Qatar Airways first class vs. business class – Comparison

Have an overseas trip coming up? If you’re flying out of the UK with Qatar Airways, you might be thinking of treating yourself to an upgrade to business or first class.

But what’s the difference between the two, and is it worth upgrading to first class or business class with the airline? We’ll cover everything you need to know below, from differences in costs, seating and lounge experiences, in-flight service and other perks.

With our helpful comparison, you’ll be able to choose the right option for you - whether it’s first, business or even just standard economy class.

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The differences between first class and business class on Qatar Airways

Let’s start off with an overview of what you get with each fare class with Qatar Airways, comparing the two side-by-side:

	First class	Business class
Cost	£5,661 for London to Doha (one way)¹	£3,279 for London to Doha (one way)¹
Seating/suite experience	- Seat selection on check-in -Ultra-comfortable fully lie-flat beds - Personal storage closet	- Seat selection on check-in/booking - Rear and forward facing seats - Qsuites available, with lie-flat beds and generous storage space
Food and drink	- Pre-Select Dining service - On-demand à la carte menu - Premium alcohol and drinks	- Pre-Select Dining service - On-demand à la carte menu - Premium alcohol and drinks
Baggage allowance	- 50kg - 2 pieces of hand baggage²	- 40kg - 2 pieces of hand baggage²
Lounge access	Yes²	Yes (fee may apply depending on fare type)²
Airport and boarding experience	- Priority check-in - Concierge service in some airports²	- Priority check-in - Concierge service in some airports²
Onboard amenities	- Wi-Fi on some aircraft - Oryx One with 8,000+ entertainment options	- Wi-Fi on some aircraft - Media panel with USB, HDMI and NFC - Oryx One entertainment
Extras	- Curated Diptyque toiletries - Loungewear and slippers from The White Company	- Curated Diptyque toiletries - Loungewear and slippers from The White Company

Qatar Airways first class vs. business class price

Let’s take a look at how much it costs to choose first class or business class with Qatar Airways.

Of course, the exact price will depend on your exact dates and destination, as well as whether you book a one-way or return flight.

But to give you an idea of the difference in cost between the classes, here are a couple of examples of medium and long-haul flights with the airline. Both are one-way only, and flying on 1st April 2025:

• Medium haul flight from London Heathrow to Doha - £3,729 for business class and £5,661 for first class¹
• Long haul flight from London Gatwick to Sydney (1 stop at Doha) - £3,615 for business class and £5,466 for first class.³

If you need to make a change to your booking, all first class and some business class ticket types offer free changes. But you may not be able to get a refund if you cancel your Qatar Airways flight (unless you’re a Privilege Club member).

💡 Read more: How much does it cost to hire a private jet in the UK

When to choose first class over business class

First class with Qatar Airways is a luxury experience, offering lots of space, privacy and comfort - as well as fine dining and premium customer service.

It’s designed for travellers of all kinds, whereas business class is more focused on providing facilities for work. This includes workspace, a media panel with USB, HDMI and NFC and Wi-Fi on some aircraft.

Anyone can book either class though, even if you’re not travelling for business and you simply want more comfort and luxury than economy class.

Seating and suite experience

On long-haul flights in particular, seating will be particularly important to ensure you have a comfortable experience. Let’s take a look at seating and suite options with both Qatar Airways classes.

First class seating on Qatar Airways

First class passengers enjoy the most space, privacy and comfort compared to any other fare class. You’ll get an ultra-comfortable fully lie-flat bed, along with a private storage closet, entertainment screen, ambient mood lighting and pull-out table. You can see the first class seating in 360° here.

Business class seating on Qatar Airways

Business class passengers can choose from front or rear-facing seats, or book a Qsuite - a special suite with doors for business passengers available on select routes.

Choose from a single, twin or double suite, with movable panels to turn seating/sleeping space into a social area. You’ll also get storage space, ambient mood lighting and fully lie-flat beds.

In-flight service and amenities on Qatar Airways

First class in-flight service

If you travel first class with Qatar Airways, you’ll benefit from:⁴

• Complimentary hot and cold meals and snacks, drinks and premium alcohol.
• In-flight entertainment with Oryx One, featuring 8,000+ entertainment options
• Curated Diptyque toiletries
• Loungewear and slippers from The White Company
• On-board Wi-Fi (selected aircraft).

Some aircraft also feature a luxury bar and lounge, exclusive to first and business class passengers.

Business class in-flight service

Business class passengers with Qatar Airways can expect the following as part of the in-flight service:⁵

• Complimentary hot and cold meals and snacks, drinks and premium alcohol.
• In-flight entertainment with Oryx One, featuring 8,000+ entertainment options
• Curated Diptyque toiletries
• Loungewear and slippers from The White Company
• On-board Wi-Fi (selected aircraft).

Some aircraft also feature a luxury bar and lounge, exclusive to first and business class passengers.

First and business class food and drinks on Qatar Airways

Both classes offer access to the airline’s on-demand à la carte menu, although there’s also the option to pre-order your meal in advance of your flight with the Pre-Select Dining service.

You’ll also get premium alcohol and a range of drinks, although some may be chargeable depending on your ticket type.

Lounge access – what do you get?

First class lounges for Qatar Airways

All first class tickets with Qatar Airways include lounge access as standard, although facilities depend which airport(s) you’re travelling to and from.

For example, at London Heathrow there’s a Qatar Airways lounge for both first class and business class passengers. This features private showers, a fully equipped business centre, Delicatessen, Global Brasserie and Signature Bar.

But over in Hamad International Airport in Doha, there’s a separate lounge for first class passengers. The Al Safwa First Lounge offers an a la carte restaurant, spa treatments and even a thermal jacuzzi.

There’s also high-end shopping services available, where if you’re a member of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club you can earn Avios and rewards when you spend.

💡 Read more: How do frequent flyer programs work? Are they worth it for UK travellers?

Business class lounges for Qatar Airways

As with first class, lounge facilities for Qatar Airways business class vary depending on the airport(s) you’ll be travelling through. You can access the same facilities as first class passengers at airports like London Heathrow.

But there’s a separate business class lounge at airports like Hamad International Airport in Doha. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge has a Global Deli and a la carte restaurant, along with fully equipped business facilities and private workstations.

Airport and boarding experience with Qatar Airways – fast-track perks for business and first class

Both first and business class passengers with Qatar Airways benefit from premium check in and concierge services on arrival at the airport (depending on availability).

Baggage allowance for first class and business class with Qatar Airways

You get slightly more baggage allowance with a first class ticket, but the same number of hand luggage items. Let’s take a look:²

• Business class - 40kg of hold luggage, 2 pieces of hand luggage
• First class - 50kg of hold luggage, 2 pieces of hand luggage.

Conclusion: is it worth upgrading to business or first class on Qatar Airways?

There isn’t a huge amount of difference between business and first class with Qatar Airways, except for the price.

You may find first class to be more luxurious, offering more space and more intimate personalised service. In some airports, you may benefit from extra luxury in a dedicated first class lounge. You’ll also get a slightly higher baggage allowance.

If you need to work during your flight, business class may be the right choice. You’ll get plenty of workspace and amenities, along with many of the same in-flight perks you get with first class.

But hopefully after reading this guide, you’ll have all the info you need to compare the two and choose the right option for you. Have a great flight!

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Sources used:

1. Qatar Airways - Flight selection London to Doha
2. Qatar Airways - New Fare Families
3. Qatar Airways - Flight selection London to Sydney
4. Going - The Complete Guide to Qatar Airways First Class
5. Going - The Complete Guide to Qatar Airways Business Class and Qsuites

Sources last checked on date: 13-Feb-2024