QATAR AIRWAYS BUSINESS CLASS REVIEW: IS QSUITE REALLY WORTH IT?

Flying business class with Qatar Airways is often considered a step above the rest, with QSuites offering unmatched luxury and privacy. But is it really worth it? Here’s everything you need to know before booking.

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The Qatar Airways QSuite is widely regarded as one of the best business-class experiences in the world, often rivaling first class in comfort and privacy.

But is it truly worth the hype—and the price?

We’ve flown QSuites twice with two very different experiences. The first left us underwhelmed due to lackluster service and confusion over how things worked, making us question whether it was worth the cost.

However, the second trip was significantly better, largely because we knew what to expect, how to maximize the experience, and it made all the difference.

In this review, we’ll break down how to book QSuites for the best value, what to expect onboard, and the must-know tips to make sure your flight lives up to the hype.

How to Book QSuites Without Paying a Fortune

Qatar Airways QSuites can be outrageously expensive, often costing between $4,000–$7,000+ USD round trip if booked with cash. This is quite obviously not a budget travel option.

Fortunately, you can fly QSuites for a fraction of the cost using points and miles—if you know how to find the right availability.

1. Book with Qatar Airways Avios (Best Availability)

Qatar Airways uses Avios as its rewards currency, and booking directly through Qatar Airways Privilege Club often provides the best availability for QSuites. To do this:
✅ Create a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account (free to join).
✅ Search for availability using the Qatar Airways website.
✅ Look for flights about a year out for the most saver-level availability, or check within 2–3 weeks of departure for last-minute seats.

Chew Tip: If you don’t have Avios in your Qatar account, but you have a travel credit card (ie. AMEX Gold, Citi Strata Premier), you may be able to transfer your rewards points directly to Qatar Airways Avios. Learn more about transfer partners in our Traveler’s Guide to Credit Card Transfer Partners e-book.

2. Use Partner Airlines to Book QSuites with Points

If you don’t have Qatar Avios, you can still book QSuites through partner airlines, sometimes at better redemption rates:

• American Airlines AAdvantage – 70,000 miles one-way between the U.S. and the Middle East or Indian subcontinent.
• British Airways Avios – Not always the best deal due to high taxes, but works for shorter routes.
• JetBlue TrueBlue – If you have JetBlue points, you can sometimes book QSuites through JetBlue’s partnership with Qatar Airways. We actually booked our economy seats on Qatar Airways (JFK-DOH) with our JetBlue points.

🚨Important: If you book an economy seat with non-Avios points, you won’t be eligible for an upgrade to QSuites later.

3. Find QSuites Availability Without Wasting Hours

Award availability for QSuites can be hard to find manually, but these tools make it easier:

• Seats.aero (QSuite Finder) – This tool scans for availability and lets you book instantly if you have enough points.
• Search Multiple Airports – Not every U.S. airport has QSuites, so check major hubs like Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK) to Doha (DOH) for better chances.

4. Book Early or Last-Minute for Best Results

• Best Saver Awards: Book 6–11 months in advance for lower redemption rates.
• Last-Minute Availability: If you missed the early window, check ~2 weeks before departure, as Qatar often releases unsold QSuites seats for points bookings.
• Flexi Awards: If saver seats aren’t available, Qatar also offers “Flexi” awards, but they cost double the points—so they’re not the best value. But it can be good if you’re traveling as a large family/group where everybody wants to book a Qsuite or sit together.

With the right strategy, you can fly Qatar Airways QSuites without paying thousands of dollars.

Using Avios, partner airline miles, and award search tools can make it much easier to find a seat. 

If you’re flexible with travel dates and departure cities, you’ll dramatically improve your chances of securing a QSuite ticket at a great value.

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What to Expect from Qatar Business Class

Luxury Begins Before You Board

Your premium experience starts well before takeoff, especially if you have a layover in Doha. 

Since Qatar Airways is based at Hamad International Airport, chances are you’ll spend some time there—and that’s actually a good thing. 

Doha is home to some of the best airport lounges in the world, and as a business class passenger, you’ll have access to Al Mourjan Business Lounge no matter which terminal you arrive at.

Inside, you’ll find luxurious showers, multiple restaurants, relaxation areas, and complimentary high-speed WiFi. 

The food is exceptional and entirely included with your ticket, making it a great place to unwind and refuel between flights. 

If you have time, I highly recommend making the most of your layover—check out my full guide on Doha layovers for tips!

Boarding & Settling In

Business class passengers have a separate (shorter) check-in line, and board even before Group 1, using a dedicated jet bridge at the front of the aircraft. Look for signs directing you down the Business and First Class hallway.

Once on board, you’ll notice the extra-large overhead bins, making it easy to stow your carry-on. 

If you’ve booked a window seat, you’ll likely have three windows all to yourself—perfect for those stunning sky views. Qatar Airways offers single, twin, double, and quad seating configurations, depending on your travel needs.

As you settle in, you’ll find a Diptyque amenity kit waiting for you, complete with socks, skincare products, and other travel essentials. 

A crewmember will soon stop by to introduce themselves and take your welcome drink order. Options include their signature lime and mint drink, champagne, or other beverages.

Alongside your drink, you’ll receive a small bowl of nuts and get a chance to browse the food and wine menus while the rest of the plane boards.

One great tip: order as much from the menu as possible upfront—even if you’re not hungry yet—so they reserve it for you.

Trust me, some of the dishes can definitely run out and you don’t want to miss out on anything about this potentially exceptional experience.

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Takeoff & In-Flight Comfort

As the plane taxis to the runway, the door to your QSuite must remain open, so a crew member will lock it in place. Once in the air, they’ll unlock it, allowing you to close your door for complete privacy.

For takeoff, you’ll need to keep your seat upright and seatbelt fastened. Depending on the aircraft, this may include a shoulder strap, which you can remove once cruising altitude is reached.

I personally prefer keeping my lap belt on throughout the flight for safety, especially in case of unexpected turbulence.

Shortly after takeoff, your crewmember will bring you a set of loungewear and slippers, which you can change into in the spacious bathrooms.

Unlike standard airplane restrooms, these are larger, cleaner, and stocked with refreshing face mist and lotion—a nice touch for long-haul flights.

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Dining: A Five-Star Experience in the Sky

About 30 minutes into the flight, I started with an energizing citrus juice made in Qatar, featuring orange, carrot, apple, and ginger.

For breakfast, I chose the traditional Arabic breakfast, which included pita bread with foul, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, and olives, plus a selection of pastries—a butter croissant, sesame baguette, and pistachio Danish.

The fresh butter, strawberry jam, and mustard added a delicious touch.

Business class dining includes:
✅ Breakfast (ask if you’d like it first or last)
✅ Light meals (you can order two per person)
✅ All-day dining (starters, main courses, cheese, desserts, and snacks)

For my light meal, I ordered the lobster mac and cheese with tomato chutney, which was incredible.

I originally wanted the roasted artichoke salad with coriander and mint dressing, but by the time I asked, it had already run out. Lesson learned (again): order everything you might want early!

I also enjoyed a starter of Chai pumpkin soup and the Classic Arabic mezze with pita bread—which was surprisingly filling on its own.

By the time my main course, paneer tikka jalfrezi with spiced aubergines, arrived, I was already quite full but powered through because the flavors were just too good.

Unfortunately, desserts were completely gone by the last two hours of the flight when I was ready for them.

My husband was able to get the fresh berries with vanilla bean cream, which I took a few bites of, and it was delicious. Be sure to request your dessert early!

Throughout the flight, I also enjoyed the snacks, especially the butterscotch popcorn. You can ask for snacks as often as you like.

So take full advantage of that – get all your points’ worth 🙂

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Dining Atmosphere

Whenever you order a meal, the crew sets your tray with a white tablecloth, cloth napkin, and even a small electric candle for ambiance.

The pink Himalayan salt and pepper shakers are a small but fancy touch that adds to the experience.

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Entertainment & Relaxation

Qatar Airways’ extra-wide screens offer a huge selection of TV shows and movies.

They provide Oryx One noise-canceling headphones which really make you feel like you’re in your own world.

Once you’re ready to unwind, close your suite door, dim the lights, adjust your seat to recline, and get cozy with your blanket and pillows.

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Getting the Best Sleep in the Sky

A few hours into the flight, the crew might offer to make your bed, but you can always press the call button when you’re ready.

They’ll lay down additional bedding, and if you’re in a double suite, they can combine both seats into one large bed.

Sleeping fully flat at 40,000 feet is a game-changer—it almost doesn’t feel like you’re on a plane.

While you’ll still feel some turbulence, I found it more like a gentle rocking motion that helped me sleep like a baby.

If you want undisturbed rest, hit the Do Not Disturb (DND) button. Otherwise, the crew may wake you before the final meal service. 

I personally set my own alarms on my phone so I don’t oversleep and can still enjoy all the meals, drinks, teas, coffees, and entertainment.

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Restrooms & Final Thoughts

The business class bathrooms are larger, cleaner, and more private than typical airplane lavatories.

I usually avoid using airplane restrooms, but these were surprisingly pleasant. If the occupied sign is off, at least one of the two business class bathrooms is available.

Flying Qatar Airways Business Class is a next-level experience, from world-class lounges to gourmet dining and private suites.

Every detail—from the amenities to the service and comfort—makes long-haul travel feel effortless. 

If you’re considering an upgrade, it can be absolutely worth it. Keep reading to see why it was not worth it my first time flying QSuites and how you can ensure a much better experience.

Our First QSuite Experience: Why It Didn’t Live Up to the Hype

Our first QSuite flight was from Doha to JFK (April 2024), and unfortunately, it was a letdown. Our first leg flying economy with Qatar from JFK to Doha was actually much better.

Here’s what went wrong with our first Qsuite experience:

1. Lack of Attentiveness from the Crew

• The flight attendant was kind but never explained the seat features or service options, or where the call button was. 
• We weren’t told that in QSuite we had to actively request all meals with the dine-on-demand call button, which led to a major issue. Nobody would be coming to check in and bring food if we didn’t call them for it.

2. We Ended Up Starving in Business Class

• In economy, the crew consistently brought our meals, but in QSuite we had to be the proactive ones asking for any and everything if we wanted or needed something. It wasn’t just automatically coming, even though they took our orders at the very start of the flight before takeoff.
• We assumed the food we ordered would be served at some point, but no one came to check on us.
• By the time we asked for food, most options were gone.
• I’m vegetarian, and there were no vegetarian meals left.
• The crew never proactively offered anything, unlike economy (or other business and first-class flights we’ve taken), where at least snacks and meals are given out consistently. We had no idea that this was how Qsuites would work.

3. Poor Wake-Up Service

• Before take-off, I asked to be woken up for my meal a couple of hours into the flight, but this did not happen.
• I didn’t get food until nearly halfway through the flight, and the meal options remaining were limited by that time.
• The crew member told us she couldn’t serve food earlier due to turbulence, but we weren’t given any updates.

4. WiFi Issues

• Advertised onboard WiFi didn’t work at all for the full duration of our flight, making it impossible to get work done.

Takeaway: The experience felt disorganized and impersonal. We expected proactive service in a premium cabin but felt neglected and hungry. Comfortably laying flat on a long flight did make things better though.

Our Second QSuite Experience: What Made It So Much Better

Fast forward nearly one year later (March 2025), and we gave Qatar Business Class QSuites another shot—this time on our journey home from Sri Lanka to New York. This experience was vastly better, largely because we knew what to expect on the two legs of our journey.

Flight 1: Colombo to Doha (~5 hours, B787-9 QSuite Lite aka Premium Suite)

• Welcoming crew who explained how everything worked, and asked if we had any further questions about buttons, etc. to ensure we would have the best possible experience on our flight.
• Proactive service – They asked if we wanted food right after takeoff and if we wanted to be woken up before landing. They took note of our requests and fully followed through.
• Comfortable setup – Spacious seats, pillow, blanket, personal water storage. This airplane (B787-9) is not a QSuite, but QSuite Lite, so it’s smaller, but you can still recline all the way down and you can still close your door for more privacy.

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Flight 2: Doha to JFK (~15 hours, B777-300ER QSuite)

• Higher QSuite walls – This airplane (B77-300ER) is a QSuite. More private and cozy than the QSuite Lite.
• Better dining experience – This time, we knew to request food when we wanted it throughout the entire flight, instead of waiting on crewmembers to check in with us.
• Small details mattered – Napkin placement, pink Himalayan salt, and an amenity kit with Diptyque Paris products.
• Comfortable and smooth – Crew made our bed, noise-canceling headphones were great, and the flight felt so relaxing.
• Middle seats can convert into a double suite—perfect for couples traveling together. There’s also a quad suite option if you’re traveling as a family.
• WiFi worked – This time around there was complimentary WiFi in the QSuite for the full duration of our 15 hour flight.
• Bathrooms are larger than usual, stocked with toiletries, toothbrushes, and skincare products.

Takeaway: Knowing what to expect completely changed our experience. It was a much more premium experience compared to our first flight. Plus, my crewmember, Mary was exceptional 🙂

Essential Tips for Getting the Most Out of QSuite

1. Understand the Meal Service

• QSuite is dine-on-demand – If you don’t order, you won’t get food.
• Request everything you might want to eat or drink at the very start of your flight.
• Whenever you’re ready to eat or drink, hit that call button and let your crewmember know! Don’t wait around thinking someone will always be coming to ask you if you want to eat or drink.

2. Ask the Crew to Explain the Features

• The seat controls, call button, and privacy features aren’t as intuitive as in economy—ask if it’s your first time.

3. Use the Call Button for Service

• It’s a small round button on the lower right side of the remote. It looks like a person.
• If the light above you turns on after you’ve pressed it, they’ve received your request, and will be coming to speak with you shortly.

4. Choose Your Seats Wisely

• Best for Solo Travelers: Window seats offer the most privacy, featuring 2-3 windows and a fully lie-flat seat within your own personal suite. On newer QSuite (QSuite 2), you’ll have the option to lower the divider to create a shared space with a companion—perfect if you’re traveling together but still want window views. These upgraded suites are set to debut on the next-generation Boeing 777-9 jetliners. However, if you’re flying on an older QSuite-equipped aircraft, window seat dividers remain fixed to keep solo suites.
• Best for Couples: The middle row offers twin and double seats, ideal for couples who want to sit together. Each seat operates independently, complete with its own pillow and blanket, but they’re positioned close enough to create a cozy shared space. When it’s time to sleep, the crew adds a thin cushion over the divider, seamlessly connecting the two beds for a more comfortable experience.
• Best for Families: If you’re traveling as a family, the middle row also features a quad configuration, allowing four seats to be grouped together for a more social setup.
• Seat Map Tip: Airlines occasionally swap aircraft, which can affect seat layouts. When booking, check the seat map for your flight, and continue monitoring it leading up to your trip to ensure your aircraft hasn’t been replaced with a different model that might alter your seating arrangements. Also, not all Qatar Airways flights have Qsuites in their business class, so research the aircraft prior to completing your booking.

5. Experience High-Speed WiFi

• You may be able to enjoy high-speed internet with Starlink WiFi – soon there will be complimentary access on the entire fleet. Be prepared that there may or may not be high-speed internet on your specific flight, or potentially for a limited time only during your flight.

6. Don’t Let Blankets or Headphones Get Stuck Under the Seat

• The motorized seat can jam if something gets trapped underneath. It’s a good idea to place any extra items you have in the storage compartment under your adjustable sofa armrest.

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