Review of Qatar Airways First Class
Qatar Airways currently only flies three routes with A380 aircraft – complete with a bona fide First Class product – London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle to Doha and Sydney to Doha, respectively. The airline does offer First Class on intra-Gulf routes - but these are, in reality, Business Class seats with a First Class badge on them.
Qatar is renowned for the legendary Qsuite in Business Class but on its Superjumbo routes, Qatar Airways First Class is another level of service.
Qatar Airways is part of the oneworld alliance, which includes the international carriers American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and Sri Lankan. Its flights carry numerous codeshare partnerships to better facilitate global connections between more cities than one airline could feasibly operate on its own.
Members of its Privilege Club program earn and redeem frequent flier miles when flying oneworld airlines, making it easier to earn free trips for future travel while also taking advantage of alliance amenities including lounge access and priority services when flying on other airlines.
Airport experience
Doha Hamad International Airport was opened in 2014. With superb shopping, great restaurants and even a luxury airside hotel – complete with swimming pool, the airport is a favourite for passengers.
The artworks on show are truly memorable with the Lamp Bear (a giant bronze teddy bear) and Kaws’ Small Lie being the standout pieces.
One cannot overlook the airport amenities one accesses with the luxury of flying Qatar First. From the moment you are picked up in your chauffeur-driven limousine you are a VIP. Whisked through immigration and security on either end of your journey, wasting no time at all, and maximising the time you have to enjoy one of many lounges Qatar offers in Doha – every one more stunning than the next.
Read more about Hamad International Airport on qatarairways.com
The Al Safwa First Class Lounge is the pinnacle of airline lounges and is a tremendous perk for First Class guests as well as for the Privilege Club Platinum guests flying in Business Class. The lounge is reminiscent of a museum, exuding art and culture from top to bottom, with the most elegant sense of place. In fact, the design is inspired by the the design of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. The Qspa is available to all First Class passengers and offers a plethora of treatments, although not on a complimentary basis. Private bedrooms are available on request.
While you quaff a flute of fine Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame and sample caviar canapes, you take in a superb vista of the landing strips. The architecture and design of the lounge to the cuisines and excellent spa services in the Qspa – Al Safwa set you up for the flight ahead.
Read more about the Al Safwa Lounge on qatarairways.com
Qatar Airways First Class passengers ending their trip in Doha also have access to the Premium Arrivals Lounge
Qatar Airways has branded lounges in a few cities dotted around the world including London, Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai, but otherwise relies on its oneworld partners or third-party lounges.
Qatar has made sure that the journey begins long before you step foot on the plane.
Read more about Qatar Airways worldwide lounges on qatarairways.com
Cabin & Seat
Passengers are gently led to their First Class cabin. A very warm welcome awaits – and you are ushered to your seat by dedicated First Class crew.
The Qatar hues are prominent throughout, with pink or blue cabin lighting, Spanish purple soft-furnishings and the occasional flash of slate grey with light wood hardware.
The First Class cabin is located at the front of the Upper Deck - far from the madding crowd.
There are just 8 seats – arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. There are no overhead storage bins, so the cabin feels so much roomier. The crew will take and store your cabin luggage which some passengers may not like.
Unlike the Qsuite offered in Business Class on other aircraft in the Qatar Airways fleet, there is very little privacy in Qatar Airways First Class. However, there is a privacy screen for the window seats that shields the top-half of the seat and dividers between next to the aisle and in between the two seats in the middle.
The bed is totally lie-flat as you would expect and can fit passengers of all size and shape – boasting 6-and-a-half feet of legroom (2 metres) – and 90-degree seat pitch.
All seats have easily accessible power outlets and USB ports for charging devices. Each seat comes with a cushion, soft sleeping pillow and duvet. It is very civilised. The bed is so comfortable and is an easy space to rest, watch television and work.
Qatar First Class does not offer a facility for showering onboard their A380s – unlike regional rival Emirates – but the lavatories are spacious and filled with BRIC products.
Read more about Qatar Airways First Class on qatarairways.com
The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested, before making your choice.
Cuisine
As with its Business Class product, Qatar Airways First Class offers superb cuisine and is dine on demand with a twist. In the airline’s premier cabin, each passenger is visited by the dedicated chef who runs through the menu and tailors meals to their needs.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks – including Champagne - and a ramekin of mixed Arabic nuts begin the service. Starter options include the famous Arabic mezze plate and caviar-based creations.
Passengers can expect a mixture of Middle Eastern and destination-friendly choices including beef, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options.
Desserts may be sweet pastries or cakes, impressive fruit or cheese presentations, and ice cream. Since Qatar’s meal service is à la carte, passengers can request what they want and when they want it.
Special meal choices for vegetarians, Kosher or other dietary needs are available to reserve before check-in. All meals provided by Qatar Airways are halal.
There is always an anytime menu as well as pre-arrival selection that varies depending on the time of day. In the galley on longer flights, there is often a snacking station with chocolate bars, crisps and other snacks.
On selected routes departing Doha, First Class passengers may reserve a main course of their choice from 14 days until 24 hours before departure.
Beverages
Before takeoff, a welcome drink plus the option between a hot or cold hot towel is available. There is usually the option between a Krug or a Billecart-Salmon rosé. There is also a beverage called “So Jennie,” which is a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. In the air, the beverage menu is impressive and is presented in its own menu.
The wine list includes full-page descriptions with photos of each bottle. Options include three white wines, three red wines, a sweet white wine and port. Flight attendants receive substantial training about what wines to recommend with each dish, and almost always pour the wine at your seat for that restaurant touch of finesse. If you favourite label is not served, you can always ask. In First Class, there is often a bottle of Bollinger or vintage Port secreted away for special passengers.
A long list of cocktails and mocktails is on offer including classics like an Old Fashioned or dry martini. Spirits range from Bombay Sapphire and Jack Daniel’s to Chivas Regal and Kahlua. Beers regularly include Heineken and Peroni.
Dilmah teas are served on Qatar flights, and specialty coffees include Americano, espresso, latte and macchiato. Arabic coffee, saffron or cardamom Karak Chai, and hot chocolate are also available.
A bottle of water awaits at your seat on boarding, and the flight attendants are always available to offer another upon request. Sparkling water by the glass is always an option.
The A380 boasts a fully-stocked and full-service bar for its premium passengers – so if you want to mingle or go for a walk (ending in a single malt whisky) – the bar awaits.
The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on which Champagne is served in Business Class and First Class on many airlines. We do our best to keep track of any changes, but feel free to let us know if there is something we missed.
Service
This is First Class, this is Qatar Airways – and the service is quite faultless. As the crews hail from across the globe, they speak you language. You will be welcomed and addressed by name, take orders, deliver meals and drinks individually. You can choose the level of formality. There are no service carts – everything is hand-delivered with a genuine smile. Qatar’s reputation for superb service is legendary.
Entertainment
First Class passengers receive a 26-inch (66-centimetres) entertainment screen.
Noise-reducing headsets deliver cinema-quality sound, and there is a global selection of music, Hollywood and Bollywood films, sitcoms and short programming including documentaries to keep passengers entertained. Children are offered a great selection of programming and the 3-D moving map display is both educational and exciting to watch.
In First Class, Wi-Fi is complimentary, and you will be given a usage code by your purser.
Oryx One Communications is the wireless Internet connectivity available on the A380. You can send free SMS messages as well as purchase access to Wi-Fi via this system - although it is not as speedy as the Super Wi-Fi product found on many Qatar Airways aircraft.
Read more about connectivity on Qatar Airways flight.
An exciting amenity on some planes is the exterior camera showing passengers wherever they are during the flight even when they are not in a window seat.
International newspapers and magazines are available before takeoff and during the flight, and the Qatar’s Oryx inflight magazine details the airline’s fleet and growing list of destinations.
The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on WiFi and inflight entertainment.
Amenities & Facilities
Exclusive sustainable amenity kits and gift boxes come from French Perfumer Diptyque, customised for male and female passengers, and containing body lotion, lip balm, face creams and Diptyque fragrances. Further luxurious Diptique products are found in the lavatories.
Before and after each meal service, hot towels refresh your face and hands, and flight attendants provide a choice between hot and cold towels on most flights. Night flight passengers are treated to pyjamas from The White Company and a pair of comfortable slippers.
Short & Medium Haul
For regional flights, the Qatar Airways workhorses are the A320s and A330s, but the carrier also operates short flights by larger aircraft that primarily fly long haul.
On intra-Gulf flights, Qatar Airways brands its premium cabin as First Class, even if the seats are the same as Business Class.
Most of the A320s and A330s feature a regional Business Class seat that still transforms to a fully flat bed.
First Class fliers are offered a substantial menu – on-demand of course. Extensive courses of Arabic Mezze, warm dishes, and a significant wine list including Lanson Champagne and red and white wines from the new and the old world. On top of that a wide selection of spirits and liquors together with non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the flight. Expect Champagne on tap.
Attention to detail is everything with Qatar and in regional First Class – that is still the case.
Sustainability
Onboard recycling and waste management programs to reduce excess food are a priority, and the airline has a fuel optimisation program designed for more efficient ground taxi and inflight operations. The airline also supports the Fatanpur Wind Farm project, which is focused on boosting India’s renewable energy sources. In addition, the airline is committed to preventing the illegal transportation of endangered wildlife, which is a notable challenge given its global network.
Qatar Airways operates one of the youngest fleets in the world and the 787-9 is the latest member of the Boeing aircraft in its portfolio. The airline has been investing in modern twin engine aircraft, underscoring the airline’s commitment to sustainability, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Qatar Airways has been flying the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft - the latest 787-9 model promises added reliability and greater fuel-efficiency.
The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes information on CO2 emissions for each flight. Our quality algorithms also give a higher score to flights operated by the most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft.
What We Love
- Access to the incredible Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha, a unique and lavish way to begin your Qatar Airways experience, outstanding and impeccable throughout
- The inflight cuisine & beverages. From Oscietra caviar to the vintage Krug, no expense is spared on First Class passengers
- The A380. The Superjumbo has made a welcome return to Qatar Airways – although on the three routes – London, Paris and Sydney to Doha, respectively. As the world’s largest passenger aircraft, sitting on the top deck in Qatar Airways First Class is a truly memorable experience.
BusinessClass.com searches hundreds of travel sites at once to help you find the best premium travel offers for both flights and the finest hotels.