TRAVEL | Qatar Airways operates one daily flight between Doha and Belgrade. The Airbus A320 (“A320”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy and Business class. The average flight time on this route is 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Check In
I was flying to Belgrade from Doha, after arriving at Hamad International Airport a few hours earlier flying from Melbourne, Australia, so had already checked in online as part of that flight.
You can check in online, or using Qatar’s app. I used the latter, which allows you to enter in all relevant passport and visa information before your flight, and receive an online boarding pass. If you’re using the app, there’s up-to-date notifications about gate changes, flight delays, and the like, and you can use the boarding pass on the app at the gate.
If you have luggage to check in, there are several bag drop off counters with a few Qatar staff walking around the area to assist if needed. There’s also the option of traditional staffed check in counters if you wish.
Loyalty
Qatar’s loyalty program is Privilege Club, which is free to join. Qatar are also part of the One World Alliance, and partner with Virgin Australia’s Velocity programme. Both offer the option of points transfers and certain reciprocal privileges.
As a Virgin Velocity Gold member, I had access to both the Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South, and Gold Lounge North. They’re located at opposite ends of Hamad International Airport and are both similar.
Luggage
Checked luggage is included with all Qatar Airlines economy tickets when flying international short haul. There’s no limit to the number of bags that you can check in, but weight is dependant on the ticket class, as follows:
- Economy Lite 20kg (44lb)
- Economy Classic 25kg (55lb)
- Economy Convenience 30kg (66lb)
- Economy Comfort 35kg (77lb)
A single piece of checked baggage should weigh no more than 32kg (70lb)
For carry on, you’re allowed one carry on bag weighing no more than 7kg (15lb). Note that while there is a weight limit for carry on luggage, it tends to not be weighed. My carry on bag weighed 9kg and I had no issues. You can also carry on personal items such as a handbag or laptop bag.
If you do check in bag, you can handily track it online.
Service
Service is friendly, efficient, and professional. Water and is offered at various times throughout the flight, and you can easily call for an attendant if need be.
Cabin
The Qatar Economy cabin on the A320 that flies from Doha to Belgrade features 120 seats, in a 3-3 layout. There are enough flight attendants around so getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s burgundy and varying shades of grey, keeping in line with Qatar’s branding. It’s a relatively new plane, and everything is clean.
Seat
The fabric seat has dimensions of about 78.4cm x 45.7cm (31in x 18in), a bit wider than you’ll find on most full service airlines flying this sort of distance. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back. There’s an adjustable, wide cushioned leather headrest with movable side “ears” which is handy if you want to get some shut eye.
There are small armrests, and two small mesh pouches to store things. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down if you’ve got a laptop or a tablet.
There is no power port in the Economy cabin. There is a USB port for charging devices underneath the entertainment screen, but do be aware that it’s a slower, USB-A type port.
Entertainment
Each economy seat features Qatar’s ‘Oryx One’ seatback entertainment system. On it you’ll find real-time flight information, and a selection of new release and classic Western and Middle Eastern TV shows, music, and games. Basic headphones are provided. It’s an older-style entertainment system. The flight map doesn’t give as much information as newer flight maps, and the touch screen is slow to respond.
There is no in-flight magazine to read.
Food
The food offering is better than I’ve experienced on similar Economy class cabins on full-service airlines for flights of this length. You get one main meal on this flight, in this case breakfast. There’s a menu which shows you the two options that are available.
All meals on board are halal, and there are about 20 different kinds of special dietary meals that you can request up to 24 hours before your flight if you wish.
I opted for a hot breakfast of sausage, baked beans, a vegetarian fritter, and potatoes in a thin tomato-based sauce. It came with a small-filled bread roll, yoghurt with fruit syrup, and fresh cut fruit. To drink, it’s a selection of wine, beer, and spirits, and non-alcoholic options like soft drink, tea, coffee, and juice.
Amenities
A thin but surprisingly plush neck pillow and cloth blanket are provided for all passengers. Qatar also include one of the best amenity kits that I’ve seen in an economy class cabin. It contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, socks, and an eye mask.
Wi-Fi is available for $USD8.00 per flight for the duration of the flight. By late 2026, Qatar plans to have its entire fleet connected to Starlink, which should significantly increase speed and reliability.
Verdict
I’m not particularly fussy when flying short haul. What I want is a comfortable seat, the ability watch some entertainment without feeling too cramped, and good service. Qatar delivers on all of these things. While the entertainment system could have been newer, it didn’t really bother me. Overall, I enjoyed my flight with Qatar, and would happily fly them again.