Qatar Airways Business Class: A Luxurious Flying EXPERIENCE

Qatar Airways has established itself as a leader in luxury air travel, particularly with its business class offerings. This comprehensive review will cover every aspect of Qatar Airways’ business class experience, from ground services to in-flight amenities, with a special focus on their flagship Qsuite product.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a special trip, this guide will provide valuable insights into what makes Qatar Airways business class stand out in the competitive world of premium air travel.

Ground Experience

The Qatar Airways business class experience begins long before you board the aircraft. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you’ll be treated to a range of services designed to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Check-in and Priority Services

Qatar Airways ensures that business class passengers enjoy a seamless start to their journey:

• Dedicated check-in counters are available at most airports, significantly reducing wait times.
• Priority security lanes allow passengers to bypass long queues, saving valuable time.
• Fast-track immigration services are offered at select airports, further expediting the pre-flight process.
• Priority baggage handling ensures that your luggage is among the first to arrive at your destination.

These services collectively contribute to a stress-free airport experience, allowing passengers to relax or attend to last-minute work tasks before their flight.

Lounge Access

One of the highlights of flying Qatar Airways business class is access to their premium lounges or partner lounges, depending on your departure airport.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge – Doha

The crown jewel of Qatar Airways’ lounge network is the Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha. This expansive lounge, spanning over 10,000 square meters, offers:

• Multiple dining options, including à la carte restaurants and buffet stations
• A range of seating areas catering to different needs (relaxation, work, socializing)
• Shower facilities with luxury amenities
• Quiet rooms for napping or meditation
• A business center with private workstations and meeting rooms
• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the lounge
• A game room with various entertainment options
• A family area with a nursery for young children

The lounge’s design, inspired by Qatari heritage and contemporary aesthetics, creates a calming atmosphere that serves as a perfect prelude to your flight.

Other Notable Lounges

Qatar Airways operates or provides access to premium lounges at various international airports:

• London Heathrow: The dedicated Qatar Airways Premium Lounge receives high praise for its à la carte dining and elegant decor.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle: Another Qatar Airways-operated lounge known for its excellent food offerings and chic design.
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi: Access to the Bangkok Airways lounge, which offers a serene environment and Thai-inspired cuisine.

At airports without a dedicated Qatar Airways lounge, business class passengers typically have access to partner airline lounges or contracted premium lounges.

Cabin and Seat

The heart of the Qatar Airways business class experience lies in its cabin design and seat offerings. The airline has invested heavily in creating one of the most comfortable and private business class products in the sky.

Qsuite

The Qsuite is Qatar Airways’ flagship business class product, available on select Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. It has revolutionized business class travel with its innovative design and features:

• Private suites with sliding doors, offering unparalleled privacy
• 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers
• Seats that convert to fully-flat beds, measuring 79 inches in length and 21 inches in width
• Option to create double beds in center suites, perfect for couples traveling together
• Quad seating arrangement, allowing groups of four to create a private space for meetings or family time

The Qsuite’s design incorporates:

• High-quality finishes, including leather upholstery and elegant wood-grain details
• Customizable LED lighting to set the mood for work, relaxation, or sleep
• Ample storage space for personal items and electronics
• A do-not-disturb indicator for uninterrupted rest

Things not allowed on Qatar Airways

Other Business Class Configurations

On aircraft without Qsuites, Qatar Airways still offers an impressive business class product:

Airbus A350 (non-Qsuite)

• 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration
• 80-inch fully-flat beds
• 22-inch seat width
• Direct aisle access for all passengers
• Enhanced privacy with high seat walls

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout
• 80-inch lie-flat beds
• 22-inch seat width
• Large windows with electronic dimming feature
• Improved air quality and cabin pressure for enhanced comfort

Airbus A380

• 1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck
• 80-inch fully-flat beds
• 22-inch seat width
• Access to the onboard lounge, a social space for premium passengers

Airbus A330

• 2-2-2 configuration (on some older aircraft)
• 77-inch lie-flat beds
• 21-inch seat width
• While not offering direct aisle access for all, these seats are still comfortable for long-haul flights

In-flight Experience

Qatar Airways’ commitment to luxury extends beyond the physical seat, encompassing every aspect of the in-flight experience.

Entertainment System

The Oryx One entertainment system is a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ in-flight experience:

• 17-inch touchscreen displays (size may vary by aircraft type)
• Over 4,000 entertainment options, including:
  • Latest Hollywood blockbusters
  • International films and TV shows
  • Live TV channels
  • Music albums and playlists
  • Games and interactive content
• Noise-cancelling headphones provided for optimal audio quality
• USB ports and power outlets for charging personal devices
• Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for easy pairing with personal devices
• Ability to create personalized playlists and continue watching content across flights

Amenities

Qatar Airways provides a range of luxury amenities to enhance the business class experience:

• Luxury amenity kits by renowned brands such as BRIC’S and Diptyque, containing:
  • Skincare products
  • Lip balm
  • Eye mask
  • Earplugs
  • Socks
  • Dental kit
• Comfortable sleepwear on long-haul flights, designed for both comfort and style
• Plush pillows and duvets for a restful sleep
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (data limits may apply, with additional packages available for purchase)
• Hot or cold towel service at various points during the flight
• Premium blankets made from sustainable materials

Dining

Qatar Airways’ in-flight dining is often compared to that of high-end restaurants, offering a gastronomic experience at 35,000 feet:

• À la carte menu with multiple courses, designed by renowned chefs
• Dine-on-demand service, allowing passengers to eat what they want, when they want
• Extensive wine list curated by sommeliers, featuring both Old and New World wines
• Signature cocktails and mocktails
• Special dietary meals available upon request (must be pre-ordered)

Sample menu items might include:

• Arabic mezze platters with traditional Middle Eastern appetizers
• Grilled meats or seafood, such as lobster tail or lamb chops
• Vegetarian and vegan options, like roasted vegetable tarts or plant-based curries
• Artisanal cheese selections
• Decadent desserts, including traditional Arabic sweets and international favorites

The presentation of meals is given careful attention, with proper tableware and linens used to create a fine dining atmosphere.

Service

Qatar Airways’ cabin crew are consistently praised for their attentiveness, professionalism, and cultural diversity. Passengers can expect:

• Personal introductions from dedicated crew members at the beginning of the flight
• Assistance with bed preparation when ready to sleep
• Prompt response to call buttons and requests
• Customized service based on individual preferences and needs
• Multilingual crew members to assist with various language requirements
• Regular check-ins throughout the flight to ensure passenger comfort

Qsuite vs. Standard Business Class

While both offerings provide a premium experience, the Qsuite takes luxury to another level. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Feature	Qsuite	Standard Business Class
Privacy	Sliding doors for complete enclosure	Open suite with high walls
Bed configuration	Double bed option in center suites	Single beds only
Group seating	Quad arrangement available for 4 passengers	Limited options for group interaction
Storage	Enhanced personal space with multiple compartments	Standard overhead bins and limited seat storage
Entertainment	Larger screens with enhanced connectivity	Standard screens with good connectivity
Dining	Option for communal dining in quad configuration	Individual dining only
Lighting	Customizable LED mood lighting	Standard cabin lighting
Design	Latest generation with premium finishes	Varies by aircraft, generally high quality

Routes and Aircraft

Qatar Airways deploys its Qsuites on many long-haul routes, particularly to major business and leisure destinations. However, availability can vary, so it’s essential to check the specific aircraft type when booking.Popular Qsuite routes include:

• Doha (DOH) to London (LHR)
• Doha (DOH) to New York (JFK)
• Doha (DOH) to Sydney (SYD)
• Doha (DOH) to Tokyo (NRT/HND)
• Doha (DOH) to Singapore (SIN)
• Doha (DOH) to Frankfurt (FRA)
• Doha (DOH) to Chicago (ORD)

It’s worth noting that Qatar Airways sometimes changes aircraft types based on operational needs, so while a route may typically feature Qsuites, it’s not guaranteed unless explicitly stated at the time of booking.

Booking and Upgrades

Navigating the booking process and understanding upgrade options can help you secure the best possible Qatar Airways business class experience.

Fare Types

Qatar Airways offers several fare types in business class:

• Classic: Basic business class fare with standard benefits
• Comfort: Includes additional perks such as complimentary seat selection
• Elite: The most flexible fare with maximum benefits and change/cancellation allowances

Each fare type comes with different benefits:

Benefit	Classic	Comfort	Elite
Baggage Allowance	40kg	40kg	40kg
Seat Selection	Chargeable	Complimentary	Complimentary
Qmiles Earning	125%	150%	175%
Change Fees	Highest	Reduced	Lowest/None
Cancellation Fees	Highest	Reduced	Lowest/None
Upgrade Eligibility	Limited	Enhanced	Best

Upgrade Options

Passengers can upgrade to business class through various means:

• Cash upgrades at check-in: Subject to availability, this option allows economy passengers to upgrade for a fee.
• Using Qmiles: Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer currency can be redeemed for upgrades.
• Bidding for upgrades: Through the airline’s online system, passengers can place bids for upgrades on eligible flights.
• Complimentary upgrades: Occasionally offered to frequent flyers or as part of promotional campaigns.

Tips for increasing upgrade chances:

1. Join the Privilege Club and accumulate Qmiles
2. Book flexible fare types that are more upgrade-eligible
3. Check for upgrade availability regularly, especially closer to the departure date
4. Consider less popular routes or flight times for better upgrade opportunities

Frequent Flyer Program

Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club offers several benefits for business class travelers:

• Accelerated earning of Qmiles:
  • Business Class Classic: 125% of miles flown
  • Business Class Comfort: 150% of miles flown
  • Business Class Elite: 175% of miles flown
• Tier miles for status progression
• Lounge access for higher-tier members (Gold and Platinum) even when flying economy
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling for elite members
• Extra baggage allowance for status members
• Priority waitlisting and standby

Privilege Club Tiers:

1. Burgundy (entry-level)
2. Silver
3. Gold
4. Platinum

Higher tiers offer increasingly valuable benefits, making frequent business class travel with Qatar Airways even more rewarding.

Comparison with Competitors

Qatar Airways consistently ranks among the top airlines for business class service. Here’s how it compares to some major competitors:

Airline	Seat Privacy	Bed Length	Lounge Quality	Dining	Overall Experience
Qatar Airways	High (with Qsuite)	79-80 inches	Excellent	Outstanding	9.5/10
Emirates	Moderate	78 inches	Very Good	Excellent	9/10
Etihad	High	80 inches	Very Good	Very Good	8.5/10
Singapore Airlines	High	Up to 78 inches	Excellent	Outstanding	9.5/10
Lufthansa	Moderate	78 inches	Good	Very Good	8/10
British Airways	Moderate (varies)	72-78 inches	Good	Good	7.5/10

While rankings can be subjective, Qatar Airways consistently receives high marks across all categories, with the Qsuite often cited as a game-changer in business class travel.

Tips for Maximizing Your Qatar Airways Business Class Experience

1. Book Qsuite flights when possible for the ultimate experience
2. Take advantage of the dine-on-demand service to eat according to your schedule
3. Utilize the Do Not Disturb indicator for uninterrupted rest
4. Explore the extensive entertainment options before your flight to plan your viewing
5. Consider joining the Privilege Club for additional benefits and faster mileage accrual
6. Arrive early to enjoy the lounge facilities, especially in Doha
7. Pack comfortable clothing to change into, even if sleepwear is provided
8. Use the online seat selection tool to choose the best seat for your needs
9. Take advantage of the amenity kit and keep it for future use
10. Engage with the cabin crew to personalize your experience