In the heart of Doha, I’m basking in the afterglow of an impressive 16.5-hour flight on Qatar Airways’ A350-1000 Qsuite in business class. Before diving into a comprehensive review, I’d like to share my initial thoughts on this extraordinary journey over the North Pole.
Flight Route and Experience
Our journey from LAX to DOH took a polar route, flying directly over the North Pole—a unique experience that spurred a friendly conversation with one of the flight attendants. He shared that crew members can only operate on these long-haul routes once a month due to radiation exposure. The A350-1000 is Qatar Airways’ flagship aircraft, designed for comfort, especially in business class. I was seated in 3A, which provided ample personal space and privacy, thanks to Qatar’s cleverly designed Qsuites.
While the suite is well-appointed, I did notice some minor wear and tear on the seat, such as scratches and a less-than-secure American-style power outlet. However, I was pleased to find a USB-C port had been installed under the window, showcasing Qatar Airways’ commitment to upgrading its offerings. The personal touch of enjoying Arabic coffee with dates at the start of the flight was also a memorable highlight.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Culinary offerings have somewhat evolved since my last flight, with meal options being slightly more limited than before. Nonetheless, the a la carte menu still offered impressive dishes. I started with ajo blanco soup, a delightful cold white gazpacho. The warm serving, however, took me by surprise. The main course—a lamb curry spiced with cardamom and coriander—was exceptional and may rank as one of my top ten airline meals this year. Following that, I relished a cheese course and indulged in a dulcey chocolate mousse for dessert.
The beverage selection included Tattinger and Pommery Brut Rosé Royal. While enjoyable, I miss the standout Bollinger that used to be a staple on their flights.
In-Flight Amenities and Comfort
One aspect that truly enhanced my flight was the onboard Starlink Internet, which provided seamless connectivity. This offered me the chance to stay connected to my blog and manage other tasks, all while enjoying a remarkably fast service. However, not all passengers were respectful of others’ space; this included someone on a loud phone call and another who opted not to use headphones while scrolling through social media. This experience may warrant a reevaluation of my views regarding in-flight phone calls, particularly during long-haul flights.
Post-dinner, I made sure to slip into the World Cup-themed pajamas. Although I didn’t quite favor the baggy fit, they were comfortable enough for a restful sleep. I managed nearly eight hours of shut-eye, which is a rare treat onboard.
Final Thoughts on Qatar Airways Business Class
Upon waking, with just a few hours remaining before landing, I was pleasantly surprised by the breakfast options. I opted for a kale and cherry tomato frittata, which paired nicely with roasted sweet potatoes and pico de gallo. Overall, this flight was a remarkable experience, providing superb service, delectable food, and a cozy suite.
Arriving in Doha on time at a gate with a jet bridge was a nice conclusion to the journey. Overall, Qatar Airways continues to impress, reaffirming its status as one of the leading airlines for business class travel. Stay tuned for a more detailed review, covering elements such as in-flight entertainment, amenity kits, and the entire menu.