Qatar Airways‘ signature QSuite business class was named the world’s best business class at this year’s Skytrax awards, often called the aviation industry’s Oscars.
I was able to try it out last month on an Airbus A350 from London Heathrow to Doha for a media event the next day: Qatar’s first flight offering Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The seat could lie flat and came with a host of controls for flexible adjustments, while the sliding door’s privacy added to the feeling of luxury. Some of the airline’s older aircraft, such as the A380, have different business-class seats without sliding doors.
Pajamas from The White Company, a Diptyque amenity kit, and Swiss chocolates added to the experience. The tasty meals and extensive drinks list made my seven-hour flight go by quickly, and the friendly cabin crew was also top-notch.
Here’s what it was like to fly in Qatar Airways’ QSuite.
I started my journey at Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge at London Heathrow Airport.
There was lots of space and comfy armchairs with wireless charging ports. The bathrooms had Diptyque hand wash, plus shampoo and conditioner in the showers.
This QSuite is where I’d be spending the next six-and-a-half hours.
There was a good amount of stowage, but a bit more wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Next to the seat was a padded area, which opened up to provide extra storage space, and could be raised to work as an armrest.
I settled in and got familiar with the setup.
A forward-facing seat like mine is further away from the window due to the console. If you’d prefer to be right next to the view, you have to balance that with flying backward.
There was a TV control, charging port, and numerous buttons
I could really get comfortable thanks to the flexibility to move the seat back and forth as well as recline to fully flat.
Plus there was another USB port and an HDMI socket underneath the TV.
I couldn’t discover a purpose for the contactless payment receiver pictured on the right. When I paid $10 for inflight WiFi — which paled in comparison to Starlink — it all worked through my phone.
Before takeoff, I was offered a drink and chose the Joseph Perrier Brut Champagne.
Other options included Taittinger rosé Champagne, orange juice, and still or sparkling water.
All the glasses and napkins had Qatar Airways’ signature Oryx head logo on them.
Flight attendants handed out bags containing pajamas from The White Company.
It was just a daytime flight but the clothes were still nice to have, especially since I didn’t have to ask for them.
There was also an amenity kit with Diptyque toiletries.
It consisted of eau de toilette, face cream, body lotion, lip balm, socks, an eyemask, and earplugs.
The purser came round and greeted everyone in business class before takeoff.
More amenities were available in the business-class bathroom.
A drawer under the sink contained shaving kits and packets of toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Even the bathroom felt luxurious, with vanity lights and a view.After takeoff, I was asked for my drink and food order and when I wanted to eat.
Qatar offers à la carte dining so you can choose when to eat.
I was impressed with the paragraphs of detail afforded to the champagnes and wines — which also included a 2016 Bordeaux.
The last page of the cellar menu listed nine cocktails. Spirits, liqueurs, cognac and beers were also available.
I was soon brought a bowl of almonds and my choice of a whiskey sour.
The whiskey sour was a bit disappointing because — unlike ones I’ve had at bars — it included soda water, which diluted the flavor.
Instead of a cocktail, I’d recommend choosing from the top selection of wines.
A flight attendant came and set up the table shortly before my chosen meal time.
I particularly liked the ambiance provided by the electronic candle, as well as the warm bread, olive oil, and small salt and pepper grinders.
Pressing the seat-adjustment buttons with the table icon brought me closer, so I didn’t have to lean forward uncomfortably to eat.
The meal service began with an amuse-bouche of smoked salmon and caviar.
I chose to skip a starter choice of soup, mezze, or Beef tataki.
In August, Qatar introduced a caviar service on some routes — typically only available in first class. I enjoyed the chance to experience this on my return flight, but the amuse-bouche was great too, especially if you’ve already eaten before boarding.
For my main, I chose the grilled beef tenderloin with satay sauce, rice, and Japanese vegetables.
The beef took a bit of effort to cut into but was tender and tasty, while the satay sauce had a pleasant kick.
I finished with ice cream.
It was quite frozen so I had to let it melt a bit first, but the presentation and taste were top notch.
Then washed it down with a generous glass of port.
Fortified dessert wine isn’t something I regularly order, but when in Rome …
A typical serving is usually around 3oz, but this looked around double that — closer to a standard glass of wine.
I wasn’t complaining, although I did soon order a soda to sober up a bit.
There was an extensive movie catalog, but I didn’t put it to use.
As well as Arabic TV shows and Bollywood movies, other choices included “The Iron Claw,” “Fall Guy,” “Dune 2,” and “Super Size Me”.
Given the multi-course meal, attentive service, and comfortable seat, I found there was less time to while away in business class.
With three hours left after eating, I preferred to read a novel or flick between the flight map and the A350’s external cameras.
After getting up early for the flight, I enjoyed a brief nap.
Even during a daytime flight, the option to recline or fully lay down was a huge comfort.
By my headrest, there were convenient buttons for the reading light and to adjust my seat to the takeoff position.
The sliding door for each seat gave the strongest sense of luxury and privacy.
Being enclosed in your own suite adds to the atmosphere and enjoying the luxuries on offer.
Without worrying about annoying a seatmate or looking weird, I could properly admire the window view, lie down, and toss and turn.
It’s no wonder more and more airlines are adding sliding doors to their business-class cabins.
Shortly before landing, I was given another refreshing towel and Swiss chocolates from Läderach.
The chocolates, both with a creamy filling, might have been the best I’ve ever had. I was also offered another drink.
Closer to landing, the purser thanked me by name and asked if there was anything else he could do.
The time flew by and I had a great time.
This was my first time flying business class, and I’d be surprised if it could get much better. I can’t think of many negatives besides the trivial gripe of soda water in the whiskey sour.
The food was tasty, and the flight attendants were friendly and attentive, but above all, the QSuite was distinctly plush.
It’s little surprise Qatar Airways has won Skytrax’s best business class award six times in the past decade. The coming upgraded QSuite Next Gen may well solidify its lead.
The post I flew in the ‘world’s best’ business class where the luxury is next level. See inside Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 QSuite. appeared first on Business Insider.
