First there was premium economy. Then came basic economy. And with many airlines splitting their cheaper seats into three classes, it appears that Qatar Airlines is trying the same trick with its front-of-the-plane business class.
The airline is offering a basic business fare (they’re calling it ‘classic’) which provides the same on-board experience, but takes away picking a seat in advance and having access to the airport lounge. At a New York-Doha price of nearly $4000, that feels a little chintzy, and comes with a $590 cancellation fee.
If you’re willing to go up to $5574 for ‘Comfort’ business class, you get the lounge and the pre-selected seat back, and the cancellation fee drops to $300. And then, get this: For $6263, a mere $689 more, you can get ‘Elite.’ And the difference between ‘Comfort’ and ‘Elite’? No cancellation fee. That’s right, you can pay $689 for absolutely nothing if you don’t cancel, and $389 for absolutely nothing if you do.
Just sayin…
