Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London

Mr Plane Guy

Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London

By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy

Flight Info

DOH-LGW

QR 327

STA 12:35

ATA 12:10

Aircraft 787-8 A7-BCI

Qatar 787 Seat Map

After an exciting start to my trip from Dar es Salaam, I found myself in Doha, ready to kick off the second leg of my journey to London Gatwick. When I saw that a Business Class upgrade on Qatar Airways was available for £1100 it felt like a steal! ( I flew to Zanzibar Economy and Business class back to London Gatwick, £1100 was the return ticket!)

It was worth every penny. Here’s the breakdown of my experience, from the luxurious Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha to the exceptional onboard service on Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner.

Lounge Life in Doha – Al Mourjan Business Lounge

Qatar Airways business class lounges have a reputation for excellence, and the Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha’s Hamad International Airport is their flagship offering. As a Business Class traveller, I had full access, and from the moment I stepped inside, it was clear this wasn’t your average airport lounge.

Think grand high ceilings, a sleek, modern design, and a sprawling two-level space that feels more like a boutique hotel than a waiting area. If you’re flying through Doha, this lounge is an experience in itself.

Dining & Drinks

Let’s talk about the food – always a priority when it comes to lounge life! Al Mourjan has two main dining areas catering to a variety of tastes. The upstairs à la carte restaurant was my pick, and it didn’t disappoint. From local Qatari dishes to continental classics and international favorites, the options were plentiful and beautifully presented.

I’ll admit I might have gone slightly overboard sampling everything (purely for research, of course!).

Lounge Vibes

Seating options are as varied as the food, from cosy armchairs to work-friendly tables. I found a quieter nook near the water feature – yes, there’s an indoor reflecting pool – to relax before my flight. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect to the Wi-Fi (minor hiccup!), but the tranquil setting more than made up for it.

If you have a long layover or just want to freshen up, the lounge also offers shower facilities, which are spotless and well-maintained. After my stopover, I was ready and excited for the main event: flying Business Class on Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner.

Check out my review of Al Maha Lounge Review: A Late-Night Arabic Oasis in the Bustle of Doha Airport

Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner Business Class Experience

When it was time to board, I was greeted warmly by the cabin crew and directed to my seat. Qatar Airways 787 Business Class cabin has a 1-2-1 herringbone layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. It’s sleek, spacious, and designed with the modern traveller in mind.

Seat & Comfort

The seats are nothing short of luxurious. Fully lie-flat, they offer a personal cocoon of comfort with ample storage and an easy-to-use control panel to find your ideal recline.

After a 48-hour stopover in Doha, I was ready to kick back and enjoy some proper relaxation. The seat was roomy enough to stretch out, and the high-quality bedding made it easy to get comfortable. Whether you’re working, watching a movie, or catching some sleep, this seat ticks all the boxes.

Food & Drinks

Qatar Airways "dine on demand" service is a game-changer. I started with a pre-departure drink and opted to delay my meal until midway through the flight. My breakfast in the lounge had been extensive (research, remember?), so I didn’t feel the need to eat immediately.

When I did dine, I chose the Arabic mezze to start – a delightful trio of hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush – followed by a beautifully presented pesto ravioli pasta dish for my main course. Both were exceptional, rivaling meals I’ve had in high-end restaurants. A glass of Malbec was the perfect accompaniment.

*Also yes I was watching the Golden Girls

Entertainment & Amenities

The in-flight entertainment system had an impressive selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The noise-canceling headphones were top-notch, making it easy to immerse myself in a couple of recent blockbusters.

The amenity kit was another highlight, featuring premium products from Italian brand Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio. It’s these little touches that make the experience feel truly special.

Qatar Privilege Club: Earning Avios Points

One of the perks of flying Qatar Airways is its Privilege Club, which is now linked to the Avios points system. As a member of the Oneworld Alliance, Qatar Airways allows you to earn and redeem Avios points across a range of airlines, making it incredibly versatile for frequent flyers.

For this trip, I earned a whopping 7,500 Avios points for my Business Class round-trip between Dar es Salaam and London. These points can go towards upgrades, free flights, or even luxury experiences – the possibilities are endless! Signing up for the Privilege Club is free, and with Qatar’s frequent promotions, it’s an easy way to boost your points balance quickly.

The integration with Avios means you can also combine points from other Oneworld airlines like British Airways, giving you even more flexibility. It’s a fantastic program that makes flying with Qatar Airways even more rewarding.

Service and Final Impressions

One thing that stood out throughout the flight was the exceptional service. The crew struck the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, making me feel genuinely valued. They remembered my drink preferences, checked in regularly (but not intrusively), and ensured every aspect of the journey was seamless.

By the time we landed in London, I felt refreshed and pampered. The experience was a bargain at £1100, considering the comfort, service, and extras included in Qatar Airways Business Class package.

My only gripe? My luggage took over 40 minutes to arrive at Gatwick’s North Terminal, despite the priority label. But honestly, this was a minor blip in an otherwise fantastic journey.

Would I fly Qatar Airways Business Class again? Absolutely. In fact, you’d have to drag me back to economy!

Quick Highlights:

Cost: £1100 round-trip with a Business Class upgrade from Dar es Salaam to London.
Lounge: Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha is a luxurious pre-flight haven.
Cabin Layout: 1-2-1 herringbone configuration with lie-flat seats on the 787.
Dining: Dine-on-demand with exceptional meals and a solid wine selection.
Service: Warm, attentive crew that elevate the whole experience.

FAQs About Qatar Airways Business Class

Does Qatar Airways have good Business Class? Yes, Qatar Airways is consistently ranked among the best in the world for Business Class.
Which Business Class is better, Qatar or British Airways? Qatar Airways typically ranks higher due to its superior service, amenities, and cabin design.
Do Qatar Airways Business Class seats lie-flat? Absolutely. All Business Class seats on the 787 Dreamliner are fully lie-flat.
Do you get pyjamas in Qatar Airways Business Class? Yes, passengers on longer flights are provided with comfortable pyjamas by The White Company.
How much does it cost to upgrade on Qatar Airways? Upgrade costs vary based on route and availability. My upgrade from Dar es Salaam to London was £1100 round-trip. link to my other post here How I Travelled Business Class on Qatar Airways For Less Than £250
Is Qatar Airways in an alliance? Yes, Qatar Airways is part of the Oneworld alliance.
Does Qatar Airways have First Class? Yes, but it’s only available on select routes and aircraft, like the A380.
Who owns Qatar Airways? Qatar Airways is owned by the government of Qatar.
How to book wheelchair assistance on Qatar Airways? You can request assistance under the “Manage Booking” section on their website.