Qatar Airways, the Doha-based airline, has once again captured global attention by winning Skytrax’s World’s Best Airline award for a record-breaking ninth time. This accolade piqued my curiosity, prompting me to experience the airline firsthand on a journey from Sydney to Milan in September. My maiden flight with Qatar Airways began in economy class, often dreaded for its middle seat, but it turned out to be an enlightening experience.
Economy Class: Comfort and Service Redefined
Initially apprehensive about the 14-hour flight sandwiched between two passengers, my concerns were quickly alleviated. The unspoken rule that both armrests belong to the middle-seated person was respected, setting a positive tone for the journey. Qatar Airways’ economy class surprised me with its comfort, service, and entertainment options, justifying its numerous accolades.
The seats offered a pitch of 31 to 33 inches and a width of 17.5 to 18.5 inches, depending on the aircraft. With a recline of up to 5 inches and adjustable headrests, the seats provided ample comfort for napping. The extensive entertainment system, featuring a touchscreen monitor configuration of 3-3-3 or 3-4-3, offered a variety of movies and documentaries that made the flight time pass quickly.
Qatar Airways recently announced a partnership with Panasonic Avionics to introduce a new entertainment system across its Boeing 777 9 fleet, promising to redefine in-flight entertainment.
The onboard Wi-Fi, an add-on service, impressed with speeds up to 500 Mbps per aircraft, enabling passengers to stream, browse, and work seamlessly. Meals and drinks were complimentary, with the menu revealing the airline’s recent win of the 2026 APEX Best Global Food and Beverage Award.
The Culinary Experience
On my night flight, dinner options included chicken curry, beef, or a vegetarian dish. I opted for the chicken curry, which was tender and flavorful, accompanied by fluffy rice and a refreshing potato salad. The addition of silver cutlery added a touch of business class luxury to the meal.
The service was impeccable, with flight attendants responding swiftly to requests. Notably, Qatar Airways has been recognized for its wine list, winning multiple gold awards at the Business Traveller’s Cellars in the Sky Awards.
Business Class: A Luxurious Upgrade
For the final leg of my journey from Doha to Milan, I experienced Qatar Airways’ business class. The transition from economy to business was seamless, with the airline’s renowned hospitality extending to its lounges, particularly the Al Mourjan Lounge and Al Maha Lounge.
Exclusive Lounge Experience
Upon landing in Doha, I was greeted by a flight attendant who escorted me through security to the lounge, offering a VIP experience. The Al Mourjan Lounge, awarded the ‘World’s Leading Airline Lounge – Business Class,’ offered à la carte dining, a sushi bar, and quiet rooms for relaxation during layovers.
The lounge also features a Dior spa and direct access to the world’s first Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, enhancing the luxury travel experience.
In-Flight Business Class Excellence
Boarding the aircraft for the final leg, I was enveloped in the luxury of Qatar Airways’ business class. Although not in the Q-Suite, the spacious seating and elegant design were impressive. The cabin crew provided a warm welcome with a delightful tea, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience.
The meal service was akin to dining at a five-star restaurant. My starter, butter-poached lobster with walnut tapenade, was exquisite, followed by a main course of Qatari chicken mashkool. The salted caramel and almond cheesecake for dessert was a delightful indulgence.
The comfort extended to the sleeping arrangements, with the flight attendant preparing my seat for a restful nap. The experience was so luxurious that I found it hard to imagine returning to economy class travel.
Conclusion: A Benchmark for Excellence
Qatar Airways has set a high standard for both economy and business class travel, with its commitment to comfort, service, and innovation. The airline’s growth in the Australian market reflects its popularity, with top destinations including Italy, the UK, France, and Germany.
As the airline continues to expand its offerings and enhance passenger experiences, it remains a leader in the aviation industry, living up to its reputation for excellence.
