Qatar Airways Q-Suites delivered the privacy and space everyone raves about with solid food and service, though booking flexibility cost me 50,000 extra Avios for the exact same seat.
Qatar Airways Q-Suites has developed a cult following among points and miles enthusiasts. The 1-2-1 configuration with closing doors and lie-flat beds is regularly cited as one of the best Business Class products in the sky.
I flew Q-Suites from Singapore to Doha on my way to Abu Dhabi. The routing was strategic: booking First Class to Doha gave me access to the legendary Al Safwa First Class lounge during my layover, even though the Singapore flight only operates Q-Suites.
I used 100,000 Qatar Avios for a flexi fare when saver awards at 50,000 Avios weren't available during my booking window. The cash price was nearly $4,750, so even the flexi fare represented solid value at 3.71 cents per point.
The ground experience at Singapore Changi was smooth, and the Qatar Airways outpost lounge was the nicest I've seen outside a hub airport. The seat lived up to the hype with impressive privacy and space.
Here's my complete review of Qatar Airways Q-Suites and whether it deserves all the praise.
The ground experience at Singapore Changi was easy. Qatar departs from Terminal 1, meaning easy access to Jewel before immigration.
There was a dedicated Business Class check-in line, which honestly moved slower than self-service. However, I wanted a priority tag on my bag to ensure it didn't get lost during my long layover.
As a first-timer at Changi, it was interesting to see that security happens at the gate. There's a little gate holding area for security-cleared passengers.
The flow is: Check-in, departing immigration, lounge, gate, then security.
The lounge was far from the gate. You'd think Qatar would have gates closest to their lounge.
We also had a ground delay before boarding, which was frustrating. That could have been extra time in the lounge instead of sitting at the gate.
Airlines operate outpost lounges at airports that are significant but not quite hubs for them. The Qatar Airways Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport was the nicest outpost lounge I've ever been to.
Not only was there a-la-carte sit-down dining that we took advantage of, but also showers featuring Diptyque products. The overall aesthetic and feng shui of the lounge was beautiful.
The only critique: there were no apron views.
Q-Suites are configured in a 1-2-1 layout. For solo passengers wanting to sit closer to the window, select an odd-numbered seat in the single aisle configuration.
Worth noting: the even-numbered A seats get a little more space with an ottoman.
The seat itself is massive and incredibly private. The physical seat is a full recliner, strangely long and skinny on the back height. It isn't incredibly wide, but it fit my 6'4" frame just fine.
Next to the seat is a pull-up drawer that opens to reveal a water bottle and headphones. When shut, it's padded on top so you can sit on it or use it as an armrest.
Across from the seat are seat controls with a little open space to store paperwork. That's where the menu was waiting when we arrived.
Above that is a marble counter for extra storage. Next to it was literature including the safety information card and a small closing cubby.
The 4K screen was massive and nice for entertainment. However, glare was a bit of a problem throughout the flight.
The tray table was perfectly sized, taking up exactly the amount of space needed without being too much.
There was a remote control on the console area next to the seat to control the TV.
In lie-flat mode, the bed just about fit me at 6'4" but would have been tight for anyone taller.
The service on this flight was very good, but noticeably not quite like what I've experienced in various First Class cabins before. First world problems, I know.
They were very attentive to my nut allergy and didn't serve various items as a result of not knowing whether they contained nuts.
Shortly after takeoff, I requested pajamas since I like to collect them. I got a special Doha Formula 1 themed pajama set.
Qatar Airways partners with Diptyque for amenities throughout their system. A Diptyque amenity kit was provided featuring Philosykos products.
Diptyque amenity kits were given out based on gender. Men and women received two different amenity kits with slightly different items inside.
I got a men's kit and also picked up a women's kit for my significant other.
The food and beverage were pretty good. While it wasn't the best airplane food I've ever had, it was definitely up there.
I started with a pre-departure beverage of Qatar's signature Lemon Mint.
I wanted to wait a few hours after takeoff to start my meal so I could get my day's worth of work done before enjoying the last hour or two of the flight.
Once it was time to eat, I let my flight attendants know. They started preparing the meal I'd ordered prior to departure.
They asked what I wanted to drink. I requested a champagne sampler from two of the champagnes they had stocked: a brut and a rosé.
Certain premium routes that Qatar flies now stock caviar service. Singapore is one of those destinations. However, I learned from flight attendants that caviar service is only offered ex-Doha. In other words, it wasn't available on my flight. Bummer.
Since I knew I was having beef tenderloin later at the Al Safwa lounge, I wanted to limit red meat intake. None of the appetizers sounded appetizing, so I decided to just go with a main course. If I was still hungry, I'd order more from the a-la-carte menu.
I had Tandoori chicken served with rice. Very good. The chicken was tender, seasoned well, and cooked perfectly. While it was good, it wasn't knock-your-socks-off amazing.
They finished with dessert: berries and ice cream. Delicious, though it could have used some chocolate or other decadence.
There were other desserts that I have a sweet spot for, but they all had nuts or were questionable for nuts. I'm allergic and not about to chance it.
While I booked this using Qatar Avios, I didn't find a deal on this flight unfortunately.
My final destination was Abu Dhabi, and I wanted to check out the elusive Al Safwa First Class lounge. I had to ticket this as a First Class ticket to get access, even though they only fly Business Class Q-Suites on the SIN-DOH leg.
I booked this as a Flexi Fare, which are generally pretty widely available using Qatar Avios or partners like Alaska Airlines. However, these flexi fares typically cost an arm and a leg compared to saver pricing.
I booked this flexi flight for 100,000 Qatar Avios. If saver availability were available, I could have done it for just 50,000 Avios, flying in the exact same seat.
The cash price of this ticket was $4,745. Even at the flexi fare, I got 3.71 cents per point. If it were a saver flight, I would have nearly doubled that to 7.42 cents per point.
Unfortunately, I wasn't flexible in my travel plans. I did see on the day of departure that if I wanted to cancel and rebook, I could have gotten my 100,000 points back and booked a saver itinerary since saver availability opened up.
However, this would have required cutting my Doha layover in half. I'm also wary of playing ticketing games too close to departure. What happens if the Avios didn't redeposit in time?
Qatar Airways Q-Suites lives up to most of the hype. The seat provides genuine privacy with closing doors and enough space for my 6'4" frame, though anyone taller might find the bed a bit tight.
The 4K entertainment screen was massive and the marble countertop added a premium touch. The padded storage drawer that doubles as an armrest or seat is a clever design element. The suite genuinely feels private and spacious.
Service was very good and attentive, especially regarding my nut allergy. They proactively avoided serving items they weren't sure about. While not quite First Class level service, it exceeded typical Business Class standards.
The Diptyque amenity kits and special Doha Formula 1 pajamas were nice touches. Having gender-specific amenity kits with different products shows attention to detail.
Food was solid without being spectacular. The Tandoori chicken was well-prepared and flavorful, though not knock-your-socks-off amazing. The champagne sampler was a nice touch. Disappointing that caviar service is only offered ex-Doha rather than on premium routes like Singapore.
The Qatar Airways outpost lounge at Changi was exceptional with a-la-carte dining, Diptyque shower products, and beautiful design. Only missing apron views.
The booking situation highlights the importance of flexibility. Paying 100,000 Avios instead of 50,000 for the exact same seat stings, especially when saver availability opened up on departure day. Still, at 3.71 cents per point against a $4,750 cash price, it represented reasonable value.
Q-Suites deserves its reputation as one of the best Business Class products flying. The privacy, space, and overall experience justify the hype. Just try to snag saver award space if you can to maximize value.
If you're flying Qatar Airways long-haul in Business Class, the Q-Suites equipped flights are worth seeking out over their standard Business Class product. This is the premium experience that makes long flights genuinely comfortable.
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Qatar Airways Q-Suites has developed a cult following among points and miles enthusiasts. The 1-2-1 configuration with closing doors and lie-flat beds is regularly cited as one of the best Business Class products in the sky.
I flew Q-Suites from Singapore to Doha on my way to Abu Dhabi. The routing was strategic: booking First Class to Doha gave me access to the legendary Al Safwa First Class lounge during my layover, even though the Singapore flight only operates Q-Suites.
I used 100,000 Qatar Avios for a flexi fare when saver awards at 50,000 Avios weren't available during my booking window. The cash price was nearly $4,750, so even the flexi fare represented solid value at 3.71 cents per point.
The ground experience at Singapore Changi was smooth, and the Qatar Airways outpost lounge was the nicest I've seen outside a hub airport. The seat lived up to the hype with impressive privacy and space.
Here's my complete review of Qatar Airways Q-Suites and whether it deserves all the praise.
The ground experience at Singapore Changi was easy. Qatar departs from Terminal 1, meaning easy access to Jewel before immigration.
There was a dedicated Business Class check-in line, which honestly moved slower than self-service. However, I wanted a priority tag on my bag to ensure it didn't get lost during my long layover.
As a first-timer at Changi, it was interesting to see that security happens at the gate. There's a little gate holding area for security-cleared passengers.
The flow is: Check-in, departing immigration, lounge, gate, then security.
The lounge was far from the gate. You'd think Qatar would have gates closest to their lounge.
We also had a ground delay before boarding, which was frustrating. That could have been extra time in the lounge instead of sitting at the gate.
Airlines operate outpost lounges at airports that are significant but not quite hubs for them. The Qatar Airways Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport was the nicest outpost lounge I've ever been to.
Not only was there a-la-carte sit-down dining that we took advantage of, but also showers featuring Diptyque products. The overall aesthetic and feng shui of the lounge was beautiful.
The only critique: there were no apron views.
Q-Suites are configured in a 1-2-1 layout. For solo passengers wanting to sit closer to the window, select an odd-numbered seat in the single aisle configuration.
Worth noting: the even-numbered A seats get a little more space with an ottoman.
The seat itself is massive and incredibly private. The physical seat is a full recliner, strangely long and skinny on the back height. It isn't incredibly wide, but it fit my 6'4" frame just fine.
Next to the seat is a pull-up drawer that opens to reveal a water bottle and headphones. When shut, it's padded on top so you can sit on it or use it as an armrest.
Across from the seat are seat controls with a little open space to store paperwork. That's where the menu was waiting when we arrived.
Above that is a marble counter for extra storage. Next to it was literature including the safety information card and a small closing cubby.
The 4K screen was massive and nice for entertainment. However, glare was a bit of a problem throughout the flight.
The tray table was perfectly sized, taking up exactly the amount of space needed without being too much.
There was a remote control on the console area next to the seat to control the TV.
In lie-flat mode, the bed just about fit me at 6'4" but would have been tight for anyone taller.
The service on this flight was very good, but noticeably not quite like what I've experienced in various First Class cabins before. First world problems, I know.
They were very attentive to my nut allergy and didn't serve various items as a result of not knowing whether they contained nuts.
Shortly after takeoff, I requested pajamas since I like to collect them. I got a special Doha Formula 1 themed pajama set.
Qatar Airways partners with Diptyque for amenities throughout their system. A Diptyque amenity kit was provided featuring Philosykos products.
Diptyque amenity kits were given out based on gender. Men and women received two different amenity kits with slightly different items inside.
I got a men's kit and also picked up a women's kit for my significant other.
The food and beverage were pretty good. While it wasn't the best airplane food I've ever had, it was definitely up there.
I started with a pre-departure beverage of Qatar's signature Lemon Mint.
I wanted to wait a few hours after takeoff to start my meal so I could get my day's worth of work done before enjoying the last hour or two of the flight.
Once it was time to eat, I let my flight attendants know. They started preparing the meal I'd ordered prior to departure.
They asked what I wanted to drink. I requested a champagne sampler from two of the champagnes they had stocked: a brut and a rosé.
Certain premium routes that Qatar flies now stock caviar service. Singapore is one of those destinations. However, I learned from flight attendants that caviar service is only offered ex-Doha. In other words, it wasn't available on my flight. Bummer.
Since I knew I was having beef tenderloin later at the Al Safwa lounge, I wanted to limit red meat intake. None of the appetizers sounded appetizing, so I decided to just go with a main course. If I was still hungry, I'd order more from the a-la-carte menu.
I had Tandoori chicken served with rice. Very good. The chicken was tender, seasoned well, and cooked perfectly. While it was good, it wasn't knock-your-socks-off amazing.
They finished with dessert: berries and ice cream. Delicious, though it could have used some chocolate or other decadence.
There were other desserts that I have a sweet spot for, but they all had nuts or were questionable for nuts. I'm allergic and not about to chance it.
While I booked this using Qatar Avios, I didn't find a deal on this flight unfortunately.
My final destination was Abu Dhabi, and I wanted to check out the elusive Al Safwa First Class lounge. I had to ticket this as a First Class ticket to get access, even though they only fly Business Class Q-Suites on the SIN-DOH leg.
I booked this as a Flexi Fare, which are generally pretty widely available using Qatar Avios or partners like Alaska Airlines. However, these flexi fares typically cost an arm and a leg compared to saver pricing.
I booked this flexi flight for 100,000 Qatar Avios. If saver availability were available, I could have done it for just 50,000 Avios, flying in the exact same seat.
The cash price of this ticket was $4,745. Even at the flexi fare, I got 3.71 cents per point. If it were a saver flight, I would have nearly doubled that to 7.42 cents per point.
Unfortunately, I wasn't flexible in my travel plans. I did see on the day of departure that if I wanted to cancel and rebook, I could have gotten my 100,000 points back and booked a saver itinerary since saver availability opened up.
However, this would have required cutting my Doha layover in half. I'm also wary of playing ticketing games too close to departure. What happens if the Avios didn't redeposit in time?
Qatar Airways Q-Suites lives up to most of the hype. The seat provides genuine privacy with closing doors and enough space for my 6'4" frame, though anyone taller might find the bed a bit tight.
The 4K entertainment screen was massive and the marble countertop added a premium touch. The padded storage drawer that doubles as an armrest or seat is a clever design element. The suite genuinely feels private and spacious.
Service was very good and attentive, especially regarding my nut allergy. They proactively avoided serving items they weren't sure about. While not quite First Class level service, it exceeded typical Business Class standards.
The Diptyque amenity kits and special Doha Formula 1 pajamas were nice touches. Having gender-specific amenity kits with different products shows attention to detail.
Food was solid without being spectacular. The Tandoori chicken was well-prepared and flavorful, though not knock-your-socks-off amazing. The champagne sampler was a nice touch. Disappointing that caviar service is only offered ex-Doha rather than on premium routes like Singapore.
The Qatar Airways outpost lounge at Changi was exceptional with a-la-carte dining, Diptyque shower products, and beautiful design. Only missing apron views.
The booking situation highlights the importance of flexibility. Paying 100,000 Avios instead of 50,000 for the exact same seat stings, especially when saver availability opened up on departure day. Still, at 3.71 cents per point against a $4,750 cash price, it represented reasonable value.
Q-Suites deserves its reputation as one of the best Business Class products flying. The privacy, space, and overall experience justify the hype. Just try to snag saver award space if you can to maximize value.
If you're flying Qatar Airways long-haul in Business Class, the Q-Suites equipped flights are worth seeking out over their standard Business Class product. This is the premium experience that makes long flights genuinely comfortable.
