The Fit Traveller

Qatar Airways Qsuite Review: The World’s Best Business Class

Skye Gilkeson — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 08:06:25 +0000

Never before have I stepped onto a plane excited about the second leg of our long journey home to Australia from Europe. Our Qatar Airways business class flight between Doha and Sydney was different. It was our first time travelling in the Qsuite. This Qatar Airways QSuite review details our business-class experience to see whether it lived up to the hype as the best airline in the world.

Skye Gilkeson

Privacy and space are obvious benefits of the Qatar Qsuite model. Image © Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Qsuite Review

Booking with Qatar Airways

We chose Qatar for this trip based on its competitive price.

Based on our previous experience flying Qatar Airways business class we also knew it would be a great experience.

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Check-In at Qatar Airways Charles de Gaulle Airport Paris

We checked in at the counter at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris as our full flight schedule was Paris – Doha – Sydney – Brisbane. They quite literally rolled out the red (or Burgundy) carpet for check-in.

One Qatar Airways representative even walked us to the front of the Business Class check-in line after seeing we had our baby asleep in her stroller.

It always puts you at ease when you are welcomed with a baby in business class by both the airline and other travellers. Thankfully, that was the case on all of our Qatar flights.

The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a beautiful space to relax in. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge Paris

From check-in, we made our way to the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Paris to relax and shower before our flight.

On arrival in Doha, we did the same; taking the time to shower, eat and relax in the very large Al Mourjan Lounge, which is exclusively open to passengers travelling business class with Qatar Airways (as opposed to the First Class lounge which allows partner airline passengers’ entry).

Super private single seats take a prime position in the window of the Qatar Business Class zone. Image © Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER

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Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER

The Qsuite is also available on the Airbus A350-900 and the A350-1000.

Route

Doha to Sydney with Qatar Airways

Flight Duration from Doha to Sydney

14 hours 15 mins

Seat

We were in seats 5E and 5F

Welcome amenities, a refreshing towel and a glass of champagne to start our flight. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Skye and daughter Alaska enjoying the spacious Qatar Qsuite. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Qatar Airways Qsuite

Thankfully, we weren’t the only excited passengers settling into our suites as we boarded the plane. All of those around us, whether in the centre Qsuite or single suites by the window, were poking and prodding all of the amenities, buttons, bells and whistles as they boarded. There were many a suite selfie taken too.

There are 42 business class suites spread between the two cabins on the Boeing 777-300ER.

We were in seats 5E and 5F.

The Qsuite model has been spruiked as a more romantic seating layout for couples, with the option to transform the two seats into a lie-flat double bed.

It was for that particular feature that the Qsuite appealed to us, but for a slightly different reason; we were travelling with a baby.

Having a double bed and lots of privacy would enable our daughter to sleep in between us while giving us enough room to stay comfortable and sleep as well.

UPDATE: While we were allowed to have our baby sleep between us in a Qatar Airways Q Suite, a reader has since been told they would not be permitted to do so. Please check with the airline before you book this configuration.

The cabin configuration was 1-2-1. However, only the rear-facing middle seats were those that could be transformed into a double bed. So, ensure you choose this option online (we had to call and request this specific Qsuite option).

This makes for quite an odd feeling on take-off and landing.

The forward-facing seated pairs can feel a little further from each other. The couple facing us commented on the distance while disembarking but didn’t seem too concerned about it.

They would be the less-awkward option for friends or colleagues travelling together who need a little personal space, other than a simple privacy screen.

If you are travelling as a group of four, the Qatar Airways Qsuite quad configuration would be ideal.

The privacy panels located behind the TV screens can be drawn back between the centre four seats to create a shared quad space to chat, work or enjoy a few cocktails together at 40,000 feet.

The 777-300ER doesn’t have a bar like the A380 does so the four-suite quad model is a great answer thanks to the privacy screens to the aisle, which makes the space more intimate than a common bar area.

Settling into our Qatar Qsuite in Doha. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Qatar Airways QSuite Comfort

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Qsuite. As we patted our brows with a fresh cool towel and sipped on a welcome glass of pretty pink Drappier Rose Champagne, we explored and exhausted all of the many storage options, seat positions, mood lighting levels and the general splendour of our makeshift hotel room in the sky.

The His and Hers BRIC amenity kits feature a mask, ear plugs, socks and luxury Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio skincare products. Comfortable White Company slippers and sleepwear are delivered to your suite before take off.

The TV had the largest screen we’ve had in business class and with two of the 21.5-inch screen sitting side-by-side, our seats felt somewhat like a personal cinema experience. There are more than enough programs to keep you diverted with 4,000 entertainment options from Hollywood blockbusters to TV sets.

Charging your electronics and staying connected is easy with plenty of pockets, power points and a USB point with the TV remote in the control centre, all within easy reach.

Every possible control is at your fingertips from mood lighting to a do not disturb sign and the Oryx entertainment system to keep you occupied. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The Qsuite seats themselves are wide and lie flat for sleeping. Flight attendants helped set up our double bed complete with mattress topper, doona and plenty of pillows as part of their turn-down service. The double bed was extremely comfortable.

With the privacy screen to the aisles pulled closed and the Do Not Disturb light illuminated, we were able to cosy up as a family and get some sleep during the flight. The foot cubby was very generous too. So much so that I stored an extra bag in the space.

The business-class bathrooms were huge and I never had to wait in line, which was particularly good when I had to step in to change my daughter’s nappy. There was plenty of room to do so too.

The flight attendants usually saw me walking with her and stepped ahead, set up the table and held the door open so I could walk straight in too which was lovely.

Dual 21-inch screens in the Qatar Qsuite make for a cinema-like feel. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Qatar Airways Inflight Menu

The in-flight dining on Qatar Airways Business Class is the best we’ve had on any airline.

It is absolutely a dining experience, not just an in-flight meal. Every part of the experience is curated, from the menu to the table presentation. There are no small, shaky tables and plastic trays here.

Each detail has been carefully choreographed, making it easy to forget you are on a plane. White tablecloths, signature crockery and glassware, a (safety) candle for ambience, personal mini-salt and pepper shakers. The list goes on. These luxury touches make a meal feel special, not rushed.

Of course, the best feature is the dine-on-demand a la carte inflight menu. Eat what you like when you feel like it. Again, this feels like a crossover from a first-class experience. As we were travelling with a baby, we could easily take turns eating (while the other took care of the baby).

I actually held off on eating at the lounge in Doha because I knew the food onboard would be so good.

For dinner, I tried the grilled tenderloin of beef with crushed new potatoes, asparagus spears, baby vegetables and béarnaise sauce. For breakfast, I chose the Greek yoghurt, strawberry compote and toasted granola with nuts and the Emmental cheese omelette with chicken and herb patties, potatoes, tomato and mushrooms.

There was a glass or two of Pommery brut dotted throughout the flight too.

The wine list included an Albert Bichot Burgundy, Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc a 2012 Chateau Lynch-Moussas Bordeaux among many others.

Related: A Luxury Loire Valley Cruise

The in-flight dining offering by Qatar is almost unmatched in business class with a gourmet menu and dine on request. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Qatar Airways Inflight Service

The service in Qatar Airways business class is unmatched.

From the moment we sat down and were each personally greeted by our flight attendant to offers to babysit so we could sleep to the knowledge of food and wine, we have found the team on every Qatar business class flight friendly, polished and extremely fast to help when called, even in the middle of the night.

An amenities kit for babies on board the Qatar Airways business class flight. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Qatar Airways Business Class With a Baby

While it is always very daunting boarding a plane with a baby, particularly over the long haul, we were made to feel welcome from the moment we checked in at the Paris counter to the moment we landed in Sydney. This was the same on all of our other business-class flights with Qatar too.

During this flight, the flight attendants checked in on us and our daughter often, they offered to entertain her to give us a break, and they brought us a baby amenities kit (consisting of nappies, wipes, food pouches and creams).

Our Qatar Airways QSuite Review

Without question, I would rate the experience as a five out of five. There’s a reason the Qsuite has been called revolutionary. It really stands out as the best business-class seating option on the market.

I am yet to fly first class, but I am sure this is the closest step to first class that exists, right now.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Qantas Dreamliner Business Class Review: Melbourne to Los Angeles

Skye Gilkeson — Tue, 29 May 2018 09:03:22 +0000

There’s an almost palpable feeling of anxiety carried by parents when you step on to a plane with a baby. It’s actually something that starts to simmer as soon as you book your ticket. This feeling was particularly strong when boarding our recent Qantas Dreamliner Business Class flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles; our first long-haul flight with our five-month-old daughter. Our fears were immediately eased by warm smiles, introductory handshakes and an all important glass of French champagne thanks to the friendly Qantas crew.

Skye Gilkeson

The business suites in the Qantas 747 Dreamliner as designed for comfort and privacy. Image © Qantas

Qantas Dreamliner Business Class

Check-In

As we were flying through from Brisbane, we checked in at the Premium Lounge Entry check in at Brisbane airport which takes you directly through to Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounge.

The Qantas Dreamliner cabin suites are decorated in warm, muted tones. Image © Qantas

Lounge

Business Class passengers in Melbourne are given access to the Qantas International Business Lounge, located Airside, Level 1, via departures concourse.

As a Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer, we were able to enjoy a drink and a quick bite to eat at the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne, where the food and the service were second to none, as expected.

Plane

Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Route

QFA95 Melbourne to Los Angeles, Australia

Duration

13 hours 10 minutes

Seat

We were seated in the smaller business class cabin so we had access to a bassinet but no doubt also so that we were spaced away so as not to disturb their regular frequent flyers at the pointier end of the plane. We were seated with another family of four which strangely gave me more comfort as we were flying with a baby.

The cabin seat configuration is 1,2,1, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access from their B787 business suite. I was seated in 10E as it had the bassinet. If I was travelling alone, my pick of the cabin would have been 10K as it had the bulk head seating cubby and full privacy screen to the aisle.

Seat set up for sleep on the overnight flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The lie flat offers a protected pod-like feel with a comfortable 2-metre long bed. Image © Skye Gilkeson

I expected the seats to be spacious, given they are described as Business Class Suites but I was pleasantly surprised at just how much room we had, particularly given all of the extra items I was carrying for the baby. The suites are particularly private too, with a screen between the middle seats (ours was broken, however it didn’t bother us as we were travelling together).

Qantas Business Class amenities with unique local artists’ designs as part of their collectible series. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Comfort

The Dreamliner Business Class seats are fully equipped with every possible comfort from a semi-recline setting for take off and landing, a two-metre long lie flat-bed which creates a private, pod-like feeling, ample storage for electronics and carry-on items, a do not disturb light, in-seat charging for personal electronics, a reading light and mood lighting (which came in very handy when feeding a baby).

The Qantas Business Class amenities feature unique local artists’ designs as part of the collectible series. The pack includes the standard mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, ear plugs and Aspar toiletries that also feature in the bathrooms.

Seats are fitted with every comfort from noise cancelling headphones to plenty of storage and a do not disturb light. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The generous 16” high definition entertainment screen. Image © Skye Gilkeson

In-Flight Dining

As usual, the menu curated by Neil Perry was impressive. Although, travellers can’t yet dine on request, there is now the option to choose your meals online before the flight.

Supper was served just after take off with a couple of options cleverly marked as lighter choices that are delivered straight away so you could “sleep sooner”. The Sleep Sooner menu includes a selection of cheese with accompaniments and a Poached chicken breast with kale, edamame and grain salad and a few other options.

I opted for the Beef fillet with soft polenta, caramelised onion and sage, slow roasted tomatoes and rocket. It also came with seeded bread served with Pepe Saya butter and a Green leaf salad with Rockpool vinaigrette. Andrew ordered the Seared Cone Bay Barramundi with herbed garlic potatoes, broccolini, Lemon Olive and Almond Salsa. While we had enjoyed glass of Duval-Leroy Brut on boarding, when we asked for another with the meal it was seemingly nowhere to be found, so a glass of sparkling wine was served in its place.

The supper of Beef Fillet with Soft Polenta, Caramelised Onion and Sage, Slow Roasted Tomatoes and Rocket. Image © Skye Gilkeson

For dinner (or breakfast as it were) coming into Los Angeles, I enjoyed the Baked egg, Gruyere and bacon tart, tomato relish, cos, tomato and cucumber salad and Andrew chose the poached eggs with kale, haloumi and pistachios. We both enjoyed a nice strong Australian-style coffee before stepping off into the land of Starbucks.

Of course, a range of snacks such as pastizzi, chips, chocolate and sandwiches, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available throughout the flight from the self-service bar located between Business Class cabins or delivered by the crew.

Related: Qantas First Class Lounge LAX

Service

As expected with Qantas, the service was fabulous, with each member of the crew making us feel welcome and well taken care of which is something we particularly appreciated as this was our first long-haul flight with our daughter.

Flying With a Baby

Having finally surrendered to sleep while waiting to board, we carried her on and strapped in, mid-slumber, hoping she would stay so for the hours that followed. Thankfully, when the plane took off we were able to transfer her to the bassinet, without issue and she continued to sleep for the next 5 hours, which was no doubt a relief for both ourselves and the surrounding passengers.

The bassinet was built into the bulk head right in front of my seat. The cover popped out and locked into place and the baby is set into the bassinet with a baby seat belt placed across them. Cleverly, there is also a mirror set into the cover of the bassinet to allow parents to check their babies without having to get up from their seats. I found the mirror hard to use, particularly given we were on a night flight and the cabin lights were dimmed, so I was jumping up all the time from the seat, which wasn’t really a problem for me. We chose the seats in the middle section so we could both attend to our baby but found Andrew had to walk around to my side to reach her properly from the bassinet.

While having the change table easily accessible in our nearest bathroom, it was a slightly narrow leaf-like shape and somewhat difficult to use.

The crew was very accommodating when it came to anything we needed for our daughter and checked in often. We never felt like we were imposing, even when I buzzed for fresh bottles of water for her bottles in the middle of the night. Surprisingly too, we both got some sleep on this flight which for all new parents is simply invaluable. We are looking forward to travelling with Qantas again as a family.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

China Southern Airlines Business Class Review

Pat Russo — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 04:39:52 +0000

The VIP treatment began from the moment I checked in for my China Southern Business Class flight from San Francisco, USA to Guangzhou, China. The 72-hour visa-free transit policy in China makes it easy to fly direct to Guangzhou from the USA. Guangzhou is the ideal hub to start your trip around China or as a short stopover while exploring Asia or beyond.

Pat Bailey

VIP lounge access was the perfect way to start the journey from the USA to China with China Southern Airlines. Image © Pat Bailey

China Southern Business Class Review

Check-In

Our China Southern Business Class Review has to start at the check-in red carpet. The China Southern Business Class Check-In at the SFO International Terminal was a welcome sight to the alternative long line of Economy Class. Unlike Economy Class, the weight limit for checked bags and carry-on bags is waived as one of the many perks to traveling on an upgraded ticket with this airline. I checked one bag very easily and carried another one on with me. When it was time to board, I was given priority access to board and a private shuttle to the plane.

A dedicated, glassed-in area is where Business Class VIP fliers check in at the Guangzhou airport. Credentials are checked, bags are tagged and checked, and the process is very easy and exclusive.

VIP Lounge Experience

My check-in included an access ticket to the VIP lounge for relaxing before my flight. The VIP lounge for China Southern at SFO is a shared lounge with Virgin Atlantic, it is cozy and welcoming with a full bar, menu of light food, complimentary tea, fruit and cookies and WiFi.

I was given a personal escort from the China Southern check-in area in Guangzhou to the dedicated VIP Lounge area before the flight, and to my flight from the lounge. This two-level lounge has ample seating for dining with a fresh hot meal of soups and traditional Chinese dishes along with various light snacks. The upper level has cozy seating, showers and even private office areas for working. WiFi access within the constraints of Chinese law is available and complimentary. Personal attendants make announcements of leaving flights to help guests navigate their travels and a traditional tea service is served in the afternoon.

Comfort

The stand out comforts on this Business Class flight included personalised service, hot hand towels and plenty of fluids during the flight, a full wine and cheese service during dinner, plates of chocolates, and other snacks that could be ordered at whim, an amenities kit that included a toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, ear plugs, lip moisturiser, lotion, and an eye mask. A pair of slippers, a down pillow and a generous thermal blanket and headphones also accompanied each seat. In-flight entertainment, including foreign films and Hollywood movies, was available for the duration of the flight. The bathroom was generous and equipped with mouthwash, perfume, lotion and scented mist.

Seat

The Business Class cabin of my China Southern flight offered an aisle seat to every passenger. On the leg from SFO to Guangzhou I sat next to a new friend and fellow traveller and we were able to chat but also have our own generous space, on the returning flight I sat in a single seat by the window which felt like my own private compartment with a view.

The seat is a generous size with more than ample leg room, and offers a variety of positions for various comforts throughout the flight. I went from fully upright for take off and landing, to slightly reclined for dining, and fully reclined for the ultimate comfort during the 11 hours in the air. Everything you need is within short arm’s distance while in your seat.

In-Flight Dining

The food for both meals, dinner and breakfast, was ordered before take-off with personal questions from the flight attendant regarding my choices. I was asked if I wanted to be woken up for service and what I wanted to drink during the flight. Both meals were several courses and my vegetarian diet was taken into consideration. White cloth and napkin service is part of the dining experience on this flight. Our China Southern business class review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the deliciously unique menu – a blend of traditional Chinese cuisine with Western comforts is served.

The in-flight dining menu on China Southern Airlines flight offered the perfect mix of Chinese and Western dishes. Image © Pat Bailey

“My personal flight attendant was happy and helpful for the flight, sometimes anticipating things before I even asked” – Pat Bailey. Image © Pat Bailey

Service

Each passenger on a China Southern Airlines flight is assigned a flight attendant and this flight attendant is in full service to them throughout the flight. My personal flight attendant was happy and helpful for the flight, sometimes anticipating my needs before I had even asked.

The Fit Traveller was a guest of China Southern Airlines for this flight. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Pat Russo

Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.

Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.