Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
Categories
  • Air France
  • Airlines
  • Airport hotels
  • American Airlines
  • Avios
  • Black Friday 23
  • Black Friday 24
  • British Airways
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Business class
  • Cashback
  • competition
  • Credit cards
  • cruises
  • Destinations
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • Finnair
  • First class
  • General
  • Guide
  • Heathrow and Gatwick
  • Hilton
  • hotels
  • IHG
  • London hotels
  • Lounges
  • Marriott
  • Michelin star dining
  • News
  • Offers
  • Oneworld
  • parking
  • Qatar
  • reader questions
  • Reader review
  • Reviews
  • Skyteam
  • Star Alliance
  • Starwood
  • This Week in Travel
  • Trains
  • UK country hotels
  • UK hotels
  • USA
  • Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Turning left for less Turning left for less
Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
QATAR-A350
  • Business class
  • Destinations
  • Qatar
  • Reviews

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites review and entering the US as a UK passport holder

  • 08/07/2021
  • Michele

Today’s review, Qatar A350-1000 QSuites, is by reader P. He lives in Qatar and flew to the USA with a UK passport recently on Qatar Airways. You are not allowed to enter the US unless you are a US citizen if you have spent any time within the last 14 days within the UK, Europe and a few other countries. One way round it for people desperate to enter it sot spend 14 days somewhere not banned such as Mexico or the Caribbean. 

In this post:

  • Check-in at Doha
  • The lounge
  • The flight
  • Arrival in the US

Check-in at Doha

We arrived at Hamad International Airport at around 4:50am. Normally business class passengers are met by baggage porters to assist you through the check in procedure, but on this occasion there didn’t appear to be any. This didn’t bode well…

We entered via Door 1 and had our government health app and temperature checked. We approached the Al-Mourjan Business Class check in area to what appeared to be fairly chaotic. We have travelled twice through the airport this year and both times it was very calm, very well organised and somewhat serene.

We were asked to sit and wait to be checked in, whilst people who arrived after us went straight to the desks as they became available. It was a little bit disappointing.

Fortunately by the time 5am arrived, a new shift of check in staff started and things became much more organised very quickly. Thankfully it was only a 10 minute delay.

 

The loungeLounge

After proceeding through immigration and security, both of which were very efficient and friendly, we passed the iconic Lamp Bear and made our way to the lounge.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites lounge

Greeted at the bottom of the escalator we had our boarding passes scanned and we’re invited to enter. On this particular ticket we were travelling on QMiles. Qatar airways have recently restructured their business class ticketing, and the cheapest cash tickets as well as cash tickets upgraded with QMiles do not include seat selection or lounge access. Full QMiles tickets and the upper 2 ticket classes for cash tickets still do.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge
Al Mourjan Business Lounge

The lounge was fairly quiet when we entered. Jess, my wife, went to get a table for us in the upstairs dining area for breakfast, whilst I visited the business centre to print out some paperwork for returning to Qatar.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge business center

Breakfast was good, and for a change wasn’t entirely liquid!

Al Mourjan Business Lounge menu

I ordered scrambled egg which was frankly bland, so I made use of the buffet.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge buffet

Beef and chicken sausage, an omelette and some garlic potatoes went down well as a perfect accompaniment to a couple of glasses of Laurent Perrier Rosé.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge potato and eggs

Al Mourjan Business Lounge laurent perrier
Al Mourjan Business Lounge wine

 

The flight

After the lounge we headed to the gate, but not without a short period of defending my credit card from attacks by Jess in duty free.

Today our flight departed from gate C3. All US, UK and Australia flights from HIA depart from contact stands due to the requirement to perform additional security checks at the gate. If you are flying to one of these destinations, make sure to give yourself a bit of extra time to clear that security before boarding.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites amenity kits
Amenity kits
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites amenites

Formalities completed, we boarded our A350-1000 via door 1L and were shown to our Qatar A350-1000 QSuites seats 1E and 1F. Today we would be on A7-ANN which was delivered to QR at the end of 2019.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites seat

The middle QSuites that transform into a double bed are rear-facing and very comfortable, even on a flight scheduled for 15hrs30.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites plane in IFE Screen
A350 camera

Our crew for this flight were absolutely fantastic and really did a great job of looking after us. We do find that QR cabin crew are usually prepared to go the extra mile to make your journey special and memorable, and we were not disappointed on this trip.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites IFE Screen

As I had been on a night shift the day before we flew, I elected to sleep straight away. I woke somewhere over Russia just north of Moscow and decided to eat breakfast.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites stowage

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites storage
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites seat control
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites electric socket
Charging options

For starter I had the cold cuts and the Greek yoghurt, and a deconstructed omelette for main. Here are the full menus for the flight:

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites Menu
Menus
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites A la Carte Menu
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites Neverages
Qatar A350-1000 QSuites Wine Menu

The food was presented well and very tasty. Since the start of the pandemic the crew now serve your meals all on one tray to minimise crew/passenger contact where possible. Despite this, they really didn’t feel like they were trying to keep their distance and were always happy to help.

Qatar A350-1000 QSuites cold cuts

After breakfast it was time for more sleep. In total, I managed about 7 and a half hours on this flight, which ended up having an enroute time of about 14hrs25.

Later in the flight I ordered the afternoon tea which was delicious. I’ll leave the arguments for the jam and cream debacle in the comments, but I did what I did and I’m not sorry!

Qatar afternoon tea

About 2 hours before arrival dinner was served. I had pre ordered the sea bass, which I decided to have without any starter as by this point I was quite full. Unsurprisingly, it was absolutely delicious!

Sea bass

 

Arrival in the US

I wrote this piece basically to cover the experience of entering the USA as a British passport holder. Since last year, travellers coming from the UK, the Schengen area, China, Brazil and a few other countries have been unable to enter the USA.

This is however only applicable to those who have been physically present in the areas under the travel ban. As a British passport holder who lives in Qatar, I had spent more than 14 days outside the banned areas and so was eligible to travel under the normal ESTA visa waiver program. (There’s no reason why any Brit can’t go somewhere like Mexico or the Caribbean for 14 days and then enter the US).

Paperwork checks at check-in were thorough. Qatar airways needs an authorisation form, then you will need a negative covid test performed within the 3 days prior to your departure to the USA, or proof of a previous recovery within 3 months.

The check-in staff also took from us an attestation that we had been tested within the last 3 days (not entirely sure why that was required as well as the actual test) and checked our ESTA paperwork.

On arrival at the gate in SFO, the crew warned us that CBP officers may be waiting on the jetbridge to check paperwork before releasing us into the terminal, but this didn’t happen.

We reached immigration very quickly and the line was almost non-existent. Presenting ourselves to the CBP officer I handed over our passports and boarding passes as well as our customs declaration. I had with me our folder of paperwork and waited for what I thought would be an inevitable grilling about travel history, covid tests, vaccination status and so on, but it never came.

We were asked all of the regular questions: where are you travelling from? What is the purpose of your stay? When are you leaving? Etc.

Pictures and fingerprints were taken, passports stamped and we were through! Our bags were on the carousel when we reached it. There was a final customs check where we were asked about carrying fruits and cash, and then we were out!

From arriving at immigration to being landside at SFO, could not possibly have taken more than 10 minutes! I was in absolute shock. US immigration isn’t often known for being friendly, but this was a fantastic experience. I do think being well prepared and organised in terms of paperwork helped, and we are grateful we had a pleasant experience.

The purpose of our trip is to spend enough time here out of a red country to qualify for amber arrival rules in the UK. This piece was designed to show you that if you have the time available to do something like this, the USA is VERY much open for business and looking forward to welcoming tourists.

It is worth noting though that individual states have differing quarantine requirements, however almost universally vaccinated travellers are exempt. It seems to be based on an honour system though as we were never asked our vaccination status.

Like our Qatar A350-1000 QSuites review? You can read more flight reviews here. 

Other Qatar Reviews that you might like is A Guide To Qatar Airways Business Class Seats – Which Are The Best? and Qatar Airways Qsuites B777-200lr Business Class Review Doha To Oslo. 

 

Like this:

Like Loading...
Tweet
Share
Pin1
Share
Reddit
WhatsApp
Pocket
Email
Flip
1 Shares
Related Topics
  • business class
  • COVID travel
  • oneworld
  • Qatar
  • qatar airways
Michele

Previous Article
  • News

NEWS: British Airways & Virgin trial fast track entry to UK for fully vaccinated

  • 07/07/2021
  • Michele
View Post
Next Article
airport planes aircraft landing
  • News

BREAKING: Full details of amber list requirements from 19 July & industry reaction

  • 08/07/2021
  • Michele
View Post
4 comments
  1. Nicholas Bennett says:
    08/07/2021 at 7:54 am

    So, UK won’t accept passengers from Qatar, US won’t accept passengers from UK but travelling Q-US-UK is acceptable!! A bizarre world we live in!!

  2. Dr Kuldeep Singh says:
    08/07/2021 at 9:38 am

    loved your review. I cannot wait enough to travel of QR again

  3. Nigel Kingdon says:
    08/07/2021 at 4:49 pm

    Bizarre indeed as well as being very frustrating and costly. I guess our glorious leaders understand what they are doing!

    1. Betty says:
      09/07/2021 at 10:16 am

      It was a nice Information to me. How about if I want to travel to Canada for vacation as a German citizen? Do you have any more information about that? Tnx

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Turning Left for Less

Subscribe

* indicates required
Choose One Subscription Type

BOOK YOUR DREAM TRIP HERE

Want to book your hotel with extra perks such as upgrades and free breakfast? Need help booking flights? Our experts at Winged Boots can help.

Visit our booking page here

Turning Left For Less on Instagram

turningleftforless

Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget. UK blog on how to travel in luxury for less. Forbes contributor. #avgeek #luxurytravel #miles #luxuryhotel

FLIGHT REVIEW Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Includin FLIGHT REVIEW

Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Including Al Mourjan lounge by Mark Hopwood

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #qatarairways #qatar #almourjanlounge #qsuite
LOUNGE REVIEW Air Canada’s refurbished London H LOUNGE REVIEW

Air Canada’s refurbished London Heathrow T2 Maple Leaf lounge

Link in bio

#businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #loungereview #aircanada #heathrow
HOTEL REVIEW Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best HOTEL REVIEW

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best of a bad bunch?

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #crowneplaza #crowneplazahotel #crowneplazadublinairport #dublin
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business Class Feels More Like First Class – ITA’s A321neo Surprises!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #ita #itaairways
FLIGHT REVIEW Virgin Atlantic Business Class From FLIGHT REVIEW

Virgin Atlantic Business Class From London to Atlanta – “I Was Wrong”

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #virginatlantic #virgin #upperclass
HOTEL REVIEW Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuine HOTEL REVIEW

Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuinely a Hidden Gem (Why do we keep going back?)

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #leroyalmeridiendubai #leroyalmeridien #dubai #uae
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Business Class – London City FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Business Class – London City to Rome – Almost Kicked Off for Taking a Photo!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #clubeurope #ita #itaairways #londoncity
HOTEL REVIEW Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison HOTEL REVIEW

Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison That You Won’t Want to Escape From

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #malmaison #malmaisonoxford #malmaisonoxfordprisonhotel #oxford
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel du Vin, Birmingham Link in bi HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel du Vin, Birmingham

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelduvin #hotelduvinbirmingham
FLIGHT REVIEW Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to FLIGHT REVIEW

Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to Manchester Via Singapore and Bahrain

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #gulfair
FLIGHT REVIEW Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi FLIGHT REVIEW

Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow After a Cancelled BA Flight

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #etihad
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio – The Ultimate Ski Retreat?

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelspinale #hotelspinalemadonnadicampiglio #madonnadicampiglio #skiresort #skichalet
Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airp Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airport T2. Very impressed with the elegant feel to the lounge. It’s definitely a step up from the older style of No1. I’d go as far to say that it looks better than quite a few airline lounges. All drinks are included apart from champagne and there was a good selection of tasty food as well. Full review coming soon. #airportlounge #heathrowairport #luxurytravel #no1lounge
Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, Lo Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, London & the Cable Car Experience. 

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #london #intercontinental #intercontinentalo2 #ifscloudcablecar
THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left fo THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left for Less

Take a look at our handpicked favourites in the article in our bio.

#luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #skiing #skiresort #skiholiday
New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moo New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Hotel, French Polynesia

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #sofitel #sofitelkiaoramoorea #frenchpolynesia
Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melb Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melbourne to Bangkok – ‘Old School’ but Classy 🇦🇺✈️🇹🇭

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #thaiairways #thailand
HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸 Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beac HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach – Boutique Charm Meets Art Deco

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #miamibeach #southbeach #miami #nautilussonesta #boutiquehotel
HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resor HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #frenchpolynesia #hiltonmoorea #hilton #moorea
FLIGHT REVIEW - New Air France A350-900 Business C FLIGHT REVIEW - New Air France A350-900 Business Class Suite Part 3 – The Free Extra Large Suite

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #airfrance
Follow on Instagram
Categories
Contact us

[email protected]

Unit 143857

PO Box 6945

LONDON

W1A 6US

Privacy Policy

Find out about our privacy policy and advertising disclosure here.

Turning left for less
Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

%d