I’ve been meaning to write this post for a couple of weeks now, but I’ve only just managed to actually turn on my laptop about two days ago.  For the first time in two weeks!

Anyway, so it’s about customer service.  And doing things the right way.

As you probably already know, we went to Dubai for the Christmas holiday.  

On our way back, it was just V and me.  Alone.  I was dreading it.

We flew Qatar.  Yes, I know Emirates flies direct, but it’s SO expensive.  Qatar is so much cheaper, we were able to fly back Business Class (which was amazing).

Anyway, at check-in in Dubai the man behind the desk asked me if I was pregnant.  No.  Bastard.  (That has nothing to do with anything.  I just thought I’d share)

After checking-in we had to go through immigration.  Airport staff saw I was struggling with my very heavy handbag, Vinay’s even heavier carry-on luggage and Vinay (who was refusing to walk).  The guy took me through another channel, where there was no queue.  Same with security checks.

Then there was the long walk into the departures terminal.  I need not have worried.  There was an airport golf cart thingy waiting.  The driver whisked us off to the lifts that would take us up to departures.

We went up in the lift, and there was another golf cart waiting when the doors opened.  He drove us to the lounge.  

I’m sure it would have taken us at least forty-five minutes to walk on our own.

Our gate was very near the lounge, so we were ok to walk there.

Qatar Airways staff onboard were fabulous.  But that could have been because we were sitting in Business Class?

Once we reached Doha and got to the Premium Terminal, airport staff gave me a pushchair for Vinay.

The Premium Terminal is amazing.  They have a fully equiped nursery – DVDs, books, crayons, paper, etc.  And even a cot!  The whole idea is to leave your child/ren in there with your nanny while you enjoy the lounge.

Unfortunately we were without a nanny this time, so I got to experience the nursery as well! 

Our wait in Doha was seven hours (from midnight to seven in the morning).  

Once Vinay had enough of the nursery, we went into the lounge, found two reclining chairs and slept.  Blankets were provided!

Crew on our flight from Doha to Lagos were excellent.  And the food was SO good.  Again, probably a perk of travelling Business Class – but still.  They were so nice to Vinay – stopping to play and chat with him.  He wasn’t amused.

We reached Lagos (after a VERY long eight hours).  And we had the longest walk of my life.  Vinay refused to walk.  REFUSED.

The airport is being renovated, so the walk was longer than usual (through Departures, weirdly).  There was no one to help.  No one offered the golf cart thingy – though there are several parked in the airport.  

There was no one to take us to the front of the immigration queue.

Nothing.

I know it’s like that in most places, but maybe it’s time to rethink the rules for people travelling with small children?