Having spent three months and ten days traveling around the world, Emma Rossiter capped off her journey by flying business class from Denpasar to Heathrow with Qatar Airways. The 18-hour trip featured abundant food, over 8,000 entertainment options, complimentary loungewear, a Diptyque toiletry bag, and a seat that converts into a queen-size bed. Here is her verdict on whether the experience justifies the cost.
The Background
Emma describes herself as a seasoned flyer with a strict routine: arriving at the airport two to three hours early, heading straight through security and duty-free, then stopping at a pub for a breakfast sandwich and a pre-flight drink, followed by a quick shop for snacks to avoid high in-flight prices. However, after experiencing Qatar Airways business class, she feels her routine has become obsolete. The seamless service and royal treatment make her question whether she can ever return to economy.
The Cabin Experience
On the first leg from Denpasar to Doha, Emma flew on an Airbus A350 with a 1-2-1 seat layout. The second leg to Heathrow was on a Boeing 777, which offered slightly more space. Both flights placed her in middle suites that faced backward, creating a strange sensation during takeoff and landing but providing privacy and a near-private jet feel. The cabin layout varied slightly between aircraft types, but the overall comfort remained high.
Perks and Service
Flight attendants addressed passengers by name and provided attentive service throughout the flight. Upon boarding, they offered champagne or orange juice and kept glasses topped up. Snacks and drinks were offered repeatedly until landing. At Heathrow, business class passengers received fast-track tickets to skip passport control queues, a valuable perk during busy times.
Complimentary Amenities
Each passenger received cotton pajamas, slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and a Diptyque toiletry bag containing socks, an eye mask, earplugs, body lotion, facial water, lip balm, and a 10ml eau de toilette spray. The bags differed slightly in design and scent, with one aimed at men and one at women. Emma plans to reuse these items on future trips as a reminder of her business class experience.
Food and Dining
Emma was impressed by the quality of the meals. On the first flight, she enjoyed a three-course dinner with warm bread rolls, a tenderloin steak with potatoes and vegetables, and vanilla ice cream with mango sorbet. The table was set with a white cloth, a battery-operated tealight candle, and proper cutlery. A midnight snack of chicken and avocado sandwich with waffle fries was also offered. On the second flight, a second midnight snack was available, and breakfast included warm croissants, fresh fruit, and a spinach omelette with sides.
Sleep Comfort
The turn-down service transformed the seat into a queen-size bed with a quilted cover, pillowcase, soft blanket, and a cushioned buffer between seats. Emma reported having a better sleep than in some hotels. The entertainment system offered over 8,000 films and TV shows on wide screens, creating a private cinema experience.
Minor Drawbacks
The only complaint was the lack of individual temperature control in the suite, which caused Emma to overheat occasionally. She noted that speaking to a staff member could have resolved the issue. Despite this, she concluded that the experience was flawless and would not deter her from booking business class again.
Cost and Value
Business class flights from Bali to London start at around £1,920 in April, compared to £584 for economy. Emma believes the price is justified for a fuss-free flight with excellent service, comfort, and sleep quality. She now plans to explore ways to earn Avios points and find credit cards offering air miles to afford business class on future long-haul trips.
Final Verdict
Emma describes the experience as five-star and recommends it wholeheartedly. While she cannot afford business class for every trip, she will seek opportunities to treat herself again. The service, food, and amenities have set a new standard, making it hard to return to economy.
