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Airline: Qatar Airways (QR)
Flight Number: QR926
Route: DOH-CRK
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: A7-BCY
Delivered: November 2015
Flight Duration: 9 Hours
Distance: 4,486 Miles
Overall Impression:
Qatar Airways (QR) has earned a reputation for offering one of the best Business Class experiences in the skies—especially with the introduction of the QSuite. But what if your flight doesn’t have the QSuite?
That was the case on this nine-hour journey to Clark Airport in the Philippines. While this particular aircraft didn’t feature the QSuite, Qatar’s reverse herringbone seats still delivered a high level of comfort. Paired with the airline’s top-notch service and excellent catering, it still made for a thoroughly enjoyable flight.
What I Liked:
The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge in Doha – One of the standout moments of this trip was spending time in the new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, located in the recently opened North Wing of Doha’s Hamad International Airport. The space is impressively large, with plenty of comfortable seating areas thoughtfully spread throughout, creating a calm and spacious atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding before a flight.
The dining experience is another highlight. There’s a generous buffet with a wide selection of hot dishes, along with freshly prepared sushi. For those looking for something a bit more tailored, there’s also an à la carte menu offering made-to-order options.
For travelers with longer layovers, the lounge includes private rest areas and well-maintained shower facilities—ideal for getting refreshed and recharged before the next leg of the journey.
The Service – The crew was warm, attentive, and genuinely eager to make the journey a memorable one. From the welcome drinks and refreshing towels before takeoff to the beautifully presented meals, every detail reflected the airline’s commitment to quality service. When we were ready to sleep, the crew offered turndown service—adding mattress pads to our beds and making sure we were comfortable. They were quick to respond to any request and added thoughtful touches throughout the flight that really made a difference.
The Amenities – Business Class passengers received a stylish Diptyque amenity kit and comfortable loungewear. At our seats, there was already bottled water and a pair of noise-canceling headphones waiting for us.
In addition to the duvet and two pillows, the crew also provided mattress pads during turndown, which made the lie-flat beds even more comfortable—perfect for getting some rest on a mid-haul flight.
The lavatories were spotless throughout the flight and thoughtfully stocked with extras like facial mist, hand lotion, razors, and toothbrushes—everything you’d want to freshen up and feel your best mid-journey.
The IFE – This aircraft was equipped with Qatar Airways’ Oryx One entertainment system, which offered a wide selection of new releases, classic films, TV shows, music, and games. The interface was smooth and user-friendly, making it easy to browse and find something to watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a blockbuster, some background music, or just watching the moving map like me, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the flight.
What I Didn’t Like:
Expensive and Unreliable in-flight WiFi on the 787s – While Qatar Airways is starting to roll out complimentary high-speed Starlink WiFi on its newer 777s and A350s, it seems the 787s haven’t made the cut yet. On this flight, the aircraft was still using the older OryxComms system—and the experience left a lot to be desired.
The pricing felt outdated: $10 for 100MB or 3 hours (whichever comes first), or $20 for 200MB for the entire flight. I don’t mind paying for in-flight WiFi, but let’s be honest—200MB doesn’t go far these days, even with light browsing.
To make matters worse, the connection was spotty and unreliable. I wasn’t trying to stream or download anything heavy—just checking a few websites and scrolling through social media—but even that was a struggle. For a premium cabin experience, this part felt like a step back.
It’s OK I guess…
The Seats – While Qatar’s QSuite sets the bar high, the reverse herringbone seats still offer a solid experience. Sure, they don’t have the privacy of a sliding door, but they’re spacious, lie flat, and are laid out in a way that some passengers might actually find more open and airy.
Overall, I found them very comfortable. There’s plenty of space, a large tray table, good storage, a decent entertainment system, and as a bonus—personal air nozzles, which are always appreciated.
The Catering – The catering out of Doha was excellent and very much in line with what we’ve come to expect from Qatar Airways. The dine-on-demand setup gave us the flexibility to eat on our own schedule, which really added to the personalized feel of the experience. After takeoff, we started with drinks and decided to begin our meal about two hours into the flight.
Since this was a late-night departure, the menu was slightly pared down—understandably so, as many passengers would likely prioritize rest. For my meal, I started with some warm artisan bread and chose to skip the appetizer, heading straight for the main course: Thai Yellow Chicken Curry. This is hands down one of my favorite dishes on Qatar. The chicken was tender and juicy, while the curry was flavorful with just the right amount of heat—comforting and satisfying. To wrap up the meal, I went with the Gooseberry Friand served with vanilla ice cream. It was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious—rich, sweet, and a perfect little indulgence.
Mid-flight, I was still feeling a bit hungry, so I ordered the Seafood Wonton Noodle Soup. It arrived hot and full of flavor—just the kind of cozy, comforting dish you want at cruising altitude. The crew also kept a snack station stocked with fresh fruit and packaged treats for those wanting something light between meals.
About 90 minutes before landing, I opted for a light breakfast and ordered the Raspberry and Pistachio Beignet with a cappuccino. It was a sweet, satisfying way to end the flight—simple, elegant, and delicious.
Bottom Line:
Even without the QSuite, Qatar Airways still delivers a top-tier Business Class experience. The reverse herringbone seats are comfortable and functional, and the exceptional service, thoughtful amenities, and elevated catering make for a memorable journey. The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge in Doha adds another layer of luxury with its spacious design and strong dining options. The only real letdown was the outdated and unreliable WiFi on the 787, which felt out of step with the otherwise polished experience. Overall, this was a fantastic flight that shows Qatar’s Business Class continues to set the standard—QSuite or not.
TravelingFoody.com 