Qatar Airways' new Seattle flight takes off, solidifies partnership with Alaska Airlines
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines provided part of TPG's travel costs for this event.
On Friday, Doha-based carrier Qatar Airways launched nonstop service from Doha (DOH) to Seattle (SEA), its seventh new destination since the outset of the pandemic.
For this new service, Qatar Airways is using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 42 “Qsuite” business-class seats and 312 economy seats. The route is launching with four weekly flights and is slated to expand to daily service beginning July 1. Scheduled flight time is just over 14 hours in each direction, covering a distance of 7,411 miles.
The inaugural was an especially big deal for the airline as it took off two months ahead of schedule. It also solidified Qatar's new partnership with Seattle's hometown carrier Alaska Airlines and the city’s status as an emerging hub within the Oneworld alliance.
In Seattle, Qatar Airways marked the launch of the new flight with a water cannon salute and socially distanced festivities at the gate. The airline invited TPG to attend.
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Gate celebration
Qatar's 777 touched down in Seattle at 11:14 a.m. As is customary for inaugural and other monumental flights, the aircraft received a water-cannon salute from airport fire trucks as it pulled into the gate.
At the gate, passengers were greeted with festive decorations. Unlike some other recent inaugurals, Qatar didn't let the pandemic stop it from throwing a socially distanced ceremony.
There were short speeches by executives of Qatar Airways, Alaska Airlines, Sea-Tac Airport and Boeing. It was clear that everyone was very excited about the launch.
For starters, when the route was first announced, it wasn't supposed to begin until March 15, but was pushed up due to demand. Additionally, for Sea-Tac Airport, Qatar Airways is the first new carrier to begin service since the start of the pandemic.
For Qatar, Seattle is its second new destination in the U.S. since the outset of the pandemic and seventh new destination globally. This new flight strengthens the airline's footprint on the West Coast, joining existing daily service to Los Angeles (LAX) and five weekly flights to San Francisco (SFO).
The inauguration ceremony concluded with the classic ribbon cutting by the executives, albeit with some extra distance. Shortly after, press were invited to tour the aircraft.
Cabin tour
Although Qatar originally planned to use the Airbus A350-900 aircraft for this route, it opted for the larger Boeing 777-300ER instead. It's fitting given that Boeing's main factory is just outside of Seattle.
As was mentioned, Qatar's 777-300ERs are arranged in a two-cabin configuration with 42 seats in business class and 312 in economy. But these are no ordinary business class seats. The 777s being used on this route have been retrofitted with the airline's latest and greatest Qsuite product.
Business-class is split between two sections, with 24 seats in the forward cabin and 18 in the smaller rear cabin. The seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 layout. While each passenger gets direct aisle access, not all seats are equal.
Odd-numbered rows have rear-facing seats, while even-numbered rows have forward-facing ones. The rear-facing seats on the sides are closer to the window, offering the most privacy.
Those in even-numbered rows (forward-facing), on the other hand, are closer to the aisle. However, they're still very private since every Qsuite is fully enclosed by a sliding door.
In the center section, seats are closer together in odd-numbered rows and farther apart in even-numbered rows.
If you're flying as a couple, the two center seats in an odd-numbered row could be converted into a "double bed." Or, if you're flying in a group of four, you could pair rear and forward-facing center seats to create a private "quad."
Qsuites is widely regarded as the world's best business class product. TPG's Zach Honig goes into more detail about the seats in his Qsuite review, but other features include light-up “Do Not Disturb” signs, 21.5-inch touchscreen entertainment systems and decent storage.
Economy class is split into three sections. Most rows are arranged in a standard 3-4-3 seating configuration.
Most economy seats are more or less identical. Each seat is 17 inches wide and offers at least 31 inches of legroom. Features of the seats include crisp touchscreen entertainment systems, built-in USB ports and universal power outlets.
In addition to the usual amenity kits, passengers in all cabins are currently provided with ziplock protective kits. These kits contain a surgical face mask, a pair of disposable gloves and hand sanitizer.
Qatar-Alaska pact
To boost connectivity within the region, in December, Qatar Airways launched a frequent flyer partnership with Seattle's hometown carrier — and soon-to-be fellow Oneworld member — Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Mileage Plan members can now earn Alaska miles on Qatar flights at the following distance-based rates:
| First Class | F, P, A | 100% | 250% | 350% | 150% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business Class | J, C, D, I, R | 100% | 125% | 225% | 125% |
Economy Class | Y | 100% | 0% | 100% | 100% |
Economy Class | B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, G | 50% | 0% | 50% | 50% |
Economy Class | T, O, W | 25% | 0% | 25% | 25% |
Redemptions for Qatar flights will not come online until Alaska officially joins Oneworld on March 31. At that time, Alaska elites will also start earning Oneworld status perks when flying Qatar, including lounge access (especially useful for those booking Qatar's ‘basic’ business class fares), premium seating, additional baggage allowances and more. While Alaska elites won’t be eligible for upgrades on Qatar, Oneworld's CEO has said that alliance-wide upgrades with miles are coming.
Related: Qatar Airways launches membership program for students
How to book
Qatar Airways' new route operates on the following schedule:
- Doha (DOH) to Seattle (SEA), QR719 departs: 08:00 arrives: 11:20
- Seattle (SEA) to Doha (DOH), QR720 departs: 16:05 arrives: 17:15+1
Flights operate Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Paid rates currently start at about $1,500 round-trip in coach and $8,200 round-trip in business class. However, if you book by Feb. 28, 2021, you can unlock a 10% discount on any Qatar Airways flight departing Seattle by using the promo code FLYSEA. To provide additional flexibility, Qatar is offering unlimited date changes and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued by April 30 for travel completed by Dec. 31, 2021. The airline is also giving the option to exchange tickets for a travel voucher with 10% additional value.
Related: The best credit cards for booking flights
Alternatively, there are plenty of ways to book this flight using points and miles.
For most U.S.-based travelers, the easiest way to book this flight would be through American Airlines AAdvantage or British Airways Avios. American charges a flat 40,000 miles in economy or 70,000 miles in business class and minimal taxes and fees for flights between the U.S. and the Middle East. British Airways, on the other hand, prices awards based on distance so this route would cost 51,500 Avios in economy or 154,500 Avios in business. British Airways charges higher taxes and fees, but the miles are easier to earn as the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Remember that although you can now earn Alaska Airlines miles on Qatar Airways flights, redemptions will not come online until Alaska officially joins Oneworld on March 31.
Bottom line
The coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on travel, especially international. Seeing new launches like this are promising signs that the industry is beginning to recover. Between Qatar's new flight, American Airlines' expansion plans and Alaska's entrance into the alliance, Seattle is becoming a major gateway for Oneworld flyers. While we don't know yet which U.S. city Qatar will add to its network next, it has announced that it'll be increasing frequencies to cities like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston (IAH) over the next few months.
All photos by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.