Business class is getting better all the time. Flatbeds are now standard on long-haul flights, and many airlines go further with suite-style seating and facilities such as onboard bars. In this article, we take a look at two of the best business class products out there, those of Middle Eastern carriers Qatar Airways and Emirates.

Qatar Airways QSuite

Qatar Airways offers one of the best business class environments with its QSuite. According to data from SeatGuru, this exclusive product is offered on the Airbus A350-1000 and some A350-900s, as well as certain Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft. Interestingly, it doesn't feature on the Airbus A380.

The QSuite is a spacious product. As well as a seat, which converts to a fully flatbed, a sizeable ottoman is also present. This can be lowered for more space when sleeping or raised to use as an armrest and storage area. The suites feature both a small fixed table and a much larger pull-out table. The latter of these is ideal for work or dining.

Seats alternate backward and forwards, which can take some getting used to, but doesn't diminish the product, and allows middle seats to be combined in a unique manner. The middle seats can be joined together in groups of two or four to create private cabins, an interesting option for both families and business travelers.

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The QSuite is laid out in a staggered configuration to maximize legroom. Photo: Qatar Airways

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Where the Qsuites really set themselves apart is with their closing doors, making them fully closable private suites. This differs from a partial door, as seen with the British Airways Club Suite. QSuite has led to Qatar Airways winning the award for best business class with Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2018 and 2019. Simple Flying recently reviewed the product on a San Francisco-Doha flight.

In terms of how many Qsuites each aircraft has, data from SeatGuru shows that the A350-1000 comes out on top, with 46. Meanwhile, its smaller A350-900 has 36, with the 777s coming in between with 42 on both variants.

Emirates business class

Emirates has a new business class on its Airbus A380s, while an older one is present on its Boeing 777s. The A380 product is much better, with open suites arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat has a full-length table area next to it and plenty of storage space, but is not as spacious as the QSuite overall. Each A380 has either 58 or 76 of these business class seats onboard.

Emirates Airbus A380 Business Class
Photo: Emirates

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Both are comparable in width, but the Qsuite offers an impressive total length/pitch of 103 inches, compared to 72 inches with Emirates. There is also a great bar area on the A380. One disadvantage, though, is the size of the cabin. With 14 rows of business on the upper deck, it can be noisy and lack privacy.

However, the different product on the 777 fleet, isn't as strong. This features standard business class seats (not suites) in a 2-3-2 configuration. These have less space than the suite-style seats, and the possibility of being stuck in a middle seat. This is due to be replaced on the new 777X but will be around for a while yet. Like Qatar Airways' QSuites, all of Emirates' 777s have 42 business class seats.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER business class
Photo: Emirates

However, Emirates has a significant advantage over Qatar Airways, and most other airlines, in one regard. Specifically, it offers a complimentary chauffeur service to and from the airport at most of its destinations. This excellent end-to-end offering makes business class travel feel more relaxed and efficient. Simple Flying has reviewed Emirates' business class on both the A380 and the 777.

Which one is best? Qatar just gets ahead

Overall, you can't go wrong with Qatar Airways' or Emirates' business class products. They both offer some of the best seats of any airline, excellent onboard service, and a bar/lounge area. That being said, the excellent seat, with its extra space, privacy, and ability to combine multiple seats makes the QSuite our top choice.

It is also worth remembering as well that both airlines have a different business class product on other aircraft. This is better with Qatar Airways, in our opinion, so you are less likely to end up with a lower standard product for connecting flights.

Qatar Airways 777
Not all of Qatar Airways' Boeing 777s feature Qsuites. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

This will improve when Emirates introduces the 777X, but its current 777 business class lacks somewhat in comparison. Both airlines offer top-grade lounges on the ground, but Emirates may have the edge here with its chauffeur service.

Qatar Airways also has another advantage in being in the oneworld alliance. This makes its business class more accessible to frequent flyers and is bookable as a mileage award with any of the other oneworld airlines. On the other hand, to book an award ticket with Emirates, you would need to be a miles collector with them.

Have you flown business class with Qatar Airways or Emirates? Which represents your personal preference? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!