When I was young, travelling was thrilling. It wasn’t just the anticipation of the destination that excited me; the journey itself was an adventure. Times have changed, though, since I received my BOAC Junior Jet Club pin from a friendly stewardess—as they were then called—who invited my sister and me to the cockpit to meet the captain. The decline has been gradual but undeniable.
It started with overbooked flights that left paying customers stranded at the gate. Then came the elimination of in-flight meals, the shrinking of legroom, and the disappearance of blankets and pillows. But even before stepping onto the plane, the travel experience begins at the airport, which has also seen a decline in hospitality.
Departing from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport recently, I found myself in line to access the National Bank Lounge—a space that promises an elevated experience for those willing to pay for the privilege. The attendant at the entrance greeted us with a curt, almost dismissive, announcement that the lounge was “very busy” and there was “simply no room.” Her rushed tone and frantic demeanour made me question whether this was some sort of exclusive access I wasn’t aware of, but as there was a steady stream of people leaving, I decided to remain in line.
Once I was finally “allowed” upstairs, the experience was far from luxurious—or even welcoming. I was promptly informed that my stay would be limited to just four hours. The lounge was packed, and it didn’t feel like a special place. The remaining staff were friendly enough, but it seemed they were simply trying to manage the chaos. What was supposed to be a premium experience felt more like an afterthought—a far cry from the comfort and elevated service one might expect when paying extra for access.
The contrast when I arrived at my layover at Doha’s Hamad International Airport couldn’t have been more striking. Qatar has truly mastered the art of air travel, offering a hospitality-driven experience that is not only welcoming but also economically beneficial.
Hamad International Airport, celebrating its tenth anniversary, is a marvel of modern design. Its spacious, light-filled main concourse, with soaring ceilings and polished aesthetics, serves as a global gateway. My overnight flight landed at 5:00 p.m. local time, and the airport was relatively quiet. It was so pristine and inviting that I felt compelled to explore.
Having heard about The Orchard, an indoor tropical garden, I walked—though a tram was also available—to the other end of the concourse. The first thing that greeted me was the sound of a two-story waterfall, accompanied by birdsong. Though I never saw any birds, the ambient sound was uplifting, almost melting away my jetlag. Climbing the stairs, I admired the lush surroundings: 300 trees and 25,000 plants within a 6,000-square-foot atrium. Even airport staff on break were taking in the tranquil scenery.
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