Information on Qatar Airways Flights

Flying Qatar Airways can be an experience unlike what most US passengers are used to. From the enhanced quality of service and onboard offering to unfamiliar policies, it helps to know before you go when flying with this famously fabulous airline. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize your experience when flying on Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways fare classes

Qatar Airways has a unique number of fare classes, especially on long-haul flights. If you’re a US-based flyer, this is the type of flight you’re most likely to experience, so it pays to have at least a general understanding of what to expect when flying long haul with Qatar.

There are four fare classes available in each of the economy and business class cabins, with a total of eight possible tickets available to buy. In each cabin, the four options don’t necessarily change your seat assignment but they do affect your privileges, such as choosing your own seat or checking heavier luggage. They also affect your mileage accrual if you’re an airline loyalty member and the cost of upgrading later.

The only seat change that occurs within these levels of fare class comes in the highest economy fare, Comfort. With this option, you can not only select your own seat at the time of booking, but you can also choose a preferred seat. These seats are closer to the front of the plane, but are not otherwise any different from other economy seats. Personally, I don’t find this option worth the cost, unless you have an extremely tight connection.

Qatar Airways does sell seats with extra legroom for an additional fee though. These are typically the emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats. Keep in mind that passengers with babies are given priority at some bulkheads, because this is where the bassinets are mounted, and that you must be willing and able to assist in an emergency if you choose an exit row. If not, you will be reassigned before take-off, even if you’ve already paid.

The Qatar Airways business class cabin exceeds the luxury and service of any US airline’s premium cabin and rivals the world’s best. When I flew this cabin from New York to Doha, I received pajamas at boarding, my bed was made for me when I wanted to sleep, there were fresh flowers in my private pod, and the dining menu was available at any time.

I happened to be flying with a friend and we were able to drop the wall between us to create a doubly spacious pod that was still private from the rest of the plane. If you’re flying with a partner, family member or friend, this is an excellent pair of seats to book, located in the center of the cabin on the seat map. You can even grab a quartet if you’re in a group of four (great for families).

The cost of this cabin far exceeds economy fares, but it’s a splurge worth making if your budget allows. Like I did, you’ll arrive completely refreshed, un-cramped, well fed, and hopefully with much less jet lag. If you’re on the fence about upgrading, I recommend holding off on your purchase until you’re sure, rather than possibly upgrading later.

It is possible to upgrade after purchase and the rates are comparable, but certain perks won’t upgrade with you. Restrictions like baggage allowance and lounge access are tied to your originally purchased ticket, regardless of upgrades, so you’ll be missing out on these airport benefits and may pay additional fees for things like extra bags. If you’re going for business class, buy this cabin from the start to get all the perks.

Believe it or not, there is still a fare class higher than this on some Qatar Airways flights. First class fares offer nearly identical services, but come with access to an even more decadent lounge in Doha, bigger bathrooms onboard, and a marginally more comfortable seat. There is also a bar near the first class seats, but business class passengers can also visit this.

If you’re flying on a plane that has both, I recommend sticking to the business class cabin. It’s a bit less expensive and still incredibly indulgent. I also noticed that it offers more privacy, since first class seats don’t have as much of a partition to isolate from the rest of the cabin. In my book, business class is the best bang for your bigger-budget buck here.

Qatar Airways hub

If you’re taking a Qatar Airways flight from North America and will have a connection, you’ll likely spend your layover at the airline’s hub airport in Doha. Hamad International Airport (DOH) is one of the world’s most opulent airports, packed with amenities and surprising sights to behold, so even taking a stroll here is an experience.

I once spent 13 hours on a layover here and couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed. From touring the terminals and spotting towering sculptures by renowned artists like Kaws to simply marveling at the amenities, it’s a treat. During my visit, one of my companions got a day pass to the gym while I napped at the hotel inside the terminal, where I didn’t even have to pass security again.

If you’re saving your budget, you can still nap well here, though not privately. There are concourses containing quiet zones with ergonomic, reclined seating intended for rest or sleep. I found these seats surprisingly comfortable. Keep in mind this is a major international airport though, so only sleep if your belongings are safely attached to your body.

If you’d like to get out for a bit, the National Tourism Board offers tours of Doha for those with at least six hours of layover time. It’s best to book these in advance of arrival, but you can still score last-minute seats (if available) by heading to the Discover Qatar desk in the Duty Free area of Hamad. When I checked on my most recent visit there were several spots open, but this is not guaranteed.

Qatar Airways carry-on

You may be familiar with the 1+1 rule for carry-on items on most major airlines, but it’s critical to know that Qatar Airways does not adhere to this. The rule typically means you can carry on one small suitcase or bag and one separate personal item, like a handbag, laptop case, or umbrella. On Qatar Airways, you can only bring one item onboard in total if you’re flying on an economy class fare.

If you show up to check-in with a duffel bag and a handbag, you’re going to have to check one (and pay for it, for most fare classes), so plan ahead and pack wisely. I’ve seen gate agents take away second items during the boarding process too, so don’t try to be sneaky and think you’re in the clear just because you bypassed the check-in inspection.

Qatar Airways alliance

Qatar Airways is a member of Oneworld. In the US, this alliance is spearheaded by American Airlines and includes major international partners like Qantas, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Increased status within Oneworld offers greater perks when flying Qatar Airways, but I’ve noticed those with top status on partner airlines are still denied some loyalty perks on Qatar. Qatar strongly favors its own loyalty program.

Qatar Airways loyalty program

Qatar Airways offers Privilege Club for its loyal frequent flyers. With Privilege Club, instead of earning miles, loyalists earn Avios points. The effect is largely the same, so these can be spent on common purchases like flights and upgrades, but they can also be used in more creative ways like shopping at Qatar Duty Free in the airport.

Unless you’ll be based in Doha for a bit, or plan on flying multiple long hauls on Qatar Airways in a short period and are deeply invested in scoring something like free first class tickets, I don’t recommend devoting your loyalty to this program. You’ll reap more global rewards by joining AAdvantage with American Airlines and will still be able to cash your miles for those fantastic premium cabins in Qatar.

Qatar Airways pet policy

If you intend to fly with animals on Qatar Airways, it’s important to note a few quirks. Generally, cats, dogs, and birds are permitted as checked items only (not in-cabin), but you need to inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance and follow its strict guidelines. I always recommend contacting the airline before booking your own ticket to ensure your pet can be accommodated.

Where things start to get more complicated is with service dogs. Unlike on US carriers, service dogs are not guaranteed in-cabin access on all Qatar Airways flights. Depending on the route, your service dog may also need to be checked into cargo, typically because of destination requirements. Otherwise, service dogs fly free and can join you in the cabin.

Falconry is a deeply-rooted cultural element of the Middle East, and seeing falcons aboard planes in this region is common. While I didn’t see any on my flight from New York, I did see them in the Doha airport, prompting me to inquire. Qatar Airways allows falcons in the economy cabin only, with a maximum of six per flight. If you’re bored on your long haul, stroll economy and try to spot a falcon.