Not all premium airline cabins are created equal and Qatar Airways is head and shoulders above most. But don’t just take my word for it.
Since its launch in 2017, its innovative Qsuite cabin has received plaudits. In 2024, Skytrax awarded the airline the World’s Best Business Class and ‘Airline of the Year.’
Needless to say, I was keen to put it to the test, and opportunity knocked when I bagged a keenly priced Qatar Airways Business Class fare from London to Bangkok. But what was it like to fly in the Qsuite and does the product live up to the hype? Is it worth splashing the cash on this flashpacking experience?
Get the lowdown in my Qatar Airways Qsuite review. Spoiler alert: it is 100% worth it!
Is It Worth Flying Qatar Airways Qsuite?
Flying in a Qsuite cabin combines impeccable Qatar Airways customer service and a seat that more closely resembles that offered in first class. It is difficult to find fault with the product.
The business-class dining experience was first-class and the candle on the table was a lovely touch. The aircraft’s IFE system is the best that I have come across.
But the privacy of the spacious seats and their easy-to-use controls sets the Qsuite apart.
Sadly, this is not 5-star travel on a budget. Bargain fares from the UK are hard to come by (although you can sometimes bag a competitive ex-EU fare).
My Experience: Qatar Airways Business Class Review (Qsuite)
This review is largely based on a Qatar Airways business-class flight I took from Bangkok to Doha in January 2019. The aircraft was a Boeing 777-300er kitted out with Qsuites.
I have flown with them in a QSuite cabin a few times since then and my view remains unchanged. Some of the information and images in this review have been updated to better reflect the current product.
Qatar Business Class check-in at Bangkok Airport
Not the best of starts. Far from a cheery ‘Good Morning’, the check-in assistant barked a question about whether I had power banks etc. in my checked luggage, stabbing her finger at images of the offending items on the counter.
She then gave a garbled explanation about Fast Track Immigration and Security as she scribbled the location of the lounge on my boarding pass. Not once did a smile cross her tightly pursed lips.
Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge, Bangkok Airport & Boarding
However, I received a warm and professional welcome at the lounge.
I prefer to eat in the lounge, rather than early in the flight. Therefore, I took advantage of the small buffet breakfast with hot and cold items, including Arabic and Western items.
Orange juice was freshly squeezed and they will cook eggs fresh for you if requested. There was table service for their excellent coffee and other drinks.
Adjacent to the dining room, there was a comfortable seating area with dark grey and taupe chairs. Power charging points, including USB sockets, were plentiful.
There was a small self-service fridge with soft drinks and a limited range of newspapers.
An air of calm prevailed, no doubt helped by the fact there were only around half a dozen of us in the lounge. The central water feature was a nice touch.
The lounge staff came to tell me when my flight was boarding. This was calm and organised and there was a seating area reserved for priority passengers who were boarded through a separate entrance.
On board, Isabelle, my charming Flight Attendant (FA) introduced herself and carefully explained the features of the Qsuite.
I was offered the customary hot or cold towel and welcome drink. As it was not quite fizz o’clock for me, I opted for a delicious mint and lime drink.
As I was settling into my seat, the Customer Service Manager approached to introduce herself. This level of personal service on Qatar Airways has impressed me in the past and I was pleased to see that standards had not slipped.
Qsuite cabin
It was clear that a lot of money and research had been invested in Qatar Airways business class cabin to provide the best possible premium flying experience.
It had a very pleasing rose gold and burgundy colour palette. Purple mood lighting meant that the space felt more akin to an upmarket, trendy bar than an aircraft.
Qsuite seat review
The stars of this show are the Qsuites themselves, which I felt provided the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
The FA on my Doha to LHR leg told me that some passengers find them claustrophobic, a view that I do not share. I found the Qsuite surprisingly spacious and did not feel hemmed in once during my 7-hour+ flight.
The seats are arranged in a staggered 1:2:1 configuration, meaning that all passengers have direct aisle access.
I was in seat 3A, a rear-facing window seat, which is the best choice for a solo traveller. As a general rule, I avoid rows that are near the galley or the toilet.
The middle seats convert into a double bed of sorts. For groups of three or four, these seats are further adjustable to create a shared space, creating a family room or a mini-conference room.
But even if you are travelling alone and are unable to bag a window seat, a privacy divider will separate you from the adjacent seat.
Inside the Qsuite, there was an ottoman on my left-hand side, which housed a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, a bottle of water and the in-flight magazines. There was also space here to store my shoes during the flight.
A feature that I particularly liked was the large side table with a marbled effect to my left. The shelf underneath this table was perfect for storing small items such as glasses.
No expense has been spared on the seat with its premium grey fabric and leather headrest. I also loved the personal adjustable lighting options, with mood lighting beneath the seat, an overhead light and an adjustable reading light at shoulder height.
It’s these little details that can make all the difference.
The seat controls are easily accessible, clear and backlit. No more fumbling around, figuring out how to use them once the cabin lights are dimmed. The gentle massage function was terrific.
Whilst there is no footrest, my short legs could make it to the padded footstool which was very comfortable when sitting or lounging around. A pillow, smaller cushion and cosy blanket were also provided.
When fully flat, the seat was firmer than I would have liked. Although roomy in both width and length, I struggled to get comfortable. However, a mattress topper is available on request.
Even on day flights, Qatar Airways provides complimentary White Company pyjamas (or loungewear as the FAs like to call them).
I did like the privacy of the Qsuite. A smoothly closing door elegantly designed with a ripple effect creates a private cocoon.
Apart from when the FA opened the door to bring me food and drink during the flight, I kept the door closed throughout. In effect, this gave me my private, albeit small, cabin. Similar to a hotel room, a ‘Do Not Disturb’ button is available in the control panel.
Food & drink
The food I chose on board was exceptional and I argue that it approached restaurant quality.
Not hungry after take-off? Not a problem. Qatar Airways has a dine-on-demand system that allows you to eat at a time that suits you.
As a pre-dinner drink, I opted for a glass Brut Champagne served with a ceramic bowl of mixed nuts and beetroot chips.
The menu offered lunch options and lighter bites. Snacks were also available throughout the flight.
The artificial candle gracing the linen tablecloth was a nice touch, as were the mini salt and pepper grinders. An amuse-bouche of smoked salmon and cream cheese was served along with a basket of warm bread, butter and dipping oils.
The main course of Pad Thai, washed down with a South African Spier Chardonnay, was excellent. On the recommendation of the FA, the cheese board was served with a glass of 20-year-old tawny port.
As a final touch, my saffron chai came with a small box of Godiva chocolates.
Inflight Entertainment System + connectivity
I was very impressed with the in-flight entertainment (IFE) in the business class cabin.
The Oryx system had a huge selection of airborne entertainment viewed on a 22-inch high-definition screen. Navigation was via the touchscreen or a handset and was very responsive and easy to use.
There were two USB ports, a power socket and an HDMI port. Wifi access was available for an additional charge.
Qatar Business Class amenity kit
I loved the Qatar Airways business class amenity kit. In 2025, this comes courtesy of Diptique. In addition to the usual earplugs, eye mask and socks you get decent-sized miniatures of moisturiser, body lotion, Eau de Toilette and a superb lip balm.
Dental and shaving kits were provided in the bathrooms, which were kept spotless throughout the flight.
Qatar Airways Business Class Lounges at Doha Airport
In the last few years, Qatar has unbundled its lounges from the overall product.
In a nutshell, you will only get access to its premium lounges – Al Mourjan and the newer Al Mourjan Garden Lounge – if your fare class is Elite, Comfort or Classic. A Business Class Lite fare does not grant you free acess to these lounges, even if you have status through oneworld frequent flyer programmes.
Both of these lounges are wonderful, although I prefer the older Al Mourjan Lounge. What other lounges can boast an indoor lagoon?
More a 5-star hotel lobby than a utilitarian lounge, this is an enormous space spread over two levels.
Upstairs is the restaurant and bar; downstairs, comfortable seating areas with ample charging points and coffee / soft drinks stations. Touchscreens adjacent to the seats allow you to access flight information.
I treid out the Al Mourjan Garden Lounge on a recent connection. Overlooking the lush Orchard in the airport’s new northern extension, it’s filled with natural light.
Thanks to my silver status with BA’s Executive Club, I could use the Oryx Gold Lounge on a Business Lite Fare. Located near the airport’s massive bear sculpture, it was clean, quiet and comfirtable with excellent service.
Booking a Qsuite Flight
Are you now eager to try out the Qsuite? If so, make sure that you will be flying on a plane with Qsuites.
The following aircraft are equipped with Qsuites:
- Airbus A350-1000: All
- Airbus A350-900: Many
- Boeing 777-200LR: Most
- Boeing 777-300ER: Many
Identifying Qsuite flights from the Qatar Airways booking engine is straightforward.
If a cabin kitted out with Qsuites is operating as part of this itinerary, this will be indicated.
Big caveat. Qatar Airways can change aircraft at any given time without notice. Even if you think you booked a Qsuite flight, occasionally this may not be the case when you board the plane.
That said, you will still be sitting in a Qatar Airways business class seat which isn’t too shabby.
I hope that you’ve found this Qatar Airways Qsuite review helpful
Finally, if you have an early morning flight from London Heathrow, I recommend staying at Premier Inn London Heathrow Terminal 4. It is within walking distance of the terminal, is comfortable beyond its modest price point and offers five-star service.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
nice review!
is the IFE better than emirates?
Thank you!
I think that the IFE is better than that on Emirates (But that’s not too shabby either!)