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You’ve heard the hype. For years, Qatar Airways has marketed its Qsuite as “First in Business.” But in late 2025, with competitors like ANA’s “The Room” and Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 pressing hard, does the Qatar Airways Business Class still hold the crown?
I’ve flown this product a few times. The short answer is yes but with massive caution regarding which aircraft you actually get.
The “Qsuite Lottery”: Knowing Your Aircraft
This is the single most critical part of this review. You are not booking “Qatar Business Class”; you are booking a specific aircraft type. If you ignore this, you might end up in a 2-2-2 configuration on an older 787-8, which is a massive downgrade.
As of late 2025, here is the cheat sheet for ensuring you get a private suite:
- Airbus A350-1000: 100% Guarantee of Qsuite. This is the safest bet in the fleet.
- Boeing 777-300ER / 777-200LR: High probability (~75%), but older non-refurbished jets still exist. Check the seat map for a staggered 1-2-1 layout.
- Boeing 787-9: The “Adient Ascent” Suite. Often confused with Qsuite, this aircraft features a unique “Business Class Suite.” It does have a privacy door and lies fully flat, but it uses a reverse herringbone layout (all seats face windows or aisle) rather than the Qsuite’s boxy forward/backward layout. It is excellent, just different.
- Airbus A350-900: Coin toss. Some have Qsuite, others have the older (but still comfortable) open reverse herringbone seats.
- Boeing 787-8: NO Door. Features the older open “Super Diamond” design. Comfortable, but lacks the privacy of the 787-9 or Qsuite.
- Airbus A380: NO Door. Features the older open herringbone design. However, it’s the only plane with the onboard bar, which some travelers prefer over privacy.
Pro Tip: Always check the seat map before booking. If the middle seats face opposite directions (some forward, some backward), you have a Qsuite. If all seats are angled in a herringbone pattern but show a door symbol, you are on the 787-9.
Ground Experience: Navigating the Doha Lounges
Transit in Doha (DOH) can be overwhelming because the airport is massive. In late 2025, there isn’t just one lounge—there is an entire ecosystem. Choosing the right one depends on your gate, your ticket class, and your status.
1. Al Mourjan “The Garden” (North) – The Resort Vibe
Located in the Northern expansion near the C, D, and E gates, this is the newest jewel in the crown. It sits on a cantilevered terrace overlooking “The Orchard,” a massive indoor tropical garden that rivals Singapore Changi’s Jewel.
Best For: Long layovers, sleeping, and spa treatments.
- Atmosphere: Open-air feeling, natural light, and much quieter than the South lounge.
- Amenities: It features a gym (yes, with treadmills), paid spa treatment rooms, and quiet rooms that are vastly superior to the ones in the South lounge.
- Dining: Includes a sushi station, a deli, and a full bistro.
2. Al Mourjan “South” (The Original) – The Grand Classic
Located near the iconic “Lamp Bear” sculpture in the main duty-free plaza (Gates A & B), this is the massive lounge that put Qatar on the map.
Best For: Short connections (if flying from A/B gates) and quick dining.
- Atmosphere: It is colossal (over 10,000 sqm) and features a stunning giant water reflection pool. However, it can feel busier and “colder” than The Garden.
- Dining: The upstairs dining room offers a high-end buffet and a la carte dining that is arguably more formal than The Garden’s open layout.
- Pro Tip: If you just need a quick shower and a meal before a 90-minute connection at Gate A3, do not trek to The Garden. Stay here.
3. The “Status” Lounges (Platinum, Gold, Silver)
This is where it gets confusing. If you are flying Economy but have Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire status, you generally do not get access to Al Mourjan. Instead, you go to the dedicated Platinum (First Class equivalent) or Gold (Business Class equivalent) lounges.
- Platinum & Gold North: Located near The Orchard. These are newer, have great views, and offer excellent a la carte dining.
- Platinum & Gold South: Located near the A gates. These are older, windowless (mostly), and significantly less impressive. Always go North if you have the time.
4. The Arrivals Lounge
If your final destination is Doha, do not skip this. Located after immigration but before you exit the terminal, it offers dedicated immigration processing (skip the main queues!), showers to freshen up, and light breakfast/snacks before you head into the city.
Seat Tour: The 787-9 Business Suite vs. Qsuite
While the Qsuite is famous for its “Quad” layout, the 787-9 Business Suite (Adient Ascent) offers a slightly different, more solo-passenger-focused experience. The configuration is 1-2-1, but every seat is angled toward the window (for window seats) or toward the center (for middle seats).
Privacy: Like the Qsuite, the 787-9 seat features a sliding privacy door. It’s slightly shorter (approx. 48 inches) than the Qsuite door but is much lighter and easier to operate. When seated, you are completely cocooned from the aisle.
Storage & Tech: One major upgrade on the 787-9 is the dedicated wireless charging phone pocket located next to the seat control panel. This is a feature often missing on older Qsuite-equipped 777s. The side console also features a small vanity mirror and enough space for a tablet or book.
Comfort: The footwell in the 787-9 suite is spacious, avoiding the “cramped toes” issue found in some reverse herringbone seats. The bed lies fully flat, and the angled orientation offers excellent window views that the rear-facing Qsuite seats sometimes lack.
Dining & “Dine on Demand”
Qatar’s “Dine on Demand” is a true differentiator. Unlike most carriers that force you to eat at set times, you can order anything from the menu at any time. This is crucial for beating jet lag.
On my flight, I skipped the meal immediately after takeoff to sleep. Four hours later, I woke up and ordered the roast beef rolls with asparagus and cherry tomatoes (pictured above) followed by a filet mignon with mashed potatoes. It was plated beautifully—no trays, just white linen, a faux candle, and proper silverware.
The beverage list remains top-tier. They usually pour a high-end Brut Champagne (often Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé or similar vintage) and have an extensive mocktail list, which is a nice touch for non-drinkers.
Amenities: The Diptyque Partnership
Gone are the generic kits. Qatar now partners with French perfumer Diptyque. The amenity kit usually comes in a branded box or pouch and includes:
- Diptyque Face Cream (Essential Face Cream)
- Diptyque Body Lotion
- Lip Balm
- A miniature bottle of Diptyque fragrance (Eau Rose or 34 Boulevard Saint Germain)
On night flights, you also receive The White Company pyjamas and slippers. These are vastly superior to the scratchy cotton ones you get on other airlines. They are soft, breathable, and actually worth taking home.
The Math: Is It Worth It?
This is where we get analytical. Is paying cash worth it? Rarely. Is using points worth it? Absolutely. Let’s look at the numbers for a typical JFK to Doha route in late 2025.
The Data Point:
- Cash Price (One-Way): ~$4,250
- Avios Required: 70,000 (Saver Rate)
- Taxes & Fees: ~$200
The Calculation:
($4,250 – $200) / 70,000 = 5.78 cents per point (CPP).
Most savvy travelers value Avios at around 1.2 to 1.5 cents. Getting nearly 6 cents in value is an exceptional redemption. Even if you don’t have points, Qatar often sells Avios with a bonus. If you bought 70,000 Avios during a 50% bonus sale, it might cost you roughly $1,200. Flying a $4,000 seat for $1,200 is arbitrage at its finest.
You can transfer points to British Airways or Qatar Privilege Club from major credit card programs like American Express.
Common Mistakes & Gotchas
1. Booking via Partners: American Airlines AAdvantage miles are great for booking Qatar (70k miles to Middle East), but availability is often hidden. Use British Airways’ site to search for inventory first.
2. Seat Selection Fees: Even in Business, Qatar sometimes charges for seat selection on “Lite” fares. However, if you have Oneworld status, this fee is usually waived.
3. The “Fake” Qsuite: Do not assume every 777 has Qsuite. I cannot stress this enough. Check AeroLOPA or the official Qatar seat map to confirm staggered seating (alternative after SeatGuru closed). Also, be aware that the 787-9 “Suite” is different from the Qsuite but still excellent.
Final Verdict
In 2025, Qatar Airways Qsuite is still the product to beat, but the 787-9 Business Suite is a worthy companion. While the ground experience has finally caught up to the inflight experience thanks to “The Garden” lounge, the true value lies in the reliability of the soft product—the service, the food, and the bed.
It is not perfect. The Wi-Fi can be spotty, and the cabin temperature tends to run warm (a common issue on A350s). But when you crunch the numbers on an Avios redemption, there is simply no better way to fly commercial.
For more details on booking strategies, check out our guide to Best Avios Redemptions. If you’re looking for comparisons, you might also want to read our review of Emirates First Class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qatar Airways provide pyjamas in Business Class?
Yes, but typically only on overnight flights or ultra-long-haul flights (usually 10+ hours). They are branded by The White Company and come with slippers. On shorter daytime flights, you usually do not get pyjamas.
Can I upgrade to Qatar Business Class with Avios?
Yes, you can upgrade paid Economy tickets using Avios, but the fare class matters. “Promo” or “Lite” economy fares are often not upgradeable. You generally need to book a “Flex” or “Comfort” fare to be eligible for an upgrade, which costs significantly more.
Which Qatar Airways planes have the Qsuite?
As of 2025, all Airbus A350-1000s have Qsuite. Most Boeing 777-200LRs and 777-300ERs have it. Some A350-900s have it. The Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s generally do not have Qsuite, though the 787-9 has its own private “Business Suite” with a door.
Is the Al Mourjan Garden Lounge open to all Business Class passengers?
Yes, if you are flying on a revenue or award Business Class ticket on Qatar Airways or a Oneworld partner. However, if you upgraded using cash/miles at the check-in counter, or if you are on a “Business Lite” fare (P class) that unbundled lounge access, you might be denied entry or asked to pay a fee.