Airline Review

Qatar Airways review

Award-winning Qsuite and massive global reach

4.6/5
Hub
Doha (DOH)
Alliance
Oneworld
IATA / ICAO
QR / QTR
Fleet
~270 aircraft
Destinations
170+ destinations in 80+ countries
Founded
1993
Country
Qatar
Loyalty program
Privilege Club

Overview

Qatar Airways has rapidly grown into one of the world's elite airlines. The carrier is best known for its Qsuite business class — a revolutionary product with closing doors and a double-bed configuration. Qatar operates one of the youngest fleets globally, primarily A350s, 787s, and 777s, with A380s on select high-density routes. Hamad International Airport in Doha is a modern hub consistently rated among the world's best airports.

Cabin classes

Economy class

Economy class features 31-32 inch pitch and 17-18 inch seat width depending on aircraft. Every seat has a personal entertainment screen. Complimentary meals and beverages (including alcohol) on all flights. The A350 economy product is particularly comfortable with wider seats and higher humidity cabin.

Business class

Qsuite is the headline product — a 1-2-1 layout with fully closing doors, creating genuine private suites. Middle pairs can be opened to form a double bed for couples or a four-person meeting/dining area for groups. Seats convert to a 79-inch flat bed. Not all routes have Qsuite, however — older 777s and A380s have a less impressive herringbone layout.

First class

First class is available only on A380s operating to select destinations. It features suites with caviar service, designer pajamas, and Diptyque amenity kits. However, Qatar has been phasing out first class in favor of expanding Qsuite, so first class availability is shrinking.

Baggage policy

Economy: 30 kg (most routes), 2 × 23 kg (Americas). Business: 40 kg or 2 × 32 kg. First: 50 kg. Carry-on: 7 kg.

In-flight entertainment

Oryx One system with 8,000+ entertainment options. Good mix of Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic cinema, TV shows, and kids content. Free Wi-Fi (limited data, with upgrades available). Super Wi-Fi available on newer A350s.

Food & catering

Strong catering across all classes. Economy offers two-three meal choices with hot entrees. Business features dine-on-demand with a la carte menus and a dedicated sommelier-selected wine list. The airline sources ingredients globally and changes menus seasonally.

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On-time performance & safety

Qatar Airways achieves an on-time performance rate of approximately 80%, which is strong for a Middle Eastern hub carrier handling connections across three continents. Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is one of the newest major hubs in the world, opened in 2014, and its modern infrastructure helps minimize delays. Qatar Airways holds a 7/7 safety rating and is one of only a handful of airlines to earn Skytrax's 5-star rating — a distinction it has maintained since 2017. The airline's fleet averages approximately 6 years in age, making it one of the youngest among global carriers.

Route network & connectivity

Qatar Airways connects over 150 destinations in more than 70 countries through its Doha hub. The airline is a member of the Oneworld alliance alongside American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, providing extensive connectivity options. Qatar Airways is particularly strong on routes between Europe and Asia, Europe and Africa, and the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Key routes include Doha–London (LHR), Doha–Bangkok (BKK), Doha–Singapore (SIN), and Doha–New York (JFK). The airline has aggressively expanded into secondary cities that competitors overlook, including direct flights to destinations like Abidjan, Windhoek, and Chittagong.

Booking tips & how to save

Qatar Airways frequently offers competitive pricing, particularly during its biannual global sales (January and June) when business class fares can drop 30-40% below standard rates. Economy fares are most affordable when booked 6 to 10 weeks in advance. The airline's Privilege Club loyalty program has improved significantly in recent years — the Avios-based system (shared with British Airways and Iberia) makes it easier to earn and redeem miles across multiple carriers. One-way business class awards on Qatar start from 47,500 Avios on short-haul routes. For the best Qsuite experience, target routes operated by the 777-300ER or A350-1000, as older aircraft may not have the latest product installed.

Loyalty program — Privilege Club

Privilege Club is Qatar's loyalty program with reciprocal earning on Oneworld partners. Tiers: Burgundy, Silver (extra baggage, priority check-in), Gold (lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage), Platinum (companion lounge access, guaranteed economy seats). Avios currency is used for redemptions since the program transitioned to the Avios system.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Qsuite is the best business class product in the sky
  • Young, modern fleet with emphasis on A350s and 787s
  • Excellent Hamad International Airport hub
  • Massive global network — 170+ destinations
  • Generous baggage allowance in economy

Cons

  • Not all routes have Qsuite — check aircraft type before booking
  • Economy seat pitch is industry-average, not exceptional
  • First class is being phased out
  • Doha connection adds time for many origin-destination pairs

Our verdict

Fly Qatar Airways if: Business travelers and anyone connecting through Doha — the Qsuite product is arguably the best business class in the sky.

Consider alternatives if: Travelers who prefer non-stop flights — like Emirates, most routes connect via Doha.

Frequently asked questions

Qatar Airways receives a 4.6/5 rating in our review. It is a premium carrier known for excellent service. based on cabins, baggage, entertainment, food, and loyalty program.

Qatar Airways is based at Doha (DOH). It is a member of Oneworld.

Economy: 30 kg (most routes), 2 × 23 kg (Americas). Business: 40 kg or 2 × 32 kg. First: 50 kg. Carry-on: 7 kg.

Use our flight comparison tool to compare Qatar Airways prices across booking platforms including Kiwi.com. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance and flying mid-week typically yields the cheapest fares.

Qsuite is Qatar Airways' award-winning business class product, featuring fully enclosed suites with sliding privacy doors, a double bed option for couples traveling together, and a social dining area. Qsuite is available on Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on select routes.

Yes. Despite being based in Qatar where alcohol consumption is restricted, Qatar Airways serves a full range of alcoholic beverages in all cabin classes on international flights. The airline's business and first class wine lists are curated by a panel of sommeliers.

Qatar Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance, alongside airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Avios across all Oneworld partners.

Insider tip

Use ExpertFlyer or Google Flights to check which routes have the Qsuite-equipped 777s. The product difference between Qsuite and older business class seats is dramatic.

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