Qatar Airways is known for having the best business class cabin in the world in 2024. The airline took its business class up a notch with QSuite, which offers an unparalleled flying experience and privacy. To continue innovating and improving its offering, which is expected to be featured onboard the Boeing 777-9 by 2025.
While it may be a few months (or years) before we can experience the new QSuite, I had a unique opportunity to try the current product on my flight from Bangkok to Doha after a ten-day holiday in Thailand. Qatar Airways QSuite is only available on certain aircraft and routes, so not every business class ticket will guarantee this elevated flying experience. Nonetheless, the Boeing 777 experience delivered everything I expected.
After winning a sweet deal on Qatar Airways flights, I spent ten days in Thailand with an industry colleague. Our trip started in Bangkok on July 23 and ended in Phuket on July 31. We flew on Thai Airways from Phuket to Bangkok to take our Qatar Airways flight back to Johannesburg via Doha.
Lucky for us, Bangkok-Doha is one of the routes with the QSuite business class. We arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) at about 21:15 local time, with our flight from Bangkok (QR837) scheduled for 02:30 on August 1. After collecting our luggage, we arrived at the check-in counter at about 22:00, where the check-in agents had just arrived.
The Qatar Airways counter was located in , which was obviously a deliberate move by the airline. With a very long queue at the economy check-in, we cheekily whizzed past the lines to the business class check-in side. It was meant to be a quick and easy process, but one family in front of us had loads of checked luggage, which took some time to process.
However, when it was our turn to check in our luggage, it was quick and easy, so we were on our way. Bangkok Airport has dedicated fast-track security lanes for business and first class passengers, disabled customers, infants, Buddhist monks, aircrew, and other special travelers. We made use of the fast-track service, which was very efficient.
We quickly got our passports stamped by the immigration officers and made our way to the security checkpoint. After clearing security, we wasted no time getting to the Qatar Airways lounge because we had heard so many good things about it. The airline has its own Premium Lounge, located in Concourse D.
It took us roughly eight minutes to walk to the lounge. We immediately entered and were greeted by the friendly staff, who only needed to scan our boarding passes before letting us in. The lounge has over 7,803 sq ft (725 sq m) of space with various seating options and sections.
It has two expansive dining areas and a small restaurant where you can enjoy an à la carte menu. The bar also has a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. As a man at the end of his holiday, I kicked off the lounge experience with an ice-cold Gin and Lemonade cocktail before diving into an Espresso Martini.
Want to see more of our With boarding only starting at 01:45, we enjoyed a few hours of relaxing in the Premium Lounge. At about 01:50, all passengers on Flight QR387 began exiting the lounge and making their way to the gate. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the gate, and the process is not straightforward, so you need to keep that in mind.
We were boarding at Gate S113, which is located on the other side of the airport. To get there, you need to take the escalator down and then hop on the train, which takes about eight minutes in total. The train departs every two minutes, so you do not have to worry too much if you miss one.
The train journey takes about five minutes, and then you have to walk another five minutes to get to the gate. Given the distance and time, all passengers are encouraged to leave the lounge early. As expected, Qatar Airways also has a special lane and jet bridge for premium travelers, so we went through the gate with ease.
There were no delays in boarding, so we quickly got onto the aircraft and were shown to our seats by the friendly flight attendants. I chose suite 11J, located by the window and right at the end of the business class cabin. I was welcomed with a glass of Rosé Champagne, which put me in the right mood for my business class flight.
However, I must say, it's always awkward when the economy passengers pass through the cabin and stare at you or the business class suites. What sets QSuite apart from other business class cabins is the doors. Closing them offers ultimate privacy and lets you get on with your business without worrying about other passengers.
The cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning all passengers have aisle access. Travelers can opt for a single suite, a twin suite, a double suite, or the quad. We opted for two single suites, which offer enhanced privacy and window access.
This time, we flew on a six-year-old Boeing 777-300ER, registration A7-BEP. Stepping onto the aircraft, the cabin was spotless, smelled fresh, and provided a lot of overhead space for carry-on bags. The QSuite seat has a pitch and bed length of 79 inches and a width of 21.
5 inches. While it may be tempting to immediately turn your seat into a relaxing bed, , like on all flights. The QSuite has different compartments, including a rack for the menu, safety cards, and pamphlets just behind, a small compartment for your shoes just below, and another compartment for headphones and other accessories just by the right armrest.
It also has many powerpoints to charge your laptop and smartphone. It is important to note that most aircraft, including the 777, have type G sockets, so if your laptop uses type D or other round plugs, you should always have a travel adapter on hand. After an eventful holiday in the hot and humid Thai weather, I couldn’t wait to get into my QSuite bed.
Qatar Airways provides a blanket, two pillows, and exclusive loungewear/pajamas to ensure you have the most comfortable sleep. You can also request the cabin crew to make your bed for you and ensure it is as cozy as possible. As soon as the seatbelt signs were off, I turned my seat into a bed to get some rest.
The suite has a panel with different buttons, which you can toggle to find the perfect setting. It has options for working, sleeping, dining, and watching movies. It is also encouraged to keep your seatbelt loosely fastened, even when sleeping, .
Just before I got to bed, the flight attendant came to take my order. Although I had selected my main many days before the flight, I had to order my starter, dessert, and drinks. As the fatigue of traveling all day started to kick in, I asked to receive my meal after four hours, so I could get some rest.
A brief dive into what is often dubbed the world's best business class. While some airlines provide comprehensive in-flight entertainment and playlists, I always prefer listening to my own music. I have a four-hour Spotify playlist dedicated to flights, which I edit every now and again.
After finalizing my meals, I pulled out my noise-canceling headphones, put my playlist on shuffle, and went straight to bed. I woke up just before sunrise and asked the flight attendant to serve the meal. Business class passengers can enjoy an à la carte menu with a choice of starters, desserts, and snacks.
For my main, I went for the braised beef short ribs with jus served with fondant potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. It was accompanied by a glass of Bordeaux, which complimented the incredible taste of the food. The main is also served with fresh bread and butter and a choice between sparkling and still water.
After the main, I ordered a cheese platter with French Camembert, Danish blue, and Spanish Manchego. It was served with grainex, lavosh, and an assortment of accompaniments. For the snacks, passengers can freely get up and grab some at the snack bar.
Having picked up a slight cough after being caught up in a storm off the coast of Ko Tao, I desperately needed some hot beverages. The menu included a wide variety of coffees and teas. I ordered a few cups of Moroccan mint tea, served perfectly hot every time.
Although I still had lots of sleep to catch up on, I turned to the in-flight entertainment for the rest of the flight. Qatar Airways provides a set of noise-canceling headphones to connect to the entertainment system. You can use the touchscreen to select what you want to watch or the remote control on the side panel.
You can also scan a QR code and control the entertainment system from your phone. The Doha-based airline’s in-flight entertainment is known as Oryx One. It has up to 8,500 entertainment options, including music, movies, TV shows, games, audiobooks, and podcasts.
With some of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, you can never run out of entertainment options. I spent the rest of the flight watching IF, a 2024 comedy film starring Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski. Qatar Airways also offers free onboard WiFi for Privilege Club members, which can be used for about 30 minutes.
Apart from the special loungewear, Qatar Airways also provides an exclusive Diptyque amenity kit. I received a bespoke Diptyque gift box with lip balm, body lotion, face cream, and an exclusive fragrance from the Diptyque collection. The set also comes with a pair of socks, earplugs, and an eye mask.
Having taken four flights on this trip, I returned home with several Diptyque amenities. When flying from Doha, business class passengers receive a branded amenity bag and the box on their onward journey or return sector. The airline also provides a refresher face towel, which is replaced after use.
I will review the Doha-Johannesburg flight separately. It features the exclusive amenity bags! I managed to sneak in a few more minutes of sleep on the flight. The rest of the trip was uneventful, with the crew occasionally checking on me.
As soon as the captain announced that we’d be starting our descent into Doha, I freshened up in the lavatory. Of course, it had been visited many times before, but it still looked clean. The cabin crew swiftly passed through the cabin, collecting headphones and blankets as we prepared to land.
Our flight touched down at at about 04:49 local time, making for a flight time of six hours. The aircraft made its way to the apron, and after coming to a stop, we waited for about five minutes before the doors were opened. We quickly disembarked and hopped onto the business class shuttle buses.
We drove for about five minutes to the terminal and seamlessly went past security. Our next flight was in about three hours, so we wasted no time getting to the lounge. However, our Doha-Johannesburg flight was delayed, so we didn’t get to see our gate on the flight monitors until after an hour.
Overall, the QSuite experience was everything I expected it to be. The seat and bed were very comfortable, and the crew’s friendliness and attentiveness made for an unforgettable journey. With the ‘Qsuite Next-gen’ coming soon, I can’t wait to experience it when I get the chance.
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