Is Qatar Airways Business Class Worth It for Families?
Yes… mostly. But like anything involving toddlers at 35,000 feet, there are trade-offs. We flew Qatar Airways business class on the A350-1000 (Flight QR740 from LAX to Doha) with our two daughters (ages 3 and 7), continuing on to Malé for our Maldives vacation.
The extra space and lie-flat seats made a huge difference in our comfort and sanity. Was it perfect? No. But for a long-haul journey with kids, it made the experience manageable—and even enjoyable in parts.
The lie-flat seats in Qatar Airways Business Class were a game-changer for our long-haul journey with kids. Our toddler was able to curl up right next to me and sleep comfortably, thanks to the extra space. Even better, the quad seating layout allowed our family of four to face each other throughout the flight—turning travel time into quality bonding time. For families flying long distances, this setup made the experience far more restful and connected.
The Quad Seating: Perfect for Families (Mostly)
Qatar’s business class quad configuration was a big reason we booked. If you’re traveling as a family of four, this setup keeps everyone connected mid-flight while still offering privacy.
- Only two of the four seats fully connect into a larger bed, which worked well for us but is something to note.
- No window views in the quad section (a small price to pay for peace).
Having our own pod area made it easy for the girls to stretch out, sleep, snack, and even sprawl. Of course, our toddler still spent half the flight curled up on me (because kids), but the space helped everyone settle in.
Booking Tip: Business Light Fare
We chose Qatar’s Business Light fare, which excludes lounge access and a few other perks, but saved us over $2,000 per person compared to the Classic fare.
Here’s the secret:
We purchased lounge access separately at the airport (for much less), which gave us flexibility and still kept the total cost down.
Fare classes matter—Qatar Airways splits business class into Lite, Classic, Comfort, and Elite, with different inclusions. If lounge access is important (especially for a long layover), doing the math can save you a lot. Business Classic, Comfort and Elite, all include lounge access.
Qatar Airways Business Class came through with comfy unisex pajamas (yes, shirt and pants!) and a Diptyque amenity kit that made me feel slightly human again. Not quite a spa day—but for 35,000 feet? I’ll take it.
Service and Amenities: The Highs and Lows
Service in the air? Top-notch. The flight attendants were incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome from the start. They went out of their way to help us get settled, even with two young kids and made sure we had plenty of snacks for the girls.
- Everyone received Diptyque amenity kits and me and my husband also received shirt and pant pajamas.
- No special kits, toys, or perks for kids, which felt like a miss compared to other airlines (Singapore and Emirates still win here).
The in-flight dining on Qatar Airways Business Class was just okay. While the presentation was beautiful and the service attentive, some of the dishes were a bit heavy or dry, and there weren’t any dedicated kid-friendly options. A few items we were looking forward to had already run out, but overall, the meals got the job done during a long-haul flight.
In-Flight Meals: Could Be Better for Kids
This is where Qatar Airways business class fell a little short for families.
- No dedicated kids’ menu on any leg of the journey.
- The main meal options leaned gourmet—not exactly what our toddler was craving at cruising altitude.
- Snack options were more kid-friendly: think butterscotch popcorn, Kit Kats, chips, and protein bars.
- The afternoon tea and lobster mac & cheese on long-haul flights were solid highlights.
- Make sure you order your meal choices at the start of the flight to ensure your selection, as they did run out of options which was disappointing in business class.
If you’re traveling with picky eaters, pack some familiar snacks to bridge the gap.
Wi-Fi Access: Outdated for Business Class
Wi-Fi on Qatar is only free for one hour unless you’re a top-tier frequent flyer member. For a premium cabin, this felt outdated—especially for long-haul flights where keeping kids entertained online could be a lifesaver.
Layover in Doha: Lounge Access & Kid-Friendly Tips
After our 15.5-hour flight from LAX to Doha, we had an 8.5-hour layover before continuing to Malé. Here’s what worked for us:
- Airport Playgrounds: Doha’s Hamad International Airport has indoor play areas near Gates A3, B4, and C1–C12. The kids burned off energy climbing and playing.
- Al Mourjan Garden Lounge: This was our oasis. Purchased separately due to our Business Light fare, the lounge gave us space to relax, eat, and recharge.
- Pro tip: Get a lounge with family rooms or quiet zones—perfect for catching a nap or avoiding overstimulation.
Sleeping Setup: The Lie-Flat Seats Win
The lie-flat seats were the real MVPs. On the long-haul leg from LAX to Doha:
- We followed our bedtime routine (screens, teeth brushed, last bathroom trip before sleep), and both kids slept most of the flight.
- Our toddler even slept through breakfast (miracles happen at 35,000 feet).
For the shorter Doha to Malé flight, the seating configuration was different in a 1-2-1 arrangement but was still spacious and comfortable.
Our Qatar Airways Business Class flight from Doha to Malé featured a 1-2-1 seat configuration, offering great privacy—but not ideal when flying with young kids. Since we booked the Business Light fare, we couldn’t select seats until check-in opened 24 hours before the flight.
We ended up with four window seats in a back-to-back layout, which made it a bit more challenging to keep an eye on our toddler mid-flight. If you're flying as a family and want to sit together, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
Bottom Line: Would We Recommend Qatar Airways Business Class for Families?
Yes—with managed expectations.
The space, privacy, and service were fantastic, especially compared to flying economy with young kids. But there were misses:
- No kids’ amenities or separate menu for kids meals.
- Limited Wi-Fi.
- Lounge access requires planning (unless you book a higher fare).
For adults, couples, or business travelers, Qatar’s business class shines. For families, it’s a great option, but Singapore Airlines and Emirates still come out ahead in overall kid-friendliness and perks.
Still, if you value sleep, space, and sanity—this setup makes long-haul travel with kids doable (and even enjoyable).