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What Is It Like to Fly in the Qatar Airways Qsuite from Doha to New York?

Flying from New York to Doha for 14 hours onboard the airline's highly-rated Business Class

by Rachel Dube

December 14, 2023

Photo: Qatar Airways QSuite. Courtesy of Qatar Airways.

If you plan to travel directly from Doha to New York, your only option is to take a flight with Qatar Airways unless you want to make a stopover.

When I visited Doha for the Formula 1 race, I flew with Qatar’s flagship carrier to experience their Qsuites Business Class Cabin onboard its Boeing 777-300ER. This cabin won the World’s Best Business Class in this year’s Business Traveler Awards.

With suites equipped with closing doors, impeccable service, and various luxury amenities, the airline provides an incredible experience for the 15-hour journey from Doha Hammad International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Boarding and Cabin 

Before heading into the airport, I was greeted outside by the airline’s porters, who whisked away my baggage and escorted me to the private Business (and First) Class check-in before heading through a private security section. Things went even quicker because of the Al Maha Services, which helped expedite check-in, escorted me through the airport, and boarding the plane in advance. 

Photo: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge in Doha. Courtesy of Qatar Airways.

I intended to arrive at Hamad Airport early to take advantage of the famous Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge. The lounge has 100,000 square feet of space and features a sit-down restaurant, full-service bar, private shower rooms, and a massive fountain sitting as the space’s centerpiece. 

The gate area was messy, but the boarding was smooth once the chaos was conceded. I boarded easily and went directly to the Business Class cabin once I got onboard. 

Photo: Qsuite Business Class seat. Courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Once in my seat, a flight attendant greeted me immediately, asking if I wanted a pre-departure beverage and sharing information about the flight ahead. She returned a bit later before takeoff to ask about my meal preferences for the flight.

The cabin was arranged in a one-to-one configuration with direct aisle access from each seat. Qatar Airways is known for ‘The Quad,’ a section of four seats in the middle that can all be connected to create a space for families or business travelers looking to work while onboard. All the seats were outfitted with the airline’s signature colors and featured fully closing doors for ample privacy during the journey. 

The Flight 

After takeoff, The White Company pajamas were handed out to all Business Class Passengers, and I changed into them as soon as possible. The restroom onboard was twice the size of any onboard lavatory I’ve ever seen, and it was fully stocked with toothbrush kits and a slew of Diptyque amenities. 

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Dube

Once the meal service commenced, the flight attendants outfitted my seat with plush bedding and converted it into a lie-flat bed for the flight ahead. I slept for at least eight hours of the 15-hour flight and only woke up when I heard fellow passengers having breakfast about an hour and a half before landing. 

Meal Service 

Once the flight service began, my tray table was set, and I was given a hot towel. Before takeoff, we selected our meal, and I opted for the afternoon tea service. Many other options were available for lunch, including Lobster Thermidor, Grilled Angus Beef Filet, and more. 

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Dube

For breakfast, I opted for a ricotta tarte, a bread basket, and some fruit, which tasted incredibly fresh. Other options like a Traditional Arabic Breakfast with pita bread, Mango and Coconut Super Smoothie Bowl, and more were also available. 

Photo: Courtesy of Rachel Dube

Business passengers could order a la carte options anytime during the flight. This included the afternoon tea service, lighter menu options, and snacks—an extensive beverage menu with top-of-the-line wines, champagnes, and made-to-order cocktails. 

The fully customizable service made it feel like I was flying private instead of on a commercial aircraft with other passengers. 

The Seat

My seat faced forward in its private nook with two windows and a large TV screen. It was extremely spacious and had a fully closing door for complete privacy. A fully stocked Diptyque amenity kit, a plush purple blanket, headphones, and two pillows were waiting for me at my seat upon boarding. 

Qatar Airways Qsuite / Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

I used the customizable buttons to turn my seat into a lounger before switching it to a lie-flat bed to catch some sleep. The seat-back entertainment system was extensive, with many movie and TV options and a thoughtful interactive map.   

Verdict 

Overall, the onboard experience was lived up to the hype, and I understand why it’s considered the best. The personalized service made the experience better than any other flight I took. 

Photo: Qatar Airways, Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of Boeing

Truthfully, the privacy doors, ample space, and luxe amenities made it feel almost like private jet travel, making the journey go by so quickly. I could have easily stayed onboard longer to travel to other destinations. But if I ever have to connect somewhere, I’ll be taking advantage of booking the Qsuites to utilize the massive lounge in the Doha airport.