Qatar Airways is my favorite and most flown long-haul airline. I often go out of my way to fly Qatar Airways because it combines strong award availability, an efficient transit experience at Hamad International Airport (DOH), and one of the best premium cabins in the sky: Qatar Airways Qsuite Business Class.

Frequent flyers often use the term getting “Qatar’d” to describe last-minute aircraft swaps that result in a less desirable cabin, a risk created by the wide variety of aircraft types and Business Class configurations across the Qatar Airways fleet. The Boeing 777-300ER alone features six different layouts, and only four of those include the Qsuite. That distinction matters for travelers who prioritize privacy, comfort, and consistency in Business Class.

I avoid getting “Qatar’d” by flying primarily between North America and Doha. These routes receive Qsuite-equipped aircraft far more consistently than some long-haul regional flights from Doha to Europe or Southeast Asia, where older Business Class seats still appear.

Over the past two years, I have flown the Qatar Airways 777-300ER Business Class with Qsuite no fewer than five times. The focus here is on my most recent journey from Doha (DOH) to Montreal (YUL), a route that reliably offers the full Qatar Airways Qsuite experience on the Boeing 777-300ER.

Award Flight Booking (9/10)

When I book Qatar Airways flights, I always try to lock in award space as far in advance as possible. This ticket is booked during a release of award inventory through Qatar Airways Privilege Club. For travelers focused on booking Qatar Airways Business Class with points, using Qatar Airways Privilege Club is almost always the best option. The program uses Avios and offers excellent access to long-haul Qsuite award space, especially on flagship routes between Doha and North America.

Also, Qatar Airways Privilege Club is a 1:1 transfer partner of several major flexible points programs, including:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Citi ThankYou Rewards

TPA Pro Tip: Qatar Airways Privilege Club is part of the Avios ecosystem, which includes British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Finnair Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub. As Avios can be freely transferred between programs, this unlocks additional transfer partners such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Rove Miles. 

For this flight, I book directly through Qatar Airways Privilege Club via a point transfer from American Express. The total cost comes to 70,000 Avios points plus approximately 300 USD in taxes and fees, which represents strong value for a nearly 14 hour Qatar Airways Qsuite flight. Qatar Airways Business Class seats often cost well over 4,000 USD for flights between Doha and North America, so it is easy to see why booking Qatar Airways Qsuite with points ranks among the best ways to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points.

Here is the exact itinerary I book:

• Flight Number: QR763
• Route: Doha, Qatar (DOH) to Montreal, Canada (YUL)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
• Departure Date: November 16th, 2025
• Departure Time: 08:25
• Arrival Time: 14:05
• Flight Time: 13 hours and 40 minutes

I always look forward to flying Qatar Airways and transiting through Doha (DOH), especially because Qatar Airways offers one of the best Business Class lounges in the world, so with the booking complete, it is time to get into the onboard Qsuite experience.

Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) Transit (8/10)

Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) is a major reason I continue to choose Qatar Airways for long-haul travel. This specific journey begins in Tokyo (NRT), so I do not experience the dedicated Qatar Airways Business Class check-in in Doha. Even so, the departure process in Japan is smooth, organized, and efficient, which sets the tone for the trip.

Arriving in Doha reinforces why this airport stands out as a global hub. Hamad International Airport (DOH) can feel busy during peak connection periods, but it never feels chaotic. The terminal is spacious, exceptionally clean, and well designed, making transits far more comfortable than at many other major airports.

TPA Pro Tip: If you have an especially long layover in Doha (DOH), you can book a complimentary Doha transit tour through Qatar Airways. This guided city tour is a great way to step outside the airport, see a few highlights of Doha, and make better use of extended connection time.

Two features define the Doha transit experience for me. The first is the iconic yellow bear sculpture, which has become a symbol of the airport. The second is the Orchard, a large indoor garden surrounded by designer shops and cafes. While the Singapore Jewel remains more immersive, the Orchard adds a calm, green centerpiece that significantly improves the transit experience.

Seeing the Orchard glow in the soft Gulf morning light is genuinely memorable and a perfect reminder of why Doha remains one of my favorite airports to transit when flying Qatar Airways Business Class.

Airport Lounge: Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden (9/10)

Qatar Airways operates two flagship Business Class lounges at its Doha hub, the Al Mourjan Business Lounge and the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden. The Garden lounge is the newer of the two and, as the name suggests, it sits directly above the Orchard.

I enter the lounge via one of two glass elevators, where lounge staff check my boarding pass before I step inside. The arrival experience feels dramatic and refined. The reception area features soaring ceilings and a minimalist design that reminds me more of a modern museum than an airport lounge.

The lounge layout is easy to understand and thoughtfully organized. Facing the main desk, the left side focuses on dining, while the right side is dedicated to seating and relaxation. For travelers looking to splurge, there is also access to the Louis Vuitton Lounge within the space, though all food and drinks there come at an additional cost.

Like most Qatar Airways lounges, The Garden can become extremely crowded during peak departure banks. In my experience, the busiest times fall between 23:30 and 02:00, then again from 06:00 to 10:00. When I arrive around midnight, the lounge is packed, and finding a comfortable seat is challenging. I head straight to the dining area, where the staff kindly helps me secure a table.

As you would expect from a lounge of this size, there are plenty of seating options available. Despite that, during peak times, it can be difficult to be find a comfortable seat.

Both Al Mourjan lounges offer an excellent a la carte dining experience, and I take full advantage. I order a couple of mocktails along with beef tenderloin, mutton biryani, and sushi rolls. The food is consistently very good, easily above average for a Business Class lounge. 

There is also a self-serve buffet available, but I usually prefer ordering from the a la carte menu. After multiple main dishes and more sushi than I care to admit, I am more than satisfied. Dessert options are equally tempting, with baklava, fruit, and cakes that are difficult to resist.

As space opens up, I sign up for one of the Quiet Rooms. These private rest spaces are first come, first serve and strictly silent. They are ideal for sleeping or disconnecting, and I appreciate how consistently quiet the area remains.

I alternate between short naps and a bit of work before heading to the showers. The shower rooms are slightly compact but comfortable.

Qatar Airways partners with Diptyque, and the branded amenities elevate the experience. The only downside is that the showers do not include a toilet.

After a refreshing shower and a change of clothes, I feel fully reset. With boarding time approaching, I take a final stroll through the terminal before making my way to the gate, relaxed and ready for the long flight ahead in Qatar Airways Qsuite Business Class.

Qatar Airways 777-300ER Aircraft Cabin And Layout (9/10)

The Qatar Airways 777-300ER operating my flight to Montreal (YUL) features the airline’s flagship Qsuite Business Class, which continues to set the benchmark for long-haul premium cabins. The Qatar Airways Qsuite cabin is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger and a strong sense of personal space throughout the cabin.

Qsuite seats alternate between being positioned closer to the window or closer to the aisle, while the center seats alternate between pairs that sit closer together or closer to the aisle. In practice, this matters far less than it might on other airlines because every Qsuite includes a fully closing privacy door, which I can close once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.

I still prefer seats closer to the window for the views, but I would be perfectly happy with an aisle-adjacent Qsuite as well. Privacy, storage, and personal space remain excellent across the entire cabin.

On this aircraft, the Business Class cabin is split into two sections. The main cabin contains six rows, followed by a smaller mini cabin with four rows. For this flight, I select seats 3A. If a quieter environment is a priority, I recommend choosing seats in the mini cabin, which tends to feel more tranquil with less foot traffic.

Note: Qatar Airways now charges for advance seat selection on Business Class award tickets. On this booking, the fee is 100 USD to select a seat ahead of time. Passengers with oneworld Sapphire or oneworld Emerald status can still select seats for free, and seat selection remains complimentary at check-in.

There are very few weak seat options in this Qatar Airways Qsuite configuration. The only seats I typically avoid are the row 1 window seats. Due to the curvature of the fuselage at the front of the aircraft, these suites offer slightly less space compared to other window seats.

Qatar Airways Business Class Seat (10/10)

The Qatar Airways Qsuite seat earns its reputation as the industry benchmark the moment I settle in and close the door. Privacy is exceptional, and the suite immediately feels like a personal cocoon rather than a traditional Business Class seat. The materials feel upscale and well finished, and everything is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind.

Each Qsuite offers a generous amount of space, which is what truly separates this product from many competing Business Class cabins. I never feel boxed in or claustrophobic. Instead, there is a strong sense of openness within the suite, even with the door closed.

The seat itself is extremely comfortable. Cushioning strikes the right balance, supportive without feeling too firm or too soft. At my seat, I find a throw pillow, a plush blanket, a full sleeping pillow, and the amenity kit already waiting.

The footwell can feel slightly narrow for very tall passengers, especially at window seats, but it does not bother me at all. Above the footwell sits the tray table, which slides in and out smoothly and feels sturdy once deployed. Just above that is the in-flight entertainment screen, which is crisp, responsive, and a very comfortable size for extended viewing.

One of my favorite design elements is the large fixed surface next to the screen. It easily holds drinks, snacks, or small personal items, which means I do not need to deploy the tray table constantly. This surface also works well for charging devices during the flight. 

Below it, there is a recessed storage area where I usually place my phone and smaller items. Qatar adds a raised lip to prevent anything from sliding onto the floor, a small but smart detail.

This same area houses the in-flight entertainment controller, seat controls, universal power outlet, HDMI connection, and headphone jack. The seat controls include preset positions, but I can fine-tune everything manually. There is also a Do Not Disturb function, which prevents the crew from waking me for meal service, a feature I truly appreciate on overnight flights.

Next to the seat is a covered storage compartment that opens to reveal a deep cubby. This space easily fits a water bottle and anything I want tucked away, including headphones, charging cables, and pajamas.

Above it, I find a reading light and a dedicated coat hook, rounding out a layout that feels both intuitive and well thought out.

Qatar Airways Business Class Bed (9/10)

Turning the Qatar Airways Qsuite seat into a fully flat bed takes just one tap on the seat controls using the sleep preset. The transition is smooth and quick, making it easy to settle in once meal service wraps up.

One area where Qatar Airways truly stands out is turndown service in Business Class. After I let my flight attendant know that I plan to sleep following the meal, the crew returns to prepare the suite. A mattress pad, fresh pillow cover, and seat cover transform the space into a comfortable and inviting bed at cruising altitude.

The bed itself ranks among the best in Business Class. The signature burgundy blanket is thick, soft, and warm, while the pillow offers solid support for extended rest. Combined with the enclosed suite design, the Qsuite bed creates an environment that feels quiet, private, and ideal for sleeping on a long-haul flight.

The main limitation of the Qsuite bed is the placement of the tray table. As a side sleeper, I notice that it slightly reduces leg clearance within the footwell. This is a minor drawback for me, but I expect back sleepers will find the bed close to perfect.

One thoughtful design detail stands out in bed mode. Right next to my shoulders, I find dedicated controls for the lights and a button to return the seat to the dining position. This means I can adjust lighting or change seat positions without sitting up, which makes a big difference when trying to maximize rest.

Qatar Airways also provides Business Class passengers with pajamas; which I cover in more detail in the amenities section. When paired with the turndown service and the exceptionally comfortable bed, the Qatar Airways Qsuite on the 777-300ER remains one of the most comfortable places to sleep in the sky.

On-Board Entertainment (9/10)

The Qatar Airways Qsuite onboard entertainment on the 777-300ER delivers a strong premium experience, starting with the large 21.5-inch high-definition screen at each seat. The system, known as Oryx One, offers a wide mix of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and international content from around the world. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which makes settling in for a long flight effortless.

One minor drawback on the Qatar Airways 777-300ER is the lack of onboard exterior cameras, which limits the ability to view takeoff and landing from the cockpit or tail.

Wi-Fi

Qatar Airways has retrofitted most of its Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 -900 / -1000 fleet with Starlink, and the performance is genuinely impressive. Every passenger, including those in Economy Class and Business Class, receives complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, which is a major competitive advantage.

On my most recent flight, I test the connection and consistently see download speeds around 180 Mbps, which is remarkably fast for inflight internet. Browsing, streaming, messaging, and even large file downloads work without issue. Latency remains high, so competitive gaming is not practical yet, but for nearly everything else, the experience feels closer to home internet than traditional inflight Wi-Fi.

Business Class Lavatory (8/10)

The Qatar Airways 777-300ER Business Class lavatories are well designed and maintained, offering a solid experience throughout the flight. In this Qsuite configuration, there are four lavatories serving 42 Business Class seats, which is a favorable ratio for a long-haul aircraft. While short waits can happen during peak moments, they are generally brief and manageable.

During this flight, the lavatories remain consistently clean and well stocked. The space feels upscale, with warm wood tones, good lighting, and thoughtful details throughout. One feature I especially appreciate is the leather-backed toilet seat cover, which provides a convenient place to sit while changing clothes.

Qatar Airways’ partnership with Diptyque extends into the lavatories as well. I find Diptyque hand soap, hand lotion, and face mist available, which adds a subtle luxury touch that elevates the overall experience beyond what most airlines offer in business class.

If given the choice, I recommend using the lavatories located between the Business Class sections rather than those closer to the cockpit. These lavatories are noticeably larger and more comfortable.

Qatar Airways Business Class Amenity Kit (9/10)

The Qatar Airways Business Class amenities easily rank among the best in the sky and reinforce just how much the airline invests in its premium product. The amenity kit is co-branded with Diptyque and comes in a sturdy faux-leather pouch that feels premium and well made.

Qatar Airways offers gender-specific amenity kits, with white pouches for female passengers and black pouches for male passengers, though the contents inside remain the same. The airline also rotates amenity kit designs regularly, so it is common to receive a different style on future flights.

Inside the kit, I find everything I expect from a top-tier Business Class experience, including socks, an eye mask, eau de toilette, face cream, body lotion, and lip balm. Dental kits are stocked in the lavatories, which makes it easy to freshen up without needing to ask the crew. They also make for fantastic gifts ;).

Business Class Pajamas

Beyond the amenity kit, Qatar Airways is one of the few airlines that still offers complimentary pajamas in Business Class. The pajamas are co-branded with Formula 1, making them a fun and practical souvenir for racing fans. They are available in three sizes, small, medium, and large, and fit slightly oversized.

The pajamas come in two color options, grey and black, and they are among my favorites to receive on any airline. They are soft, comfortable, and surprisingly practical, especially thanks to the pockets in the pants.

Qatar Airways Business Class Food And Beverage (9/10)

The Qatar Airways Business Class dining experience remains one of the few airline meal services I genuinely look forward to. On many airlines, I often prefer eating in the terminal instead of onboard. That mindset completely changes on Qatar Airways, where several dishes consistently rank among my favorites in the sky. Two standouts I always look forward to are the muhammara and the signature tomato chili dressing served with bread.

TPA Pro Tip: Qatar Airways allows passengers to pre-order meals up to a week before departure, which helps ensure first-choice availability and significantly reduces food waste. Combined with the airline’s dine-on-demand service, you can choose exactly when you want to eat instead of following a fixed meal schedule. 

Pre-Departure Drinks

Before departure, the crew asks for my drink choice. My default order is always a 50/50 mix of lemon mint and sparkling water, a refreshing and hydrating option I stick with throughout the flight.

Staying well hydrated on a long-haul flight is important to me, and Qatar Airways is excellent at keeping water topped up.

Main Meal Service

On long-haul flights, I try to eat as early as possible so I can maximize rest afterward. I begin with the classic Arabic mezze, which is a true highlight of Qatar Airways Business Class dining.

The plate includes hummus, muhammara, and baba ghanoush, served with warm pita bread. All three are excellent, but the muhammara stands out as my clear favorite and easily rivals main dishes on other airlines.

For the main course, I pre-order the Angus beef filet with mushroom sauce, served with roasted potatoes, baby carrots, and broccolini. I usually choose a Middle Eastern rice dish on Qatar Airways, but I want to see how the airline handles a steak at cruising altitude. I am happy to report that the beef is cooked beautifully and remains tender and juicy. The potatoes complement it perfectly.

One detail I always appreciate is that Qatar Airways serves each course separately rather than placing everything on a single tray. This approach mirrors restaurant-style dining and signals how much care the airline puts into its food and beverage program.

To finish the meal, I order the dulce de leche cheesecake, which delivers a rich and satisfying end to the service.

After eating extensively in the lounge before boarding, this dessert is the perfect final note without feeling excessive.

Second Meal and Breakfast Options

The main meal leaves me comfortably full, so I skip the second meal service entirely, even though the breakfast menu sounds tempting. My personal approach on long-haul flights is to prioritize dining in the lounge and enjoying the main onboard meal. 

In comparison, in-flight breakfast offerings tend to be less memorable.

Qatar Airways Staff And Service (8/10)

Service on Qatar Airways Business Class is consistently professional, but it rarely stands out to me as exceptional. I have never had a genuinely bad crew experience on Qatar Airways. The flight attendants are polite, composed, and efficient, and they make sure I am taken care of throughout the flight. At the same time, the service does not often rise above expectations.

That pattern continues on this flight. The crew performs their duties well and serves with a smile, but the experience feels fairly standard for a top-tier airline. I do not notice much proactive engagement or anticipation of needs, which is an area where some other leading business class products clearly differentiate themselves.

One small example sums it up well. As I regularly ask for water, a flight attendant offers to leave a large two-liter bottle in my suite, which I appreciate. Later in the flight, when I press the call button, it goes unanswered for close to ten minutes. I end up turning it off, pressing it again, and waiting several more minutes before someone arrives. It is not a major issue, but it does highlight some inconsistency.

In my experience, the soft product on Qatar Airways often depends heavily on the service manager and the specific crew working the flight. While Qatar Airways excels in areas like the Qsuite seat, dining, and overall onboard experience, the gap in warmth and genuine hospitality is noticeable when compared to some of the very best Business Class airlines in the world.

Final Thoughts

Qatar Airways is an airline I often jokingly refer to as “my beloved” when talking with friends and family. That affection exists for a reason. Qatar Airways and its Qsuite Business Class continue to serve as the industry benchmark that other airlines aim to match.

From transiting through Doha (DOH) and spending time in the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden, to stepping onboard and settling into a private Qsuite with a fully flat bed, comfortable pajamas, and Diptyque amenities, the experience feels cohesive and thoughtfully executed. 

Add in a strong dining program highlighted by Arabic mezze, and the entire journey feels polished from start to finish. Few airlines manage to deliver such consistency across the ground and onboard experience.

For travelers who have not yet flown Qatar Airways Qsuite, it fully deserves the reputation it has earned. The combination of privacy, comfort, dining, and overall value makes it one of the most compelling business class products in commercial aviation today. I am especially excited to see how the experience evolves with Qsuite 2.0, which is expected to debut in 2026.

Until then, I have future trips to look forward to, including flying Qatar Airways First Class on the 777-300ER and spending time in the museum-like Al Safwa First Class Lounge, which should more than hold me over until the next generation of Qsuite takes flight.

Kevin Zhao