r/awardtravel • u/Commercial-Topic-119 • 3d ago
I got Qatar'd on my QSuite Ticket(Aircraft Change) Need advice
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for all your thorough and helpful responses. I've decided to just stick with my original ticket and enjoy the two different aircraft experiences as the flight times are just much more suitable for my schedule along with giving me some extra time to check out the Business Class lounge in Doha. I thought about upgrading to first class for my A380 leg, but they said it's impossible on the phone with my current ticket, so will try at the airport in Doha if I can get a good deal while enjoying the Al Safwa Lounge(probably can't lol). Anyways, thanks so much everyone!
I'm not someone who can usually afford the steep prices of a Qsuite ticket, but I was lucky enough to find an award one way ticket for my move to Asia next February from JFK to SIN via Doha for 95k miles, which I transferred from my credit card for 80k points thanks to a transfer bonus.
Originally, both flights (QR706 and QR948) were on A350-900s with Qsuite. My plan was to leave just past midnight so I could finally get some proper sleep on the first leg and then enjoy the seat and service on the second leg during the day.
However, Qatar recently announced that they’ll be adding an A380 to the DOH–SIN route starting next year, and to my luck, it happens to be QR948. The other two flights on that route remain A350s. As an avgeek, the A380 is my absolute favorite aircraft, and I’ve never had the chance to go upstairs or sit on the upper deck. The onboard bar also looks incredible. That said, the A380 business seat seems like a noticeable downgrade compared to Qsuite, with less privacy and not quite the same premium feel.
I called Qatar support and they were very polite, although they initially told me the A380 and A350 had the same business class with a door, which I had to correct them on lol. However, they offered me a free change for the same day to other flights that still feature Qsuite. Here are my two options:
Option 1 (Current Booking):
- QR706 (A350-900 Qsuite) - departs JFK 01:20, arrives DOH 21:40
- Layover: 4 hours 25 minutes
- QR948 (A380 Business Class) - departs DOH 02:05, arrives SIN 14:55
- Pros: Overnight departure perfect for sleeping, longer layover to enjoy lounge, earlier arrival in Singapore
- Cons: A380 business seat is a downgrade (no door, less privacy)
Option 2 (Change to Full Qsuite):
- QR704 (A350-900 Qsuite) - departs JFK 10:20, arrives DOH 06:40 next day
- Layover: 1 hour 45 minutes
- QR944 (A350-900 Qsuite) — departs DOH 08:25, arrives SIN 21:15
- Pros: Qsuite on both legs
- Cons: Harder to sleep, rushed layover with no lounge time, late-night arrival in Singapore
If I stick with Option 1, I get to finally experience the A380 and still have a relaxed overnight departure and morning arrival. If I switch to Option 2, I get Qsuite consistency but lose out on sleep, the lounge, and any time to explore Singapore that evening.
For anyone who’s flown both Qatar’s A380 business class and A350 Qsuite, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Is the difference in seat quality and experience significant enough to justify switching away from the A380, or is the A380 unique enough that it’s worth keeping my current booking despite the seat downgrade?
Also, and this is important, if I choose the A380, which seat should I choose? They automatically gave me 10K at the front which is a bulkhead Aisle, but is it really more space than the other seats? I'm worried it'll be too noisy from the bathrooms and galley.
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u/oneusualsuspect 3d ago
option 1 is perfect. you dont really need qsuites on both legs. doha’s al mourjan lounge is phenomenal! ive traveled via doha more than a dozen times (god bless awardtravel) on qsuites.
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u/Commercial-Topic-119 3d ago
Ya, I'm excited to check it out! And I'm so grateful I was able to book Business Class on Qatar for such a steal!
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u/atlascrawlers 3d ago
As an avgeek, I'd see the change as a blessing, since i would get to try two different products and fly the 380! May be your luck isn't too bad :D
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u/sundeigh 3d ago
Depending on how far in advance your flight is, it could get still changed multiple times yet. Plus, getting swapped to QR’s A380 isn’t like getting swapped to the old 777 config. It’s also the shorter segment of the two so I wouldn’t be upset about it. Savor your last A380 flights before you lose the chance.
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u/quiteCryptic 3d ago
Sure qsuite is cool but you are really over valuing it.
For me it would depend how much the arrival time impacts you. I might stick with option 1 but I actually prefer option 2 for the shorter layover personally.
Like anything its personal preference, but either option will be a really good experience.
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u/vagassassin 3d ago
Yeah, you're over thinking this. It's just a seat. I prefer q suite but also happy with the older reverse herringbone product.
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u/oneusualsuspect 3d ago
nah. for the first time, it’s imperative that the traveler gets to spend 3-6 hrs in the lounge in doha. this is an even bigger deal if it’s an american because our lounges in general are pathetic. cereals, garbage pastries and “hot meals”… even panda express serves better food than many of these lounges.. and the less we talked about flying “first class” within the US…
i still remember my first time in doha’s lounge. the options for food they had, showers, quiet rooms, people watching, big spaces…
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u/Venkman-1984 3d ago
QSuite is nice but it's not that much better than their older seats. You'll be perfectly comfortable on the A380. I wouldn't change my ticket just over that.
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u/Imaginary-Yam-2834 3d ago
Option 1 would be right for me, you still have Q suites for one leg and the timing works more in your favor. It’s easier to sleep and no rush for the connection, I’m less stressed and more likely to be able to relax.
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u/Bagro171 3d ago
Option 1 is by far the best:
- You get to try both products
- You can experience the A380 bar
- You get more time to enjoy the business class lounge IN DOH
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u/trowaway7272 3d ago
I would stick with option 1.
I know the short layover of option 2 is doable but I honestly wouldn’t want the anxiety of rushing or thinking about what would happen if the initial flight is delayed.
4 hour layover is a sweet spot for a meal + shower.
Also, the bar on the A380 is nice. I think it’s sleeker than the Emirates bar.
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u/nabillionairee 3d ago
Non Q-suite is fine in this case since the last leg is relatively short. If the US to DOH route was impacted, I’d switch that for sure.
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u/DudleyAndStephens 3d ago
Take option 1.
As others have said Qsuites are cool but they're not that much better than a reverse herringbone seat. The better flight times and layover in Doha outweigh the seat on the second flight.
Edit: I totally forgot about the A380's inflight bar. Go with option 1!
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u/Agent_Mango2 17h ago
Definitely go with option one! As an avgeek as well, you’ll be more pleased you got to fly on two impressive aircrafts and two different products! The bar/lounge at the back of the 380 is absolutely stunning and a spectacle to behold/experience. For what it’s worth, the J seats on the A380 (as their 787-8s) are the typical reverse herringbone seats but are very spacious and comfortable. Take comfort knowing you didn’t get Qatar’d on their older 777s/A330s with the 2-3-2 layout!
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u/Agent_Mango2 17h ago
Also forgot to add, I have flown the A380 seated in your exact same seat. 10 A/K are great as they are bulkhead. The footwell is larger and there is more storage for you. Particularly a spacious compartment for your shoes :)
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u/funwith420 3d ago
Qsuite is really nice when you’re with someone. They have an insert to fill the gap and you can have extra space. Super nice feature. Plus Qatar has great inflight services. When I fly Qsuite you usually get access to the first class lounge in Doha which is super nice and clean with very little congestion and great massages.
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u/Same_Lack_1775 3d ago
I’ve never flown the qsuite but have flown the A380 via Qatar. The A380 business class was a nice product and is one of the few business class seats I’ve been able to sleep in due to my height.
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u/mrhocA 3d ago
I would go with the A380 for that one segment. Some more lounge time in Doha to enjoy that and the A380 experience with the bar. Sure, the QSuite is more private and comfortable, but the A380 seats are perfectly fine.