- January 4, 2023
- Qatar Airways 402
- Doha (DOH) – Amman(AMM)
- Departure: 0858(DOH)
- Arrival: 1154(AMM)
- Duration: 3:06
- Aircraft: Airbus A320-232
- Registration: A7-AHF
- Seat: 17D (Economy Class)
Celebrating the new year, I have planned a three-week of winter escape from Korea and after some time searching for destinations, Amman, Jordan was chosen. Actually, this trip started from Seoul, Korea but as I have reviewed Seoul/Incheon to Doha flight numerously, I will be reviewing my onward flight to Amman, Jordan with Qatar Airways A320.
After meeting Mrs. White who was joining me from Doha, we head to the gate for our next flight. I have not been on Qatar Airways’ narrowbody for almost two years so I was excited to be back on board.
Qatar Airways DOH-AMM Boarding
All Qatar Airways narrowbody Airbus A320s are boarded via a remote gate which on my flight was gate C39. The journey to the parking spot took around 10 minutes.
Qatar Airways A320 Economy Class Cabin
Qatar Airways currently has 29 Airbus A320s active with half of the fleet configured having 132 seating capacity while the other half with 144 seats.
The difference between the two versions is the existence of lie-flat seats on the 132-seater A320. You can easily count the number of economy class rows to determine which aircraft you will fly.
This specific A320 I flew to Amman was registered as A7-AHF which does not feature a lie-flat business class. Instead, it was equipped with a standard reclining seat. The aircraft features 144 seats in total: 12 business class seats and 132 in economy class.
The cabin is configured into 2-2 and 3-3 seating respectively which are standard A320 layouts.
Qatar Airways A320 Economy Class Seat
What I like about Qatar Airways’ A320s is the seat has a wider width compared to other widebodies. Each seat offers 30~31 inches (74~76cm) of pitch and 18 inches (46cm) of width. Since there are nearly 5 scheduled flights from Doha to Amman, my flight was only half full.
Economy class seats start from rows 8 through 30 excluding row 13 which does not exist. The seats are not retrofitted and have the old-style design but overall, with the thick cushion, it was okay for my three hours flight.
The headrest was a little uncomfortable since it was only adjustable upwards and downwards. Pillows and blankets were offered which is especially great when you have all three seats.
Foldable tray tables were cleanly maintained and there was no sign of damage.
Each seat also has its own air vents which is useful during hot desert weather. The remotely parked A320s tend to be hotter inside during summer days.
Personal overhead reading lights with switches aside as also installed.
Qatar Airways DOH-AMM Economy Class Dining
A hot breakfast was served around one hour after takeoff. There were two breakfast options to choose from: Frittata and waffles. I really like the airlines’ waffles with chocolate so I always go for the latter selection.
A croissant and the fruit platter is also fresh and among my favorite.
Qatar Airways Economy Class In-Flight Entertainments
The A320 offers both in-flight entertainment options as well as Oryx One Wi-Fi connections on board. However, with the size of the aircraft, the contents were limited compared to the bigger aircraft and the Wi-Fi offered is the standard connection with a data limit.
The seat back entertainment monitor is controlled by touch and there is no separate remote controller. The problem comes with the touch screen. Out of the three seats we sat in, two had issues navigating by touch screen.
I believe due to aging, the touch sensor has been pressed inward causing errors.
Personal headsets are also offered on this flight.
A USB charger and a universal power socket are also both available to charge your personal devices.
Qatar Airways A320 Economy Class Lavatories
The A320 has three lavatories: one in the business class section and the other two in the aft section of economy class.
Summary
It has been almost two years since I have not flown on Qatar Airways A320. And earlier this month, I had a chance to fly back on my way to Amman, Jordan. The three-hour journey was pleasant as there were not a lot of passengers on the morning flight. Moreover, the seats on the A320 were still comfortable even though the aircraft is 12 years old.
We will be continuing our trip from Amman to Aqaba on Royal Jordanian with a special friend joining the trip.
