Qantas beware: Virgin now offers a best-in-world business class
Route Doha to Sydney, flight VA2 (Melbourne flights launch December 1, 2025)
Frequency Daily
Aircraft Boeing 777-300ER
Class Qsuite business class; seat 1E
Flight time 13 hours, 50 minutes; due to a faster than usual flight, we depart 15 minutes after the scheduled time to avoid the early morning curfew at Sydney.
Checking in
Virgin Australia's new alliance with Qatar Airways (the world's best airline according to the 2025 Skytrax awards) means you book through Virgin Australia but the plane and crew are supplied by Qatar Airways (a 'wet-lease' arrangement that allows VA to fly long haul again, and gives Qatar more slots into Australia).
Check-in is with Virgin (the Qatar Airways logo is also on screens) and staff are still finding their feet with the ticketing process on our flight, which is early on in the new arrangement, but there is minimal queuing. Business-class passengers also get priority at security and on boarding; both are swift.
There are several business lounges at the impressive Hamad International Airport (which tends to alternate with Changi in world's best airport awards), including the new Al Mourjan The Garden in the northern extension.
Baggage allowance
Up to 40kg in business class (multiple pieces accepted). Cabin allowance is two pieces, 15kg in total. Velocity Gold and Platinum members receive an additional baggage allowance.
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