Welcome to my part 2 of my Qatar Airways J Class Experience!
This is my ride: A7-BCT (Photo: Simon Prechtl)
Introduction
The flights I chose was based on the cheapest fare available. On this day, there were 3 flights with 2 being operated by the Boeing 787-9 (daily flight) and 4 X weekly flight operated by the Boeing 787-8. I would have preferred to fly on the 787-9 featuring the newer cabin to the 787-8 but I would have to cough out around $400 to fly on the 787-9, not worth it for me. So with that, I sticked to this A350-900 (Earlier flight) and this flight, bad thing about it is that it arrived at night time at Frankfurt, not an ideal timing. That is why I decided to stay 2 nights at Frankfurt to rest a bit before flying over to South America.
Another good thing about flying on the airline's Boeing 787-8 is to try out the reverse herringbone seat and this would be a new experience for me. What kind of seat do I prefer ? I still prefer my seat to be beside the window and facing forward or backwards. Still, it is nice to try out something different, don't you agree?
Is the Super Diamond seats as a good as the Qsuites? Do read on to find out.
My seat and food selection for this flight
Fortunately for me, there were a lot of window seats available on this flight just a day before check-in began and it was complimentary. Initially I was thinking of the bulkhead window seat (1A or 1K) but eventually I chose 3K, away from the crew's working space.
I recommend you to pre-order your meal to avoid disappointment. For this flight, I went with the local dish - fish option (Hamour Machboos).
For dessert, I went with the Chocolate mousse with coffee cardamon.
For the light meal (2 hours before arrival), I opted for the prawn and mango curry with spiced crispy okra.
Transit time at Doha Airport
After the security check, I made my way to the lounge.
The cute yellow bear
It was bustling with passengers with most are like me, on transit with Qatar Airways.
I went to visit the Oryx Lounge and you can check out the lounge review over here.
After the lounge visit, I made my way to concourse D.
This time I decided to take the airport shuttle train.
The design of the train system running though the terminal reminds me of Detriot Airport (DTW).
The first thing came in mind is aren't these office chairs? What do you think?
I like the overhead window design, it gives me the futuristic feeling.
The ride was comfortable.
Somehow I have a better impression of this airport compared to my first visit now.
This is the Orchard.
Both the Orchard and the Rain Vortex (Singapore Changi Airport) are unique in their own ways.
This is the main concourse
Concourse D along with Concourse E were recently opened and you can tell by how new this part of the terminal.
Welcome to Concourse D!
This part of the terminal was very quiet at that time.
As you can see there is no security checks at the gate as it is done at the main concourse. So for those that are using the older gates will have to go through security twice.
This was where my gate area is.
Gate D1 is the assigned gate for my flight.
A few duty free shops and lots of seating areas can be found in this concourse.
Personally I prefer to sit near the gate.
There are charging ports on this table.
I am sure this concourse will be able to cope with high capacity during peak period.
Nice to relax on these benches.
Even this mini sofa chair has charging ports.
Nothing spectacular about the design of the terminal but what is important is space, comfort and convenience which this concourse ticks in all 3 boxes.
There is even a resting room.
Time to head back to my gate.
Nice to be one of the first to board on A7-BCT.
Welcome on board QR71 to Frankfurt!
My ride, A7-BCT
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
266th Boeing 787
Delivered to airline in Feb 2015
Configuration: C22 Y232
Engines: 2 X Genx 1B
Age: 10+ Years Old (December 2025)
Built in Everett (PAE)
Flight route: DOH-FRA
Miles: 2,853
Average Flight Time: 13 hours 30 minutes
Airlines flying on this route: Qatar Airways (QR67 and QR69 daily and QR71 4X weekly) - November 2025 update
My seat: 3K (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of flight: 26th November 2025
Airline: Qatar Airways
Flight: QR71
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: A7-BCT
Flight: QR71
Route: Doha to Frankfurt
Seat: 3K
Class: Business
Gate: D1
Load: 100% in J Class
Flight Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 5 hours 56 minutes
Schedule Departure: 1600
Boarding: 1508
Pushed Back: 1559
Take Off: 1611
Schedule Arrival: 2030
Actual Arrival: 2008
Departure Runway: 34L
Departure Weather: Partially Cloudy
Arrival Runway: 07R
Arrival Weather: Cloudy
My Flight Experience Boarding process took place in an organised manner. Once on board I was greeted by a couple of cabin crew and as soon as I entered the cabin, I was slightly underwhelmed by the business class seats. Don't get me wrong, it is business class and I should be grateful but after coming from a Qsuites flight, this cabin product doesn't have the 'Wow' factor.
Once I settled my things, I started exploring my seat. First thing that came into my mind is the lack of privacy but the seat arrangement is good in the way where the seats are facing away from your seat mate for the arrangement in the same aisle so I don't really see the person across the aisle unless I look at his direction. Not the best seating arrangement in my opinion but at least the seat is comfortable for sitting and stretching my legs but for sleeping in the lie-flat mode, I didn't sleep well as I kept drifting in and out during the resting period.
Anyway, this crew assigned to my aisle came and take my order but her attention to details is lacking, I am not sure whether is it because she is inexperienced or is it because she is overwhelmed with the work load. The crew on my previous flight were flawless, they knew exactly what to do but for this particular one, I had to inform her to let her know what I want. For one instance, after she confirmed my pre-order meal and beverage of my choice, she was about to move off when I had to tell her what I want for my light snack later and what time I like it to be served. It is these sort of details that is important especially if one spends a lot flying in this class. On the bright side, she didn't forget my light meal and promptly wake me up for my light snack and that I appreciated it.
During the meal service, it came promptly but the service was slow, it took them for a while to clear especially for the light meal. Not sure what was going on but the service (crew serving on my side - 2 of them) on this flight was not as good as my previous flight. For some parts of the flight, passengers sitting along the other aisle seemed to get more attention from the crew in charge of that side. What is most important thing is the crew were polite and helped out when they were called upon to.
As for the entertainment, the IFE screen is fine, no issue navigating the system as it is the same Thales entertainment system as my previous flight but there is no exterior camera installed on this aircraft. For the WiFi system, the aircraft is installed with the Inmarsat Global Xpress Satallite wifi and one has to pay to use it so I skipped this.
Despite the issues, it was a pleasant flight and the flight itself was smooth for most parts. Between the Qsuites and the Super Diamond, Qsuites is my preference but will I fly on this product again? Yes, no matter what it beats 2-2-2 configuration anyday.
Economy Class
(Photos by Qatar Airways)
Business Class
(Super Diamond by Collins Aerospace)
The seats in the two aisles face away from one another.
For the seats in the middle, there is a privacy divider which can be removed if you are sitting with your friend or relative. However, to have a conversation, you probably need to learn forward with your partner doing the same to have a conversation.
What I don't like about the window seats is the seat is positioned closer to the aisle than the window.
Each of the seat has an amenity kit based on gender. Black amenity kit - male and White amenity kit - female
This is my seat, 3K. Pillow and blanket are provided for each passenger.
The seats are facing at a slightly diagonal angle.
The view from my seat
This configuration seems a bit strange to me at first but I got used to it after a short while.
The rear view of the seats
Do note the last row, row 5A and 5K are windowless.
These are seat 6E and 6F located just behind the lavatory (middle seats)
Photo: Qatar Airways
The cabin view with the mood lighting
Snacks were offered at this bar counter during the flight.
This is the aircraft's 2nd door.
The cabin view of the business class first cabin
More photos of the seat
I was able to learn forward to use the touchscreen function on the TV screen.
2 windows for myself, no complaint there!
The side table
The engine view and the seats behind mine.
A wet towel was given.
The control panel for the seat
A mini closet containing a bottle of water and headset.
Shoe closet, unfortunately my shoes size can't fit in it.
The footwell is quite narrow but I had no issue stretching out my legs.
A closet (at the window side) for your personal items.
The literature holder featuring the safety card, inflight menus and the dispoal bag.
I have no problem with this layout, everything I need is within reach.
The remote control and the USB charging port.
The front view of the cabin from my seat
I was able to fully extend my legs.
Preparing for take off.
The reading light
The bi-foldable tray table. I find this easier to pull out compare to the Qsuite's one.
I was able to use the universal charging socket.
Enjoying my movie while climbing to our assigned flight level.
This is how it looks like when I am at an almost lie flat position.
I was watching one of Tom Cruise's famous Mission Impossible movie. Do you recognise this character?
View of the cabin at the arrival gate.
What's provided for each passenger?
Headset
A bottle of water
A pillow
F1 Formula theme pillow
Amenity kits
Safety Card
Disposal Bag
The airline's welcome signature drink - Lemon Mint
In Flight Entertainment Screen & Remote Control
These were given before departure, a cup of tea and a date to enjoy.
For my choice of beverage, I chose a glass of champagne to enjoy this moment.
Cheers all!
Enjoying this glass of champagne in good weather.
It's time to eat!
First we had this small piece of beef fillet in a special sauce, it was good.
One question for you readers! Do you prefer the bread to be given this way or the cabin crew offer you a basket of bread and you get to choose what you want?
Personally I prefer to choose my own bread.
One of the condiments offered by the crew to enjoy the bread with it.
This is the Qatari Mezz with Pita bread. It consists of hummus, muhammara and moutabei. I didn't really like it, if I had known, I would have gone for the Lobster option.
This is the hamour machboos which consists of hashu and yoghurt.
I find this delicious.
The famous 'candle' light with a wet towel and a piece of chocolate.
This is the Chocolate mousse with coffee cardamon cream which consists of biscuit and raspberry ice cream.
Enjoy the movie while enjoying the dessert. I was pretty much filled up after the dessert and I could hardly move after that.
This is the prawn and mango curry with spiced crispy okra which comes with jeera rice and green salad.
I chose a pineapple margarita for my choice of beverage.
Inflight Entertainment
The selection of movies are the same but for this aircraft type, exterior camera is not installed so no exterior camera view.
It's movie time!
Unfortunately I have to settle for this flight map since the wifi was not complimentary.
At least it gets the job done (providing vital information).
The safety video
Choice of movies
The list of movies contains most of the recent ones.
A little information on our aircraft
I decided to watch Superman.
Not the best Inflight Entertainment system but it is adequate for the flight duration of my flight.
The wifi on this aircraft is chargable.
US$20 for wifi connection on this 6 hours flight? Is it worth it? It depends on you.
Since I was planning to rest on this flight, I decided to skip the wifi.
Since the wifi on the A350-900 is complimentary, shouldn't this apply to all aircraft?
Lavatory
Not as glamourous as the A350-900 lavatory.
Still spacious to move around and there is also a window in this lavatory. (besides seat 6E and 6F)
I find it strange to see this window have both electronic dimmed control and the window shade.
The lavatory door
After many hours in the air, I was a bit tired at this point.
Window view photos
A nice view of the GEnx engines.
We pushed back on time and heading to the active runwy.
The weather in Doha was good.
By this time, our aircraft was prepared for take off.
You see that aircraft in the photo? That is A7-ALY, the aircraft that flew me to this airport earlier that day, what a coincidence!
Off we go!
Goodbye Doha, see you in a month's time!
Climbing to our assigned flight level in this good weather.
Sun was setting at this time.
Many hours later, we were on final approach into Frankfurt.
We parked besides this Bulgaria Air ERJ-190 (LZ-BUR) which was bound for Belgrade.
My flight summary
Welcome to Frankfurt Airport!
This was my 2nd time in Frankfurt. The last time I flew to this airport was with Singapore Airlines on the A350-900 a year ago.
Not the nicest airport around, that's for sure.
After a couple of questions from the immigration officer, I was cleared to enter the country.
This is the departure hall (landside).
I made my way to my accommodation and the hotel review is coming up next.
That's all for my Qatar Airways 2025 J Class Experience! Hope you find the information useful.
My ratings
Airline Website/Mobile App: 3/5
Airport Experience (Doha): 4/5
Inflight Service: 3/5
Seat Comfort: 3.5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 4/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Seat Condition: 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Inflight Meal/Beverage: 3.5/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 40/50
Percentage: 80%
Conclusion
This flight may not my best Qatar Airways experience, but I accept whatever happens and as long as the cabin crew is not rude to me, I am fine.
In life you experience the good, bad and ugly and as a flight reviewer, I have experienced a lot especially from the past and the present, from the likes of being told off not to take photos in the cabin to being invited by the cabin crew to visit the other classes of the aircraft and even the cockpit if permission is granted by the flight crew. I count myself lucky and for this flight, I am not putting any blame on any individual but hope that the service can be improved and lessons learnt especially working with premium class passengers. After all you can't blame anyone flying in this class to have higher expectation for the airfare pay or lots of miles being used for this cabin. What's important is for the passenger to be as comfortable as possible, human interaction is important to ensure no form of misunderstanding takes place. Comparing this inflight service with another top airline, I didn't find it as bad as the other airline, flying on the same class of course.
Qatar Airways has many different business cabin products and the question maybe some of you are wondering, will I try out all of them? My answer is I have no idea because I prefer to focus on flying as many airlines as possible but if there is a chance to try out other cabin products, I would take it. Currently the airline is undergoing retrofitting of the aircraft featuring the older product with the newer one, Qsuites but this will take take time so when you book J class with this airline, remember there is a chance that the desired Qsuites cabin product may get changed.
This airline is certainly one of the best airlines in the world, I am certainly a fan of the Qsuites but as you all know, this product has been around for quite a while so it may not be as updated as the new ones today but still it is a top notch product. My first time experiencing the rear facing seat is certainly one to cherish.
I still have another 2 more flights with this airline but I will be flying economy class on the return flight to Singapore, flying on the airline's Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, stay tuned for the trip reports.
Hope you enjoy my version of Qatar's 2025 J Class experience!
For the airport lounge review at Doha Airport, click here
Next trip report: Flying Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to Buenos Aires but before that a hotel review of Ibis Frankfurt Hotel coming up next.
Have a good one!
Charles
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