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Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight Number: QR146
Route: BCN-DOH
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration: A7-BHL
Delivered: December 2023
Flight Duration: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
Distance: 3,025 Miles
Overall Impression:
Qatar Airways (QR) has earned a stellar reputation for offering one of the world’s most luxurious Business Class experiences, thanks in large part to its groundbreaking QSuite. While the QSuite graces the airline’s Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s, you might wonder: what about the 787 Dreamliner? Due to the 787’s slightly narrower cabin, Qatar Airways introduced a modified version of the QSuite—let’s call it “QSuite Lite.” Despite being a scaled-down version, it still offers impressive comfort and privacy, making it a fantastic option for the six-hour journey from Barcelona to Doha.
Pair these innovative seats with Qatar Airways’ renowned in-flight service, gourmet dining, and thoughtful amenities, and you’re in for a flight experience that truly sets the standard.
What I liked:
The Service – The crew went above and beyond to make our journey truly unforgettable. From the moment we were welcomed onboard with a pre-departure beverage and a refreshing wet towel, their warmth and attentiveness shone through. Every interaction reflected their dedication to exceptional service, from the beautifully plated meals to their prompt and thoughtful responses to our requests. The personal touches they added throughout the flight elevated the experience, leaving us feeling genuinely cared for. As a bonus, we were given a box of Swiss chocolates as a parting gift.
The Catering – Qatar Airways’ catering out of Barcelona was outstanding, continuing to exceed the high expectations set by our past experiences with their dining service. The dine-on-demand option allowed us to enjoy our meals at our preferred times, adding a personalized touch to the journey. Shortly after takeoff, the beverage service began, and we chose to start our meal approximately two hours later.
The dining experience began with an elegant Russian Salad amuse-bouche topped with caviar—a perfect introduction to the meal. For starters, I opted for the Arabic Mezze, served with warm artisan and pita breads, while my companion selected the Dill-marinated Tiger Prawn and Paprika Scallop. Both choices were beautifully presented and utterly delicious.
For the main course, I pre-ordered the Wok-fried Angus Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Glaze, while my companion chose the Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Lobster Bisque. Both dishes were bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. To complete the meal, we indulged in a decadent sour cherry and speculoos cheesecake, paired with a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea—a truly delightful conclusion to a remarkable dining experience.
Throughout the flight, the crew also curated a snack bar in the common area, stocked with fresh fruits and packaged treats—a thoughtful gesture that added an extra layer of comfort for passengers to enjoy between meals.
Onboard Amenities – Business Class passengers were treated to an elegant Diptyque amenity kit, along with comfortable loungewear to enhance the in-flight experience. Also, waiting at our seat was a some noise-canceling headphones and bottled water.
The lavatories were impeccably maintained throughout the journey and thoughtfully stocked with extra essentials, including facial mist, hand lotion, disposable razors, and toothbrushes, ensuring every passenger could stay refreshed during the flight. High-speed internet was also available for just $10, providing excellent value for those who wanted to stay connected while in the air.
When it was time to rest, a full-size pillow and a plush, thick duvet were provided, making it easy to settle in and enjoy a truly comfortable sleep at 35,000 feet. Every detail was designed to prioritize passenger comfort and convenience, adding to the overall luxury of the journey.
What I didn’t like:
None!
It was OK:
The Joan Miró Lounge at BCN – Qatar Airways utilizes the Joan Miró Lounge at Barcelona Airport, a contract lounge shared with other airlines. While contract lounges in Europe don’t always stand out, this one pleasantly exceeded our expectations.
The lounge was impeccably clean, spacious, and well-organized, with ample seating available during our visit, allowing us to settle into a comfortable spot without difficulty. The self-serve buffet offered a generous selection of food and beverages, catering to a variety of tastes and needs. The overall experience felt more premium than we had anticipated, making it a great start to our journey with Qatar Airways.
The Seats – Qatar Airways consistently delivers one of the best Business Class experiences in the sky, especially with their renowned QSuite. While the 787s don’t feature the full QSuite, the QSuite-Lite seats provide a comparable level of privacy with a sliding door and a clever combination of herringbone and reverse herringbone layouts.
These seats are impressively comfortable, featuring a lie-flat design for restful sleep, a large tray table for dining or work, a highly responsive in-flight entertainment system, and ample storage space to keep your essentials within easy reach. A notable bonus is Qatar Airways’ inclusion of personal air nozzles, a thoughtful detail that ensures a customizable and comfortable cabin environment.
Bottom Line:
Qatar Airways continues to set the standard for Business Class travel with its exceptional service, thoughtfully designed seats, and high-quality amenities. While the 787 Dreamliner features a modified QSuite-Lite seat, it still delivers outstanding comfort and privacy, complemented by the airline’s renowned catering and attention to detail. From the impressive Joan Miró Lounge in Barcelona to the in-flight experience, Qatar Airways ensures a journey that feels truly premium from start to finish.
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