Your flying experience can vary wildly depending on the airline and aircraft. On our recent trip from Doha to Kuala Lumpur, we hopped aboard Qatar Airways 787 Business Class, eager to see what the new configuration had in store. Spoiler alert: it was a bit of a mixed bag. From the airport lounge to the (slightly scratchy) seat fabric, we’ve got all the details you need to know before you book.
In this review:
Flight Details
Flight No: QR / BA 5810
From/To: Doha (DOH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Departure time: 19:50
Ticket Class: Business
Flight time: 7 hours 30 mins
Frequent Flyer Points: Avios
Status Points: 140
Aircraft type: Boeing 787-9
Number of classes: 3
Number of seats in flying class: 33
Seat: 4K and 6K (moved from 5K)
Position: Left hand side of the aircraft, 4 rows from the front.
Airport Experience
Our two-hour layover in Doha was the perfect excuse to check out the new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge. Well, it did not disappoint. Located close to the C gates, this lounge is an oasis of calm, complete with an indoor garden that instantly makes you forget you’re in an airport.
Unlike the older Al Mourjan lounge, which often feels like rush hour on the London underground, the new lounge is spacious, airy, and far from overcrowded. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, and the sushi bar? Definitely worth a visit.
Had we stayed longer, the gym facility would have been a great way to burn off some of those inflight calories. Next time, I might skip the third helping of sushi to make time for it. Maybe.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent (or just want to up your Instagram game), you can even splurge at the Louis Vuitton restaurant. Personally, I’ll save my splurging for duty-free, but you do you!
Boarding & Welcome
Expectations were set for the standard 787 seats, but Qatar Airways surprised us with a new seat configuration. It’s not QSuites (and frankly, what compares?), but the private door on this flight gave us hope for a cozy flight.
Boarding was smooth, with a friendly welcome from the crew at the door. We were efficiently herded through the process—like a well-oiled machine—receiving our pyjamas, pre-flight drinks, and meal orders all within 20 minutes of sitting down. The service, though prompt, felt a bit too mechanical, like we were cogs in a flying clock. Still, who can argue with efficiency?
Seat
The seat was the newer “Premium Suite” – a version of the Adient Ascent seat with a door – that Qatar Airways are retrofitting to their 787 aircraft. The 787s are too narrow to accommodate the QSuite. The reverse herringbone seat configuration is noticeably tighter than the QSuites. It does come with a privacy door, but it feels more like an upgrade of Virgin’s A350 business class seat (and let’s just say that’s not my favourite). Getting into the seat was easy, but storage options were limited.
The seat itself? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The tray table is tiny, making it tricky to juggle your meal and multiple things. The fabric on the seat felt scratchy, which wasn’t great for a good night’s sleep – even with the mattress topper and pillow. The privacy doors and seats were also felt very flimsy. Which was exaggerated by turbulence. During 45 minutes of mid-air bumps, the seat’s flimsiness became glaringly obvious – rattle, rattle, rattle :p.
That said, the seat area was impeccably clean, which is more than I can say for some other airlines I’ve flown. Power outlets and USB ports were within easy reach, though their placement could’ve been more user-friendly. Small wins, right?
What is the best seat on Qatar Airways Business Class 787-9?
For this configuration, we’d recommend going mid-cabin (rows 3, 4, or 6). This keeps you a comfortable distance from the galley and toilets, ensuring a quieter, more relaxing flight. Don’t take 5A or K are they’re missing a window! The seats in the middle of the aircraft can be separated by a retractable screen.
See the seating plan on AeroLOPA.
Onboard Experience
The mechanical pre-departure procedure was probably a sign of things to come for the flight. The onboard service wasn’t up to Qatar Airways’ usual high standards. At one point, a crew member rudely opened my door and made a “give it to me” gesture at my mixed nuts before I’d even finished. To add insult to injury, they left my door wide open. No time to waste, I guess!
The turbulence may have delayed service, but it took a long while to get everything back on track. And while I’m all for efficient service, the crew’s interactions were abrupt. When one crew member handed me a glass of wine with a curt “there you go,” I couldn’t help but miss the usually warm and engaging Qatar Airways hospitality.
Food & Drink
The meal service was…okay. Just okay. The staff seemed laser-focused on speed, getting everyone fed, and the dishes cleared as quickly as possible. Although, it took a long time to get started and the spacing was chaotic. My drink was empty by the time the starter arrived, which is a rookie mistake in my book—especially when the starter is a mushroom soup that’s just begging for a wine pairing.
On the bright side, the drinks selection was solid, and little touches like fresh towels were appreciated. But overall, the meal service didn’t hit the high notes Qatar Airways is known for. Definitely room for improvement.
In-flight Entertainment
The in-flight entertainment system was easy to use and responsive—no complaints there. However, the selection of content was limited, which left me flipping through the same options after a while. It’s a good thing I packed a book!
BG1 Verdict
Overall, the flight was comfortable but didn’t live up to my previous Qatar Airways experiences. The new seats, while modern, have several drawbacks—limited storage and questionable comfort, to name a couple. The service and food also didn’t hit the high bar Qatar Airways usually sets. On the plus side, the airport experience in Doha was stellar, so at least we started on a high note. But the onboard experience? That could use some work.
BG1 Tip
When booking a flight on Qatar Airways, check the aircraft as it may not always be the QSuite. If you’re booked on Qatar Airways Business Class on the 787-9, consider the seat’s location within the cabin rather than just focusing on window or aisle. Mid-cabin seats (rows 3, 4, or 6) offer the best balance of privacy and distance from high-traffic areas like the galley and restrooms, ensuring a quieter and more peaceful journey..
No one wants clinking and clanking while trying to sleep! Avoid window seats on row 5, as it’s actually window-less. So, always double-check the seat map for your flight to find your ideal spot!
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