Comparing Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines Business Class

A Luxury Showdown

When it comes to premium air travel, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines consistently rank among the world's best. Both offer luxurious Business Class experiences, but with distinct differences that cater to different travelers. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.

Dominating the Skies: Network Strengths and Global Reach

Qatar Airways

Strong in the Middle East, Africa, and increasingly in Europe and North America. Their extensive Doha hub offers excellent connections globally.

Qatar Airways Boeing 777 business class cabin

Singapore Airlines

A powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Australia, and with a significant presence in Europe and North America. Their Singapore hub is a major transit point.

Singapore Airlines Boeing A380 business class cabin

Industry Accolades: Awards and Recognition

Both airlines have consistently received prestigious awards, solidifying their positions as industry leaders:

Qatar Airways

Recognized as the Skytrax World's Best Airline in 2022 and consistently ranking high in categories like Best Business Class and Best Business Class Seat, Qatar Airways has a reputation for innovation and excellence.

Qatar Airways won several Skytrax awards in 2024:

World's Best Airline: This is the 8th time Qatar Airways has received this prestigious award.

World's Best Business Class: Recognized for its exceptional business class experience.

World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge: Their business class lounge was deemed the best globally.

Best Airline in the Middle East: Solidifying their position as a leader in the region.

Additionally, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways' home base, also received several Skytrax awards in 2024, including World's Best Airport.

Singapore Airlines

Reclaiming the title of Skytrax World's Best Airline in 2023, Singapore Airlines is celebrated for its exceptional service, culinary offerings, and overall cabin comfort.

Singapore Airlines won several Skytrax awards in 2024:

World's Best Cabin Crew: Recognized for their exceptional service and hospitality.

World's Best First Class: Their First Class Suites were deemed the best globally.

Best Airline in Asia: Solidifying their position as a leader in the region.

Although Singapore Airlines didn't win the top prize of World's Best Airline in 2024, they still received recognition for their outstanding service and product offerings.

Luxurious Havens: Onboard Amenities and Comfort

Prepare to be pampered with lavish amenities on both airlines:

Qatar Airways

Experience the epitome of luxury in Qsuites, their revolutionary private suites with sliding doors that offer unparalleled privacy and comfort. Fully lie-flat beds, designer amenity kits from Diptyque, ample personal storage, cutting-edge entertainment systems, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on many flights elevate your journey.

Qatar Airways Qsuite Boeing 777 and Airbus A350
two business class seats

Singapore Airlines A380 business seats flat

Singapore Airlines

Indulge in fully lie-flat beds (with turndown service on select flights), premium amenity kits from luxury brands like Lalique, noise-canceling headphones, and a vast entertainment library. Wi-Fi is available, but charges may apply. While not all seats offer direct aisle access, the overall experience is one of refined comfort.

Feature
Seat Type

Privacy

Entertainment

Wi-Fi

Amenities Kit

Service

Qatar Airways (QSuite)
Fully enclosed suite, converts to double bed
Unparalleled, with sliding doors

OryxOne system, large screen, extensive library
Available on most flights

Designer brands (Diptyque, BRIC'S)

Attentive and personalized

Onboard Amenities & Experience

Singapore Airlines (New Business Class)
Lie-flat seat, spacious and comfortable

Good, with high partitions

KrisWorld system, wide selection, noise-canceling headphones
Available on most flights

Luxury brands (Penhaligon's)

Renowned for its warmth and efficiency

A Culinary Odyssey: Gourmet Dining at 30,000 Feet

Qatar Airways

À la carte dining, wide selection, emphasis on Middle Eastern and international cuisine.

Qatar Airways business class dining

Singapore Airlines

"Book the Cook" option (pre-order), diverse menu with Asian and Western dishes.

Singapore Airlines business seats dining

Modern Fleet: Aircraft Models (Business Class)

Both airlines operate modern fleets with various aircraft types. Key Business Class models include:

Qatar Airways: Boeing 777 (QSuite), Airbus A350

Singapore Airlines: Airbus A380, Boeing 777, Airbus A350

Prices and Fees: The Cost of Luxury

Business Class Fares

Business Class fares vary greatly depending on route, season, and booking class. Generally, both airlines are competitively priced. Change fees also vary, so check the specific fare rules.

Loyalty and Partnerships: Miles and Alliances

Qatar Airways

Privilege Club.
Avios points.
Partners with Oneworld alliance airlines.

Singapore Airlines

KrisFlyer.
Krisflyer points.
Partners with Star Alliance airlines.

Both loyalty programs offers multiple membership tiers with varying benefits. Members can earn miles through flights, partner activities, and credit card spending.

Both programs offer points based on distance flown and fare class.

While Qatar Airways offers a slightly higher earn rate for business class travel, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles are generally considered more valuable, especially for premium cabin redemptions. Both programs have mileage expiration policies, so it's important to stay active to keep your miles from expiring.

Which Loyalty Program is Better?

Both programs offer value, but KrisFlyer is often considered more rewarding due to its wider range of partner airlines (Star Alliance) and generally easier award availability. Read our article comparing Privilege Club and Krisflyer programs here.

Layover Experience: Doha vs. Changi Airport

Hamad International Airport (Doha)

Known for its modern architecture and luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and art installations. However, it can get crowded during peak hours. Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways' home base received several Skytrax awards in 2024, including World's Best Airport.

Changi Airport (Singapore)

Consistently ranked as one of the world's best airports, Changi offers a multitude of attractions, including gardens, a butterfly park, a movie theater, and diverse dining options. It's a destination in itself. Singapore Changi Airport won the World's Best Airport award at the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards. This was the 12th time that Changi Airport had received this prestigious award.

The Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Airline

Both Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer exceptional business class experiences, each with its unique strengths.

PROS

Qatar Airways

Excels in privacy, with its Qsuites and a vast network connecting diverse regions.

Singapore Airlines

Renowned for its impeccable service, "Book the Cook" dining, and a strong presence in Asia and Australia.

CONS

Qatar Airways

Doha hub may not be ideal for all itineraries.

Singapore Airlines

Limited privacy compared to QSuite

Overall Assessment

Both Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer remarkable Business Class cabin experiences. The "better" choice depends on your priorities:

• Privacy: Qatar Airways (QSuite) wins hands down.

• Service: Singapore Airlines is legendary for its hospitality.

• Food: Both offer excellent dining, but with different styles.

• Network: Consider your travel needs and preferred hubs.
  

My Take

While both airlines deliver best in class service, Qatar Airways Qsuites offers the most innovative and private business class product currently available. In 2024, Qatar Airways won the prestigious Skytrax World's Best Airline, World's Best Business Class, World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline in the Middle East. Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways' home base received several Skytrax awards in 2024, including World's Best Airport. Qatar Airways is an obvious choice if you are considering an airline carrier to the Middle East or Europe. Qatar Airways offers discounts and promotions on a regular basis.

Singapore Airlines' consistent excellence in service both onboard and on the ground, and their dining options are truly exceptional. In 2024, Singapore Airlines won Skytrax World's Best Cabin Crew, World's Best First Class and Best Airline in Asia. For my travel from Australia, Singapore Airlines is the more useful carrier. To maximize frequent flyer points earning, Singapore Airlines is the best choice for me. So, the ideal airline for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific travel needs.

For those embarking on long-haul journeys, such as from Australia to London, a stopover in Singapore with Changi Airport's world class amenities and soothing environment, might be more appealing than a longer first leg to get to Doha.

Conversely, if your travels focus on the Middle East or Africa, Qatar Airways' direct routes and the Doha hub are likely to be more convenient for you if you're not intending to take advantage of a layover in Singapore.

If your journey involves an extended layover, consider which hub (Doha or Singapore) is more interesting for you. Visiting both Doha and Singapore cities can be easily managed with a layover of 6 hours or more. Please check for your own passport nationality requirements, whether you need to apply for a visa or visa waiver if you intend to transit or leave the airport to visit either Doha or Singapore city during a layover.

Both airlines are excellent and choosing the "better" one often comes down to personal preferences, region, alliance partners, loyalty program and flight availability. Ultimately, both Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer exceptional business class experiences. You really can't go wrong if you have the opportunity to travel with either carrier.