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It’s common knowledge that airlines offer a different service depending on the cabin class you are traveling in. However, economy, premium economy, business, and first are just labels. The reality is that every airline invests differently in developing each of these different cabins.
Demand for the different classes has markedly changed over the last few years, especially following the pandemic. Premium economy has witnessed a significant demand increase, leading airlines to further invest in this product and, in some cases, develop a hard product that almost resembles some older days’ business class concepts. The same applies to business class, which, before the pandemic, had already started to trade blows with some first class cabins.
Business class continually improves, but first class still offers more with some airlines.
An excellent example of the increasing relevance of business class for today’s airlines is Qatar Airways’ QSuite. Launched in March 2017 with the payoff “first in business“, the airline made it clear that the the new product wants to deliver a business class experience beyond what you would expect from traveling in this cabin. Renowned for being the world’s best business class, Simple Flying thought it would be interesting to analyze five of the most unique features you would find if you are lucky enough to try out the QSuite.
The airline offers quad-suites for work or socialization among travel groups.
If you have ever flown business class, you might agree with the following statement: Access to the lounge is one of the nicest perks of flying in this cabin. For many travelers, what is found in the lounge is almost as important as what is offered onboard.
Suppose you are traveling in the QSuite, and your point of origin is Doha, Qatar Airways’ hub. In that case, you automatically have access to one of the carrier’s signature lounges – the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business class lounge. This premium space develops over two floors and occupies an impressive surface of 100,000 square feet (9,200 m²), offering a capacity for up to 1,000 passengers.
Photo: EQRoy I Shutterstock
Dining options are endless and include a hot and cold buffet, a sushi counter, an à la carte menu, a luxury other airlines usually reserve to first class lounges only. Additionally, several beverage stations are scattered throughout the entire lounge to cater to passengers wherever they might enjoy their time before boarding. There are two gaming rooms for the youngest guests and those who are too excited about their upcoming trip to sit at a table.
Conversely, napping areas can be easily found on both lounge floors for those who like to maximize rest time between flights. In April last year, Qatar Airways also revealed the latest addition to the carrier’s portfolio of lounges at Doha International, i.e., Al Mourjan – the Garden.
Business class cabins are of very different types. However, one of the most essential features premium customers look for today is a one-two-one configuration, which gives all passengers direct access to the aisle.
Unlike its predecessor, the QSuite won’t disappoint its guests, as they all have the much-desired access to the aisle and, thus, are free to move in the cabin without disturbing fellow passengers. The QSuite can be found onboard four different kinds of aircraft:
Besides the Airbus A350-1000, which only features the QSuite, the other three aircraft types might also come with older business class products. However, as explained by TPG, the old business class concept on the Boeing 777 has a different cabin layout, i.e., 2-2-2. Therefore, if you are traveling on this aircraft type and have a look at the seat map, it will be easy to know if you’ll be blessed with the QSuite or not. On the A350, on the other hand, you might get a third business concept, which, on the seat map, looks like a reverse herringbone. Although this is an improved business class product, it still pales compared to the QSuite, whose rather unique layout is easy to spot on the seat map, as seen in the image below.
Photo: SeatGuru
On both variants of the Boeing 777, business class seats 42 passengers. The 42 seats take up 11 rows and are split between two cabin sections. Odd-numbered rows in the forward cabin face backward, while, in the rear business class section, even-numbered rows face backward. On the Airbus A350-900, 36 QSuites occupy nine rows in two business cabin sections, and all odd-numbered seats are backward-facing. On the Airbus A350-100, 12 rows are reserved for business class, for a total of 46 suites. Also, in this case, all odd-numbered seats face backward.
If you are flying on your honeymoon, the QSuite is perhaps the best way to start your unforgettable trip without bearing the cost of a first class ticket.
Indeed, specific pairs of suites in the middle section can be combined in different configurations. One of them, and perhaps the most appreciated by couples and families, is the double bed, i.e., two adjacent seats in the middle section that turn into a double bed. However, it is essential to note that the two seats split from the waist down. Still, the QSuite is among the few business class products offering such a luxury in the sky. The only other airline offering a comparable perk to its premium passengers may be Singapore Airlines on the Airbus A380.
Photo: Aerospace Trek I Shutterstock
How do you know if you are getting to sit in Qatar Airways’ luxurious bed in the sky? Needless to say, the answer to this question depends on which kind of aircraft you’re flying. If you are flying on the Boeing 777 (in both its variants), make sure to book any of the “E” or “F” seats in the following rows:
The same applies if you’re flying on the Airbus A350-1000. Conversely, on the Airbus A350-900, the letters and rows are the same, excluding row 11, which is no longer part of the business class cabin on this aircraft.
As the name suggests, business class was initially introduced to cater to business travelers. Although a relevant portion of business class demand now comes from leisure vacationers, and companies’ travel policies have become stricter and require more people to fly economy rather than in premium cabins, it is still the norm to find passengers traveling for work in business class.
At least, this is true for Qatar Airways, who developed a unique feature in its latest business class – “the Quad.” The Quad is a seating concept you can only find when flying in the QSuite, and it allows four passengers seated in specific seats in the middle section to slide the partition behind their entertainment screens to see each other. A table can be used in the middle to share a meal or discuss business. This seating configuration is also ideal for families traveling together, as the quad allows them to socialize during the flight, playing and eating together as if they were enjoying some free time in their living room.
Photo: Qatar Airways
If you are flying on the Boeing 777 and you want to experience “the Quad”, you need to book any of the following:
On the Airbus A350-900, go for the following seats:
On the Airbus A350-1000, you will find the Quad here:
Such a sophisticated and futuristic business class seat could not but offer the most advanced technology to provide passengers with the most enjoyable stay onboard.
When flying the QSuite, you fully manage your time onboard. If you want to arrive at your destination ready to face a daunting business meeting or make the most of your first day at an exciting holiday destination, you should maximize your sleep while onboard. In that case, you can take advantage of the seat’s light-up “do not disturb” signs. For those who want to make the most of their time in the QSuite, the 21.5-inch (54 cm) In-flight Entertainment (IFE) screen offers touch-screen control and content for up to 4,000 options.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying
The media panels include:
By offering the NFC technology, passengers can stream pre-selected playlists from the Qatar Airways app on their smartphones using this system.
Photo: EQRoy I Shutterstock
Besides the latest technology, all passengers are also pampered with luxurious amenity kits by the refined French brand Diptyque. Each kit offers signature fragrances as well as body and face care products to make your stay in the QSuite even more enjoyable.
Have you ever tried the QSuite? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!
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