Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Qsuite Experience on the 787

By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy

Flight Information

Route: Dublin (DUB) to Doha (DOH)
Flight Number: QR 017
Departure: March 31, 2025, 15:11 IST (Gate 305)
Arrival: April 1, 2025, 00:00 +03 (5 minutes early)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Join me on a journey from Dublin to Doha aboard Qatar Airways' renowned Qsuite. Having used 40,000 miles from my Qatar Privilege Club topped up from my Avios account, for an upgrade to business class, I was set for a memorable flight.

Blog Post: Maximise Your Avios Points in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Collection

Check-In and Lounge Experience

The check-in process at Dublin International Airport was smooth and efficient. However, it would have enhanced the experience if the agent had informed me about the availability of the lounge and fast-track services. Fortunately, I was aware of the Martello Lounge as a golbal airport lounge snob and tester! The lounge was giving Dublin hidden gem, great food, wines, guiness .on draft and to top it off pan piped Westlife!

You can read more about it here, Martello lounge review,

Martello Lounge: The Hidden Gem Airport Lounge of Dublin Airport

Boarding Process

Boarding from Gate 305 was less organised than expected. The area was chaotic, with long queues and a lack of clear instructions. It required some patience to wait in a chaotic queue. (FYI I don't posess any patience)

The Qsuite Experience

Once on board, I realised to my delight this 787 aircraft had the Qsuite. Qatar Airways' Qsuite is celebrated for bringing a first-class experience to business class, offering unparalleled privacy and luxury. My last ride on Qatar 787 was in a herringbone style business class seat. Check out the review here.

Cabin Layout and Seat Configuration

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a business class cabin with 30 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers. Each suite is enclosed with a sliding door, providing a private space reminiscent of a personal cabin.

Seat Dimensions and Comfort

The Qsuite on the 787-9 offers:

Seat Width: 22 inches
Seat Pitch: 50 inches
Bed Length: Up to 80 inches when fully flat

Qatar Airways Business Class: Qsuite vs the Rest

Qatar Airways has truly raised the bar when it comes to business class travel, and their Qsuite is a big part of that reputation. But depending on which aircraft you're flying, your experience might vary slightly, especially when it comes to the 777 and the Airbus A380.

Qsuite on the A350, 787, and 777

The Qsuite is Qatar’s flagship business class product and is featured on many of their:

Airbus A350-1000s
Boeing 787-9s
Boeing 777-200LRs and 777-300ERs (select aircraft)

Here’s how they compare:

A350-1000: Widely considered the most spacious Qsuite setup, with seat widths up to 21 inches and a bed length of 82 inches. The wide-body design of the A350 allows for a more open and airy feel within each suite.
Boeing 787-9: Features the same Qsuite layout but can feel slightly more compact due to the aircraft’s narrower fuselage. That said, design efficiency means you still get full privacy, lie-flat comfort, and excellent storage.
Boeing 777: The Qsuite product on the 777 is very similar to the A350, but some travellers note a slightly firmer seat and less sound insulation, especially on older aircraft. Still, you’re getting the same sliding door, lie-flat bed, and superb finish.

Fact: The Qsuite was actually launched on the 777 before being rolled out to other aircraft.

Business Class on the Airbus A380 – No Qsuite, But Still Excellent

Unlike the 777 and A350, Qatar’s Airbus A380s do not feature Qsuites. Instead, they offer a more traditional business class layout in a reverse herringbone 1-2-1 configuration, with:

Lie-flat seats
Direct aisle access for every passenger
Excellent service and amenities

While it lacks the sliding privacy door and modular layout of the Qsuite, many still love the A380.

Storage and Amenities

The suite offers ample storage options, including compartments for personal items and a dedicated space for shoes. Each seat is equipped with:

Entertainment System: A high-definition touchscreen with an extensive selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
Power Outlets: Universal AC power outlet and USB ports for charging devices.
Amenity Kit: A curated selection of skincare products, an eye mask, and other essentials to enhance comfort.

Dining Experience

One of the highlights of Qatar Airways' business class is the "dine on demand" service, allowing passengers to enjoy meals at their preferred time. After settling in, I perused the extensive menu and selected the following:

Are you stopping over in Doha? You may like my guide to Doha, take a look Here

The presentation and quality of the food were exceptional, rivaling fine dining restaurants. The cabin crew's attentiveness ensured that each course was delivered promptly and to my satisfaction.

In-Flight Service

The professionalism and warmth of the cabin crew were evident throughout the flight. They maintained a perfect balance between attentiveness and respecting privacy.

Arrival in Doha

The flight landed at Hamad International Airport five minutes ahead of schedule. Disembarkation was swift, with just 1 hour 30 until my next flight to Beijing! Plenty of time as connecting in Doha Hamad airport is super easy! I was allowed through the Business Class security queue savinga few minutes of queuing.

Seat Selection for Connecting Flight

An area for improvement arose when I attempted to change my seat for the connecting flight from Doha to Beijing. Despite the system indicating available seats, I was informed that changes couldn't be made. This was a minor inconvenience but worth noting for future travels.

Upgrading to Qatar Airways' Qsuite on the Boeing 787-9 was a decision that significantly enhanced my travel experience. The suite's design, coupled with exemplary service provided a journey marked by comfort and luxury. While the suite felt slightly more compact compared to the A350's Qsuite, the difference was minimal and did not detract from the overall experience.

For those considering an upgrade or choosing an airline for long-haul travel, Qatar Airways' Qsuite stands out as a premier choice, delivering a business class experience that rivals first class on many other carriers.

Take a look at my latest Qatar Business Class Review,

quite a strange unusual flight!

Qatar Business Class Flight Cost

You might be wondering why would a London-based travel blogger start a trip to Beijing from Dublin? Well, here’s the deal: the flight from Dublin to Beijing was just £300, while the same route from London was coming in at £480.

I managed to grab a Ryanair flight from London to Dublin for about £50, including a checked bag, making the whole thing a total no-brainer. To top it off, I was able to upgrade the Dublin to Doha leg using 40,000 points, which made the journey not just cheaper, but far more comfortable too. Yes thats right London to Beijing £350 with Business class from Dublin to Doha!

Qatar Airways’ Qsuite isn’t just about privacy, it’s also incredibly versatile. On select aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER, 777-200LR, and Airbus A350-1000, the Qsuite’s center seats can be configured into a quad layout, allowing up to four passengers to share a spacious, open suite. It’s perfect for families, friends, or colleagues travelling together. The middle pair can also convert into a double bed, making it one of the most customisable and social business class setups in the sky.

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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!

I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!

I hope you enjoyed Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Qsuite Experience on the 787, Do let me know in the comments........

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