Qatar Airways Qsuite Tokyo to Doha – and why the second flight matters

If you’ve been in the points and miles world for more than about six months, you’ve heard this claim: Qatar Airways Qsuite is the world’s best business class. It has won Skytrax’s best business class award so many times the trophy probably has its own suite. The vlog above flies it on the actual route this particular product was made for — Tokyo Narita to Doha on the Airbus A350-900 in March 2025 — then spends the layover doing something genuinely useful: touring both Al Mourjan Business Class Lounges so you don’t have to choose between them blindly. Then there’s a second flight, Doha to Riyadh on the Boeing 777-300ER, where the product is explicitly not Qsuite. That comparison is the honest part of the vlog that people often gloss over.

Total itinerary: QR809 Tokyo Narita to Doha (12h 45m, Airbus A350-900 Qsuite), 2-hour transfer at Hamad International Airport, QR1166 Doha to Riyadh (1h 40m, Boeing 777-300ER non-Qsuite). Total duration 16 hours 40 minutes. Cost: 412,360 JPY (~$2,750 USD). Let me break down what matters.

First: the thing everyone gets wrong about Qsuite

Not every Qatar Airways business class flight has Qsuite. This sounds obvious but it trips up a surprising number of people and the vlog’s second flight illustrates exactly why it matters. Qsuite — the product with a private closing door, lie-flat beds configurable for couples or groups, and the staggered 1-2-1 layout where odd rows face backward — exists on certain aircraft only. Specifically: the A350-1000, some A350-900s, some Boeing 777s. Not the 787, not the A380, and not all 777s.

How to confirm before you book: look at the seat map. If business class runs in a 1-2-1 configuration where rows alternate between forward and rear-facing, you have Qsuite. If the layout is 2-2-2 or even a standard forward-facing 1-2-1 herringbone, you don’t. Qatar’s own website usually labels Qsuite flights explicitly, and Google Flights now shows “Individual suite” for confirmed Qsuite flights. For absolute confirmation, check your specific flight on SeatGuru or the AeroLOPA links provided in the video description. Aircraft swaps happen — Qatar can and does change planes close to departure, and if you care about Qsuite specifically, sign up for flight change alerts through tools like ExpertFlyer or the Qatar Airways app so you know immediately.

Tokyo Narita and the flight to Doha — Qsuite on the A350-900

QR809 departs Narita at 16:55 and arrives at Hamad International at 23:40 — 12 hours 45 minutes. The A350-900 configuration on this route has 36 Qsuite business class seats split across two cabins: 20 in the main forward cabin and 16 in a smaller rear cabin. The rear cabin is sandwiched between the main business galley and economy, which puts it further from the lavatories (all three are at the front of business) and gives it a slightly different atmosphere from the main cabin. Generally preferred seat positions: rows 2-6 in the forward cabin. If you want forward-facing, pick even-numbered rows. Odd rows face backward. For couples, the middle E/F seats in odd-numbered rows convert to essentially a double bed when the divider is lowered — the party trick Qsuite is known for.

The suite itself

The Qsuite is an enclosed private cabin with a sliding door — the first business class product to introduce this, launched in 2017, and still the benchmark. Inside: a fully flat bed (the seat tracks from upright to fully reclined on automatic controls), 21.5-inch 4K touchscreen, personal storage, a work surface, and a door that closes completely. When it’s closed, you genuinely cannot see the person sitting opposite you and can barely hear them. The material quality is current rather than dated — upholstery, surface finishes, and the general design language hold up well against newer competitors that have launched since 2017.

One honest note that comes up in reviews: the middle seats lack overhead air vents. Window seats have vents; middle suites don’t. On a 12+ hour overnight flight with the door closed, some passengers find the enclosed space gets stuffy. It’s not universal — plenty of reviewers haven’t noticed it — but if you run hot or are sensitive to air quality, a window seat (single, door side) may serve you better than a middle double. The lavatory for 36 business class passengers is three bathrooms at the front of the cabin, well-stocked with Diptyque amenities. Multiple reviewers note Qatar’s obsessive cleanliness about keeping these restocked throughout the flight.

Dining — order the Arabic/Japanese menu

Qatar operates dine-on-demand on long-haul routes, meaning no fixed meal times — you order when you want, which on a 12-hour overnight is genuinely useful if you want to sleep immediately and eat closer to arrival rather than being woken up three hours after takeoff. The vlog covers the full meal service including the menu review. The Tokyo-Doha route has a Japanese-influenced menu component that’s worth ordering — the same logic applies as on ANA: food prepared out of Tokyo using Japanese ingredients is going to be more compelling than the default Western option. The Qsuite food experience gets mixed reviews in the press — it’s excellent by airline standards but some reviewers who’ve flown multiple times have noted the food itself is middle-tier compared to the theatrical presentation it arrives in. The restaurant-style table lay-up with white linens and proper crockery elevates the perception. The amenity kit is Diptyque. Pajamas are provided.

Wi-Fi, IFE, and the bed

Qatar’s Wi-Fi is not free — it’s charged per time period and speeds have been described as functional for messaging and email but not impressive. The 21.5-inch screen is large and the entertainment library covers over 4,000 titles. The flat bed is genuinely flat, not at an angle, which is non-negotiable for sleeping on a 12-hour flight. Most reviewers under 6 feet have no issues; above 6 feet you may need to angle slightly. Qatar provides bedding that converts the seat into a proper sleep setup and multiple reviewers have noted the sleep quality on Qsuite as unusually good.

Doha transfer and the two Al Mourjan lounges

Hamad International Airport in Doha is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world and the lounge situation for business class passengers is legitimately exceptional — arguably the best business class lounge access of any airline hub globally. There are two Al Mourjan Business Class Lounges and the vlog visits both, which is the right call with a 2-hour layover if you move efficiently.

🏛️ Al Mourjan Business Lounge South — the original

The South lounge is where you’ll end up first after transiting from the A gates. Navigate past the famous yellow Urs Fischer teddy bear sculpture in the main departure hall, follow signs toward A gates, escalator up on the left behind the Harrods Tea Room. Over 10,000 sqm — genuinely massive, holds up to 1,000 passengers, and even on crowded travel days reviewers rarely struggle to find a seat. The design is warm wood tones, Arabian calligraphy details, high ceilings, a central reflective water feature. Two floors: main floor for lounging, upper level for the full à la carte restaurant and buffet. A Global Deli on the main floor for lighter options if you just want something quick. Full bar service with an extensive wine, spirit, and cocktail list alongside a comprehensive non-alcoholic program.

Access: Qatar Airways and Oneworld First and Business Class passengers on full (non-Lite) fares only. Business Class Lite fares and economy passengers can buy access at 450 QAR (~$124). Oneworld elite status alone does not grant access — only the ticket class does. This distinction trips people up: having gold or platinum status with a Oneworld airline doesn’t get you in. You need an actual full-fare business or first class ticket.

🌿 Al Mourjan Business Lounge North — The Garden

The newer lounge in the northern terminal expansion, serving gates C, D, and E. Follow signs from the main hub toward C/D/E gates. It’s a walk but worth it if you have time. At 7,390 sqm it’s smaller than the South lounge but holds up to 707 passengers, and the design is completely different: natural light, flourishing greenery, views over The Orchard garden below — the airport’s famous tropical garden complex. Feels lighter and more modern than the South lounge’s more traditional Arabian aesthetic.

The Garden has something the South lounge lacks: 24 quiet rooms — private day rooms where you can nap or rest between flights. 18 singles and 6 doubles, available for up to 6 hours. They have recliner chairs, a wardrobe, desk, and mini-fridge. Reviewers note they don’t have proper beds, which is a genuine missed opportunity on a 7,390 sqm space, but a recliner in a private room beats open-lounge sleeping by a significant margin. There’s also a Dior spa with 7 treatment rooms, a fitness studio, and dining equivalent to the South lounge. The same menus run at both lounges so there’s no food advantage to choosing one over the other — the Garden wins on ambiance and the quiet rooms.

Same access rules as South. Not accessible for Lite fares or status-only passengers.

The second flight — Doha to Riyadh on the 777-300ER (not Qsuite)

This is the honest part of the vlog that deserves real attention: QR1166, Doha to Riyadh, 1 hour 40 minutes, Boeing 777-300ER business class. Not Qsuite. The vlog makes this explicit with its own section at the 51-minute mark and the comparison is jarring in a genuinely useful way.

Qatar’s older 777-300ER business class that hasn’t been retrofitted uses a 2-2-2 configuration — three pairs across in a layout that means window seats require climbing over a neighbour unless you’re in an aisle seat. There’s no closing door, no privacy suite, no flat-bed configuration that’s meaningfully comparable to Qsuite. It’s a perfectly fine business class product that gets you to Riyadh comfortably for 1 hour 40 minutes. But after 12+ hours in Qsuite, the contrast is sharp enough that the vlog treats it as a separate product entirely — which it is.

For a short hop like Doha-Riyadh, the seat difference matters much less than on a long-haul. You’re eating a meal, watching one thing on the IFE, and landing. But the principle applies across Qatar’s network: if you’re booking a connecting itinerary and Qsuite availability matters to you, verify both legs separately. Qatar routes Qsuite aircraft based on demand and fleet availability and short regional flights like Doha-Riyadh are not prioritized for the Qsuite fleet regardless of how long your overall journey is.

How to actually book Qsuite — the points situation in 2025

The cash fare for this itinerary was 412,360 JPY (~$2,750 USD). For a 13-hour long-haul business class flight from Tokyo that’s within the expected range, but it’s still real money. The points angle is where Qsuite gets genuinely interesting because award availability on Qsuite routes is meaningfully better than most comparable premium products:

• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios): Direct booking on Qatar’s own site is the best availability and the smoothest process. 70,000 Avios one-way US to Doha at off-peak, 140,000 at peak. Qatar Avios transfer from Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, and British Airways. The booking window opens 361 days out — the most advance time of any program, which matters because Qsuite seats get taken early
• British Airways Avios: Same currency as Qatar Avios, 70,000 for nonstop US-Doha. Window opens 355 days out. Taxes and fees add ~$235 for nonstop. Transfer from Chase, Amex, Capital One, Bilt, Wells Fargo
• American Airlines AAdvantage: 70,000 miles one-way US to Middle East, bookable online at AA.com, minimal fees. Window opens 331 days out — those 30+ fewer days compared to Avios programs make a real difference for finding Qsuite availability, especially during high-demand periods
• Alaska Atmos Rewards (ex-Mileage Plan): 70,000 points from US East Coast to Doha, no fuel surcharges. Particularly good for longer itineraries

The one critical tip across all programs: book as early as the window allows. Qatar limits partner award availability and Qsuite seats are in high demand. The difference between booking 361 days out (Qatar Avios) versus 331 days out (AAdvantage) is often the difference between getting Qsuite and getting the old 2-2-2 product. Mid-December through mid-January is nearly impossible for award Qsuite bookings — the airline pulls availability during the holiday peak.

For searching availability across programs simultaneously without clicking through each one: Seats.aero now supports Qatar Privilege Club and is the fastest way to find open dates. AwardFares is the alternative for a more detailed view.

A word on Qsuite Next Gen: Qatar announced an updated product at Farnborough 2024 featuring 4K OLED moveable screens, taller privacy dividers, lie-flat double beds for companion suites, and an AI digital cabin crew called Sama. It’s scheduled to launch on Boeing 777-9 aircraft. Not yet in service as of this vlog’s March 2025 date, but coming — and worth watching for if you’re planning a future booking.

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📹 Video by ST Travel