Route: DOH > IAD

Flight Number: QR709

Date of Flight: July 11th, 2024 at 1:20 AM

Aircraft Type: Airbus A350-900

Welcome back! We’re excited to share another Qatar Airways review, this time featuring their renowned QSuites business class on an Airbus A350-900. We boarded flight QR709, departing Doha, Qatar at 1:20 AM and arriving in Washington, D.C., USA at 9:20 AM, a journey of approximately 15 hours. This leg is part of our ongoing trip from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can find the review of our first flight from Kuala Lumpur to Doha here

We’re big fans of Qatar Airways, especially their QSuites business class. We last flew this route in 2023 when returning from Türkiye. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of our experience on QR709 and provide our personal rating.

Booking Process: A Smooth 9/10

When it comes to booking our flights, we always aim for the best value and comfort. For this journey, we redeemed 85,000 points per person for a one-way business class trip. Just keep in mind that this flight was actually the second leg of our onward journey from Kuala Lumpur, so we didn’t book it directly from Doha to Washington D.C.

The booking process was quite typical and smooth. We entered our information, deducted the required points, and voilà – our seats were secured. While we can’t recall the exact points required for a direct Doha to Washington Dulles booking, we just know it’s not 85,000 Avios points, however with recent award chart changes, they have slightly increased in price so definitely not as cheap as they used to be.

Check-in and Boarding: A 10/10 Experience

For this specific journey, we can’t provide a complete assessment of the check-in experience at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, as this was the second leg of our trip from Kuala Lumpur to the United States. However, given the stunning design and efficient staffing at Hamad International, we can assume that checking in for business class there is smooth and stress-free.

From our departure in Kuala Lumpur, we had an excellent check-in experience. The Qatar Airways ticketing agent was kind, efficient, and helpful. The entire check-in process took no more than 3–4 minutes, and the agent provided a clear overview of the amenities included with our business class ticket. Departing from Doha was similarly straightforward, especially with the added benefit of access to the business class lounge. We highly recommend visiting their newest lounge, The Garden in the north terminal, for an elevated pre-flight experience.

Overall, we encountered no issues with check-in and consistently find Qatar Airways’ business class check-in process to be smooth and well-managed. Given this reliability, we’re giving a perfect rating for this category.

Seat and Comfort: A Very Comfortable 9.7/10

The Qsuite seat consistently delivers high comfort, and we often rate it close to perfect. Occasionally, minor issues with seat features may slightly impact the experience. For instance, on our very first Qsuite flight a few years ago, the cabin was uncomfortably warm, and our seats lacked individual air conditioning vents. On another flight, the sliding privacy door wouldn’t stay closed, but a helpful flight attendant quickly resolved the issue using some tools. These minor faults in hardware or signs of seat wear can occasionally appear, as is natural with frequent use. However, the exceptional service from the cabin crew often addresses even the smallest issues, ensuring an overall enjoyable experience.

For this particular flight, we encountered no such malfunctions and thoroughly enjoyed our seats, 5E and 5F. The seat offers ample space, and the ability to connect it with the adjacent seat to form a double bed is a standout feature. If you’re concerned about the slight gap created when the divider is lowered, there’s extra padding available to smooth it out. Additionally, the storage compartment beside the seat can be lowered to provide even more room.

Complementing the seat setup, the blanket, pillows, and mattress topper enhance comfort, creating a bed-like experience that feels far removed from the typical plane seat.

In-Flight Entertainment: A Solid 8/10

While not exactly the best, the in-flight entertainment on Qatar Airways is far from terrible. Personally, I (Shariff) found the variety a bit limited compared to other airlines. The movie selection included fairly new releases, which was a plus, but if you’re hoping to watch a classic film, be aware that it might not be available. As an Islamic-based airline, Qatar Airways displays an inappropriate content warning before each movie or television show, which is helpful for parents. The music selection wasn’t extensive, so we usually opt for downloading music to our phones. Unfortunately, Qatar’s Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so do not rely on having Internet service if you absolutely need it. However, Starlink will now be equipped on flights which is EXCITING news. We cannot wait to travel again and test out the Wi-Fi via Starlink. Overall, like our previous review, we’d give the in-flight entertainment an 8/10.

Cleanliness: A Stellar 9.5/10

Qatar Airways maintains impressive standards for cleanliness in Qsuites. It’s common on flights to notice leftover trash from items like toiletries, blankets, and headphones. However, the Qsuites cabin crew is exceptionally prompt in collecting any waste. Attendants regularly take away finished food and drinks, ensuring that the cabin remains tidy throughout the flight. This attention to detail means you can move around the cabin without seeing litter or clutter.

The bathroom cleanliness is equally impressive. You can expect spotless facilities, free from the overflowing trash bins, wet countertops, and scattered tissues or napkins that can be common on other airlines. Qatar Airways’ commitment to hygiene in shared spaces enhances the overall in-flight experience.

The only minor issue we encountered on this flight was a menu that appeared to have a spill stain. While a small detail, it was noticeable amid the otherwise immaculate surroundings.

Cabin Crew Service: A Pleasant 9/10

Qatar’s cabin crew service was great – always attentive and friendly. We didn’t have any standout experiences, but we didn’t have any bad ones either. The crew’s bubbly energy and genuine attentiveness made for a pleasant flight. We gave this category a 9 out of 10.

Food and Beverage: A Tasty 9/10

A Tale of Two Meals

I wish I could have tried everything on the menu, however I was very full from grubbing in The Garden business lounge prior to boarding. However, Aroob had the appetite so she was able to share her thoughts on the culinary offerings.

For her starter, Aroob opted for a light and refreshing fish dish, the barramundi. Following the main course was a delightful chocolate brownie, which she raved about, and honestly it looked immaculate. The dessert was a highlight for her, as she found it to be exceptionally delicious.

Afternoon Tea Delights

One of the standout culinary experiences on Qatar Airways is their tea service. We both are particularly fond of having afternoon tea, so we were excited to try this offering. The delicate sandwiches, pastries, and teas create a delightful interlude during the flight, adding a touch of elegance and indulgence to the journey. We highly recommend!

Breakfast of Champions

For breakfast, Aroob was treated to a flavorful shakshuka dish. This spicy tomato and egg concoction was a surprisingly delicious, providing a nice kickstart for breakfast. The breakfast service was well-executed, with attentive staff ensuring that our meals were served promptly and to our liking.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: A Solid 1/10

The Wi-Fi connectivity on this flight was a mixed bag. While we appreciated the complimentary hour of service, the overall speed and reliability was pitiful. The slow connection made it challenging to perform even basic tasks like loading emails or browsing the web. By the time you even get a page to load, your free session probably has already expired…seriously.

That said, we’re excited about the prospect of Starlink being introduced on Qatar Airways flights. Starlink’s satellite internet service has a reputation for being fast and reliable, so we’re hopeful that this upgrade will significantly enhance the in-flight Wi-Fi experience.

Amenities: A Refreshing 8.5/10

Diptyque and The White Company

In addition to the Diptyque amenity kits, Qatar Airways provides comfortable pajamas from The White Company. These long-sleeve PJs are perfect for lounging and sleeping during the flight, adding an extra layer of comfort to the journey.

Headphones

One amenity that we didn’t make use of was the headphones provided by the airline. As avid travelers, we’ve invested in our own high-quality headphones.

While some travelers might appreciate the convenience of using the airline-provided headphones, we prefer to use our own on all of our trips.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

One surprising omission from the amenity kit was a toothbrush and toothpaste. Given the length of the flight – around 14 hours – we would have expected these essential items to be included. Fortunately, we had our own toothbrushes and toothpaste from the lounge, but it’s something to keep in mind for future travels.

Punctuality: A Perfect 10/10

Timely Departure and Arrival

Our flight was slightly delayed upon departure, leaving around 30 minutes behind schedule. However, the skilled pilots managed to make up for the lost time in the air, ensuring that we arrived at our destination on time.

Efficient Baggage Handling

Upon landing at Dulles airport, we were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the baggage handling process. Typically, collecting your bags after a long flight can be a time-consuming affair, with passengers often waiting for what feels like an eternity at the baggage carousel.

However, on this occasion, our bags appeared promptly, allowing us to swiftly make our way through the airport and finally back home. This was particularly impressive given that we had to clear immigration, which can often be a lengthy process at Dulles airport. Fortunately, our Global Entry status expedited this process, and we were able to breeze through in record time. We highly recommend to apply for Global Entry (especially for Dulles airport), to make the immigration process flawless.

Overall Experience: A Decent 8.5/10

When it comes to rating our overall experience, we initially settled on an 8.5 out of 10. However, after some consideration, we decided to bump our rating up to a 9. This decision was largely influenced by the exceptional service provided by the flight attendant who went above and beyond to fix the faulty door on my seat.

The Importance of Temperature Control

One of the key factors that can make or break a flight for us is the cabin temperature. On our previous Cutter Airways experience, we found the cabin to be uncomfortably hot, which significantly detracted from our enjoyment of the journey. However, on this flight, the temperature was perfectly regulated, creating a comfortable and cozy atmosphere that allowed us to truly relax and enjoy the experience.

Attentive and Kind Cabin Crew

Throughout the flight, the cabin crew was consistently attentive and kind, always ready to assist with a smile. They made a point to regularly check in on passengers, ensuring that everyone was comfortable and well-fed. The aisles were kept meticulously clean, creating an inviting and pleasant environment for all on board.

Our Love for Q-Suites

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of the Qatar Airways Qsuites. The combination of comfort, space, and versatility makes these seats a standout feature of the airline’s business class offering. We’re already looking forward to our next Qsuites experience, which is coming up in March. Stay tuned for another review, where we’ll share our thoughts and insights from that journey.

Would We Recommend Qatar Airways? Absolutely!

In conclusion, our Qatar Airways Business Class experience in the Qsuites on the Doha to Washington Dulles route was overwhelmingly positive. From the smooth booking process to the exceptional onboard service, this flight exemplified the best that business class travel has to offer.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our comprehensive review and found it informative and engaging. Don’t forget to watch our vlog, like, share, and tell your friends to book flights! Until next time, happy travels! ✈️🌟

And remember! Catch flights, not feelings!