Flying Qatar Airways’ renowned Qsuites Business Class is a dream for many travellers, especially those leveraging points and miles. Often hailed as the world’s best business class, Qsuites promises privacy, comfort, and exceptional service. I recently had the chance to experience it on a journey from Washington D.C. (IAD) to Dubai (DXB) via Doha (DOH), booked entirely with points. Read on for a detailed review of the entire experience, from booking to landing.
Redeeming Points for Qsuites
Booking the famed Qatar Airways Qsuites using points and miles is a fantastic goal for many award travel enthusiasts. For this specific itinerary, flying Business Class from Washington Dulles (IAD) all the way to Dubai (DXB) via Doha (DOH), the cost came to 75,000 Qatar Airways Avios and approximately $206 USD in taxes and fees per person.
Securing this award involved leveraging a valuable transfer bonus, making this premium redemption even sweeter. Here’s the strategy I used:
- When I booked this there was a 30% transfer bonus promotion from American Express Membership Rewards to the British Airways Executive Club. These bonuses can offer significant savings!
- Knowing that British Airways and Qatar Airways share the Avios currency and allow seamless transfers between linked accounts, I initiated the transfer from Amex to BA.
- To get the required 75,000 Avios into my Qatar Airways Privilege Club account, I only needed to transfer 58,000 American Express points to British Airways, thanks to the 30% bonus (58,000 Amex points * 1.3 = 75,400 Avios).
- Once the Avios landed in my British Airways account (which is usually instant), I linked my BA and Qatar Airways accounts online – a straightforward process.
- I then transferred the 75,000 Avios from British Airways directly into my Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.
- Finally, I completed the booking directly on the Qatar Airways website, locking in the Qsuites seat using the 75,000 Avios and paying the $206 in taxes and fees.
This strategy, utilizing a timely transfer bonus, significantly reduced the number of points required out-of-pocket from my American Express account. It highlights the value of flexible points currencies and keeping an eye out for transfer promotions – they represent some of the best opportunities in the world of points and miles
From Washington DC(IAD) to Doha
My Qatar Airways Qsuites experience began smoothly right from check-in at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). As expected for a premium cabin, Qatar Airways offers dedicated check-in counters for Business Class passengers, making the process swift and efficient.
Regarding pre-flight relaxation, it’s worth noting that while Qatar Airways Business Class tickets usually grant access to a partner lounge at IAD (often the British Airways Galleries lounge or Turkish Airlines lounge, depending on flight timing and availability), I opted to use my Capital One Venture X card benefits to visit the impressive Capital One Lounge at IAD. This turned out to be an excellent choice, offering a great selection of high-quality small plates, grab-and-go options, and complimentary craft cocktails in a modern setting. It was a relaxing start before the long-haul flight.
Boarding commenced on time, and Business Class passengers were invited to board first through a dedicated lane. Stepping onto the Boeing 777-300ER operating flight QR708, I was warmly greeted by the crew and personally escorted to my Qsuite.
The Qsuite Seat
Qatar Airways’ Qsuites are frequently lauded as one of the world’s best Business Class products, and settling into my suite on the flight from IAD, it was easy to understand the acclaim. The Qsuite isn’t just a seat; it’s a meticulously designed personal space offering exceptional comfort and privacy.
The cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. A unique aspect of Qsuites is the mix of forward and rear-facing seats. My suite boasted the signature Qatar Airways colours – deep burgundy and sophisticated grey, with elegant rose gold accents. The materials felt premium and well-maintained.
The seat itself is fantastic – spacious, well-padded, and highly adjustable using intuitive controls located on the side panel. It reclines smoothly into a fully lie-flat bed, which is essential for getting proper rest on ultra-long-haul flights like this one to Doha. There was ample room to stretch out completely.
However, the defining feature is undoubtedly the privacy door. While it must remain open during taxi, takeoff, and landing for safety reasons, the crew unlocks it once you reach cruising altitude. Sliding the door closed transforms the space into your own private enclave, significantly enhancing the sense of seclusion and making it feel like a mini-hotel room in the sky. This level of privacy is rare outside of First Class.
Storage is thoughtfully integrated. A large side console next to the seat provides surface space and houses compartments perfect for storing headphones, charging cables, and the amenity kit. Below the ottoman, there’s dedicated space ideal for shoes or a small personal bag, keeping the main cabin area uncluttered.
Combined with a large, crisp high-definition In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) screen loaded with Qatar’s extensive Oryx One entertainment system, the Qsuite provides an outstanding hard product. The attention to detail in design, comfort, and especially privacy, truly sets it apart.
Pre-Departure Service
The premium experience began the moment I settled into the Qsuite. My assigned flight attendant stopped by promptly for a warm, personalized introduction, confirming my name and welcoming me aboard the flight to Doha.
This was immediately followed by the offer of a pre-departure beverage. Qatar Airways is known for its excellent drink selection, and I gladly accepted a glass of their chilled Rosé Champagne (often Laurent-Perrier Rosé or similar quality), which was served elegantly in proper glassware – a lovely touch before departure. Other options like signature mocktails, juices, and water were also available.
Along with the welcome drink, several high-quality amenities were presented, showcasing Qatar’s attention to detail:
- Menus: I was handed the comprehensive food and beverage menus, bound in smart, leather-like folders. A key feature of Qatar Airways Business Class is the ‘dine-on-demand’ service, clearly explained, meaning I could choose what I wanted to eat and when, providing fantastic flexibility on this long flight. Browse the options, it was clear there was a tempting variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
- Amenity Kit: A stylish Diptyque amenity kit was provided. These kits are sought after and typically contain luxurious Diptyque-branded lip balm, face cream, and a small fragrance, along with essentials like a comfortable eye mask, socks, and earplugs – everything needed to stay refreshed.
- Pyjamas & Slippers: As this was a long-haul overnight flight (key for pyjama provision), a set of comfortable pyjamas and matching slippers from the upscale brand ‘The White Company’ were offered. The soft cotton pyjamas are a fantastic amenity, making it much easier to relax and sleep comfortably during the flight.
This attentive and unhurried pre-departure service, combining refreshing drinks with genuinely high-quality amenities, immediately set a high standard and underscored the airline’s commitment to passenger comfort before we even pushed back from the gate at IAD.
Qsuites Inflight Dining Experience
One of the standout features differentiating Qatar Airways Business Class is the dine-on-demand service. This grants passengers incredible flexibility, allowing you to order anything from the extensive menu whenever you feel hungry throughout the flight – a true luxury compared to the fixed meal schedules found elsewhere. When I decided I was ready for my main meal a few hours after takeoff, I simply notified the attentive flight attendant.
The experience felt less like airline dining and more like a restaurant in the sky. My large tray table was meticulously set with a crisp white linen tablecloth, gleaming metal cutlery, stylish ceramic plates, and proper glassware.
Browse the enticing menu options, I started with the Smoked Salmon accompanied by a chimichurri aïoli. Presented beautifully, the dish was absolutely fantastic – the salmon was fresh and flavourful, perfectly complemented by the tangy aioli. It was a sophisticated and delicious beginning to the meal.
For the main course, I selected a dish that truly tested the airline’s culinary capabilities: the Lobster Newburg. My expectations were high, given Qsuites’ reputation, but Qatar Airways delivered spectacularly. This was, without exaggeration, one of the best inflight meals I have ever tasted. The generous portion of lobster was cooked to perfection – succulent, juicy, and bathed in a rich, flavourful sauce. It genuinely rivalled, and even surpassed, lobster dishes I’ve had in reputable restaurants on the ground. A truly memorable course!
To finish, I opted for the Chocolate Brownie, paired with a glass of superb 20-year-old Tawny Port. The port was exquisite – complex, nutty, and a perfect digestif. While the brownie itself was rich and chocolatety, I personally found it a little too sweet for my preference and only managed a few bites.
Overall, the inflight dining was exceptional. Considering the quality of the ingredients (especially that lobster!), the sophisticated presentation, the dine-on-demand flexibility, and the attentive service, this multi-course meal felt like an experience you might easily pay $150-$200 for on terra firma. Qatar Airways truly excels in its Business Class culinary offerings.
Qsuites Turndown Service
After that incredible meal and enjoying some of the extensive inflight entertainment, the goal on this long overnight flight from IAD to Doha was to get some quality sleep. I took the opportunity to change into the supremely comfortable pyjamas provided by The White Company in one of the clean and well-maintained Business Class lavatories.
A fantastic feature of Qatar Airways’ premium service is the dedicated turndown service. You can request it whenever you’re ready for sleep, or often, as in my case, the attentive crew will proactively offer or coordinate it. While I was freshening up and changing, the flight attendant seamlessly converted my Qsuite seat into a fully prepared bed.
Returning to my suite, I found a cozy haven waiting. A soft mattress pad had been carefully placed over the lie-flat seat surface, significantly enhancing comfort by smoothing out the seat cushions and adding a welcome layer of padding. This was topped with a plush duvet (comforter) and a larger, full-size sleeping pillow, replacing the smaller decorative one provided earlier.
With the privacy door slid shut, the suite truly felt like a miniature bedroom. The addition of the mattress pad made a noticeable difference, making the bed feel super comfortable for sleeping at 35,000 feet. Of course, it’s not quite the same as your bed at home, but it was certainly one of the most comfortable airline beds I’ve experienced, allowing me to get several hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep before arriving in Doha. The combination of the truly flat surface, quality bedding, and peaceful privacy made for an excellent rest.
Waking Up to Breakfast Before Doha
After several hours of comfortable sleep, I woke up feeling quite refreshed. Before thinking about food, I decided to order a beverage and opted for the Moroccan Mint Tea. Served traditionally, it was aromatic, flavourful, and absolutely fantastic – a delightful and invigorating way to start the morning.
Leveraging the dine-on-demand flexibility once again, I requested breakfast about 90 minutes before our scheduled landing. For my starter, I selected the assorted cold cuts. While nicely presented, this particular choice didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I personally found the meats to be rather chewy and a bit too salty for my palate.
Fortunately, the main course was a significant improvement. I chose the Baked Spanish Omelette, which arrived hot and accompanied by a sausage and some tomato sauce. This dish was fantastic – fluffy, flavourful, well-seasoned, and a very satisfying hot breakfast option before arrival in Doha.
To go with my meal, I ordered an Americano. The coffee was perfectly adequate and served its purpose, but it wasn’t particularly noteworthy – just okay compared to the high standards set by other aspects of the catering, like the tea and the lobster dish earlier.
Overall, the breakfast service was prompt and customized to my schedule. While the cold cuts were a personal miss, the excellent Moroccan tea and the delicious Spanish omelette ensured I started the day on a positive note before landing.
Doha’s Al Safwa First Class Lounge
My layover at Doha’s impressive Hamad International Airport (DOH) was relatively short, around 2 hours and 30 minutes, before my onward flight to Dubai (DXB). Now, here’s where flying Qatar Airways within the region offers a fantastic perk: While my flight from IAD arrived as Business Class, Qatar Airways often markets and tickets its short intra-Gulf flights (like Doha to Dubai) as First Class, even when the physical seat is the same Business Class product (sometimes even Qsuites!).
This ticketing nuance is key because it grants access not just to the (already excellent) Al Mourjan Business Class lounge, but to the far more exclusive and renowned Al Safwa First Class Lounge. This is a significant upgrade and a major highlight for savvy flyers connecting through Doha.
Entering Al Safwa is breathtaking. It feels less like an airport lounge and more like a modern art museum, with incredibly high ceilings, vast open spaces, soothing water features, and a palpable sense of calm and luxury. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s best lounges. The amenities are extensive, including:
- A stunning à la carte restaurant offering complimentary fine dining.
- A luxurious spa (treatments are typically paid, but access is included).
- Numerous private, well-appointed shower suites.
- Quiet zones and reservable semi-private nap rooms/family rooms.
- A dedicated business center.
- Even a small duty-free shop within the lounge.
With my limited time, exploring every corner wasn’t feasible. My priority after the nearly 13-hour flight from IAD was to freshen up. I made a beeline for the shower suites. The suite was spacious, spotlessly clean, featured high-end toiletries, and offered excellent water pressure. Enjoying a long, hot shower felt absolutely fantastic and rejuvenating before the final leg of my trip.
Although my visit was brief and focused, the sheer scale, architectural beauty, and the quality of the facilities like the shower suite were deeply impressive. Access to Al Safwa is a huge benefit of routing via Doha on certain itineraries and adds tremendous value to the overall Qatar Airways experience. Before I knew it, my relaxing break was over, and it was time to head towards the gate for the short 55-minute flight to Dubai.
The Final Hop: Doha to Dubai
Boarding the final leg, the very short flight from Doha (DOH) to Dubai (DXB), was quick and efficient. Operating as flight QR1018, this sector was ticketed as Regional First Class, continuing the premium ground experience with priority boarding.
Once settled into my seat – which on this route can vary but is always a premium offering, sometimes even Qsuites depending on the aircraft scheduled – the cabin crew immediately began the pre-departure service. I opted for Qatar Airways’ signature Lemon Mint Cooler, which is always incredibly refreshing. Following local tradition and hospitality, the flight attendant also came around offering traditional Arabic coffee poured from a classic dallah, accompanied by plump, sweet dates. I gladly accepted this cultural welcome.
What truly stood out on this approximately 55-minute flight was the level of inflight service. It’s amazing to see that Qatar Airways provides a full meal service even on such a short hop. Shortly after reaching cruising altitude, the crew efficiently served a delicious light meal consisting of flavourful Kibbeh and smoky Baba Ganoush, served with warm Arabic bread. It was perfectly portioned and remarkably substantial given the flight time.
As we commenced our descent into Dubai, the attentive crew even offered passengers a coffee “to go” in a takeaway cup – another thoughtful touch showcasing their excellent service philosophy.
Before I knew it, the captain announced our final approach, and this quick, comfortable flight concluded. Landing in Dubai marked the end of an incredible ~16-hour journey that began in Washington D.C. This final segment, short as it was, perfectly highlighted Qatar Airways’ consistent commitment to premium service across its network.
The Bottom Line: Qsuites Lives Up to the Hype (Especially on Points!)
My journey flying Qatar Airways Qsuites Business Class from Washington D.C. (IAD) to Dubai (DXB) via Doha (DOH) was nothing short of phenomenal. From the private, comfortable suite with its closing door to the impeccable, personalized service, the high-quality ‘dine-on-demand’ culinary experience, and the access to the stunning Al Safwa First Class lounge in Doha, every element delivered on the promise of luxury travel.
Qatar Airways Qsuites is frequently lauded as the world’s best Business Class, and after this experience, I can confidently say it lives up to that prestigious reputation.
What makes this journey even more remarkable is the incredible value achieved through points and miles. It’s still astounding that this flight experience, which often commands cash prices upwards of $5,000 USD one-way, was booked for just 58,000 American Express Membership Rewards points (leveraging a transfer bonus) plus approximately $206 USD in taxes and fees. This is a prime example of how strategic use of points can unlock truly aspirational travel.
If this review has inspired you to experience Qsuites for yourself using points, you might be interested in learning the best strategies:
- Finding Qsuites Award Seats: Award availability for Qsuites, typically costing 70,000 Qatar Airways Avios each way between North America and the Middle East, can be tricky to find. I offer an on-demand masterclass that teaches you exactly how to search for and secure these coveted seats. You can access it here: Qsuites Masterclass
- Step-by-Step Booking Guide: For a detailed walkthrough of the booking process using the Qatar Airways website once you’ve found availability, check out this post here
In conclusion, Qatar Airways Qsuites provides an exceptional, market-leading Business Class product. Whether you’re paying cash or, even better, redeeming points, it’s an experience I wholeheartedly recommend for comfort, service, and style on long-haul journeys.
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