldn't just jump the gun and book the next discounted flight to your dream escape. Travelling isn't only about the destination, but the journey one goes through: from the time you leave the house, when you arrive at your last stop, until finally landing back home. More often than not, the type of commercial airline available will determine whether or not that trip is indeed worth taking.
There is a ton of aviation companies to choose from today. Depending on the type of travel convenience you're looking for, there will undoubtedly be an aircraft carrier that will cater to your specific needs. For those who aim for a more comfortable or leisurely experience -- especially for businessmen and women who jet off from one country to the next, taking long-distance flights -- airport lounges are there to provide the space and facilities, you need to just sit back and relax until boarding time.
While my husband and I were planning our trip to Austria, we scouted around for airport lounges we could indulge in while en route. During my first Austrian Homecoming, Alex and I decided to fly with Turkish Airlines. Voted as the airline service with the best food in the industry, I was excited to experience it for myself and savor every delectable meal.
Our flight to Istanbul from Manila took eleven hours on board a Boeing 777-300er, then another 1.5 hours to Vienna. In between, we had a seven-hour period wait for our connecting flight to Austria. After passing by rows of duty frees boutiques and souvenir shops at the Ataturk International Airport, we reached the Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul. Upon walking to the reception table, we were greeted by massive circular arches on our left engulfed by whitewashed walls of its interior. Passing through the ticket scanners, we entered a place that reminded me of what the palace of the Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings might look like. The entryway is by no means small or hobbit-like with its high ceiling that extended the eye vertically while still offering a feeling of welcome. These large circular arches continue until the end of the entrance.
Ticket scanners by the entrance of the Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul.
A place to store your luggage.
Anyone up for billiards? If not, you can always opt to read a book while waiting for your next flight.
Alex undecided on what to do next.
Toward the end of the passageway, a great space is revealed dotted by the same circular arches that separate the space into individual areas. In the middle of the expanse is a stairway that leads to a floor below. Before heading toward the stairs, one can already see and smell the many culinary delights that await those who linger here. Food, drinks and other refreshments from all over the world can be savored. One needn't walk far to grab a bite, or two, of whatever the palate would crave for. There was delicious food all around. Walking my way through the lounge, I saw more areas of chairs, tables, workstations, even more food kiosks, as well as a room for children to have fun and jump around in, overseen by a supervisor.
The extension of the entrance hall.
Behind these screens are the private suites and meditation room.
There is no shortage of activities as far as entertainment goes. There are video games, a golf simulator, billiards table and cinema complete with unlimited popcorn, or you can always take a break at the media wall area. Going back to my seat, I saw a space allocated for suite rooms, for those needing more privacy. Inside these suites are mini hotel rooms that provided a comfortable bed, a screen, and desk for you to work on. Another excellent feature is the meditation room. To my delight, there was a roving masseuse ready to calm aching muscles brought about by the long travel distance. This masseuse offers on the spot chair massage on the back and shoulders, or you can opt to have an extended one by the designated massage room. On the lower floor, more space for sitting and dining as well as activities are available, such the small car racing that the kids and the kids at heart can enjoy.
Need to catch up on work while en route? No problem, the Turkish Airlines Lounge is equipped with free wifi all around, even in the workstation.
Open space with sofas and ambient lighting.
Circular arches continue to the main area. Instead of a solid wall, it resembles intricately cut paper art splashed throughout the space.
Sectional seating is arranged in the lounge.
The great staircase bearing the logo of the airline.
Head on to the floor below as more activities and dining experience awaits.
The floor below can also be accessed by an elevator. Food and drink kiosks can be found scattered all over the lounge such as this one.
During our second sojourn to Austria with our children in tow, we wanted to try Qatar Airways and the Doha Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge. Landing at the Hamad International Airport after a nine-hour flight from Manila on board the Boeing 777-300er with a seven-hour layover, my family and I passed the giant yellow teddy bear with onlookers staring with amazement. The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge is located on the third level and can be accessed by an escalator with an officer to check your ticket before proceeding. Once on top, a full breath leads one to an open space with a modern feel. At first glance, I realized that this business lounge may be one of the largest ones I've ever visited. This space is decorated in silver and grey colors with a pop of color here and there amidst strategically separated large niches that allow for a smooth flow within its interior. As my eyes move from place to place, examining the area around, artful details such as standing sculptures, a water feature and weaved backdrops are visible.
Artistic expresssions can be found everywhere in the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha.
To the right, a spiral staircase that leads to a dining place above is covered by glass windows where its inhabitants can be seen. On top of the stairs, guests are welcomed by a large center bar from which you can sit and order some drinks. There are also separate areas for traditional seating. Food is presented on large buffet tables for you to choose from, these vary from hot to cold dishes. Salad, dessert, and other finger food, as well as coffee and tea, can be found at the corner of the dining area.
A water feature in the middle of an airport business lounge ... why not?
A spiral staircase that leads to the glass enclosed dining area above.
To the left of the main entrance are large sectionals for you to sit in and do some leisure work or just relax. Alex, Liza, Amara and I walked until the very end of this wide walkway into sliding glass doors that open up to another more casual space for dining. Here, you can opt for self-service or order food from the standing menu on top of the tables. To the right of this standpoint are the restrooms and quiet rooms. On the left are places for families, a game room, and even a nursery. For those wanting to do some serious work during a long layover, there is a business center equipped with conference rooms and individual workstations with display screens for your perusal.
A pop of blue color gives a nice contrast to the sleek look.
Individual sleeping pods are best for solo flights in need of some down-time.
Glass partitions separate one seating area from another.
Lounge sectionals this time in a shade of warm red.
Sliding doors open up to baggage storage.
These woven chairs and divider detials are made by lokal artisans.
Glass doors open to more space for lounging and quiet rooms.
Lighted steps lead to an area of woven chairs.
The dining area in between the quiet and the family rooms.
A refreshment bar by the entrance of the family room.
Each private section can comfortably accommodate a family of four or even more.
The family pod also has a wide screen tv.
My girls with their hands full of activities while we wait.
No diapers? No problem. There are a lot of supplies by the nursery.
There is a sink complete with a microwave to heat up instant meals for your little one.
Space for quiet time for baby along with a crib.
Is your child up and about? He or she can go to the children's play area.
If your child is a bookworm, don't fret. There are children books available in their reading corner.
Older kids can enjoy a game or two by the game room.
Impressions:
The food in the Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul didn't fall short of my expectations, in fact, it exceeded it! Aside from savoring lokal and international culinary delights, I wasn't disappointed by the range of hot and cold beverages you can partake in. The food and drink selection was absolutely superb! My absolute favorite was the pastry from the renowned Demel Imperial Bakery in Austria, the beloved bakery of Empress Sisi. It really was a great prelude to what we can expect to eat in our final destination. The best part about the food was that the stations were a short walk from wherever you were seated inside the lounge. You needn't venture far to grab a bite to eat. I also loved the idea of having a masseuse at hand whenever needed. Moreover, there is no shortage of activities for children and grownups alike. The service and facilities are world class. The only downside, if at all, was with the open layout, there wasn't much space for privacy. I saw people napping in their seats -- I'm sure that they too wanted to have the extra enclosure. The suites provided just that, however, they are only available for Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers and Elite Plus Members traveling on long-haul flights of more than 8 hours on connecting flights, with a layover of four to seven hours. The Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul is very impressive as a whole, no doubt that. It's no wonder that it's voted as the world's best airport lounge.
Traveling with your kids or a big group can sometimes mean that you need a vacation from your vacation. With Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, going with families or as a group is made more comfortable with the provision of private areas and quiet spaces at your convenience -- especially when you'll be traveling with small children or infants. That's the first thing that struck me as a parent, the lounge is equipped with everything you need to keep children busy and the little ones cared for. As an interior designer, my first impression was the vastness of the lounge and the sleek design of the space. Modern design elements merged with traditional Arabian embellishments take center stage. No expense was spared in the display of beautiful craftsmanship and manufacture of the furniture. The place is indeed a sight to behold. I was also impressed with how the lounge was laid out with the consideration of business and leisure. Almost every seat has its accompanying outlets and personal screens. In addition, businessmen and women are able to work as a group or inside individual workstations. What I like best is the privacy one can achieve whether as a group or during a solo flight with their ready to use individual sleep pods. The only con that I can think of is that with the immensity of the space, the food selections are not as varied and not as accessible to everyone in this great lounge. Having said this, the Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge is still definitely a place worth visiting.
So what's the final verdict? Turkish or Qatar? For me, it's all a matter of personal preference and the unique ability of the lounge to zero-in on a specific facility or service that fulfills your priority. As all airport lounges are not created equal, the choice is left for you to enjoy and experience it for yourself. Why not go ahead and give it a try?
