Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Business Class Suite Doha to Manchester

This flight was part of my Round The World in Business & First Class using miles trip. Click here to read about how I planned the trip.

This booking also included a short flight (also in Business Class) from Abu Dhabi to Doha.

I have also shared reviews of other Qatar Airways Business/First Class seats:

• Qsuite Business Class
• Super Diamond Business Class
• Airbus A380 First Class

How to book Qatar Airways Business Class with Miles

Travellers can book Qatar Airways Business Class seats using miles from the airline’s own Frequent Flyer Program (FFP), Privilege Club, or through partner FFPs like:

• British Airways Executive Club
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Miles on these FFPs can be earned through the best travel/rewards credit cards in Singapore.

However, it is not recommended to use the 3 FFPs above to book Qatar Airways flights, as hefty fuel surcharges will be passed on (~US$500 for a 12-hour flight).

Fuel surcharges can be avoided when booking with American Airlines AAdvantage miles. In other words, there are only 2 good ways to book Qatar flights using miles, with Privilege Club or AAdvantage.

Related: Cheapest ways to fly between Singapore and Europe using Miles/Points from Singapore cards

Aircrafts with Qatar Airways’ Business Class Suites

The airline only has one type of Boeing 787 aircraft, which is the Boeing 787-9 (a.k.a. B789).

Seats are configured in a 1-2-1 herringbone and reversed herringbone configuration.

Unlike the typical reversed herringbone cabins (e.g. Cathay Pacific), these inner seats face the aisles. As a result, couples in these inner seats will sit physically closer together, however, they will be facing directly to the aisles.

Sure, these seats are equipped with sliding doors, but passengers walking through the aisles will still be able to see seated passengers eye-to-eye, as the doors are fairly low. 😎

Pre-flight

Prior to take-off, I was offered a hot towel and a beverage of choice.

Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Business Class seat

The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Business Class seats are beautifully-designed, with sufficient space and compartments. They remind me a lot of Etihad’s lovely Airbus A350-1000 seats.

Bed mode

Seats can be transformed into fully-flat beds, with the arm rests pulled down for more shoulder room.

Like in most Business Class seats, the knee room, when laying down, is not great.

Amenity kit

Qatar Airways Business Class passengers receive Diptyque-branded amenity kits.

It contains a Diptyque-branded lip balm, face cream, body lotion and Eau de toilette perfume, as well as, a pair of socks, an eye shade and ear plugs.

Dining

In my opinion, Qatar Airways offers the best dining experience in Business Class, in terms of selection, taste and presentation.

Business Class passengers get to choose to when exactly they want their meals to be served (dine-on-demand). No other airline offers this in Business Class!

However, due to the awkward flight times (1.20am departure, 6.40am arrival), meals onboard this 7-hour flight were pretty light.

Late-night snack

I’d requested for my last-night snack to be served at the earliest possible time, so that I could go to bed immediately after.

As it wasn’t a complete meal, food was served in one tray, instead of course-by-course. They were still beautifully presented and tasted great.

Light Breakfast

As I’ve always said, in-flight breakfast served in premium cabins are always boring, as they do not usually come with interesting dishes and plating.

Breakfast served on this flight tasted good, but as expected, not particularly exciting.

Dining menus

Airport lounges

Flying in Qatar Airways Business Class from Doha gets you access to the Al Mourjan lounges in Hamad International Airport.

The two Al Mourjan lounges to choose from are:

• Al Mourjan Business Lounge (The Garden) – Newer, North Terminal
• Al Mourjan Business Lounge – Older, South Terminal

Both are fantastic airport lounges. If you have time, try to experience both of them.

Abu Dhabi to Doha in Airbus A320

As mentioned earlier, this booking included a shorter, 1-hour flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha. This flight was serviced by the airline’s narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft.

My ratings

This is how I am rating my Business Class experience (vs other airlines):

Bottom line

Qatar Airways’ new Business Class Suites are beautiful, comfortable and offers great privacy with the equipped sliding doors.

Due to the rather awkward outward-facing inner seats, I’d pick the window seats on any day.