Review: Qatar Airways QR 274 Qsuite Business Class Amsterdam to Doha

Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat version: Qsuite
Seat number: 5K (Rear-facing)
Frequent Flyer Program: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Cost: 70,000 miles + $383 for AMS-DOH and DOH-SIN

So here it is. The best Business Class in the world, they say. I know that All Nippon Airways will probably have something to say about that but I’ll decide when I have tried their product. Let’s talk about the Qsuite today.

Routes with Qsuites

Qatar Airways features Qsuite in some 777-200LR, 777-300ER, A350-900 and all A350-1000 airplanes. Click here to view the routes that are flying Qsuites.

Airplane swaps

It is very unfortunate that Qatar Airways is infamous for airplane swaps. These swaps are not uncommon in the airline industry as they adjust to day-to-day operational demands. However, Qatar Airways airplane swaps are frequent. Booking a Qsuite route and selecting a Qsuite seat does not guarantee you a Qsuite. You may end up in an OK Business Class seat in a 1-2-1 configuration without doors and privacy in an A350-900 if you are not that unlucky. Else, it will be in an old seat with a 2-2-2 cabin configuration.

Airport lounge

Flying Business Class on Qatar Airways gives you access to Aspire Lounge in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Click here for the review of Aspire Lounge.

Pre-flight

I was really excited for this one as it was my first time in a Qsuite. It was also my first time flying in a rear-facing seat. Qsuites are arranged in a 1-2-1 cabin configuration. Upon boarding, the cabin crew that was in charge of that aisle introduced herself and explained the features and compartments and come with a Qsuite. I was also asked if I wanted a hot or cold towel. On top of that, I was offered a drink and also given the food, drinks and snacks menu. Flying Qatar Airways Business Class gives you the benefit of dining anytime you want. As I was not feeling that hungry, I requested for the snack platter to be served immediately after take-off and reserved the Lamb Kapsa for later on.

Take-off

Take-off felt a little strange for a first timer in a rear-facing seat. It felt like I was slowly sliding off the seat. We do not get this feeling for landings in front-facing seats because an airplane’s take-off angle is a lot steeper. I don’t see it as a safety concern. It just felt different to what I am used to, that’s all.

Snack

I always enjoyed Qatar Airways’ onboard meals in Economy. For that reason, I was looking forward to have a taste of what they have to offer in Business Class. Well, they did not disappoint. The snack platter was simple but nicely plated and yummy.

Mid-flight

As I settled in my seat after enjoying the snack, I looked around my little room in the sky. The leather and stitching on the walls, the curves on the sliding door, gold accents on the door handle and the marble-like tables. Everything was lovely to look at. I saw calming shades of Qatar’s national colour, Pantone 1955 C, everywhere I looked.

The in-flight entertainment is very good. Plenty of shows to choose from and the interface is very responsive.

Privacy is very good. Looking up from my seat, I could only see the cabin crew’s heads as they walk past my suite. Standing up from my seat, I could not see any faces of seated passengers.

Passengers are given 1 hour of free WiFi onboard. If you want to use it longer, it only costs 10 USD for the whole flight. Speed is good for airplane WiFi.

Dinner

2 hours and 30 minutes before landing, I requested for my dinner. However, the airplane entered turbulent air shortly after. The crew was probably preparing my meal at that point of time but was kind enough to delay my meal for a little bit. She was well-informed by the captain about the estimated duration of the turbulence. I am fine with turbulence but I really hate having a meal through a turbulence! My meal was finally served about 1 hour and 30 minutes from landing. Although it was close to the end of the flight, the stewardess did not rush the service and served all 3 courses only when I was ready.

The food tasted wonderful. The lamb kapsa made me wonder how it is possible to have a meal this good 35,000 feet in the air.

Service

Service was great throughout the flight. I was attended by the same stewardess the whole time. When she saw me getting photos of the food, she offered to get a photo of me. Actually, I counted, there were 35 photos with a variety of angles for me to choose from! Brilliant stuff, thank you Dragana!

Landing

As the airplane made its final descent, the stewardess came to thank me for flying with Qatar and offered me another box of Godiva chocolates.

Conclusion

The experience lived up to its hype. This is the best Business Class seat, service and food that I have flown in. However, Qatar Airways’ high frequency of plane swaps means that you will never truly know if you are flying in a Qsuite until you actually board the plane and see one. That is a real pity. As Qatar Airways is slowly adding these amazing suites to its airplane line-up, your chances of ending up in one will only get better with time.

Ratings (vs other Business Class seats)

Seat: 10/10
Dining: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Cleanliness: 10/10

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