Yes, I heard the rumors. I read about the incredible Qatar Airways QSuite, their impeccable service, and their unparalleled lounge in Doha, but I still didn’t believe it. I had to see for myself.
Pretty much every airline boasts about their business class product with flashy branding or mantras—think United’s Polaris, Thai’s Royal Silk, Ethiopian’s Cloud9, etc etc—but I’ve found very few live up to the hype. When it comes to Qatar’s “First in Business” QSuite, though, I was in for a little surprise.
My recent trip (or journey, experience, life-changing peregrination) from Doha (DOH) to New York (JFK) aboard the airline’s sleek, F1-themed Boeing 777-300ER gave me a shock to the system, and all my previous notions of what defines business class dissipated into the clouds (mixed with the chemtrails).
From lounge to landing, Qatar Airways provided the most elevated business class experience I’ve ever had. And that’s after flying on both the Emirates A380 and Singapore A380 in business class.
Qatar Airways Lounge Experience: Al Mourjan Garden Lounge at DOH
My very early morning started after touching down from Male around midnight, giving me a couple hours to explore Doha’s lovely Hamad International Airport.
Naturally, I had to explore the Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, Qatar’s newest addition to their hub in Doha. Spanning an astonishing 7,390 square meters (79,500 sq ft), this lounge offers:
- A full-service restaurant and casual diner
- Reservable sleep pods and showers
- Spacious work areas and business facilities
- No overcrowding—unlike lounges provided by US carriers
It’s an oasis in an already luxurious airport. I even found it offered more than Emirate’s Business Lounge in Dubai. If you have a long layover, I highly recommend taking advantage of the private sleep pods (although they get snatched up quickly!).
I personally spent a questionable amount of time exploring all of the different sections of the multi-level lounge, ordering a coffee here and there, enjoying different kinds of cuisine, and finding the quietest corner to do absolutely nothing in. It was glorious.
Boarding and Pre-Departure Experience
Boarding was somewhat disorganized, with long queues due to additional U.S. security screening (note: be prepared to remove all electronic device cases). However, once I bypassed the crowd into the dedicated Business/First jet bridge (love that!), things improved.
Stepping onto the aircraft felt like entering a five-star hotel. The cabin crew’s hospitality was next-level—polished, professional, and genuinely warm. I immediately received a refreshing signature lime and mint juice, champagne, and a choice of mocktails or tea—far superior to the usual “OJ, champagne, or mimosa” you get elsewhere.
The Diptyque amenity kit included high-end skincare essentials and a delightful fragrance. Pajamas were also provided, now a rarity in business class. I settled into my seat and was immediately impressed.
QSuite: The Best Business Class Seat in the World?
The QSuite is an industry disruptor, often compared to First Class on other airlines. Here’s why:
- Fully enclosed privacy doors for a suite-like experience
- Largest IFE screen in business class (21.5-inch, 4K resolution)
- Adjustable armrest
- Certain seat pairs convertible to a double bed
- A Do Not Disturb button—no more unwanted wake-ups
- Massive storage spaces under the armrest and countertop
- Super-stable and oversized tray table (best I’ve ever used!)
- Extra-wide, lie-flat seat with plush bedding
- Super comfortable footwell, even for tall passengers
- Customizable seat firmness and lumbar support
I was seated in 11F, one of the rear-facing middle QSuites all the way in the back section of business class. Odd-numbered rows are rear-facing, but I barely noticed, if not enjoyed the slight incline during the flight. However, row 11 is adjacent to the economy baby bassinets—unlucky for me, as both sides had infants. Thankfully, my Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones saved the day.
(Pro Tip: Download “Brown Noise” on Spotify and wear earplugs under your headphones).
For those seeking an undisturbed sleep, I’d recommend choosing a seat in the middle of the rear business class cabin (rows 3, 5, or 7).
Qatar Airways In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity
The Oryx One entertainment system is outstanding. The massive touchscreen display has excellent contrast at low brightness, and the selection is overwhelming (Netflix syndrome, anyone?). You’ll find popular shows like Jack Ryan, Severance, Suits, and more.
Navigation could be improved, but the content quality is superb.
Just make sure not to ‘Netflix and Chill’ if you have one of the double-bed couples’ suites. It’s Qatar Airways after all, not Spirit!
WiFi: Worth It?
- Privilege Club members get 1 hour free
- Full-flight WiFi costs $10 ($8 if pre-purchased online)
- Connection is decent but not great for heavy browsing
For messaging and light browsing, WiFi works fine, but don’t expect seamless streaming. I averaged around 3Mbps of download, but it was at least mostly consistent and didn’t have too many dead zones like Viasat seems to.
Dining: A High-End Qatari Restaurant in the Sky
Qatar Airways’ dine-on-demand service is a game-changer. I opted to sleep first and eat later, which worked perfectly given the brutally early 1:45 AM departure time (3:45 AM for my internal clock).
With this system, you no longer have to stay up or wake up to eat. You can focus on sleeping, and eat when your stomach kicks you out of your dreams and into the real world.
Breakfast (Mid-Flight Snack for Me):
- Raspberry, oats, and honey smoothie – refreshing and smooth
- Hand-rolled omelet with spinach and cream cheese – perfectly cooked, like a Japanese bento-style omelet
- Side of Mushrooms, asparagus, sausage, and potatoes – fresh and flavorful
- Saffron-infused chai tea – simply divine
This was the best airplane breakfast I’ve ever had, even better than United’s well-known shakshuka. It paired well with the oat milk decaf latte I was able to order (several times, actually), probably my first on an airplane!
Dinner (Pre-Arrival Meal):
- Qatari spiced barramundi machboos – like an elevated biryani, flavorful and aromatic
- Warm bread assortment with rich butter
This was second only to Singapore Airlines’ Lobster Thermidor in my all-time best business class meals.
My only regret was not being hungrier so I could order more food!
Wine Selection:
Qatar Airways offers an impressive selection of premium wines. However, since alcohol disrupts sleep, I opted to skip it. That said, for those who enjoy wine, expect a curated list of fine vintages.
Lavatories: Spacious & Spotless
Qatar Airways maintains its lavatories immaculately. Every time I visited, the toilet seat cover was replaced, the sink was pristine, and fresh dental kits were available. I missed having a window (like on Thai Airways), but the cleanliness more than made up for it.
Qatar Airways Service: A Masterclass in Hospitality
The service on this flight was impeccable. The crew was proactive, friendly, and incredibly detail-oriented. Flight attendants discreetly checked on passengers without disturbing those who were asleep. Unlike American carriers, Qatar Airways flight attendants seemed genuinely proud of their work. They really seem to enjoy providing such excellent service.
Final Verdict: Is Qatar Airways QSuites Worth It?
Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Seat & Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Privacy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dining | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WiFi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lounge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
This was one of the best business class experiences of my life. Qatar Airways QSuites are an absolute game-changer—even better than Emirates’ A380 business class and comparable to international first class on many airlines.
I honestly remember more about this one flight than my entire trip to the Maldives. That’s how good it was.
You can sometimes find Qatar Airways award flight for as low as 75,000 AAdvantage Miles. At that rate, Qatar’s QSuite is an unbeatable value. If you have the points, BOOK IT.
And even if an award flight isn’t available, if the full-fare ticket is anywhere in the realm of your cash budget, BOOK IT. Periodt. Over. Done. Adios and enjoy!
