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Book This Plane to Fly the World's Best Business Class

March 05, 2018
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3 min read
Qatar A350-1000 Delivery Flight
Book This Plane to Fly the World's Best Business Class
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In June of 2017, we declared Qatar Airways' 777-300ER Qsuite to be the world's best business class. Well, now there's something better... Qsuite on the Airbus 350-1000!

TPG and I had an opportunity to join the delivery flight for Airbus' very first A350-1000 — which also happened to be the first Qatar Airways Airbus plane to feature the carrier's fantastic Qsuite business class, with sliding doors at every seat.

I like the A350 version even better than what you'll find on the 777. Here's why:

1. A more spacious cabin.

While the A350 is actually a few inches narrower, there are no overhead bins in the center section, which gives the cabin a roomier feel. For comparison, here's business class on the 777:

And here's the cabin on the A350:

Which do you prefer?

2. The A350 is far quieter than the 777.

Noise measurements will vary depending on where you're sitting, but in general the A350 is referenced as being roughly 9 decibels quieter than the 777. It's also more fuel efficient, with some 25% savings over the 777, which reduces each traveler's carbon footprint while trimming airline fuel costs significantly.

3. There's a fantastic mini-cabin.

It's located just behind the center galley, and I'm in love. There are just eight Qsuites, including a single "quad," making this section perfect for groups traveling together.

4. Higher humidity and lower-altitude pressurization.

Due to the A350's composite construction, Airbus is able to offer higher humidity levels onboard, since the fuselage is far less likely to rust. The manufacturer has also opted to pressurize the cabin to 6,000 feet, compared with 8,000 feet on the 777. Combined, these improvements can really go a long way to minimizing the impact of air travel, letting you arrive a bit more refreshed.

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Where you'll find the A350-1000

As of this writing, Qatar has taken delivery of just one A350-1000, registered A7-ANA, which is currently operating flights QR15 and QR16 between the airline's Doha (DOH) hub and London (LHR). At a press event at Airbus HQ in Toulouse, Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker hinted at future routes, saying that the -1000 would fly to the East Coast of the United States soon. As of now, it's confirmed only on the DOH-LHR route, though.

Award availability is a bit tough to come by, but there are some dates with space, as you can see below.

A one-way business-class flight on Qatar 15 or 16 will run you 42,500 American AAdvantage miles or 60,000 British Airways Avios, plus about $100 in taxes in fees. Since Qatar is a member of the Oneworld alliance, there are several other redemption options as well — for more on booking a Qsuite award, see JT Genter's How to Search and Book Qatar Airways’ Qsuite With Miles.

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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.