I’ve received many questions asking whether I prefer Qatar Airways First Class or fancy new Qsuite Business Class. Here’s a comparison of the two products.
Qatar Airways still offers first class aboard its A380-800 aircraft. Thus far, Qsuite Business Class is only available onboard its 777-300ERs. I’ll be comparing a flight from Doha to Paris aboard the A380 in first class with the flight from New York to Doha aboard the 777 in Qsuite Business Class.
I’ll compare the following items:
- Ground Service
- Seat
- Service
- Food + Drink
- Amenties
- Lavatories
Ground Service
The difference between first class and business class ground service is quite substantial. First Class passengers have access to the Al-Safwa Lounge in DOH. This beautiful lounge is tranquil and offers a high level of personalized service. A la carte dining is available and private sleeping room are complimentary.
Qsuite Business Class passengers have access to the more limited service Al-Mourjan Lounge. This is still an excellent lounge, but gets crowded and does not offer a la carte dining (beyond sandwiches).
Neither first class no Qsuite passengers receive personal escorts or car service from the lounge to the aircraft.
Seat
The first class seat is large, roomy, and comfortable. There is plenty of room to spread out and the seat is very comfortable in lie-flat mode. But there is also limited privacy. Partitions can be raised, but the seat still does not have the same privacy as Qsuite.
Meanwhile, the Qsuite is quite spacious, but feels much more constrained than the first class seat. That said, doors can be closed and the suite is very thoughtfully laid out, maximizing productivity and storage.
I prefer the first class seat, even though the cabin is much more open.
Service
I found service in the two cabins to be identical. It was good, but not great. FAs were well intentioned, generally polished, but not quite as attentive as I would have liked. For example, in both cabins dishes were not promptly cleared away.
But first class service does have extra touches. For example, the flight begins with Arabic coffee and a date, something Qatar no longer offers in business class.
The FA to passenger ratio is also greater in first class.
One of the highlights of my first class flight was spending time at the beautiful onboard bar, but business class passengers also have access to that.
I’d say the potential for good service is better in first class, but I did not notice a difference. It certainly was nothing like flying Emirates or Lufthansa in first class versus business class. That speaks much more highly of Qatar business class than poorly of first class.
Food + Drink
I’ll start with the obvious. First Class still has Krug. Of course, like every respectable Qatar Airways first class trip report, I had to have the obligatory glass and take a picture with the bottle.
First Class also has better wine and additional spirits. In terms of food, though, I did not notice much difference. Both cabins offer on-demand a la carte dining. Brunch items in first class were identical to what I’ve had in business class before. Plates are round in first class and square in business class. Silverware is identical. First Class does receive a caviar course.
First Class:
Qsuite Business Class:
Amenties
Both first class and business class passengers receive pajamas and amenity kits. Currently, both cabins receive Bric’s amenity kits. Noise cancelling headphones and bedding are also identical in both cabins. IFE is identical too.
Lavatories
On the A380, Qatar has beautiful large lavatories for first class passengers. Additional amenities are also available.
The Qsuite Business Class lavatories are not bad, just not nearly as spacious.
Verdict: I Prefer Qatar Airways First Class Over Qsuite Business Class
Despite the more open seating plan, I prefer first class over Qsuite business class due to the combination of better ground experience and more comfortable seat. Is first class really necessary on Qatar Airways? Probably not. But I’ll always spend the extra miles for first class if available.
> Read More: Qatar Airways 777-300ER Qsuite Business Class New York to Doha Review
Whilst it’s true that F doesn’t get you car service or personal escorts to the plane, being allocated a bus gate when you’re traveling in F means a bus straight from the tarmac below Al Safwa rather than having to trek over to the D or E gates first to catch the bus. That’s quite a step up from the Al Mourjan set up.
You don’t mention the caviar available on most F flights nor do you highlight the Missoni amenities (pjs and slippers – if they’re still available), which I found to be the best available in the skies.
As you say, it’s really the seat and the size of the bed, in particular, that wins it for F – by some margin in my opinion.
Mikey, good point on the caviar. I added that. Did not receive Missoni PJs on my flight. Perhaps ULH only?
Last year we received Missoni PJs on DOH-BKK overnight flight. Also we have escort meeting us on the DXB to DOH arrival, and again escort came fetch us from Al Safwa to the gate of our DOH-BKK flight.
You noted that the IFE is the same in business as in first–is there an airline where the IFE content differs between classes on the same plane?
Not that I know of. I know it can be different in economy vs. business on some airlines. Just wanted to make that note.
Got it. Never experienced that…that I know of.
Desperate to travel on Qatar Airways, heard a loads of good things but need to explore soon. Toronto Lahore and back. Hope I am not disappointed. Would love to spend some time in Doha. Can someone guide.
Muhammad Jamil Akhtar,
Don’t miss Doha’s incredible Museum of Islamic Art, housed in a stunning waterside structure designed by I.M. Pei. It is free for visitors. This is truly one of the world’s premiere cultural museums, filled with jewelry, ceramics, clothing and military gear dating back hundreds and hundreds of years. A must-see when in Doha – even if you’re not a big fan of museums.
The Souq Waqif in downtown Doha is an atmospheric area in which to wander, with the usual Middle Eastern jewelry, carpet and spice shops. There are plenty of open-air cafes and restaurants catering to international travelers. If it feels a bit like a film set, it’s still fun.
Twice I’ve stayed at the Doha InterContinental on West Bay Lagoon, which has a beautiful, expansive beach in addition to large swimming pools.
Doha is no Dubai, but frankly, that’s why I like it! (I also much prefer classy Qatar Airways over glitzy – and inconsistent – Emirates.)
The Q-Suite is also available on the A35K of which thus far there is only one and it’s only operating between LHR-DOH and it’s on a couple of the newest A359s.
Good point Phil. Thanks.
In first class you will get a bigger amenity kit from Brics than business class.
Have they really cut the ground escort service for F? I flew them almost two years ago from MUC (in J) to DOH, connecting to SYD in F. Someone was waiting for me in the jetway to escort me to and from the Al-Safwa Lounge and even waited until I was through security at the gate before waving goodbye. It was an appreciated personal touch but to be honest, not really needed since it’s easy to find your way around DOH.
I flew Ams to DOH in a 777 q-suite. I found it a game changer. I understand the argument that you are making but the level of privacy I have in the suite is really a CTQ and differentiator for me. Adding the price differential and then the choice is easily made for me. Especially if you compare this to the herringbone config in the A350 which has not privacy at all. On a different note, I see more airlines cutting back or limiting the amenity kits, which is sad. I love those things 🙂
I totally agree that more airlines are cutting or limiting the amenity kits. It is so disappointing as it is one of the prominent features and a privilege of flying Business/First class. I love those things, too! 🙂
Taking the examples of airlines in the Middle East, Emirates do not even give you slippers in C class, though they give you BVLGARI amenity pouch.
Etihad C class pouch was changed to a much too small Acqua di Parma kit. It used to be Omorovicza, a Hungarian high-end cosmetic company.
Among them, two airlines are holding up well.
Oman Air has an Amouage kit, a lavish brand. They also provide a pajama set and a pair of slippers.
This is one underrated airline.
Now Qatar Airways hardly lets you down. On my last flight with them, I received the Giorgio Armani kit. Now it is changed to Bric’s. Sounds great. I am looking forward to this and the Q-Suite.
If anything, they downgraded the chocolates from Valrhona to Godiva a few years ago. lol
C and F classes cost much more and the cost of a pouch should not be a big deal. If anything, they could up the fare that much and no one would notice it.
I learned about you in the UA photo incident article.
I would like to complement you on your writing. It flows with concision.
You are quite a wordsmith and a good photographer.
It is such a joy to read your reviews.
This Al-Safwa First Class Lounge at DOH is my top favorite as well.
It is doubtlessly second to none. I have had the privilege to use this lounge a few times and I am yet to see anything remotely like it. The burgundy First Class bag tag is my secret treasure.
Even the Al-Mourjan Business Class Lounge is better than most. What an amazing airline company QR is!!
Booked a flight on the Q-Suite this summer and I cannot wait.