I just flew in "the world's best business class" from Australia to Europe – here's what it's like
I was travelling to the Qatari capital in celebration of Virgin Australia 's return to long-haul international flying in partnership with Qatar Airways. This sky-high alliance is set to change the way Aussies travel overseas, offering access to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
But the coolest part about this launch was the opportunity to experience the Qsuite – aka the world's best business class seat, according to the 2025 Skytrax Awards (which are known as the 'Oscars of the aviation industry'). Qatar Airways was also crowned the world's best airline for a record-breaking ninth year in a row, so I knew I was in for something pretty memorable.
So it was with a scoop of free strawberry gelato in hand – a tasty perk of the special pre-flight festivities – that I boarded the Boeing 777, ready for 14 hours of flying. If you're keen to do the same, here's everything you need to know about travelling business class with Virgin Australia in partnership with Qatar Airways.
What does the new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways mean?
Along with access to Qatar Airways' vast travel network, the new Australia to Doha routes offer an elevated flying experience, outstanding amenities and loyalty benefits. Oh, and way more choice and better value for passengers.
Flights are currently departing from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with a Melbourne service to begin in December (all up that will equate to 2.65 million seats a year). Yep, suddenly that Euro summer trip you've been lusting over just got a whole lot easier to organise. And if you have enough Virgin Velocity Points, you can even use them to apply for an upgrade to the Qsuite.
But from a practical pre-flight perspective, think of the exclusive airline collab this way: you check-in at the Virgin Australia counter and track your flight details via the Virgin Australia code on the display screens, but you'll board a Qatar Airways plane with Qatar Airways staff.
My experience with this process was seamless – I breezed through check-in (priority queuing is a luxury I know I'll miss on my next economy flight), and made it straight through security in under 15 minutes. The speediness meant I was able to spend some time relaxing in the Air New Zealand lounge, which all Qsuite passengers have complimentary access to. Just don't go crazy at the buffet, because you're going to want to eat everything on the plane.
What is the Qsuite like?
The best way I can describe it is like your very own private apartment in the sky. The biggest drawcard of the Qsuite is its signature sliding door that comes up to almost shoulder height, complete with a Do Not Disturb button. Once that door to your little pod is closed, you can barely see people walking up and down the aisle – I couldn't resist poking my head out a few times, just to make sure the cabin crew were still around. A travel companion of mine even felt comfortable enough to get changed into her Qatar-branded pyjamas in the suite, such was the level of privacy.
What this cocoon of cosiness creates, though, is the ideal space to kick back, relax and (gasp!) get a good night's sleep in. Qatar Airways' turndown service will transform your seat into a full lie-flat bed with a mattress topper, two pillows and a plush doona that rivalled my own at home. And as someone who is six-feet tall, I can confirm that I was able to lie down without my feet hitting the end of the bed – that's an in-flight luxury I can truly appreciate.
Other Qsuite highlights include the lush Diptyque amenity kit (loaded with a lip balm, face cream and mini perfume), generous storage space and super-fast free Starlink Wi-Fi. Although if the only chance you get to disconnect from your devices is during a long-haul flight, this might not be the perk for you.
Interestingly, the Qsuite configuration means that some of the seats are rear-facing – I got to experience this on my flight home, and there is definitely something kinda discombobulating about it during take-off and landing, but otherwise I didn't notice a difference. And if you're travelling with a partner or in a group of four, the movable panels in the centre aisle seats can transform into a double bed (cute!) or a quad layout (perfect for families).
What are the food and drinks like in Qsuite?
If you've ever wondered what fine dining looks like at 38,000 feet in the air, this is it. I'm welcomed to my Qsuite with another glass of bubbles (hello, Palmer and Co Rosé) and immediately check the menu to decide what to order.
Qatar Airways has actually just launched an exclusive new first and business class menu curated by award-winning Aussie chef Ross Lusted, owner of Woodcut in Sydney and Marmelo in Melbourne. It's a showcase of seasonal, locally sourced produce that covers appetisers, mains and desserts, with the offerings refreshed every three months.
And the beauty of the Qsuite is you can dine on-demand – perfect if you're trying to adjust to the timings in your next destination or simply want to work around your movie schedule.
I'm hungry, so the table is set for my first course, complete with a white tablecloth, real cutlery, cute mini salt and pepper shakers and (my favourite bit) the LED candle, which flickers like a real flame. I start with the first of Lusted's signature dishes: the seared cured fish plate, with soy and sesame oil dressing, cucumber and pickled young ginger. It's light, zingy and refreshing. The lamb osso bucco with heirloom carrots follows, and I'm surprised at the richness of flavour as I mop up every last bit with a bread roll.
But it's the Basque cheesecake that, well, takes the cake for me. Served warm with softened dry fruits, cinnamon, vanilla and walnuts (a nod to traditional Qatari cuisine), it's melt-in-your-mouth good. And don't miss the little chocolate service that comes around after your meal, because second desserts are definitely a thing in the Qsuite.
Is the Qsuite worth it?
Oh, you bet it is. And look – we totally acknowledge the extra costs that come with flying business, especially in the cozzie livs crisis. But if you're one of those savvy people who has hacked the frequent flyer system and you've got points to spare, or you simply want to go full treat yo 'self mode (we're here for it), the Qsuite is the only way to do it. This is long-haul flying at its most bougie – and you only live once, right?!
To find out more and to book your own Qsuite experience with Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, head to the website.
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