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Review of Qatar Airways Business Class

Ramsey Qubein Ramsey Qubein Oct 15, 2024
Review of Qatar Airways Business Class

With its globally celebrated Qsuite, opulent lounges, and award-winning inflight hospitality, Qatar Airways Business Class continues to set the gold standard in premium travel. Spanning continents from North America to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Qatar Airways consistently delivers amenities and service that have positioned it among the top-tier of international carriers.

The airline has further elevated its business class offering with the latest Business Class Suite on its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner—a compact yet indulgent private suite designed for the modern luxury traveler. In addition, Qatar Airways operates its flagship A380s on select routes such as London Heathrow, Bangkok, Sydney, and Perth, offering expansive cabins and exclusive amenities.

Qatar Airways is a proud member of the oneworld alliance, joining forces with global leaders like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, and Sri Lankan Airlines. Its extensive codeshare arrangements ensure seamless connectivity to hundreds of destinations, expanding travel options far beyond its own direct network. 

Travelers enrolled in the Privilege Club loyalty program accumulate Avios—redeemable across all oneworld carriers—making it easier to enjoy complimentary flights and premium alliance benefits like lounge access and priority services on partner airlines.

Airport experience

Qatar Airways operates exclusively from Doha Hamad International Airport, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. The airport offers an extensive range of traveler-centric services, including world-class retail outlets, a luxury airside hotel featuring a fitness center and swimming pool, and a remarkable collection of modern art. Iconic installations such as the $7 million Lamp Bear and KAWS’ Small Lie create a memorable sense of place.

Discover more about Hamad International Airport

Business Class guests benefit from a dedicated check-in and security area, ensuring swift passage through the airport. This streamlined process allows for more time in the renowned Qatar Airways lounges. For those arriving in Doha, a dedicated arrivals lounge provides showers, refreshments, and expedited immigration—a truly seamless experience at every stage.

The signature Al Mourjan Business Lounge is a destination in itself, spanning two levels and over 10,000 square meters (100,000 square feet). Guests enjoy tranquil water features, private nap rooms, showers, a children’s play area, and an array of dining venues—from a gourmet restaurant and Champagne bar to a deli with freshly prepared paninis. The culinary offering includes international cuisines and an extensive beverage selection featuring premium brands like Charles Heidsieck and Philipponnat Champagnes.

Qatar Airways also operates branded lounges in major cities including London, Paris, Singapore, and Beirut, with partner and third-party lounges available elsewhere.

Note: Business Class Lite fares, the most affordable category, do not include complimentary lounge access. However, entry can be purchased for a fee.

Explore Qatar Airways’ global lounge network

Cabin & Seat

The signature maroon and grey palette of Qatar Airways extends harmoniously from its branding to the sophisticated interiors of its aircraft cabins. Across the fleet, travelers encounter a range of innovative seating arrangements designed for comfort and privacy. 

Foremost among these is the industry-defining Qsuite. Most of the Qatar Airways long-haul fleet now features either Qsuite or fully lie-flat beds. The Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offer a 1-2-1 configuration, while some older A330s and 777s retain a 2-2-2 layout, though these are being phased out or retrofitted. 

Discover the Qsuite on qatarairways.com

Qsuites are always shown on seat maps and are arranged in a 1-2-1 pattern. For families or groups, the popular "quad" suite allows the center partitions to be lowered, creating a shared space while retaining the privacy of each individual suite with closing doors.

Couples often prefer the center Qsuite pairs, which provide both intimacy and discretion thanks to thoughtfully designed privacy panels.

Advance seat selection is complimentary for most fares, including Qsuite-equipped flights, with the exception of Business Class Lite tickets, which only allow seat assignment at check-in. Qsuite layouts feature alternating forward and rear-facing seats for optimal space utilization. 

Standard business seats offer practical storage for essentials, but Qsuite takes it further with generous side compartments, a large work table, and space for laptops, bedding, and personal items.

The latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features the Business Class Suite, blending Qatar’s signature style with cutting-edge technology. Each suite features a sliding door for privacy, wireless device charging, and a 79-inch (2-meter) lie-flat bed. The herringbone 1-2-1 layout guarantees direct aisle access and a tranquil, cocoon-like atmosphere, while center suites can be joined for a bespoke shared experience.

See all current Qatar Airways Business Class seat options

Our Businessclass flight search offers detailed seat maps, images, and videos for most major airlines, including seat pitch, width, and recline. You can preview the exact seat and cabin layout for your chosen flight before booking.

Cuisine

Qatar Airways has redefined business class dining with its truly bespoke, dine-anytime service—one of the most lauded aspects of the premium cabin. Meals are available on demand, allowing travelers to tailor their culinary experience to their own schedule, a feature particularly valued on ultra-long-haul flights.

The meal service commences with your choice of beverage and a bowl of warm, spiced Arabic nuts. Appetizers typically feature a refined Arabic mezze or gourmet soup, plated with artistic flair. 

Main courses span three to four courses depending on route, with dishes inspired by Middle Eastern and international flavors. Expect a rotating selection of beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian options, alongside a signature Indian dish—curry remains a perennial favorite for its robust flavor at altitude.

Desserts are equally impressive, from delicate pastries and cakes to elaborate cheese platters and premium ice cream. Thanks to the à la carte approach, you can request any dish at any time during the flight. 

Insider’s tip: Let your cabin crew know in advance which dishes you’d like to try later in the journey—such as a fresh fruit plate or pasta before landing. They’ll reserve your selection for you.

Special meal requests for vegetarian, kosher, or halal diets can be arranged in advance. 

A round-the-clock snack menu is always available, and on longer journeys, a dedicated self-service snack bar features premium chocolates, crisps, and light bites. 

The only minor drawback is that the tailored, on-demand approach can occasionally result in longer wait times during peak meal periods. However, the elevated flexibility and quality far outweigh this, allowing you to dine according to your own rhythm—not the airline’s.

On select flights departing Doha, guests can pre-select their main course from 14 days up to 24 hours before departure.

Use your booking reference to access Qatar Airways’ Pre-Select Dining service

The overall experience is reminiscent of First Class on many other airlines, which is why Qatar’s inflight cuisine routinely earns top industry accolades.

Discover Qatar Airways Business Class dining in detail

Beverages

Before departure, guests are welcomed with their choice of beverage—often a glass of Champagne, with both Brut and Rosé available—and a warm or chilled towel. Brands frequently featured include Laurent-Perrier Brut and Charles Heidsieck Réserve, while “So Jennie” remains the non-alcoholic sparkling alternative. Each drink is served with elegance, setting the tone for a refined journey.

The curated wine list comes with detailed tasting notes and bottle imagery. Three reds, three whites, a dessert wine, and port are typically offered, with flight attendants expertly recommending pairings for each course and pouring at your seat for a sommelier-like touch.

During Ramadan, Qatar Airways continues to provide pre-departure drinks, discreetly serving alcoholic beverages in the galley to respect cultural sensitivities.

The bar menu includes a robust array of cocktails and mocktails, such as the classic Old Fashioned and Dry Martini. The spirits collection encompasses premium brands like Beluga Vodka, Woodford Reserve, Chivas Regal, and Campari. Beer options often feature Stella Artois and Leffe.

Tea aficionados will appreciate the selection of Dilmah teas, while specialty coffees—Americano, espresso, latte, and macchiato—are all freshly prepared. Regional favorites like Arabic coffee, karak chai with saffron or cardamom, and hot chocolate are available as well.

Each seat is pre-stocked with bottled water, and the attentive crew is always ready to replenish or offer sparkling water by the glass.

On A380-operated flights, Business Class guests can enjoy the exclusive upper deck bar—a sophisticated, full-service lounge perfect for socializing, enjoying a nightcap, or simply stretching out mid-flight.

Our Businessclass flight search provides up-to-date details on Champagne and beverage offerings in Business and First Class across leading airlines. If you spot a change, let us know.

Service

Qatar Airways’ cosmopolitan cabin crew, representing dozens of nationalities, ensures seamless communication in multiple languages, with English always spoken fluently.

Our first-hand experience consistently reveals Business Class service that rivals—and often surpasses—First Class on other carriers. Crew members address passengers by name, take personalized orders, and deliver meals and drinks individually, without the use of trolleys. The presentation is consistently refined, and the staff’s attention to detail and hospitality is a hallmark of the Qatar Airways brand.

 

Entertainment

Every Qatar Airways Business Class seat is equipped with a high-definition entertainment screen, offering a vast library of content to suit every taste and journey length. Screen size and placement vary by aircraft, but all are touchscreen enabled and feature an additional handheld remote. On narrowbody jets, screens may be stowed during takeoff and landing, but on widebodies, entertainment is uninterrupted from gate to gate. 

Noise-cancelling headphones ensure immersive sound, while the Oryx One system features a global mix of music, Hollywood and Bollywood films, television series, and documentaries. Children’s programming is robust, and the 3D moving map remains a favorite for travelers of all ages. 

Find the latest inflight entertainment listings on qatarairways.com

Qatar Airways’ Super Wi-Fi is now available on most Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, with plans to expand across the fleet. This high-speed connectivity is sold per flight, not by data usage, and advance purchase discounts are offered. Oryx One Communications, available on other aircraft, provides Wi-Fi and complimentary SMS messaging, though at slower speeds.

Learn about Qatar Airways’ inflight Wi-Fi.

Some aircraft feature exterior cameras, providing live views during flight—a unique amenity for aviation enthusiasts and those without window seats.

International newspapers, magazines, and the Oryx inflight magazine are available both before takeoff and in-flight, keeping travelers informed and entertained.

Our Businessclass flight search includes current details on inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi for major airlines.

 

Amenities & Facilities

Amenity kits in Qatar Airways Business Class are highly coveted, with limited-edition colorways and distinct versions for men and women. In partnership with the renowned French fragrance house Diptyque, the kits feature luxury skincare products, a signature scent, and essentials such as eye masks, socks, and earplugs.

Hot towels are presented before and after meals, with a choice of temperature on most flights. On overnight routes, guests are provided with soft pajamas and comfortable slippers for a restful journey.

Special edition amenity kits and pajamas have been released for major events, including the FIFA World Cup, reflecting Qatar Airways’ role as a global ambassador. The airline’s pride is evident in its unique aircraft liveries and tailored inflight offerings.

Learn more about traveling with children on Qatar Airways

Short & Medium Haul

Qatar Airways deploys a diverse fleet for regional routes, including widebody jets typically used for long-haul sectors. Many short and medium-haul flights are operated by Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, supplemented by A330s, with most cabins featuring lie-flat or deeply reclining business class seats.

On intra-Gulf routes, the premium cabin is often marketed as First Class, even when the seat product matches Business Class.

Regardless of flight duration, Qatar’s on-demand dining is maintained, with multi-course menus and a broad selection of beverages. Even on brief Gulf flights, passengers enjoy a full meal, Champagne service, and the same meticulous attention to detail—amenity kits, Evian water, printed menus, and plush bedding are consistently provided.

Sustainability

Qatar Airways is steadfast in its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the oneworld alliance’s sustainability targets. Passengers can participate in a voluntary carbon offset scheme to balance the environmental impact of their flights.

The airline has rolled out comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs onboard, including initiatives to minimize surplus food and optimize fuel usage for both ground and inflight operations.

Qatar Aircraft Catering Company supports a daily recovery program, donating up to 300kg of safe, surplus food to charity and constantly refining catering logistics to reduce waste and associated emissions.

The carrier is also a supporter of the Fatanpur Wind Farm in India, which currently operates 54 turbines across Dewas and Ujjain, boosting renewable energy production in the region.

Qatar Airways plays a leading role in combatting illegal wildlife trade, as a founding member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. Its WeQare: Rewild the Planet initiative, launched in 2020, is dedicated to returning endangered animals to their natural habitats free of charge, underscoring the airline’s environmental stewardship.

Our Businessclass flight search displays CO2 emission details for each journey, with higher ratings for flights on the most efficient, modern aircraft.

What We Love

  • Qatar Airways Business Class consistently delivers a First Class-caliber inflight and dining experience.
  • The Al Mourjan lounge in Doha is a destination in itself—worth planning a longer layover to fully enjoy.
  • With the Qsuite available on a majority of long-haul flights, Qatar Airways remains at the forefront of privacy and innovation in business class travel.