Discover Qatar Airways Qsuites: A Luxurious Business Class Experience

Although Delta was the first airline to announce the concept of an all-suite business class in August 2016, Qatar Airways unveiled its own version of business class with all suites in March 2017 and beat Delta by putting them into service in September of that same year.

Since then, Qatar Airways has fitted its “Qsuites” aboard many of its long-haul jets, including some Boeing 777-200LRs and 777-300ERs, some Airbus A350-900s, and all its A350-1000s. Always check your specific flight’s seat map before confirming your travel plans to ensure it will have Qsuites.

Fliers can currently find Qsuites on routes from the airline’s hub in Doha to various destinations including Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Washington, D.C., Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Shanghai, and Sydney, among other cities.

Why Qsuites are Extraordinary

Why are Qsuites so extraordinary? The standout feature is that they have closing doors that passengers can slide shut for privacy during the flight. This innovation was a considerable achievement, as getting this feature approved by safety regulators was a significant hurdle. Consequently, you will only see it on a select few airlines in their first or business class offerings.

Moreover, the central section of Qsuites can be combined into different configurations, allowing groups of up to four to lower the privacy partitions and create a shared space for meetings or family gatherings. Qatar Airways patented this unique arrangement, making it exclusive to their fleet.

On the sides of the aircraft, the suites are designed for solo travelers offering great privacy and comfort. Each has closing doors, providing total seclusion for passengers.

Using Miles to Experience Qsuites for a Fraction of the Cost

Flying in Qsuites was on my wishlist since their launch. Unfortunately, tickets from Doha to the U.S. can reach upwards of $6,000 each way. However, by leveraging airline miles, I managed to secure a Qsuites flight as part of a longer award journey from South Africa to Los Angeles.

Qatar Airways is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, which includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. This membership allows travelers to both earn and redeem frequent-flier miles on Qatar Airways flights.

For U.S.-based travelers, the focus should be on American Airlines AAdvantage. According to American’s partner airline award chart, flights in business class between the U.S. and Doha require 70,000 miles each way (or 140,000 miles for roundtrip).

If you are traveling from South Africa, however, a business-class award to the U.S. only costs 75,000 miles. Thus, for an additional 5,000 miles, I could include another nine-hour flight in business class from Johannesburg to Doha, followed by a luxurious Qsuites flight from Doha to the U.S.

American Airlines’ website offers a user-friendly search for award tickets on partner airlines, including Qatar Airways. Simply input your travel details and ensure the “redeem miles” option is selected to find eligible flights.

Currently, there isn’t extensive award space available on Qatar Airways flights to the U.S. with Qsuites, though there is more availability on routes to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Washington Dulles. The more flexible your travel dates, the better your chances.

After securing my ticket from Johannesburg to Doha (on a 777-300ER without Qsuites) and a connecting flight to Washington, D.C. (with Qsuites), I paid 75,000 miles and $61.53 in taxes and fees. In comparison, a paid ticket could have cost around $5,100, making my decision to utilize miles well worth it.

The Qsuite Experience

Leading up to my journey, I routinely checked the seat map for my flight as the airline occasionally blocks off the four-suite center sections for group travelers. I wanted to ensure I secured one of the side suites closer to the window, away from the main galley and lavatories.

Happily, I was able to reserve 1K, a rear-facing suite by the window. Arriving early for my 8:20 am flight allowed me to board first and snap pictures without disturbing others.

A Warm Welcome and Top-notch Amenities

As I boarded, the purser promptly offered me water, juice, or champagne. Flight attendants distributed menus, high-quality pajamas, and amenity kits filled with skincare products, socks, and eye masks.

During the waiting period before departure, I explored my suite and familiarized myself with the seat controls and selection of entertainment options. With a seat width of 21.5 inches, Qsuite transforms into a lie-flat bed measuring 79 inches long, featuring high-tech entertainment systems and ports for device charging.

Following takeoff, flight attendants took meal orders and closed suite doors for added privacy. Qatar Airways also offers a dine-on-demand service, allowing business-class passengers to order items off the menu at their convenience during the flight.

Planning to adjust to U.S. time zones, I ordered a hearty meal right away. Among many options, I had traditional Arabic mezze, chicken tikka masala, and a variety of exquisite wines on board.

After enjoying a delicious meal, I changed into my pajamas while flight attendants prepared my bed, ensuring utmost comfort. With a complimentary hour of Wi-Fi available, I managed to stay connected before drifting off to a restful sleep.

The closing doors of my suite kept it cozy and quiet, offering much-needed tranquility during the flight. The suite design encourages passengers to remain inside, reducing foot traffic and contributing to an overall peaceful atmosphere.

A few hours before landing, I ordered a cappuccino and selected some small bites to enjoy. The service was prompt, and the food was delightful, providing just the right energy boost for the remainder of the flight.

Arriving in Washington, D.C., I felt rejuvenated and thoroughly pleased with my Qatar Airways experience. The attentive service, luxurious amenities, and quality of food made it truly memorable. Flying in Qsuites for nearly free using American Airlines miles made the experience all the more rewarding.