Review: Lacklustre Qatar Airways Qsuite from Montreal to Doha on B777-300ER

Booking – Qatar Qsuite from Montreal to Doha

For all the years of flying in premium cabins, I had never had a chance to experience Qatar Airways in First Class. Last November, I finally got to experience Qatar Airways First Class on A380 from Doha (DOH) to Bangkok (BKK). But getting to Doha meant my trip began with a flight from Montreal to Doha on Qatar Airways’ QSuite since the sector does not fly a First-Class cabin. The journey from Montreal to Bangkok via Doha was booked using 190,000 Qatar Avios points (and ~ CAD 300 in taxes). I converted 150,000 RBC Avion points into a British Airways Avios account during a 30% transfer bonus promotion to fund my trip. Thanks to the ability to link Qatar Privilege and the British Airways Executive Club account, I could use the ~190k Qatar Avios to execute this booking.

QR 764
Boeing 777-300ER
Montreal (YUL) to Doha (DOH)
Duration: 12h 10m 
Seat: 4B (Window)

Qatar Airways B777-300ER

Check-in and Boarding – Qatar Qsuite Montreal to Doha

The check-in area for Qatar Airways at YUL is quite simple and unassuming. However, the signage could be improved since it’s easily overlooked and tucked away to the side. At check-in, I learned that premium passengers for Qatar Airways use the Air France Lounge, operated by Priority Pass.

Qatar Airways Check-in area at YUL

After a brief visit to the Air France lounge, I headed to the boarding area, which was already crowded. The lineups for zones 3 and 4 were out on the walkway, creating a chaotic scene that obstructed the flow of passengers heading to their gates. I wondered if this setup was unique to YUL. Unfortunately, 30 minutes past the scheduled boarding time, there was still no explanation for the delay. While polite, the ground staff at the gate avoided eye contact and did not proactively provide any information to calm the increasingly restless crowd, which included many passengers with children and those in wheelchairs.

Eventually, 40 minutes after the scheduled boarding time, an announcement was made that the flight would be delayed due to technical reasons, with boarding set to resume an hour later. While it’s always reassuring to know that technical issues are being addressed before takeoff, the ground staff’s lack of communication and indifferent attitude was frustrating.

An hour later, boarding slowly resumed, starting with wheelchair passengers, who were scanned through but had to wait at the aircraft entrance for final boarding approval. Finally, after an additional 20 minutes, two hours past the scheduled departure time, boarding for Zone 1 began.

YUL Boarding Gate for QR 64

Zone 3 and 4 lines out on the walkway

Cabin and Seats – Qatar Qsuite from Montreal to Doha

The Qatar Airways 777’s Qsuite cabin was a familiar sight with its 1-2-1 configuration, featuring reverse seat layouts in odd-numbered rows. I was seated in 4B, which faced the direction of travel. For those considering the middle seats, it’s worth noting that the odd-row seats, despite facing backward, are closer together, while the even-row seats, facing the cockpit, are set further apart.

Qatar Qsuite Cabin: 777-300ER

Upon arrival at seat 4B, I found a set of pillows, blankets, and an amenity kit neatly placed on the side console by the window. The suite’s warm lighting and overall setup were quite comforting, providing ample space around the seat for easy access to items needed during the 12-hour flight to Doha. One feature I particularly appreciated was the placement of the seat controls directly in front of me instead of being awkwardly positioned under the armrest or behind the seat. Additionally, there’s a convenient cubby next to the seat for storing a small bag or electronic devices.

Qatar Qsuite – Seat 4B

Seat 4B – Montreal to Doha

Qatar Qsuite aisle and middle suite

The side table against the window seemed less functional. It obstructed a clear view of the window and tended to become a spot for piling up items, which crowded the suite. Although the suite technically offers two and a half windows, the actual view available to passengers is quite limited—about half a window’s worth—if you’re willing to lean over the items on the side console and table. This is a significant drawback of the suite.

After flying in the Qsuite a few times, it’s evident that while a suite with a closing door was revolutionary when introduced in 2017, by 2024, there’s a need for better use of the space it occupies. A window seat without meaningful access to the window isn’t ideal. The middle seats that turn into a double-bed enclosed suite remain the pinnacle of business-class travel worldwide.

Amenity Kit, Pillow and Blanket

Seat controls

Seat storage

Side table against the window

Dining and Service onboard – Qatar Qsuite from Montreal to Doha

Shortly after boarding and settling into my seat, the crew introduced themselves and offered a welcome drink and towel service. Given the rolling delays, the iconic lemon-mint drink and the refreshing facial towel were exactly what I needed. Unlike Oman Air Business Class, Qatar Airways provides PJs only to First Class passengers. Correction: Qatar does provide PJ’s in Business Class as well.

Face towel and welcome drink

The meal service began shortly after we reached cruising altitude. It was nearly 11 p.m., and I was both hungry and eager for some rest. I chose a second round of the lemon-mint drink along with warm nuts to start the dinner service. Qatar Airways excels in presentation, with a candle-lit white tablecloth setup that brings a fine dining ambiance to 40,000 feet.

Lemon Mint drink with warm nuts

Amuse Bouche

For the first course, I selected the Red Pepper Soup, which was comforting and paired well with the basket of warm bread. However, the main course—braised beef—was a disappointment. The meat was dry and chewy, and the presentation felt rushed. The water from the grilled mushrooms had run across the plate, making it look unappealing. It seemed like the meal might have been reheated all at once, resulting in the beef’s tough texture and the mushrooms sitting in liquid. This was far below the standard one would expect from an airline that prides itself on its elevated food and service. For dessert, I opted for a fruit plate accompanied by coffee to finish the meal.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Steak and Mushroom with mystery liquid

Fruit tray with coffee

The meal service extended past midnight, which wasn’t ideal but understandable given the earlier flight delay. Once the meal was done, I closed the suite door and settled in for the night. The seats and bedding were quite comfortable, allowing me to sleep for 6-7 hours. I woke up with just a couple of hours left before landing.

Unfortunately, the remainder of the flight brought a few more disappointments. Firstly, the onboard WiFi did not work despite the crew’s attempts to reboot the system. Then, for breakfast, I was informed that the only remaining option was a “Middle Eastern version of Bagel and Eggs.” However, what was served included ham, contradicting the “Middle Eastern” description. The texture of the eggs on the bagel was also off, though the generous amount of herbs somewhat masked the taste. I didn’t finish my plate and decided to stick with coffee, and some Laderach chocolates served as a pre-landing amenity, which was delicious.

Eggs on Bagel

WiFi onboard

Facial towel and box of chocolate

Takeaway – Qatar Qsuite from Montreal to Doha

Having flown Qatar Airways’ Qsuite several times, I can confidently say that the service and dining on my recent Montreal to Doha flight were an exception rather than the norm. Typically, my dining experience with Qatar Airways has been far superior. However, the lacklustre ground experience at YUL and sub-par in-flight food make me think this may have been specific to this particular segment.

I hope Qatar Airways management reviews the ground experience in Montreal, especially regarding the lounge situation. At non-hub airports, particularly in North America, where the standards of service and food can be lower, it would be wise to ensure consistency with what passengers experience when departing from Doha.

While the seats and the suite were comfortable, I think the newer iterations of the Qsuite could benefit from a more open design. This would provide easier access to windows for those who enjoy taking in the views outside the aircraft. This would enhance the overall experience, especially for passengers who appreciate a connection to the journey beyond the cabin.

Approach into Doha