In the world of international air travel, Qatar Airways has become synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation. As a frequent flyer with over 100 international flights logged in premium cabins, I can confidently say Qatar offers one of the most complete high-end experiences available, especially in Business Class with Qsuite.
From Doha’s Hamad International Airport to long-haul routes across Europe, Asia, and North America, the airline delivers consistency, comfort, and remarkable service. But is Qatar Airways really the best premium airline? Here’s my full review, from Economy to Business, based on flights across four continents.
What defines Qatar Airways as a premium airline?
Qatar Airways earns its reputation through measurable performance and tangible customer benefits. It has been named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax a record seven times, most recently in 2022. This isn’t a marketing claim; it’s based on millions of verified passenger reviews and extensive independent audits.
The airline operates from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha , ranked the #2 airport in the world by Skytrax in 2024. As of May 2025, Qatar Airways flies to over 170 destinations across six continents and maintains a young, modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, A380s, and Boeing 777s.
It’s not just about fleet size or destination count. What elevates Qatar Airways to a premium league is its integrated approach: seamless check-ins, minimal delays, meticulous cabin hygiene, world-class lounges, and crew hospitality that often feels intuitive rather than trained.
How does the Qatar Airways cabin experience compare across classes?
I’ve flown all three cabins on both short-haul and long-haul routes, and the differences between Economy, Business, and First are stark , not just in seat size, but in design philosophy, service delivery, and onboard personalization.
What does Qatar Airways Economy Class offer?
While economy is often overlooked in premium airline reviews, Qatar Airways offers one of the more refined Economy products:
- Seat pitch ranges from 31 to 32 inches, with 6 inches of recline.
- Every seat includes a 13.3-inch HD screen powered by the Oryx One IFE system, which has an impressive range of over 4,000 entertainment options.
- Two hot meals on long-haul flights, with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available during booking.
- A complimentary 23kg checked baggage allowance (varies by route).
- Cabin lighting adapts based on time zones to reduce jet lag , a thoughtful touch rarely seen in Economy.
I’ve found Qatar’s Economy to be notably consistent. The seat cushioning holds up well even on 10-hour flights, and the crew doesn’t cut corners on service.
What are the features of Qatar Airways Business Class?
If you’re familiar with business class products, you’ll know not all are equal. Qatar’s Qsuite, introduced in 2017, still sets the benchmark.
- 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout ensures direct aisle access for every seat.
- The Qsuite transforms into a fully flat bed (up to 79 inches), with adjustable privacy doors.
- Center seats can form a double bed or even a four-person suite, ideal for families or business partners.
- Dining on demand includes caviar service on some routes, extensive à la carte menus, and award-winning wines curated by James Cluer MW.
- I particularly appreciate the Diptyque amenity kits, tailored by route (long-haul vs ultra long-haul).
- Super Wi-Fi, available on over 80% of long-haul aircraft, delivers speeds up to 50 Mbps, which is more than enough for video calls or streaming.
The Qsuite experience is not just luxury , it’s precision. From the firmness of the bedding to the way the crew sequences your meal timing, this is where Qatar Airways justifies its price point.
How exclusive is the Qatar Airways First Class experience?
First Class is offered only on the Airbus A380, which Qatar reinstated in 2022 for selected routes like Doha–London and Doha–Bangkok.
- Seats span 90 inches, fully flat with wide armrests, leather finishes, and wood-grain surfaces.
- Premium features include onboard bar access, caviar service, Krug Champagne, and spa-inspired lavatories.
- The Al Safwa Lounge access at DOH alone makes First Class worth it. I’ll discuss this below, but I consider it the most opulent ground experience of any airline globally.
However, First Class is a rare product in the Qatar fleet. If you’re booking it, check equipment type carefully. Business Class Qsuite is often a better product on most routes in terms of seat design.
How is the in-flight entertainment and connectivity?
The Oryx One system stands out. I’ve tried nearly every IFE system flying today , KrisWorld (Singapore), ICE (Emirates), StudioCX (Cathay) , and Oryx One is among the top three.
- Over 4,000 movies, TV shows, games, and music.
- Subtitle availability in multiple languages including Arabic, French, Hindi, Mandarin, and Japanese.
- Noise-cancelling headphones provided in Business and First Class.
- Super Wi-Fi, powered by Inmarsat GX Aviation, delivers fast and consistent streaming. It’s complimentary in First and Business, with packages available in Economy.
- Wi-Fi on most wide-body aircraft
- Super Wi-Fi (high-speed) on A350 and some 777s
- Pricing:
- Free first hour for Business
- ~$10–$20 full-flight unlimited plans
Wi-Fi was fast enough to stream YouTube and work online, especially on A350 flights with Super Wi-Fi coverage. Connectivity is stable over Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over the Atlantic, speeds drop slightly but remain functional for browsing and emails.
What is the quality of onboard service and dining?
Service is Qatar’s strongest suit , and I don’t say that lightly. Crew training is clearly standardized and tightly monitored.
Business Class Dining
- Dine-on-demand menu
- Multiple appetizers, mains, desserts
- Signature dishes: Arabic mezze, grilled beef fillet, lobster tail
- Champagne & Wine: Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, Château de Pez, regional varietals
- Pre-departure drinks: Arabic coffee with dates, champagne
Economy Class Meals
- Two full meals on long-haul flights
- Generous snack service mid-flight
- Special meals available by request (halal, vegan, kosher, etc.)
Business Class meals are plated restaurant-style with porcelain dishware. Even in Economy, I found presentation, taste, and timing to exceed expectations.
In my experience, I’ve rarely had a meal served too hot, too cold, or off-tasting , which is remarkable consistency in an airborne kitchen.
What do Qatar Airways lounges offer at Hamad International Airport?
I’ve spent over 100 hours inside both Al Mourjan and Al Safwa lounges at DOH. Both are standout global lounges.
Al Mourjan Lounge (Business Class)
- Spanning 10,000 m sq, this lounge feels like a boutique hotel.
- Offers buffet dining and à la carte restaurant with views of the terminal.
- Showers, nap pods, workstations, and even billiards tables.
- Access is limited strictly to Business Class ticket holders, not elite frequent flyers flying Economy.
Al Safwa Lounge (First Class)
- Designed like a museum: high ceilings, reflective pools, and private art installations.
- Includes private bedrooms, fine dining, and a spa with jacuzzi and sauna.
- Boarding announcements are discreet , no PA system. A staff member escorts you when it’s time.
If there’s one lounge that can rival Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal or Emirates First Lounge in Dubai, it’s Al Safwa.
How does Qatar Airways handle baggage and check-in policies?
- Check-in opens 48 hours before departure for most routes (except US flights: 24 hours).
- Business and First Class passengers enjoy dedicated counters, fast track security, and priority baggage handling.
- Baggage allowance by class:
- Economy: 25–30kg (or 2 x 23kg on select routes)
- Business: 40kg or 2 x 32kg
- First: 50kg or 2 x 32kg
- Cabin baggage:
- Economy: 1 piece, 7kg
- Business/First: 2 pieces, total 15kg
Their mobile app allows for digital boarding passes, seat selection, and live baggage tracking, which I find particularly useful for tight connections.
What is the Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Avios system?
In 2022, Qatar Airways transitioned its loyalty program to the Avios currency, aligning with British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
- Tiers: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, Platinum , each with increasing benefits like lounge access, bonus Avios, and priority boarding.
- Avios redemptions: Outstanding value on Qsuite routes , e.g., 70,000 Avios + $120 taxes for DOH–LHR Business Class.
- Family pooling allows you to combine Avios among household members.
- Easy transfer from American Express, Citi, and HSBC points (depending on country).
I personally rate the program higher than Emirates Skywards due to lower redemption surcharges and better alliance integration via Oneworld.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly Qatar Airways?
Sample Round-Trip Fares (2025)
| Route | Economy | Business (Qsuite) | First Class |
| JFK – DOH | $720 | $3,800 | N/A (no First) |
| LHR – CPT | $680 | $3,250 | N/A |
| SYD – DOH | $880 | $4,200 | $6,500 |
Qatar offers competitive pricing, especially for advance-purchase Business Class. Promotions can bring Qsuite fares as low as $2,500 round trip on key routes.
Miles and Upgrades: Can You Book Qatar With Points?
Yes. Qatar partners with Oneworld programs, especially:
- American AAdvantage
- British Airways Avios
- Qatar Privilege Club (Avios-based)
Sample Award Rates
| Route | Business Class (One-Way) | Economy (One-Way) |
| JFK – DOH | 70,000 AAdvantage miles | 40,000 miles |
| LHR – DOH | 43,000 Avios | 20,750 Avios |
| SYD – DOH | 90,000 Avios | 50,000 Avios |
Award availability is good, especially when booking through Qatar Privilege Club with Avios. You can also combine points from BA, Iberia, and Qatar Avios accounts.
How does Qatar Airways compare to other top premium airlines?
| Feature | Qatar Airways | Emirates | Singapore Airlines |
| Business Class | Qsuite | A380 flatbed | Book the Cook |
| Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 50 Mbps | ~20 Mbps | Variable |
| Lounge Access | Al Mourjan/Safwa | Emirates Lounge | SilverKris Lounge |
| IFE Variety | 4,000+ options | ICE System | KrisWorld |
| Service Consistency | Very High | High | High |
| Award History | 7x Skytrax #1 | 4x Skytrax #1 | 3x Skytrax #1 |
In short, Qatar edges out Emirates in Business Class, though Emirates has more robust First Class coverage. Singapore Airlines wins on service nuance, but Qatar offers more value in loyalty redemptions.
What are frequent passenger reviews and ratings for Qatar Airways?
As of May 2025, Qatar Airways holds:
- 4.3/5 on Trustpilot based on 12,400 reviews
- 5-Star Airline by Skytrax in the 2024 audit
Common praises:
- Exceptional crew behavior
- Cleanliness and comfort of cabins
- Quality of Business Class dining
Common complaints:
- Limited First Class routes
- Wi-Fi consistency across older aircraft
Based on my cross-platform checks (FlyerTalk, Reddit, Skytrax, Trustpilot), Qatar has among the most polarized but mostly positive premium reviews.
Who Should Fly Qatar Airways?
Ideal For:
- Business travelers who need rest and connectivity
- Couples seeking suite-style privacy in the sky
- Oneworld loyalists maximizing Avios or AAdvantage miles
- Leisure travelers looking for premium comfort at mid-premium pricing
Less Ideal For:
- Ultra-budget travelers (Qatar doesn’t compete with low-cost carriers)
- Travelers expecting alcohol-free flights (Qatar does serve alcohol)
- Domestic fliers (Qatar’s strength is long-haul international)
Is Qatar Airways worth the premium price?
Yes , especially for Business Class. Fares are typically 10–20% lower than Emirates or Singapore Airlines on similar routes. The Qsuite, combined with world-class lounges, fast Wi-Fi, and top-tier service, delivers an experience that often feels underpriced.
For those who know how to leverage Avios, the value gets even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qatar Airways have lie-flat seats in Business Class?
Yes. All long-haul Business Class seats, including Qsuite, are fully flat and include bedding.
Is alcohol served on Qatar Airways?
Yes. Champagne, wine, beer, and spirits are served in all international cabins.
Can I access the lounge with a Business Class ticket?
Yes. Business Class passengers get access to Qatar’s own Al Mourjan Lounge and Oneworld partner lounges globally.
Do all flights have Qsuite?
No. Qsuite is on most A350-1000s, some A350-900s, and select B777s. Always check your aircraft layout before booking.