Only once in my life have I been mistaken for a celebrity at an airport—and of all places, it was at Los Angeles’ LAX, where luggage handlers have IMDb pages and roughly 98% of the people passing through are likely to be more famous than me.
It wasn’t my outfit or my attitude … it actually wasn’t about me at all. It was the Qatar Airways customer service agent who led me purposefully past the crowds, making other travelers gasp and ask “Who is that?” As I was whisked away by them.
We were about to leave on a 2-day trip to the Maldives The 16-hour flight from London to Doha was followed by an overnight stopover and then a 5-hour return leg, but that suddenly felt too short. Overwater villas with coral reefs were exciting, but we also wanted to watch a movie in a double-bed in the air.
We both knew what we would be getting into when we booked the trip. It was a perfect vacation for us. If we had written our own vows, we would’ve promised to reserve any major, important trip that we take together, whenever routes permitted. Q-Suite.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you should know before booking business class on Qatar Airways—and why it’s the ultimate choice for a honeymoon or any milestone trip for couples.
Checking in
Qatar Airways
The service agent who was so attentive at LAX was only a preview of the experience to come. Qatar Business class passengers are entitled to access the oneworld lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. After check-in, we were dropped at the lounge for cocktails and a snack before the flight. It was a nice way to start our trip, but nothing like the experience we had at Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ main base.
DOH consistently ranks among the top health departments in the nation best airports in the worldThe resort is a paradise for foodies, with an endless array of dining options, designer shops and a lush tropical garden. Qatar’s Al Maha meet and assist service The agent will greet the guests and take them to a lounge to expedite the immigration process. They are then guided to the priority boarding gate.
The Lounge
Qatar Airways
Al Mourjan Business Lounges exist at DOH but we choose the newer one. Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden North Terminal, which has an area of almost 80,000 square foot and offers the best view at the airport. The Orchard is a tropical indoor garden with tranquil water features and tropical plants. The North Terminal offers a la cart dining, as well as hot and cold buffets. We prefer the two bar seats located near the sushi where we can choose our rolls and nigiri. The spa has seven treatment rooms, and there’s a fitness centre. The world’s first e-commerce platform is also available. Louis Vuitton Lounge, with its monogrammed furniture and luggage, chic design, and French menu by renowned Parisian chef Yannick Alléno. In total, his restaurants around the world have received 16 Michelin Stars. The Louis Vuitton Lounge charges extra for food and drinks.
The Plane
We flew in the extra-wide-bodied Airbus A350-1000Qatar’s long-haul routes are served by this technologically advanced aircraft. These planes, which are known to be spacious from the overhead bins to the seats, also feature LED ambient lighting that creates a calm atmosphere. The interiors of these planes have been decorated in the brand’s signature colors, including burgundy, gray, and rose-gold accents. This model has advanced HEPA air filters and emits less CO2 than previous models.
The Seat
Here’s an important tip for couples traveling together with Qatar: Select the middle seats (E & F) on a row of odd numbers to get a double bed. To do this online or via the app, you must be on a single booking. You’ll have to call if you don’t. If you have a “honeymoon room,” your flight attendant can make you a bed by replacing the divider. They will also provide bedding, mattress pads and pillows that are themed to travel. Ours was being prepared, so we changed into the complimentary Formula 1 pajamas provided by Qatar Airways (the official airline partner of F1). We then closed our privacy doors and fell asleep almost immediately. The same goes for the other way around. well—we actually regretted not staying awake for more of the in-flight experience.
Amenities
Qatar Airlines, which we had a rare opportunity to enjoy offline, has recently become the largest global airline in offering complimentary Starlink WiFi onboard its Boeing 787 aircraft. It will be adding this service to its A350s beginning this summer. The connection, which is capable of 500 megabits/second, has been reported as strong enough to play games. The White Company’s slippers, as well as pajamas, premium bedding and Diptyque hydrating products are part of the Amenity Kit.
Food
Qatar Airways
Arabic coffee with cardamom flavor is poured out of a traditional mug dallah As a welcome treat, dates and coffee are served in a pot. Qatar Airways offers a variety of snacks and meals on demand, such as afternoon tea and lobster rolls. We enjoyed the lobster and steak mains, along with our favorite New Zealand wine pairings. Tables are set up with flickering candles and fine china to set the mood. Select flights departing Doha offer caviar.
The Entertainment
Qatar Airways
Oryx One includes international films, sports, TV, games, music, and music videos. Q-Suite is a great way to catch up with rom-coms. And this flight was not an exception. My favorite Qatar Airways experience was when we flew Thanksgiving day and turned our flight into a Hallmark movie marathon. My husband may have a different view. No matter what you watch, it feels like a home movie experience. The hours will fly by. The A350 has a belly and tail camera that allows you to see the outside from multiple angles.
The Service
Qatar Airways provided excellent service. From the Al Maha greet and assist service on the ground to the flight crew aboard, the service was exceptional. The team members we met were attentive and committed to making our flight memorable.
The Stopover
The last time we flew with Qatar Airways, our layover was spent in the airport. It felt like a vacation in and of itself. We wanted to see Doha, Qatar’s capital, which is rapidly changing. This is something the airline encourages with its stopover programThis package offers a stay at a 5-star hotel for only $24 We stayed at Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale MushairebDiscover Qatar took us on a tour of the city that included the National Museum of Qatar, the Corniche waterfront, the Katara Cultural Village in the entertainment district, and the traditional spice shops of Souq Wqif.
The Routes
Qatar Airways flies to over 170 destinations Qatar Airways is now available in more U.S. cities, including Boston and New York City. Also, you can fly to Houston, Dallas and Chicago from Boston.
The Verdict
Many airlines offer premium business classes, but only a few make you wish that a 16-hour trip would be more leisurely. Qatar Airways was named No. The readers of T+L voted Qatar Airways No. 2 in the world in this year’s World’s Best AwardsFor me, the answer is no, especially for couples going on a special occasion trip. 1. Business class starts at $11,495 from LAX-DOH. Qatar Airways belongs to Oneworld. My advice to U.S. passengers is to save up your American Airlines miles to enjoy the experience. You can book at qatarairways.com.
