Emma Rossiter, a seasoned traveler, capped off her three-month global adventure with a Qatar Airways business class flight from Denpasar to Heathrow. The 18-hour journey featured gourmet meals, 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 luxury is worth the cost.
The Background
Emma usually arrives at the airport two to three hours early, heads straight through security, and enjoys a breakfast butty and prosecco at Wetherspoons before grabbing snacks from WHSmith. However, after experiencing Qatar Airways' seamless business class service, her routine feels outdated. She wonders if she can ever return to economy.
The Cabin
From Denpasar to Doha, she flew on an A350 with a 1-2-1 layout; the final leg to Heathrow was on a Boeing 777 with slightly more space. Both flights had middle suites facing backwards, which felt odd during takeoff and landing but enhanced privacy, making the experience feel almost private.
Perks
Flight attendants addressed passengers by name, offered champagne or orange juice, and kept glasses topped up. They provided drinks, chocolates, crisps, and popcorn throughout the flight. Upon landing at Heathrow, business class passengers received fast track tickets to skip passport control queues.
Freebies
Each passenger received cotton pajamas, slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and a Diptyque toiletry bag containing socks, an eye mask, ear plugs, body lotion, facial water, lip balm, and eau de toilette spray. The bag design and scent differed between male and female passengers.
Food
Emma enjoyed a three-course dinner with warm bread rolls, tenderloin steak, and vanilla ice cream with mango sorbet. The tray table had a white cloth, tealight candle, and real cutlery. A midnight snack of chicken and avocado sandwich with waffle fries followed. On the second flight, she declined a second midnight snack but enjoyed a breakfast of warm croissants, fresh fruit, and a spinach omelette.
Sleep and Entertainment
The turn-down service transformed her seat into a queen-size bed with a quilted cover, pillowcase, and cushioned buffer. The entertainment system offered over 8,000 films and TV shows on wide screens, providing a private cinema experience.
Dislikes
The only downside was the temperature control; unlike economy, there was no direct air-con control in the suite, causing her to overheat. However, she admits she could have asked staff for assistance.
Cost
Business class flights from Bali to London start at around £1,920 in April, compared to £584 for economy. Despite the price, Emma believes the comfort and service may justify the cost.
Final Thoughts
Emma describes the experience as five-star, with better sleep than some hotels. She fears she cannot return to economy and plans to stock up on Avios points and seek credit cards with airmiles to afford future business class travel.
